Chapter 29

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Words count - 5k

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A person was lying on the ground lifelessly. His face is whiter than a paper sheet, while his lips are pale.

There was no rhythm of the chest up and down like he was not breathing, or maybe he was not.

This face belongs to none other than Avan.

Another person was sitting in a squat position near the Avan body. His gaze lingered on Avan's lifeless form, his eyes gleaming with a merciless intensity. A snicker danced on his lips as he twirled the dagger in his hand, the blade glinting in the faint light.

The said person was Sidharth Singh Oberoi.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... How utterly...useless," Sidharth murmured, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your existence was a fleeting moment of insignificance. And now, you're nothing but a hollow shell, a mere object."

As he spoke, His eyes seemed to bore into Avan's pale face, his pupils constricting into tiny, soulless pits. He tilted his head, his chin twitching with excitement.

He tapped on his chin by dragger, "You should consider yourself fortunate, Avan," Sidharth continued, his tone dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Death spared you the agony of my tender mercies. Oh, the screams you would have uttered...the tears you would have shed...the begging you would have done."

Sidharth's sigh was a dramatic, exaggerated gesture, his pout a testament to his disappointment. "Alas, fate robbed me of that pleasure. Now, you're nothing but a silent, still thing...a mere prop in the twisted game of life."

Sidharth's voice dripped with venom as he berated Avan's lifeless form. "Your sole task was to scare Janvi with your presence, but no, you had to overstep and form a plan to sell her. How quaint."

He had been privy to every conversation within the house, with the help of the listening device he had strategically left behind. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued, "You truly believed you could harm her under the watchful eyes of her brothers and, most notably, her precious Shivay? Your very thought of kidnapping her sealed your fate, but fate, it seems, has a twisted sense of humour. You encountered Pihu instead."

A low, menacing chuckle rumbled from Sidharth's throat, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "And now, you're nothing but a mere corpse, a testament to your own incompetence."

"When I heard about your death, I already doubted you did something out of my knowledge that's why I replaced your body."

As he finished speaking, Sidharth's gaze lingered on Avan's face, his eyes burning with an unholy light. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of Sidharth's malevolence, as he whispered, "But fear not, Avan... I will not let your soul rest in peace even after your death."

Sidharth's actions became increasingly brutal, his movements swift and merciless. With a final, flourish-like twirl, he plunged the dagger into Avan's left eye, the blade sinking deep into the socket. "This is for being over-smart," he hissed, as blood splattered everywhere.

The dagger's next destination was Avan's right eye, Sidharth's voice dripping with malice. "This is for ruining my plan." The blade bit deep, releasing a fresh wave of blood.

Sidharth's stabbing became a rhythmic, relentless motion, targeting Avan's brain, chest, cheeks, and various other points. The attacks continued unabated, each strike a testament to Sidharth's unbridled fury.

As the assault finally ceased, Sidharth stood tall, his entire being drenched in Avan's blood. His chest heaved with exertion, his eyes blazing with a malevolent intensity.

"Now it's time for your cremation," Sidharth declared, his voice low and menacing. With a deliberate slowness, he sprayed petrol over Avan's mutilated form. The air was heavy with the stench of blood and fuel.

Sidharth's hand moved with deadly precision, a matchstick flaring to life between his fingers. The flame danced, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding walls.

With a callous disregard for human life, Sidharth touched the matchstick to Avan's petrol-soaked form. The body erupted into a fiery inferno, the flames consuming the evidence of Sidharth's brutality.

He looked at the burning body with cold eyes, " It would be more fun if he were alive."

With those last words, he walked inside into villa.

Sidharth's footsteps echoed through the grand mansion, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. He didn't bother to conceal his tracks, a sly smile spreading across his face as he contemplated the owner's disdainful reaction.

"This awful look suits you more," a voice interrupted his musings, halting his stride. Sidharth turned to face the speaker, his gaze locking onto a pair of piercing, feline-like eyes.

Sidharth's response was laced with boredom. "And you like the things which nobody likes."

A low, husky chuckle emanated from the mysterious figure. "At least it's better than liking someone who belongs to another person." The taunt struck a nerve, and Sidharth's eyes flashed with anger.

He clenched his fists, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. "Just shut the fuck up. And what are you doing here?"

"I thought it was my house," the mysterious figure said, a hint of amusement dancing in their voice.

Sidharth snorted, his gesture encompassing the room. "Of course, this disgusting thing belongs to you." His gaze lingered on the bright red walls.

"I love the red colour."

The figure's eyes flicked to the bloodstains on Sidharth's person, but Sidharth ignored the unspoken query.

"Do you already know about Avan's plan?" he asked instead.

The mysterious figure nodded. "I do."

Sidharth's expression turned warning. "Then don't bring these types of useless pawns into my game."

A low, husky chuckle emanated from the figure. "Avan was a good pawn. Alas, she was far from his reach."

Sidharth's eyes flashed with mockery. "Thanks to you. You're the reason why she is so strong today."

The mysterious figure's gaze turned introspective. "Who thought that snatching a voice would make her like this?"

Sidharth's tone turned venomous. "Sometimes you disgust me. If she starts investing in me, my identity will be no more secret."

The figure's expression darkened, their voice dripping with menace. "Then I will erase your identity from this world."

Sidharth remained unfazed, a cold smile spreading across his face. "I don't have fear of death. But you have many things to lose. So, good luck."

With that, he turned and left, leaving the mysterious figure behind.

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As Janvi departed in pursuit of Shivay, Naksh swiftly intervened, whisking Pihu away from the hall before Aahan could unleash a lecture. Naksh knew his brother's lecturing style all too well – a piercing glare in place of words.

So it's glaring rather than lecturing.

According to Naksh, his primary concern was Pihu's well-being. She looked like she was on the verge of collapse, her exhaustion palpable. Though he couldn't point out the reason behind her fatigue, it was clear that she needed rest.

He doesn't understand Pihu and Aahan way of thinking. Both creatures have the brains of abnormal people, so he can't follow their line of thinking.

His priority, however, was ensuring Pihu's recovery. He didn't want Aahan to disturb her, at least not until she'd had a chance to rest. The details of their conversation could wait until tomorrow. He doesn't care what language they gonna talk in; it's beyond his imagination.

As Naksh guided Pihu to her room, he couldn't help but notice the unusual silence between them. Their regular bickering was noticeably absent. Naksh found this sudden tranquillity amusing.

Upon entering the room, Pihu settled onto the bed, her slender frame leaning against the sturdy headboard as she closed her eyes.

"Why are you so tired?"

Naksh moved to the bedside table, pouring water from a crystal-clear pitcher into a delicate glass. He approached Pihu, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and gently touched the glass to her cheek instead of handing it to her directly.

This playful gesture was an intentional attempt to ruffle her feathers, a lighthearted provocation he knew would get a reaction.

"I don't get a blink of sleep for three nights."

"Why?"

Pihu's eyes fluttered open, and she took the glass from Naksh's hand, her gaze narrowing slightly as she mentally rolled her eyes.

She raised the glass to her lips, taking a tentative sip. Her nose scrunched up in distaste as the water touched her tongue. "This tastes awful," she complained, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Did you poison it?"

Naksh's smirk was a masterclass in sly humour. "You'll know soon if you stop breathing," he quipped, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Pihu's frown deepened, "Why does it taste so weird?"

"Maybe it's because you're dehydrated," he suggested, his tone gentle.

Pihu nodded, acknowledging the possibility.

His gaze locked onto Pihu's, his eyes searching for answers.

"You didn't answer my question," he reminded her, his voice soft but insistent. "Why didn't you get proper sleep?"

"First night, I was studying a file of the patient; the second night, we went to the club, and the third night went with Avan's funeral." She replied, still taking a small sip of water.

Naksh felt a wave of guilt because, on a club night, he was the reason why she wasn't able to sleep.

But before he could feel a proper guilt trip, she spoke up, "But it's not that bad. I am habitual to it. Being a doctor gave me weeks of sleepless nights sometimes."

"Take a nap," Naksh suggested, his voice low and soothing.

Pihu raised an eyebrow, her gaze drifting to the clock on her nightstand. "It's just 6 pm," she pointed out, her tone laced with skepticism.

Naksh persisted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sleep, I'll wake you up for dinner."

Pihu hesitated for a few seconds before nodding. "Fine. Can you tell the maid to make something sweet too for dinner?"

Naksh's lips curved into a smile. "Sure, Bossy."

Pihu snuggled into her fluffy blanket, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you not gonna leave, Mama boy?" she teased, one eyebrow raised.

Naksh settled himself on the other side of the bed, his expression nonchalant. "I'll keep an eye on you."

Pihu let out a dramatic shudder. "Ew! Creepy."

Naksh chuckled, holding up a book he'd picked up from her table. "Don't be full of yourself, Bossy. I'm not gonna even look at you. I'm going to read this."

He wiggled the book, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Little did Pihu know that Naksh had no idea what the book was about or even how to pronounce the title.

"Fine, Whatever suits you..." Pihu huffed and turned her back to Naksh, but he just chuckled and replied, "Everything suits me because of my handsome face."

She ignored him, but after a few minutes, she turned back towards him, her arm tucked under her head.

"Naksh," she called out softly.

"Hmm?" he hummed, still flipping through the book, searching for pictures.

Pihu's voice was small, but her face remained emotionless. "Don't you have anything to question me?"

Naksh set the book aside, giving her his full attention. "Like?"

Pihu's questions tumbled out, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like... Why are you so inhuman? Why are you so cruel? Are you really a monster?"

Naksh's response was confident. "No... I don't have any."

"Why?"

He sighed, his expression serious. "Bossy, just because you torture someone who initially deserved it doesn't make you less human. You're human. Whatever you did was out of humanity, not for fun."

Pihu's voice was small again. "Are you not afraid of my way of thinking?"

Naksh's response was unexpected. "Nah... Instead, it made me proud of how strong you are. Although I will not appreciate it if you punch my handsome face in the future." He added the last part with a joking grin.

Pihu couldn't help but chuckle at his unseriousness. "Bade nich-galich aadmi ho tum... Upar wale ko kya muh dikhaoge?"

(You're very low-disgusting man. What face you will show to God?)

"First thing what is galich? Second, definitely this handsome face..." He said while posing with his chin on his palm.

"Galich is you... Aur kuch toh kauf kro bhagwan ka..." She playfully poked the side of the stomach.

(Have fear of God.)

Naksh's eyes crinkled at the corners as he winced, his hand instinctively covering the spot. "Ouch... Now I'm not scared of God," he teased, his voice low and husky.

As Pihu's hand moved to poke him again, Naksh swiftly caught it, his fingers intertwining with hers. He gently pinned her hand between his palm and the bed, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Pihu's gaze trailed his actions, her eyes locking onto his. Naksh's face was inches from hers, his warm breath caressing her skin.

"Why?"

He softly bobbed her nose, his voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "Jinke Ghar shetan hote hai, waha bhagwan nahi aate hai." (God doesn't visit homes where the devil resides)

Pihu's eyes flashed with mock anger, "You called me shetan? I'm going to kill you." She wanted to strangle him, but her hand was under her grip.

Naksh's laughter was low and sensual, his eyes crinkling at the corners. As Pihu struggled to free her hand, Naksh's grip only tightened, his fingers laced with hers in a gentle yet possessive hold.

"Then I will become a ghost and scare you. Because I am just like LIC... Jindegi ke sath bhi, Jindagi ke baad bhi..." He said.

(With life and after life too...)

Pihu burst into laughter, her eyes shining with mirth. "From where did you get this cheap line?" she asked, her voice still trembling with laughter.

"From insurance company..." A soft smile played on his lips after seeing how her features relaxed.

Naksh's gaze lingered on her face, his thoughts becoming increasingly clear. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and he couldn't help but be captivated by her.

Feeling his intense gaze, Pihu's laughter ceased, but the softness in her expression remained. "What?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Nothing," Naksh's pause was almost imperceptible before he spoke again, his voice low and husky. "You know, Bossy, always smile like that." He gently rubbed his thumb over the back of her palm, sending shivers down her spine.

The words tumbled out of Pihu's lips without her realization, "Then always stay..."

Her eyes widened in shock as she grasped the implication of her words.

A blush spread across her as she stumbles, "I m...mean you're joking... I mean poker... No joker..."

Naksh's eyes mirrored her surprise, but he didn't comment. Instead, He laughed at her rare nervousness; he patted her head, his touch warm and comforting. "Sleep, Bossy, sleep..." His voice was a gentle whisper, and Pihu's eyelids began to droop.

Within a minute, sleep claimed her, and Naksh's gaze lingered on her peaceful face.

A soft kiss landed on her forehead, a gentle promise of unspoken feelings.

Pihu's subconscious thought drifted to the surface, Wow, I'm really dreaming about it...

But as she slipped deeper into slumber, she wasn't aware that this was no dream, but a glimpse into the untouchable territory of their hearts.

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As Janvi stepped out of the hall, she felt an unsettling emptiness, as if she'd left a part of herself behind. Her hands trembled, a visible symbol of the turmoil brewing inside.

Janvi's emotions were in disarray, a jumbled mess of anxiety and dread.

Shivay, the one person who'd always been her rock, her confidant, now felt eerily distant.

A day before today, Janvi never thought that there would be a day without Shivay's presence around her.

But today, the fear of losing him had awakened a deep-seated emotion which she never tried to think about.

As she stood there, paralyzed by uncertainty, Janvi realized that she'd never felt this way before. This was uncharted territory, a turmoil of emotions she couldn't navigate...

As Janvi stepped into Shivay's room, her heart felt like it was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The door creaked softly, a sound that echoed the fragility of her emotions.

With trembling hands, she pushed the door open, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for a lifeline.

And then, she saw him. Shivay. The navigator of her life, the one who had always guided her through the turbulent waters of her emotions.

He sat there, his eyes fixed on hers, as if he had been waiting for her all along.

Janvi's breath caught in her throat as their eyes met for the first time since the incident.

She was afraid to see the disappointment in his eyes, the eyes that had always looked at her with respect and admiration.

She didn't want to know that his love for her had diminished, that she had lost his trust.

As she stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Shivay's gaze held hers, his eyes searching for something.

Janvi felt like she was drowning in their depths like she was being pulled under by the weight of her own emotions.

She took a step forward, her legs trembling beneath her.

As Shivay stood up and walked towards her, Janvi's heart skipped a beat. The gentle way he said "Princess" was like a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. It was a reminder of the countless times he'd been her rock, her safe haven.

"Can I?" he asked, his eyes seeking permission to hold her hand as always. Janvi's voice was caught in her throat, but she nodded, her eyes welling up with tears.

Shivay's fingers wrapped around hers, his touch warm and comforting. He guided her to the couch, helping her sit down beside him. Janvi felt a lump form in her throat as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Shivay's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "You didn't do anything wrong, Princess," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Those words were like a dam breaking, releasing a torrent of emotions that Janvi had been holding back. She felt a sob rising up, but Shivay's grip on her hand tightened, holding her steady.

Janvi felt like she needed to open up to him like she could share the turmoil that had been brewing inside her.

She took a deep breath, the words spilling out of her like a confessional.

Janvi's voice trembled as she spoke, her words pouring out like a confessional. "Trust me, I was really coming to you after I met Avan. The first thought in my mind was you. I never planned to meet Pihu; it was a coincidence."

A tear slipped from her eyes, but it was swiftly wiped away by Shivay's gentle fingers. He didn't speak, instead letting her continue, his eyes locked onto hers with unwavering attention.

"Pihu asked me that she would end my sufferings, and I trusted her words because I always see a part of me in her, and I became selfish for the first time because it sounded tempting." A sob escaped her lips, her body shaking with the force of her emotions.

Shivay's expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a deep empathy. "Did you regret what you did to Avan?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Janvi's response was immediate. "No... I don't have any regret..."

Shivay's eyes softened, his gaze filling with a deep fondness. "Then I was never disappointed in you, Princess. How could I? You never gave me a reason. I was disappointed in myself that I saw the sign of fear in you, but don't dwell on it."

Janvi's eyes dropped to her lap, shame and regret etched on her face. "It's not your fault... I was the one who didn't let you know anything. I told you it was my father because I knew that you were bound by the promise that you would never interfere in his and mine matter, and I took advantage of it..."

A promise she asked from him.

Shivay's fingers gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I already told you, you didn't do anything wrong."

Janvi's voice was barely above a whisper. "I am sorry... I really don't deserve you."

Shivay's eyes softened, his gaze filling with a deep affection. "Princess, eyes on me..." he whispered, his voice low and husky. "You deserve more than that, you know that too... I call you princess not because it is a trend or it sounds tempting to say, but it is a reminder, not only for you but also for me, that you're a princess. You deserve to be treated like one. And I am willing to give everything for you. And no one can change that."

Janvi's voice trembled as she spoke, her emotions raw and exposed. "You love me so much, but I am scared that one day it will disappear. Nothing is constant in the world..."

Instead of anger that she doubted his love, Shivay's smile was gentle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "True, nothing is constant... That's the reason today I love you, but tomorrow I will definitely love you more than today. My love is increasing day by day, and it is uncontrollable. If you ever doubt about it, then ask that shirt which was framed on my wall for years because it has your lipstick stain."

Janvi's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in surprise.

Shivay's voice was filled with conviction. "Ask Mrunali even after being a sensible person, how much foolish thing I did for you... Ask my heart how many times it stops beating after seeing you and how many times my eyes forget to blink after looking at you. Ask my Google how every day I wake up, and the first thing I search for is how to love a person more and more. And I do this all because not only do I love you, but I know you deserve this all... I am selfish that I want you to be mine, princess, and I will go to any depth to make it possible."

Janvi's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing with emotion. She felt like she was drowning in Shivay's eyes like she was being pulled under by the sheer force of his love.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Shivay's smile was radiant. "No need to say thank you, Princess. I will take revenge of love by marrying you one day."

Janvi's eyebrows shot up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Seriously?"

"Of course, after making you fall for me head over heels and making you mine..." He added.

Janvi's heart fluttered her emotions in turmoil.

It will happen soon... The words remained unspoken by Janvi.

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When Janvi left, Mrunali turned to look at Pihu and Naksh but didn't find them.

She narrowed her eyes, "Did they into thin air?"

But didn't get any answer. She sighed.

"Aahan also disappeared... ARGHH... Shit" She placed her hand over her chest when Aahan's face suddenly appeared in front of her.

"At least say something if you're here." She screamed at him but his face was neutral.

Mrunali and Aahan were left alone in the hall, the soft glow of the chandeliers casting a warm ambiance. Aahan's eyes drilled holes in Mrunali's soul.

"Can you use mouth instead of eyes?" She asked.

"Do you want me to kiss you?"

His words with an expressionless face made her choke.

Mrunali's cheeks flushed as she met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat.

"Aahan, DON'T TALK NONSENSE..."

Instead of a reply, Aahan's long strides devoured the distance between them, and he stopped inches from her.

Without a word, Aahan's fingers brushed against Mrunali's forehead, sending shivers down her spine. He asked softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Are you okay?"

"Huh?" She was confused as always.

"I mean, are you comfortable after hearing what your friends did?" He whispered, his voice low and husky.

Mrunali's pulse quickened, her voice barely above a whisper, "Oh, I was shocked but not surprised. My twin is always strong. I'm proud of her."

Aahan's gaze dropped to her lips, his eyes lingering there for a moment before meeting hers again. "Good," he replied, his voice filled with a newfound intimacy.

Mrunali's heart fluttered, her cheeks burning with a soft blush. The air was charged with an unspoken tension, a spark of attraction that neither of them dared to ignite... yet.

"Take rest, Little one... You will now suffer a headache soon after crying the whole day." He tells her.

Oh, so he was checking her temperature when he touched her forehead.

"Okay..." She nodded.

"Thank you..."

"For?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"For trusting my words..."

"Oh, no big deal..." She nodded innocently.

He turned to leave but turned, "Rest well, future Wifey..." He teased and chuckled as Mrunali's face turned red.

"STOP TEASING ME..." She shouted running to her room.

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She stood at the edge of the rooftop, her gaze lost in the starry sky. The soft wind danced with her hair, the chill of the night air caressing her skin. The silence was almost palpable until a voice pierced the stillness.

"I know; Avan didn't die by accident; you killed him."

Her eyes never left the horizon as she replied, her voice detached. "On what basis are you blaming me?"

The person's footsteps echoed as he approached her. "Pihu, you can't fool me... I know how your brain works."

She turned to face him, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "I never knew that knowing me boosted your ego, Aahan..."

Aahan's expression remained serious. "I'm not joking..."

"Did I laugh?"

The air was charged with tension as they glared at each other.

"You killed him and made it look like an accident..." Aahan accused.

Pihu's shrug was nonchalant. "You're thinking too high of me... Showing a murder as an accident isn't easy."

Aahan scoffed. "It was easy for a person who topped every subject without failing one mark, even just after going through trauma."

Pihu's smile was icy. "I'm flattered, but you don't have proof to blame me..."

Aahan's eyes narrowed. "That area was a snake-free zone."

Pihu's voice was laced with indifference. "Maybe Avan was unlucky."

Aahan's laughter was incredulous. "Do you really believe what you just said?"

Pihu's silence was deafening.

Aahan's voice took on a serious tone. "You don't need to do that..."

Pihu's expression turned merciless. "So he could torture her in the future."

"We could have handled it."

"Just like you did at my time."

"Pihu, that's different." His face remains emotionless.

Pihu's eyes flashed with anger. "It's not. I saw that revenge in his eyes when we left him. I couldn't let Janvi suffer what I did."

"But-"

Pihu's serious voice cut him off. "Avan's appearance wasn't a coincidence. He was brought here by someone else... And you also knew it."

"I figured it out."

Pihu's eyes narrowed. "Gave me the name, Aahan..."

There wasn't a slight change in his face, "I don't know what you're talking about..."

Pihu's laughter was cold. "I already figured it out years ago; if my voice was damaged by screaming, then why did they operate on me? So my voice is damaged intentionally. Why did they destroy my voice? And you know who is behind it. So give me the name."

Aahan's eyes met hers; this was not the first time they were talking about this.

"I want my revenge..."

"I can't... You will die..." His voice is deadly serious.

"And I don't care..."

The silence that followed was oppressive until Pihu turned to leave. "Fine... I will find out myself..."

As she descended the stairs, she spotted a figure entering the house, his face twisted in frustration. Pihu's laughter was husky. "Is it not boring to play a one-sided game? So I joined your hide-and-seek game, Sidharth, or should I call..."

Her voice trailed off, replaced by a soft chuckle. The game had just begun, and Pihu was ready to play and let them pay.

─── ❝ To be continued❞ ─────

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