A silent billionaire.
A woman trained to kill.
When power marries danger, love turns lethal.
The entire mansion transformed into complete chaos.
Every corridor echoed with hurried footsteps as maids carried dresses, accessories, and makeup from one room to another.
I quietly returned to my room, where my shopping bags and dress were spread across the bed.
I simply stood there, staring at the dress.
A small smile found its way onto my face.
It had been a long time since I had dressed up for something that wasn't a mission. This time, I wanted to dress Trishika the way she deserved. I had spent so much of my time dressing as Velvet Viper that I felt I had done injustice to Trishika.
Today, I didn't have to carry weapons or hide behind a fake identity.
Just for today, I could simply be the real, beautiful me.
I stepped into the bathroom.
The warm water washed away the guilt of ruining everyone's mood by going against Ranbir. Somehow, though, I couldn't stop thinking about how cleverly I had handled the situation. Honestly, I deserved an award for fixing everything so perfectly.
Every drop carried away another layer of exhaustion, leaving my body lighter than it had felt in days.
I carefully dried my hair before curling the ends into soft waves. My makeup remained simple-just enough to brighten my features without drawing unnecessary attention.
A pair of elegant earrings, a delicate necklace, matching heels, and finally the bracelet Radhika had practically forced me to buy completed the look.
I looked at myself in the mirror for a long moment. This was the real Trishika-nothing about her was fake or hidden, only the original her.
Sometimes, I wondered how this room had slowly become my own... how a place that had once welcomed me with chaos now somehow felt like home. The thought almost made me laugh.
A loud knock interrupted me. Before I could answer, the door burst open.
"Oh my God!"
Radhika gasped dramatically.
"I knew you'd look beautiful, but looking this gorgeous should be a crime."
The rest of the girls crowded in behind her, each trying to squeeze through the doorway at the same time.
"Bhabhi, you just made all of us look average."
"Bhaiya definitely going to stare," Ankita said, nudging my shoulder.
"He doesn't even know how to smile," I replied.
"Exactly. That's why it'll be entertaining," Radhika said
Heat immediately rushed to my cheeks. I pressed my lips together to stop myself from smiling. They were all far too interested in my marriage, as though it were their favorite source of entertainment.
"Will all of you stop?"
They burst into laughter.
For the next several minutes, we did nothing but click photos together.
Finally, Papaji announced that the convoy was ready, and we walked downstairs together before settling into the cars.
The girls spent the entire journey gossiping, while I found myself wondering what kind of celebration this would be without any elders around to keep everyone under control.
It was just a group of young adults-some hopelessly in love, some unbelievably mischievous, and absolutely no one with enough authority to manage the chaos.
The farmhouse slowly came into view, glowing beneath hundreds of warm golden lights that shimmered against the evening sky.
As the car came to a stop and we stepped out, Reyansh and Nishant walked over first, both greeting me. I smiled and greeted them back, wishing Reyansh a happy birthday once again.
A moment later, Kartik, Daksh, and Sameer joined them. The three greeted me respectfully, almost formally.
I smiled politely at each of them, but it wasn't their greetings that caught my attention.
It was their eyes.
Every single one of them kept glancing past me toward the farmhouse entrance. They weren't looking at me at all.
They were searching for someone else or waiting for me to say something they wanted to hear.
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. I couldn't stop blushing at how desperately in love they were with their girls. I loved that my friends and sisters had found such good men.
Honestly, these men weren't successful businessmen anymore. They were lovesick teenagers pretending to be respectable adults.
"So..." I folded my arms, watching their restless expressions. "Are you all waiting for someone?"
"No," all four of them answered at exactly the same time.
The synchronized reply made me raise an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Who would we be waiting for?" Kartik asked, and the other three immediately joined in, nodding and agreeing with him.
I couldn't hold back my smile anymore. Their expressions looked exactly like men falling in love for the first time. This wasn't a birthday celebration anymore. It looked more like a date night.
"That's interesting," I said innocently. "Because my sisters and friends are on their way."
The effect was immediate.
Daksh tried very hard to look casual, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him. Kartik suddenly became very interested in checking his watch. Sameer cleared his throat for absolutely no reason.
Reyansh actually looked toward the entrance before quickly remembering he was supposed to act normal.
Hopeless.
Every single one of them.
"Bhaiya, why are you standing here with a bouquet in your hand?" Priya suddenly appeared, tapped Reyansh on the shoulder, and asked innocently, making the whole situation even funnier.
"D-Daksh... give that to me," Reyansh said, his words stumbling as he desperately tried to look composed in front of her, though he was probably jumping with excitement inside.
"Give it to me. I'll put it with the rest of the presents," Priya said, taking the bouquet from Reyansh's hands.
"Priya, look. Kartik and Sameer are holding bouquets too. Are those also for Reyansh?" I asked, glancing at both of them before tilting my head slightly. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes. Happy Birthday, Reyansh," Kartik said, handing him the bouquet.
"Happy Birthday, bro," Sameer added, doing the same.
My mischievous side wasn't satisfied yet. I turned toward Daksh.
"Daksh, you're holding another bouquet too. Why did you bring two bouquets?"
"Reyansh is my best friend, so he deserves extra. Happy Birthday, bestie," he replied with an overly bright smile.
"You all are so strange," Priya muttered, collecting every bouquet before walking inside.
I couldn't stop giggling. Here they were, standing in a neat line with bouquets in their hands as if they were waiting to welcome some very important chief guest instead of four girls.
"Anyway... Harshita isn't coming. I'm going inside," Daksh said, his shoulders dropping as he turned toward the farmhouse.
"Don't feel bad. I said they're coming here. Believe me," I said.
"Bhabhi never lies," Nishant declared as he grabbed Daksh's arm and pulled him right back into the line beside the other four men, while he himself stood a couple of steps away from them. He wasn't part of their lovesick group. Unlike them, he didn't even have a crush or a girlfriend yet.
I smiled wryly.
Well... almost everything about my married life and the time I'd spent living with the Rathors had been built on lies. They didn't know who I truly was or what I did behind the mask I wore every day.
But that was a problem for another day.
Right now, I was simply enjoying this moment without thinking about what would happen when the truth finally came out.
Harshita had been ready since yesterday. She had already picked out her matching jewelry, heels, handbag, and even decided which perfume she would wear. But teasing Daksh had somehow become her favorite hobby ever since they met six months ago and fell in love. So she had calmly told him, "Maybe I'll come. I'm not sure yet."
She deserved an award for emotional torture.
As for Pari, she had agreed the moment I invited her. She loved going out and couldn't stay at home for even twenty-four hours.
Sakshi had made a few excuses at first, but after I insisted, she finally gave in. She wanted to join her elder sister at her in-laws' celebration.
Reyansh shifted impatiently before blurting out. Somewhere deep down, he had probably figured out just how much of a workaholic Chhaya was and how completely anti-romantic she could be. To her, giving flowers or gifts on Valentine's Day was as ridiculous as selling drugs. Yet the man still refused to give up.
"Bhabhi... you didn't say anything about your friend Chhaya."
I placed a hand over my forehead as though remembering a great tragedy. I could never forget how much convincing it had taken.
For Harshita, Pari, and Sakshi, I only had to convince them but for Chhaya, I had practically begged.
For what felt like the thousandth time, she told me she didn't want to date anyone until she found peace of mind and achieved her career goals. According to her, relationships were unnecessary distractions. She still found Reyansh irritating because he kept following her around.
Now who was going to explain it to her? I had already tried countless times to tell her that Reyansh was actually a decent man who was sincerely trying to win her over.
The poor man's eyes widened at my silence. The hope in them slowly began to fade, and the sparkle that had been brighter than the lights decorating the farmhouse gradually disappeared.
Sameer burst out laughing and smacked Reyansh on the shoulder.
"Maybe she's not coming, bro."
He grinned wickedly.
"Maybe she found someone better than you."
Reyansh shot him an irritated glare, which only made Sameer laugh even harder.
Watching them, I couldn't help but wonder if Reyansh celebrated every birthday like this every year, or if this year's party had only one real purpose.
To find an excuse to spend time with the girl he liked. Then again, throwing grand parties wasn't exactly unusual for the Rathor family.
Who knew?
I decided I'd teased him enough... and kept my silence long enough too.
"She'll come," I said.
Reyansh looked at me so quickly that I nearly laughed again.
"Don't lose hope. She's on her way here."
The relief on his face was immediate.
Somewhere deep down, I was almost certain Chhaya secretly enjoyed all the attention Reyansh showered on her. Or perhaps she genuinely valued her ambitions too much to admit she liked him back.
Either way, she had better show up.
After everything I'd done to convince her, she had no choice.
I'd called her nearly a hundred times today just to make sure she hadn't changed her mind. Mostly because Reyansh had practically folded his hands, looked ready to cry, and begged me to convince her.
After witnessing that level of sincere desperation, I ended up begging Chhaya myself. I was practically at her feet, crying like a baby.
I had even threatened her.
"If you don't come, I'll cut your hair myself."
Honestly, the moment this party ended, I was going to slap that girl. I had never worked this hard just to help someone else's love story.
"Looks like Chhaya is Bhabhi's birthday gift to Reyansh Bhaiya," Nishant joked.
Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere finally relaxed.
As for the actual birthday gift...
Ranbir had already planned something for Reyansh.
Knowing him, it was probably expensive enough to leave everyone speechless. But personally, I thought the most valuable gift would simply be Ranbir showing up.
Money could buy all the materialistic things in the world, but standing beside his cousins, laughing with his friends, and spending time with the people who loved him...
That was something no amount of money could replace.
Although, if Ranbir did arrive, no one here would breathe comfortably anymore. One emotionless stare from him was enough to make an entire room nervous. His silent, unreadable gaze was far more terrifying than most people shouting.
Still, no wife would ever complain about her husband joining his family's celebration.
Instead of going inside, however, the four hopeless men remained planted near the entrance, pretending to discuss important business while secretly watching every vehicle that drove through the gates.
Only Nishant eventually surrendered.
"I'm going inside," he announced, shaking his head at their pathetic behavior before walking toward the dance floor, where music had already begun echoing throughout the farmhouse.
I looked at the remaining four men...
Then toward the brightly lit entrance.
Should I stay here with these desperate fools, or should I actually go inside and enjoy the party?
I remained standing with them while, every few seconds, one of them casually glanced toward the entrance. Their acting skills were honestly terrible.
Suddenly, a car slowly drove through the farmhouse gates.
Every single head turned toward it at once.
The car came to a stop, and the chauffeur quickly opened the rear door. One by one, my sisters and friends stepped out.
Harshita came first, confidently adjusting her dress as though she were walking down a fashion runway. Pari followed with her usual bright smile, while Sakshi stepped out gracefully after her. Finally, Chhaya emerged from the car, looking as elegant as ever.
Without exchanging a single word, all four of them walked straight toward me and stood in a neat line behind my back. I pressed my lips together, trying desperately not to laugh.
I slowly turned around to face them.
"First of all... wish the birthday boy."
The four of them immediately smiled and, as though they had rehearsed it beforehand, said in unison,
"Happy Birthday, Reyansh!"
Poor Reyansh looked like he was ready to preserve that moment forever.
"Now," I said, pointing toward the beautifully decorated farmhouse, "go inside and enjoy the party."
None of them moved. Instead, they quietly followed behind me like a line of ants following their leader.
I looked over my shoulder. My sisters stood directly behind me. Behind them stood my friends. And several feet behind them were the four businessmen, trying to look casual while very obviously following the girls.
I closed my eyes.
"What is this?" I asked.
"Why are all of you following me? You came here to enjoy the party, didn't you? Then go!"
Harshita immediately hooked a finger between her teeth and looked down shyly.
"I... I'm feeling shy."
I stared at her.
"You? The woman who's been dating Daksh for six months is suddenly feeling shy?"
Harshita blinked several times before glaring at me. Without another word, she turned around and walked away.
I turned my head toward the other two.
"Pari and Sakshi. Go enjoy the party."
They immediately wrapped their arms around each other dramatically.
"But we're feeling shy. There are so many people."
I sighed, stepped forward, placed one palm against each of their cheeks, gently pushed their faces away from mine, and said,
"Disappear. Now."
Both of them burst into laughter before finally running toward the crowd.
Now only Chhaya remained.
I folded my arms.
"And you?"
She looked at me as though I had insulted her intelligence.
"Why would I follow you?"
She adjusted the sleeve of her dress.
"I sacrificed my precious free time to attend this party. Obviously, I'm going to enjoy it."
Without waiting another second, she walked straight toward the center of the dance floor and immediately blended into the crowd beneath the lights.
Finally, I let out a deep breath.
Unfortunately, it lasted less than a minute. The music suddenly lowered, conversations came to a halt, and almost every guest turned toward the farmhouse entrance.
Curious, I looked over as well.
Ranbir.
For a brief moment, the entire farmhouse seemed to freeze.
His cousins looked genuinely surprised. Ranbir Singh Rathor never attended family celebrations. Even if he did, he stayed for barely five minutes before disappearing back to work.
Reyansh's face lit up immediately.
"Bhai!"
He walked over quickly, looking happier than he had all evening.
Ranbir simply rested one hand on Reyansh's shoulder, said something that made him laugh, then calmly walked toward the bar.
Well...
He had attended the celebration without actually attending it.
Still, his presence alone somehow made the atmosphere feel both lighter and heavier at the same time. Every one of his cousins looked happier simply because their brother was there.
I was still watching from a distance when Pari and Sakshi suddenly appeared beside me, both wearing identical mischievous smiles.
"We should tease Jiju," Pari said.
My heart skipped a beat.
"What?"
"He never gave us our juta churai gift," Sakshi said.
Harshita appeared beside them as if summoned by destiny. Either they were just trying to see my annoyed expression... or they actually meant it.
"Exactly. We've waited long enough," Harshita said.
All three of them looked dangerously excited, and I nearly choked on the juice I had just taken a sip of.
"No. Please. You have no idea what you're planning."
I quickly grabbed Harshita's wrist, but they ignored me completely. Desperate, I searched for help.
"Chhaya, stop them."
Chhaya glanced at the three smiling idiots, then at Ranbir, who was standing alone at the bar. She knew exactly what kind of man he was. She had worked with him on several cases, and as the handler of my missions, she knew everything I considered necessary for her to know.
After thinking for a few seconds, she simply shrugged.
"They deserve whatever happens."
The three girls immediately began marching toward Ranbir with expressions that promised trouble.
I stood frozen behind them, my heartbeat suddenly speeding up.
They thought they were walking toward their brother-in-law.
I knew they were walking straight toward the most intimidating man in the entire Rathor family.
If they pushed him too far, things could go very, very badly.
I remained exactly where I was, my eyes fixed on the four troublemakers marching confidently toward Ranbir.
Every instinct inside me screamed that this was a terrible idea. I had already begun preparing myself for the inevitable disaster.
Any second now, he would lose his patience, say something cold enough to freeze the entire party, and send all three of them running back toward me. I almost felt sorry for them.
Instead...
Nothing happened.
He wasn't even wearing that terrifying expression everyone feared.
He simply stood there with one hand resting inside his trouser pocket, the other holding a glass, listening to whatever nonsense the three of them were saying.
Every now and then, he replied with a short sentence, calm enough that I couldn't hear it over the music.
Harshita laughed. Pari looked offended by something he said before immediately arguing back. Even Sakshi joined the conversation. None of them looked frightened. None of them looked as though they had just challenged the most dangerous man in the room.
That alone was enough to confuse me.
Who was this man? Because he certainly wasn't the Ranbir Singh Rathor I knew.
Now I was far too curious to ignore it. I quietly walked toward them, trying to hear what they were discussing.
"...and that's why," Pari declared dramatically, "you still owe us."
Ranbir took a slow sip of his drink.
"I don't recall agreeing to any of this. And unfortunately for all three of you..." the corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, "...your lawyer appears to be absent."
The three girls blinked.
"What lawyer?"
He raised his glass slightly.
"Your sister."
I finally reached them.
"What's going on?"
The moment all three girls saw me, identical mischievous smiles spread across their faces.
"She can never be a good lawyer. Do you know how many marks she used to get in school?" Harshita said excitedly.
I forced a smile, though somewhere deep inside I wanted to grab the bottle from Ranbir's hand and smash it over my own head.
"And she's stubborn too," Sakshi added.
All three of them nodded.
Even Ranbir nodded.
Of course.
In this situation, he looked extremely pleased to watch me getting publicly embarrassed.
I stared at the three of them in complete disbelief. They were actually complaining about me right in front of me, shamelessly revealing all my past foolishness.
He looked at me over the rim of his glass. This time, he didn't even bother hiding his smile.
"I told you what she did that one day..." Pari said.
"It's great talking to Ranbir," I interrupted with a sweet smile. "And I'm sure this conversation could go on forever. Unfortunately, the party can't. So... go and enjoy it."
"Oh, she's right. Come on, Pari. Sakshi," Harshita said.
Perfect timing.
I had interrupted them before they could reveal whatever embarrassing story from my past they were about to tell.
I was never inviting them again. And if I ever did, I'd make sure they stayed far away from Ranbir. Otherwise, he'd spend the rest of his life making fun of me.
The three of them finally walked away.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance while he calmly took another sip of his drink, looking completely satisfied with himself.
The music grew louder as another song began. Couples slowly made their way toward the dance floor, laughter echoing beneath the lights.
"I wasn't complimenting you before," he said quietly. "But... you look beautiful tonight."
He had moved closer while we argued, and now we were standing shoulder to shoulder.
"I wish I could say the same," I replied. "But whatever suit you're wearing has completely lost its dignity."
A quiet chuckle escaped him.
"I could say plenty of things to annoy you or ruin your mood," he said. "But right now... I'd rather thank you."
"For what?" I asked, the corner of my lips lifting slightly. For a moment, I wondered if my ears had just heard something unusual... perhaps a miracle.
"For what you said earlier... about family." His voice grew calmer. "I had no intention of coming tonight. I was working when your words kept replaying in my head. Eventually... they brought me here."
I believed every word he said. The emotions in his eyes were real. So were his feelings.
"Thank you, Trishika."
I blinked.
I couldn't remember the last time Ranbir had thanked anyone so sincerely.
"You're welcome... Your Majesty," I replied with a small smile before turning to leave.
"What did you just call me?" he asked from behind.
I didn't answer.
Every time I took a step away, he somehow ended up beside me again a few moments later, as though the entire farmhouse naturally guided him back to where I was. I pretended not to notice. He pretended it wasn't intentional.
Yet somehow, we kept ending up beside each other, exchanging irritated glances that quietly turned into amused ones whenever the other wasn't looking.
It was ridiculous.
...And strangely warm.
I lost myself in the celebration, smiling, laughing, and enjoying the evening with everyone when my phone suddenly vibrated inside my clutch several times in quick succession.
I frowned.
Very few people ever called me this desperately, especially after I ignored the first call, unless it was about a new assignment.
Carefully making sure nobody was watching, I slipped my phone out just enough to glance at the screen.
Aditya.
Another notification from him appeared before I could even unlock it.
I couldn't risk reading mission details surrounded by so many people.
Trying to act naturally, I excused myself from the group and quietly walked away from the music toward the rear gardens of the farmhouse.
The farther I went, the quieter everything became until only the distant sound of laughter reached my ears. A decorative stone pathway led behind the building, where large trees concealed the area from most of the guests.
I finally unlocked my phone, satisfied that nobody was nearby. More messages appeared instantly before I could read even the first one.
"Planning another mistake... or planning to kill me, I guess?"
The deep voice behind me shattered the silence.
I gasped.
The phone slipped straight from my hands. Before it could hit the ground, Ranbir bent down and caught it.
My heart stopped.
The screen was still unlocked, so I snatched it from his hand almost violently and immediately hid it behind my back.
My sudden reaction surprised him. He simply looked at me and raised one eyebrow.
"Interesting."
I forced a smile and tried to act normal.
"What exactly are you hiding?" he asked, folding his arms.
"Nothing."
"I've learned that 'nothing' usually means the exact opposite."
"It really is nothing."
"Then show me."
"No. My phone is private. And why do you want to see it?" I said, tightening my grip on the phone behind my back.
His lips curved into a faint smile, and he shrugged casually.
"Curiosity," he said lazily. "What is my mischievous wife planning now?"
He suddenly took one step toward me, and I instinctively stepped backward.
"So... nothing?" he asked. "I don't believe you."
Before I realized what he intended, he suddenly reached for the hand hidden behind my back.
I squeaked and immediately spun away.
"No!"
He laughed.
"You're definitely hiding something."
Chuckling, he reached for the phone again.
I darted around the nearby garden bench before he could touch me.
"If you're not hiding anything, then why are you running from me?"
"Stay away!" I shouted.
He paid absolutely no attention.
"I want the phone."
"You're absolutely not getting it."
The next several seconds turned into the most ridiculous chase imaginable.
I circled flower beds, slipped around decorative pillars, and changed direction every time he got too close. Every time I thought I had escaped, he somehow appeared right in front of me again.
It was like he was effortlessly following me, almost as if this were nothing more than a game to him. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood to play.
Finally, he cornered me.
I turned to run in the opposite direction, but his arm wrapped firmly around my waist.
The world froze. Every drop of color drained from my face, and my breathing turned uneven. The phone nearly slipped from my fingers again.
I wasn't frightened because he had caught me. I was terrified because he kept getting closer to the truth without even realizing it.
Every time he playfully poked his nose into my personal matters, it felt like another step toward discovering the life I had buried from everyone.
My eyes filled with emotions I couldn't even name, and my entire body went rigid.
He noticed it, and the amusement vanished from his face. He immediately let go of me.
"I was just teasing. What happened?"
His voice became unexpectedly gentle as he slowly stepped back, giving me space.
"I wasn't actually going to take your phone," he continued quietly. "You look terrified."
He gently tapped the tip of my nose. The familiar gesture only annoyed me more. He did it so often, as though I were a stubborn child being lectured by a patient adult.
"Alright... I'm leaving."
His eyes lingered on my face for another moment. Without saying another word, he turned around and walked back toward the party.
I remained exactly where I was, waiting until he completely disappeared before finally looking down at the phone still clutched tightly in my trembling hands.
My fingers shook as I unlocked it.
The first message was short.
I found something. Read everything carefully.
Below it were several encrypted files. One after another, I opened them. My heartbeat grew louder with every page.
There were dozens of documents and photographs. One face appeared over and over again.
It was Valentino Ravello. Then another document caught my attention. It detailed a construction project that had begun shortly after the blast, two months later. The executing company was Rathor Infrastructure.
A cold chill spread through my chest, and my entire body shivered.
Valentino Ravello was planning something. Or perhaps he had been behind it all from the very beginning.
Whatever the truth was, I had to find it.
The name Rathor Infrastructure appeared throughout the paperwork.
I opened file after file. None of the documents directly implicated Ranbir by name, but the company belonged to his family. That alone was enough to raise questions I could no longer ignore.
Somehow, the Rathor family, the Rathor Group, Valentino Ravello, and the answers I'd been searching for over the past decade all seemed to be connected.
The final attachment was a video file.
Aditya's message appeared beneath it.
This footage was recovered from Valentino's private archive. I haven't watched the entire recording. If you're emotionally ready, open it. If not... don't force yourself.
Another message arrived before I could decide.
Meet me in a few days with everyone. I'll explain how I obtained these files. I've uncovered more than I can safely send through messages. I also have a plan, and we need to move carefully.
Investigate every possible connection between Rathor Infrastructure and Valentino Ravello. But before we act, we need a proper plan. We cannot afford to make a mistake.
I took a deep breath, my fingers hovering over the video file for several seconds.
Part of me already knew I shouldn't open it. Part of me knew that once I saw the truth, I could never go back to pretending everything was fine. But I needed answers.
Slowly, I pressed play.
The screen came alive, and within seconds, I forgot how to breathe.
The recording showed the disaster. The same day that had destroyed everything. The explosion that had changed my entire life.
For a moment, I didn't feel like I was standing behind the farmhouse anymore. I was there again. The sound of screams echoed in my ears as though it had happened only yesterday. The flames rose toward the sky, and every flash of light before the darkness shattered everything all over again.
My fingers tightened around my phone.
Right now, I couldn't break. I forced myself to keep watching, searching every second of the footage for something.
Some clue. Some missing piece that could finally explain why my entire life had been destroyed. But the longer I watched, the harder it became to breathe.
My chest felt heavy. The walls around me suddenly felt too close, so I quickly locked my phone.
I stood up slowly, but my legs didn't feel strong enough to carry me. My hand immediately reached for the nearest wall for support.
I hated this.
I hated feeling weak.
I hated that one memory could still control my entire body after so many years.
Taking slow breaths, I made my way back inside the farmhouse and headed upstairs, away from everyone.
When I reached the upper-floor corridor, I stopped.
Ranbir was standing in the gallery with his back to me, speaking on the phone.
I couldn't hear a single word. His voice was too low, and he was standing away from everyone, hidden from sight.
Suddenly, a terrible thought entered my mind, and my heartbeat became painfully fast.
What are you hiding, Ranbir? What were you doing? Were you part of it? Were you one of them?
One of the monsters who destroyed so many lives?
The thought hurt. It ached deep inside my chest because somewhere within me... I didn't want the answer to be yes.
I wanted to trust him. I wanted to believe he was different. But the evidence... everything was beginning to paint a picture I didn't want to see. Still, before accusing anyone, I would uncover every truth myself.
My vision blurred, and my body slowly gave up. I tried to stand straight, but my knees weakened, and I collapsed, unable to get back on my feet. Sweat covered my body, and I trembled uncontrollably with fear.
I heard his voice and footsteps rushing toward me.
"Trishika? What happened?"
I tried to answer, but nothing came out.
He helped me back onto my feet, and his voice was filled with concern. Somehow, that only made everything worse because I didn't know how to face him.
I didn't know how to ask him if he was connected to the worst day of my life.
I didn't know how to look into his eyes and wonder if everything between us had been a lie. It had already been built on lies, but now it felt far worse than that.
The only words that escaped my mouth were broken.
"I want to go home."
I wanted to leave this place. I wanted to go to my own home. While getting ready for the party, I had been wondering how these once-strange in-laws had started to feel like home. But now... they all felt like strangers again. I didn't know what I wanted anymore. Right now, I just wanted to go home.
He only looked at me and didn't ask any questions.
He simply lifted me into his arms, as though he could carry all my pain if I let him. But what if he was the reason for it?
He took me through the back entrance of the farmhouse where nobody could see us and carefully placed me inside the car.
During the entire drive, I remained silent. My mind was so overwhelmed with fear that I had forgotten how to cry.
When we reached the mansion, everyone immediately noticed. The moment Ranbir carried me inside, the elders rushed forward.
"What happened?"
"Is she alright?"
"Why did you come back so early?"
Ranbir looked at them, and I saw confusion in his eyes.
"I don't know."
I couldn't tell them. I couldn't tell anyone. Not now... because I didn't even understand it myself.
He carried me to our room and gently placed me on the bed.
The moment he left, I pulled the blanket over myself, completely covering my body, as though hiding from the world would somehow hide the truth as well.
Outside the closed bedroom door, I could hear faint voices. The elders were talking to Ranbir. I couldn't hear them clearly, but I knew they were talking about me.
I closed my eyes, trying to sleep, trying to force my mind into silence. But every time I closed my eyes, I saw flames. I saw the explosion.
Then suddenly, a warm hand touched my head.
I froze.
A soft, gentle touch.
A mother's touch.
She didn't say anything. She simply sat beside me and slowly stroked my hair, and somehow... that was exactly what I needed.
My body slowly relaxed. The fear inside my chest grew quieter, and my eyelids became heavier.
For the first time since watching that video, I felt safe.
And slowly... I fell asleep.
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