One day, as Anay was stepping out, the Sarpanch's voice stopped him—and everyone around looked on in disbelief.
He had been locked away in his room for days, and now, seeing him emerge felt nothing short of a miracle.
Anay turned and stared at the Sarpanch, equally stunned.
Clearing his voice, the Sarpanch said,"Son, we received a phone call from Mr. Rana… we've been specially invited to his conference ceremony. So…"
"So you're thinking of going?" Anay completed the sentence.
"Yes, son," the Sarpanch said, lifting his chin in pride.
"Aren't you still afraid of that girl?" Anay asked pointedly.
A sly smile crossed the Sarpanch's face—a smile Shrey noticed.
"We are Thakurs, son… and Thakurs fear no one."
Anay studied him for a moment, then nodded slightly and walked away.
Alone, the Sarpanch's smile turned cunning.
That very night, Rudraksh was driving home when he heard a thud.A girl suddenly landed on his car's bonnet.
"What the hell…"He shouted, quickly pulling over.
He grabbed his breath and rushed out—She lay unconscious on the hood.
"Hey! Who are you?" he shook her gently, but she didn't respond.Her body slid off and hit the ground.
Immediately, he checked her pulse—her breathing was weak but steady.Relief washed over him.
He lifted her tenderly and laid her on the back seat, then rushed to the hospital.
When the girl regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital room, with Rudraksh seated beside her.
"Who are you?" she asked, struggling to open her eyes.
"I'm Rudraksh Rajvansh," he replied gently."Actually… your accident was with my car.I'm really sorry. I was in a hurry…"
Before she could speak, Rudraksh said,"It's okay. If I can get a phone or address from your family, I'd like to inform them."
She blinked, then quietly replied—"I don't have a home, sir."
"So, where were you living?" he asked, softer this time.
She fell silent.
Moments passed.
"Fine, you don't have to tell me…"Rudraksh stood up."Would you come with me? I can't just leave you here."
She stared at him for a long moment, then burst out—
"But your family, sir?"
"I only have my wife.And don't worry… she's nice."
She said nothing—neither yes nor no.
Rudraksh walked toward the door, but paused and looked back—"Your name?"
"…Ayushi," she said softly.
"A lovely name," Rudraksh smiled lightly and left the hospital room.
Outside, he called Advika and explained everything.Advika suggested that he bring Ayushi home.
Rudraksh stayed with her all night there.By morning, after completing discharge formalities, he brought Ayushi home.
At the door, Advika was waiting.As he got out of the car, he introduced—
"This is my wife, Advika." He smiled.
Advika returned the smile gently—"Hello."
Ayushi seemed shy, but offered a soft greeting—"Hi."
"Advika, this is Ayushi," Rudraksh nodded her way.
Ayushi picked at her fingers, uncomfortable.Sensing her hesitation, Advika said warmly—"Please come inside… you must be tired."
Without hesitation, Ayushi followed them inside.
Two days later, Ayushi sat at the dining table for breakfast, Advika across from her. Rudraksh had stepped out early.
After a pause, Advika spoke softly—"Ayushi…"
"Yes, please…" Ayushi replied.
"Listen, don't be offended—but if you want to share about your family, you may."
Ayushi looked at her quietly.
Understanding her silence, Advika quickly tried to change the subject—
"If you'd rather not talk…"
But Ayushi gently interrupted—
"My mom and dad are no longer alive.My brother and his wife arranged my marriage for money... so I ran away... and collided with your husband's car."
Advika pursed her lips and took a breath—"Oh."
Ayushi hesitated, then said—"If it's a problem having me here…"
"Not at all," Advika squeezed her hand."You can stay as long as you like.
Tears welled in Ayushi's eyes—
"But I don't want to be a burden…"
"You're not.I'll talk to Rudraksh and help find you a job."
A faint spark of hope glistened in her eyes—
"Really? Will you help?"
"I will try my best, Ayushi.And if you ever want to lodge a complaint against your siblings, I'll stand by you."
Ayushi nodded—"No, ma'am, thank you… but I don't want to interfere in their life again."
A quiet calm fell over the room.
Anay and Shrey dressed up and exited the house.Anay wore a black shirt and coat, hair gelled in place, a stroke of a bracelet made by Rudraksh and his watch—a lethal look.Shrey wore a white shirt and blue blazer.
They waited for the Sarpanch's departure.
Moments later, a black car arrived.The glass was dark—impossible to see who was inside.
The Sarpanch stepped out and said,"Son, we're leaving in this car. You both come along."
Anay and Shrey shared a glance.Then quickly looked away.
Anay started the vehicle, and Shrey shot a sidelong look before scrolling through his phone.
After a while, Shrey spoke without looking—
"What do you think… what's your father planning?"
Anay snapped his head around.
"Father?... Are you forgetting your manners?" Anay's voice was cold.
Shrey said nothing—muttering under his breath—"If it's not murder… what is it?"
He squeezed his lips and stayed silent.
Anay looked back toward the road, tightened his lips, and increased the speed of the car.