Pratap Singh Villa — Night
In the quiet corner of the villa, Meera sank into a chair, her expression tight with frustration. Rani sat beside her, calm, almost unnervingly composed, listening as Meera's words spilled out.
"I don't know what to do anymore," Meera said, her voice low but sharp with irritation. "This child… Kiaan… his behavior is becoming unbearable. He's rude, defiant, and every day it feels like I have to fight him."
Rani placed a hand lightly on Meera's arm, her smile soft, soothing. "Meera, calm down. He's just a child. Maybe… some of his classmates have been telling him stepmothers are witches, or that he shouldn't trust women who aren't his mother. Children say strange things—they believe stranger things. That might explain why he's acting this way."
Meera exhaled sharply, her tension easing just a fraction. She looked at Rani, unsure whether to trust her reasoning or resent the calmness that seemed so effortless.
Yuvaan, who had been observing the exchange quietly, stepped closer. His voice was steady, appreciative. "Thank you, Rani, for understanding him. I… I hope Kiaan will understand you one day too. He's just… struggling to see that you're not here to replace anyone, but to care for him."
Rani's smile softened even further, almost wistful. "I know, Yuvaan. He'll come around… in time."
Bhoomi, who had been standing nearby, gently touched Yuvaan's shoulder. "Come with me, beta," she said softly. "We need to talk—there are things you must consider about Kiaan, about what he might be sensing."
Yuvaan nodded, the weight of the evening pressing on him, and followed Bhoomi into the study. The hallway felt heavier with unspoken worries, every step echoing the tension that lingered in the house.
Pratap Singh Villa — Study Room, Night
The study was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the polished mahogany shelves. Yuvaan sat behind the desk, fingers drumming lightly, though his mind was elsewhere. Bhoomi leaned against the doorway, her expression calm but her eyes sharp, studying him.
"You've been quiet," she said softly, almost a whisper. "I need to ask… do you not suspect why Kiaan keeps accusing Rani of being a pishachini?"
Yuvaan lifted his gaze slowly, dark eyes thoughtful. "I've thought about it," he murmured. "But every time I do… I remember last year, during my engagement with Rani. Kiaan… he made a scene. Called her a pishachini in front of everyone."
Bhoomi nodded, biting her lip lightly. "I remember. But Yuvaan… our family has faced shadows like this before. We've seen darkness that hides in plain sight. Sometimes, children sense things we… adults cannot."
He shook his head, leaning back in his chair, jaw tight. "We tested her, Mom. To confirm Kiaan's claims. A ritual was conducted to check if Rani was a supernatural being or a dark force. Rani passed it. She's human. If she were a witch… could she enter the prayer room? But she can. The test proved it beyond doubt."
Bhoomi's expression softened, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Yes… the test was clear. But you also know Kiaan isn't ordinary,he is yours and Kiara's son,he is a celestial warlock, Yuvaan. He's sensitive… more than a child his age should be. Maybe he's sensing something—even if it isn't what we expect."
Yuvaan leaned forward, elbows on the desk, his hands curling into fists. "I love him… more than anything. But right now, he's lying. He doesn't like Rani, he doesn't want to accept her. And I… I cannot let my son become a liar. Not him. I cannot. I have to take strict actions. Otherwise, where do we draw the line?"
Bhoomi stepped closer, placing a gentle hand over his. "Beta… take a breath. I understand your anger, your fear, your love. But patience is what Kiaan needs. Force will not teach him honesty or trust. He's testing the world… testing you. Not because he wants to lie, but because he's hurt, confused, and stubborn. He's your son."
Yuvaan's eyes softened, but the tension in his shoulders remained. "I know. But how long do I wait before his stubbornness crosses the line into defiance? My heart aches for him… for Kiara… and yet, I can't let him deceive me. I won't allow it."
Bhoomi's voice was firm, gentle, filled with motherly wisdom. "Then lead him carefully, Yuvaan. Be his guide, not his jailer. Show him the truth with love, not fear. Kiaan will follow… if he trusts your heart."
Yuvaan exhaled slowly, gaze drifting to the shadows beyond the lamp's light. "I will… I have to. For him. For her. For both of them."
The room settled into a quiet stillness, heavy with the weight of unspoken worries, promises, and the fragile hope that even the most stubborn hearts could bend with care.