The atmosphere in Divya's private chambers was heavy, the air thick with the scent of sandalwood and unspoken burdens. Divya stood by the window, her back to her son, watching the swaying trees of the estate. Rudra stood near the door, his posture respectful but alert.
"Is the estate's work proceeding perfectly, Rudra?" Divya asked, her voice low and steady.
"Yes, Mom," Rudra replied confidently. "Everything is under control. The transitions are being handled, and the stakeholders have been briefed. There's no room for error."
Divya turned around, her eyes reflecting a weariness she only showed in private. "After DS's death, I was truly worried that things had gone out of hand. But the will is ironclad. Meira has to go to Kiran Inc. It is a mandate we cannot bypass, no matter how much we wish to."
"Don't worry, Mom," Rudra stepped closer, his voice reassuring. "This won't be an issue. I'll ensure her presence there is managed, and the company remains stable. She is merely a name on a document for now."
Divya nodded slowly, though the lines on her forehead didn't fade. "We have to be very careful, Rudra. The wind of Roopa Mansion has severely changed. I can feel it in the hallways... something is waking up."
Rudra's expression hardened, his mind likely flashing to the whispers and the tension at the breakfast table. "Yes, Mom," he whispered, his gaze turning toward the door. "I can sense it too."
The dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight as Meira and Sahil finally emerged from the towering stacks of books. They stepped out onto the library's stone walkway, a quiet balcony overlooking the lower gardens. The air was cooler here, and for a moment, the heavy atmosphere of the mansion felt distant.
Meira looked at the young boy, his innocent face a stark contrast to the masks worn by the adults downstairs. "Sahil," she asked softly, "whom do you like the most in this house? Other than your mom and dad, of course."
Sahil didn't hesitate. "Taniya, no doubt! She's so caring. She always makes sure I'm okay."
Meira laughed, the sound genuine for once. "Oh yes, very true. She has a kind heart." She paused, then probed further. "And what about the others?"
Sahil leaned against the railing, thinking. "Well, you know about Yamini Aunty... she's very irritating sometimes. My mom and she quarrel a lot. Rudra and Raghav always treat me amazingly—they're good big brothers. Vivek Uncle is fine, I guess, but I find him secretive." He scuffed his shoe against the stone. "And Divya Aunty... I haven't had the chance to spend much time with her. She wasn't here before."
Meira's heart skipped a beat. "What? Not here?"
"Yes," Sahil whispered, looking around to ensure they weren't being overheard. "Plus, Yamini Aunty used to call her an 'adopted mother' in her absence."
Meira froze. The blood in her veins felt like ice. Adopted mother? The words didn't make sense. If Divya was the mother of Rudra and Raghav, how could she be an "adopted mother"? Or was there a darker layer to the Salai family tree that even the will hadn't disclosed?
As Meira opened her mouth to ask Sahil to explain, the heavy doors of the library creaked open. A stern-faced servant marched toward them; his eyes fixed on Meira.
"Meira Ma'am, you are requested at the hall immediately," the servant stated, his voice flat.
"Now? Can I have a moment with Sahil? We were just—"
"It is an order," the servant interrupted firmly. "You must come now."
Meira looked back at Sahil, who suddenly looked small and frightened by the servant's tone. The question about the "adopted mother" burned in her throat, but she had no choice. She turned and followed the servant, the peaceful sanctuary of the library vanishing behind her.