Neha's voice trembled on the phone, "Bhaiii par mai kaise..."
(But brother, how can I...)
Eshanth cut her off, "I don't know anything, Neha."
He hung up, leaving Neha tense.
"Ek taraf meri bestfriend, toh dusre taraf mera bhai!"
(One side my best friend, the other side my brother)
Neha paced, thinking.
"Kuch soch Nehu, kuch toh socha"
(Think something, Nehu, think something)
Suddenly, Tirth Rajvanshi appeared behind her.
"What are you doing here alone at 1 am?" he asked, his voice sending chills.
Neha stepped back, fearful.
Tirth's steps closed in; he grasped her waist.
"Leave me!" Neha shouted, but he silenced her.
He badly twisted her wrist leaving his imprints on the spot .
Neha bit his hand and escaped.
NEXT DAY MORNING
Neha's pale face reflected the previous night's trauma.
Determined to help her brother and friend, she planned to expose Devansh.
Kashvi approached, concern etched on her face.
"Oyeee kya soch rahi hai?"
(What are you thinking?)
Neha flinched.
Kashvi held her shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
Neha hesitated.
Kashvi sensed something was wrong.
"Neha, share it with me," Kashvi urged.
Neha considered confiding in Kashvi.
"Might be she can give me a better idea!" , She tried convincing herself to speak out everything infront of Kashvi.
"Kashvi, Devansh isn't the right person!" Neha said.
Kashvi's expression intensified.
"What do you mean?" Kashvi asked.
Neha revealed Devansh's infidelity.
Kashvi stopped her.
"I know Devansh is a playboy... but he's changed for Ani."
Neha remained unconvinced.
"Ofcourse I need a solid proof against him " , She whispered to herself.
.
.
.
.
.
In her room, Anira gazed at her wedding jewelry, lost in thoughts of Devansh.
"Finally, Devansh would be mine."
A smile covered her face with slight tint of blush . Every moment with Devansh flooded in her mind . She felt as if she was the most luckiest girl ever .
-------------------------------------------------------
The rituals were about to begin.
Anira, resplendent in her bridal red lehenga, admired herself.
Kashvi stood behind, mirroring her smile.
"Finally, freedom from this prison, Ani!" Kashvi exclaimed.
Anira chuckled.
"Where's Neha?" Anira asked.
"Getting ready in the guest room," Kashvi replied.
Meanwhile, Neha seethed with rage, watching Devansh laugh with others.
Her eyes blazed, her soul yearning to slap him.
Nearby, Aaradhya concealed a love bite, adjusting her dupatta.
"Iska gala toh mai dabaungi." Neha muttered.
("I'll choke her to death,")
She finalized her plan.
"Yes, ma'am?" A waiter approached.
"Spill wine on her dress," Neha instructed, handing him ₹500.
The waiter nodded, executing the task Successfully.
While Aaradhya cursed him , rushing to change When not finding any solution to the situation.
On the other hand Neha intentionally directed Devansh to the guest room, citing Anira's grandmother's rituals , Who was busy gossiping with some men .
"Dadi needs urgency Devansh , It is an important Ritual to be performed by the groom before the main rituals of the marriage begins" , Her sentence was enough to convince him
Devansh not getting any proper reason to respond negatively to the ask , reluctantly followed.
"Perfect," Neha smiled wickedly, knowing the guest room was beyond Aaradhya's room.
"Kashvi di ma'am asked me to give this book to Aaradhya," the maid said.
(Di=sister)
Kashvi took the box reluctantly.
"Now I'm serving this queen too," Kashvi complained, making Anira laugh.
"I'm off to serve these madams," Kashvi said, departing.
Devansh, en route to the guest room, When he heard some cursing and crying sounds from Aaradhya's room.
He entered, concerned by her complaints.
"Why are you crying?" Devansh asked.
Aaradhya hugged him, showing her wine-stained outfit.
Devansh consoled her, cupping her face.
"I chose this for you, Devansh," Aaradhya said.
"You slay in every outfit," Devansh replied trying to convince her.
Aaradhya sought reassurance.
"I want to outshine Anira!"
"You're already thousands of times better!" Devansh said, his hands on her waist.
Pleasure shivers ran down her spine.
Devansh's lips traced her neck, leaving marks.
"Devansh, it's hard to hide," Aaradhya moaned.
Devansh's lips moved to her earlobe, fingers on her blouse hook.
Aaradhya moaned, overwhelmed.
However there perfect romantic moment was disturbed by a rage-filled voice echoed.
"How dare you!!!!!!"
Neha's plan had unfolded perfectly.
Kashvi stood at the door, box in hand, anger in her steps.
"Aaradhya, listen..." Kashvi interrupted, approaching Devansh.
Before Aaradhya could explain, Kashvi slapped Devansh.
Neha, recording outside, commented, "Oh, what a slap!"
"Isne toh Sidha chakka maardiya!!!" , She squeezed in joy
(She directly hit 6)
Immediately sending the video to Eshanth.
"The work is almost done." She commented on the video .
Her smile, enjoying the scene.
Devansh clutched his cheek while Aaradhya's anger growing.
"Kashvi, know your limits," Devansh warned.
Kashvi stood firm.
"Will you tell the truth, or must I?" Kashvi asked, her tone an ultimatum.
"What if I don't?" Devansh replied.
"Then I will," Kashvi said, intensity matching.
"Relax, Kashvi," Devansh said, but Kashvi's anger intensified.
She turned to Aaradhya.
"You're just a characterless element here!"
Aaradhya shouted, "Kashviii!"
"Shut up!" Kashvi retorted, fueling Aaradhya's rage.
Aaradhya attempted to slap Kashvi, but Neha intervened.
Kashvi and Aaradhya turned towards Neha , soon Kashvi's face filled with pride by having her bestfriend by her side .
"Namak swaad anusaar aur baatein aukat anusaar," Neha taunted Aaradhya, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
(Salt as per the taste and talk as per your range)
Kashvi turned to Devansh, "Just wait and watch."
As Kashvi and Neha exited, Devansh's voice echoed, "She won't believe you! If you have guts, try it out."
Kashvi's fist clenched, her eyes blazing.
She pulled Devansh out of the room, Aaradhya and Neha following , tension grew thicker with each ascending steps .
In the living hall, Kashvi shouted, "Everyone, come downstairs!"
The Rajvanshi family, including Anira, rushed down.
Anira asked, concerned, "Kya hua?"
(What happened?)
Her eyes locked onto Devansh, red with worry.
Neha squeezed Kashvi's hand reassuringly.
Kashvi closed her eyes, steeling herself.
"Kashvi, Neha, say something," Anira urged, tension intensifying.
Kashvi took a deep breath.
"Anira, I have something to reveal," Kashvi began.
The room fell silent, anticipation building.
Devansh's eyes narrowed, Aaradhya's face pale.
Neha's grip on Kashvi's hand tightened.
The scene was set for a dramatic expose.
Kashvi closed her eyes.
"Kashvi Neha say something " , Anira's tension intensified.
"Anira, you can't marry him," Kashvi declared, pointing at Devansh.
The room erupted in fury.
"What are you talking about, Kashvi?" Anira tried to compose herself.
"Ani, he's a cheater! He loves Aaradhya, not you!" Kashvi revealed.
Devansh's eyes locked onto Kashvi, filled with malice.
"How can you say this? I love Anira! , It was all ok upto a slap , but this blame Kashvi!!" Devansh protested.
Neha's eyes widened at Devansh's blatant lie.
"Such a liar!" Neha exclaimed.
"Ani, trust me! This marriage is a convenience! He'll discard you once he gets what he wants , actually it's a contract between your family and his family trust me Ani I am not lying!" Neha warned.
But as soon as she finished her sentence, a tight slap landed on her cheeks , leaving a dark red finger imprints there .
Anira's slap sent Neha reeling.
"Enough, Neha!" Anira shouted.
Kashvi defended Neha, but Anira turned on her.
"How dare you slap him?" Anira demanded.
Devansh's evil smile grew as he taunted the girls.
Mr. and Mrs. Rajvanshi exchanged fearful glances.
"Ani, trust us! We're not lying!" Kashvi pleaded.
"Get out!!!" Anira's rageful voice echoed.
Kashvi's emotional voice cracked.
"Ani, you can't do this to us..."
Anira's lungs burst as she shouted.
"GET OUT!!!!!!"
Neha quietly exited the mansion.
"Nehu, listen!" Kashvi chased after her.
Anira stormed to her room, shattered.
The scene ended with heartbreak and betrayal.
-------------------------------------------------------
ESHANTH'S POV:
"I was fully immersed in my work when a notification flashed on my phone. With election days approaching, my workload had intensified. Many thoughts swirled in my mind. Dad wanted everything to go online.
'New leader to approach the chair, but who is it? Is it the seasoned Avyukt Singh Shekhawat or the mysterious newcomer Eshanth Singh Shekhawat?' The question echoed.
Who is Eshanth? Why remains hidden? No one has seen him. The news channels buzzed with speculation.
'TRP-driven sensationalism,' I thought, turning off the TV.
I played the video Neha sent me on my phone. 'Relaxing,' I sighed.
Pocketing my phone, I took a calming stroll around the pond. A familiar sound approached. I recognized the voice.
Turning around, Avyukt stood behind me, smiling.
'Toh kaisa hai mera chota bhai?'
(So, how's my younger brother?)
he asked, walking towards me."
I rolled my eyes, breaking eye contact. "Akad abhi bhi gayi nhi Teri," Avyukt taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Chahe kuch bhi ho jaye, khurshi toh meri hoke rahegi," he added, fueling my anger.
(This time the powers would be in my hands)
I turned, my face tense. "Aapko aapki baatein Mubarak, aur rahi baat khurshi ki toh woh toh samay hi batyega, bade bhaiya!"
(I congratulate you with your words , well about powers the time will answer us elder brother)
Eshanth passed a tight-lipped smile and left the poolside, heading to his room. He palmed his face in frustration.
"Avyukt is right; he's more deserving than me in this field... I was never made for this," Eshanth thought.
His thoughts were interrupted by Neha's call. Her crying voice clenched his heart.
"Nehu!! Kya hua? Kuch bol!!" Eshanth urged.
(Nehu !!! What happened? Say directly!!)
Neha's endless sobs worried him. Luckily, he was in Mumbai.
"I'm coming, tu jahan hai wahi ruk," Eshanth said, grabbing his car keys.
Meanwhile, Anira parted with her family during her "Vidai." Tears streamed down her face.
Regret filled her heart for slapping Neha.
"I'll text her a sorry; once I'm free from rituals, I'll call her," Anira decided.
As the car departed, anxiety about her new life grew.
Eshanth found Neha alone on a roadside bench.
"Neha..." Eshanth gently patted her shoulder.
Neha's teary eyes met Eshanth's comforting gaze.
She hugged him tightly, releasing her pain.
Eshanth held her, letting her emotions flow.
Time stood still as Neha clung to Eshanth, her tears soaking his shirt. He gently patted her back, holding her by the shoulders.
"Now, tell me what made my little sis cry?" Eshanth asked, his voice laced with love.
Neha's sobs subsided as she recounted the incident. Eshanth's expression darkened, disappointment and anguish etched on his face.
His heart shattered into a million pieces, knowing Anira was now in someone else's arms. She was trapped in the wrong hands.
But Neha's fragile state kept his anger at bay. He hugged her tightly, rubbing her back.
"It's okay," he whispered, forcing a calming smile.
Neha's eyes widened, shocked by her brother's serene response.
"But you loved her, bhai..." she stammered.
Eshanth's smile faltered for a moment before he replied:
"Not at the cost of your self-respect, Nehu."
Neha dissolved into emotions, her brother's words wrapping around her like a warm blanket.
Eshanth's eyes, however, concealed a storm brewing within.
Suddenly his eyes fell on some red marks on Neha's wrist .
As he was going to approach Neha for a explanation to the mark ...
"The sound of shattering glass echoed through the night air. Eshanth's eyes locked onto the broken window of his car."
Eshanth's grip on Neha's hand tightened as he swiftly pulled her away from the damaged vehicle.
"Neha, stay close," he whispered urgently.
Shards of glass littered the ground, reflecting the flickering streetlights. The car's alarm blared, piercing the night silence.
Neha's eyes widened. "Bhai, what's happening?"
Eshanth's gaze scanned their surroundings, searching for signs of vandalism or worse.
A piece of paper fluttered from the broken window, caught in the wind. Eshanth retrieved it, his heart racing.
On the paper, a cryptic message scrawled in red ink:
"You can't protect her forever."
Eshanth's face darkened, his jaw clenched.
"Neha, we need to leave. Now."
Suddenly, the car's headlights flickered and died. The darkness seemed to close in around them.
Neha's voice trembled. "Bhai, I'm scared."
Eshanth wrapped his arm around her, shielding her.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," he vowed.
But the message lingered, haunting him.
Who was behind this ominous warning?
And what did they want from Neha?
To be continued...