Fate's Imprint

Armaan Raichand

Armaan Raichand knew it was a wrong idea the moment he decided to send his younger brother Veer to receive an old friend. He had known Prathna Gujral for so many years. He knew her mother too. And he also knew that for some reason Prathna chose to take over her mother's legacy to the 'T'. She even wore her mother's serpent clothing. Something happened that made her take solace under the Earth. It had been years since she came out. But that wasn't what he was supposed to be thinking about. Right now his concern was that his brat of a brother did not get himself and the mission into trouble. It wasn't as if he did not trust him. Armaan trusted Veer with secrets regarding the clan but Veer could be impulsive and twisted at times. His way of accomplishing things did not quite go down well with Armaan. They could be a bit dangerous. Ofcourse there was also this situation that he had demoted Veer to the Acting Chief from "Chief" and Veer had been pissed off ever since. He only hoped that both Veer and Prathna returned to the Pack Hut safely. He also had to talk to his younger brother. Being the Alpha, Armaan knew each and everything about his team. It was 'Shadow's Mark' today and he could sense a change in Veer's aura but he couldn't quite decipher what it was. He had an inkling that his brother imprinted but he wasn't sure. The signals were different and he couldn't quite place them on spot. He felt a soft hand on his shoulder and turned to face his mate for life - Eisha. The pretty woman was dressed in a simple pale pink anarkali and her dimples flashed for her mate .

"Something is bothering you, isn't it ?" Mused Eisha and she rubbed his chest in a massaging sort of way.

"Veer" was the only reply that came from Armaan as he wrapped his arms around her for a relaxing embrace.

"You really should cut him some slack, you know ? He is a strong individual on his own"

"I am not doubting his strength, Eisha. It's just that... Veer can be unpredictable at times. And I can't decipher what to make of it"

"Veer might be unpredictable but you and I both know that he will not sabotage anyone's safety. You should know better, Armaan. I have seen it. You should understand it too"

She patted his back gently as the gong of the bell was heard. Armaan broke the hug. They were here. Veer and Prathna were here. He hurried towards the source of the sound, Eisha in tow as he came face to face with his younger brother.

"Hello Brother" drawled the voice, the words slipping out like a trail of silk, musing at its own tone.

Veer winced at the endearment. It was always 'Hello Brother' and it got into his nerves at times

"Does it always have to be Hello Brother every time you walk by ?"

"You'd rather I call you Pranaam Bhraatashree ?"

Armaan closed his eyes as Eisha laughed softly at the jibe.

"Were you able to get her ? Did you face any problems on the way ?"

"To answer both your questions. Yes I did meet Prathna and we also met two buzzing mosquitoes on the way but all handled."

"Hello Armaan. Long time no see" came a soft voice as Prathna made her presence known to the company. She had a soft smile on her face as she looked at the tall man. Armaan's ever serious face broke into a small smile at the sight of Prathna. It had been a very long time since he had seen her. He had known her for a very long time, having known her mother before. He was a hundred and twenty years old and had a well versed knowledge on what she was. The duo embraced each other in a friendly way.

"I am so glad to see you Prathna. You look just like your mother. For a moment, I was confused"

"I get this a lot. Thankyou"

"Thanks for coming here. I hope you had no difficulty on the way."

"Not at all. We did face two vampires but it was handled. I got the scroll here with me."