Species Of Life

30. 👣 Shadows Return(Updated)

The next morning began in the usual warmth of shared breakfast and cheerful chatter. Plates clinked lightly, and everyone laughed over jokes and stories. But amid the happy chaos, Jannat's phone rang, slicing through the light atmosphere. One glance at the caller ID drained the color from her face. She excused herself quickly and stepped away from the dining area, walking far enough to ensure no one could overhear.

"What the hell?" she hissed into the phone.

"How are you, babe?" came the reply, the voice coated with mock sweetness.

"Just shut the hell up. I told you not to call me again," she snapped, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and anxiety.

"Calm down, my jaan. You looked too happy lately—I had to check in." The words were laced with a disturbing calm.

Jannat's eyes darted around. "You're here?"

"No, not really. But my eyes are always on you."

"Why?" she asked, already fearing the answer.

"What if you forget our motive while soaking in your so-called family's love? I'm here to remind you."

"I haven't forgotten," she said, the sternness in her tone barely masking her growing fear.

"Your face says otherwise."

"That's nonsense."

The voice turned sharp. "You're slipping. And if you don't stop, I will take over."

"Just let me do my part. And don't ever call me again," she said and immediately disconnected the call. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and turned to go—only to freeze when she saw Siddharth standing at the door.

A flicker of fear passed over her face. "Ashu..."

"I just came to call you. Everyone's waiting at the table," he said quietly.

She studied his expression, but it was unreadable. Did he hear anything? If he had, he wouldn't be this calm. At least, that's what she hoped. She nodded, and they both returned to the breakfast table.

Night fell gently, bringing with it the soft comfort of shared time in the living room. Laughter flowed again as everyone gathered—until a servant approached Siddharth.

"Someone's here to meet you," he said.

"Send him in," Siddharth replied, curious.

A few seconds passed before the air shifted. "Sidooo!" a bright voice called out.

Siddharth instantly recognized the voice and stood, moving toward the door. Jannat paused. That voice... it felt familiar, unsettling.

Siddharth returned with someone beside him. "Mom, Dad, look who's here." Jannatnatnat turned and froze. Her breath caught as she stared at the girl who entered like she owned the room—Samiridhi.

Avneet leaned in and whispered to Vaishnavi, "What the hell, Bhabhi. Why is she back again? She'll just start clinging to Siddharth again like always. I don't know what he sees in her..."

Vaish placed a gentle hand on her arm and whispered back, "Calm down, Avneet."

Vibha's reaction was warm. "Aree, Samiridhi! What a pleasant surprise."

Samiridhi touched Vibha's feet respectfully and then hugged Ranveer, exchanging pleasantries with the ease of someone who had done it a hundred times. Her eyes then swept toward Avneet and Vaishnavi. She smiled and hugged them, and they responded with practiced politeness. Then she walked up to Abhisek and hugged him too.

"Siddo, where are Khushi and Abhinav?" she asked, scanning the room.

Avneet interrupted, her voice steady but edged with sweetness. "They've got school tomorrow, so they went to sleep."

"Okay," Samiridhi chirped, then pointed at Faisu and Jannat. "And who are they?"

Siddharth introduced them. "This is Akshu. And this is my childhood friend, Faisu."

Samiridhi moved toward Jannat and hugged her. In a low whisper that only Jannat could hear, she said, "Don't overreact. Otherwise..."

Jannat tensed but forced herself to hug her back calmly. "Nice to see you," Samiridhi added aloud, smiling. Jannat replied with a fake smile.

Samiridhi turned to Faisu and extended her hand. "Hi, Faisu."

Instead of taking it, Faisu joined his hands and greeted her with a simple "Hello."

Samiridhi's hand dropped, embarrassed, while Vaishnavi and Avneet exchanged secret glances, quietly amused. Faisu, well aware of Samiridhi's history with Siddharth and Vaish-Avneet's aversion to her, had made his stance clear.

Vibha stepped in. "Samiridhi, you must be tired. Go and rest."

Samiridhi nodded. "Sure."

"Akshu, take her to the guest room," Vibha instructed.

Jannat led her to the room in silence. Once they arrived, she shut the door and turned with fury.

"Why did you come here?" she snapped.

Samiridhi sat on the bed, unbothered. "You're asking like you don't already know."

"But—" Jannat started to respond when a knock came at the door.

She opened it to find Faisu standing there. "Jannat, can you come with me? I need your help with something."

Jannat glanced back at Samiridhi, suppressing the storm inside her. "We'll talk later," she muttered and left with Faisu. As she disappeared down the hallway, Samiridhi leaned back against the pillow, her smirk returning. She closed the door and settled in, content.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the house, Avneet stood on the balcony, arms folded, her thoughts tangled and heavy. The night breeze teased her hair, but her heart wasn't still. She didn't hear the footsteps until two arms wrapped gently around her from behind.

Siddharth's embrace was warm and grounding.

"What's my nakchadi thinking about?" he asked playfully.

"Nothing," she replied softly.

He turned her to face him, then pulled her into a gentle back-hug again, resting his chin on her shoulder. Together they gazed at the moon in silence.

"Hmm..." he murmured. "Let me guess. You're thinking about Samiridhi coming back. You're afraid she'll cause distance between us like last time, right?"

Avi hesitated. "No... Sid..."

He turned her again, cupping her face gently. "Now say it looking into my eyes."

Avi broke. Hugging him tightly, she whispered, "I'm not doubting your love. But ever since she came into our lives, a part of me always feared she'd snatch you away from me. I know from your side she's just a friend... but what if she loves you?"

Sid held her quietly, listening to every word. "Then let's end this fear tonight," he said calmly.

She pulled back, confused. "How?"

He smiled. "Just wait here. I'll be back."

Before she could protest, Siddharth left the balcony, leaving her staring after him, her heart thudding with questions.

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