Marked By Darkness

Chapter 39- Fears

Ruhi and Ruhan were talking in the kitchen when they heard a loud scream from the drawing room.

"Anshi!" Ruhi called out.

"What’s wrong?" Ruhan asked, rushing toward the noise with Ruhi.

They found Anshi standing in a corner, pale and trembling, her eyes fixed on the coffee table.

"Anshi, what happened?" Ruhi asked, concern evident in her voice.

"How did that pendant get here? You said it was in your bag," Anshi replied, her voice shaky.

"It was in my bag," Ruhi answered.

"Then how is it here?"

"Maybe you brought it because you liked it. You seemed interested in it yesterday."

"I didn’t bring it, Ruhi. Did you?"

"Why would I? And its just a necklace."

Anshi stared at the pendant with a mix of fear and confusion. "This isn’t just a necklace. It’s connected to everything."

"Connected to what?" Ruhi pressed.

"Everything that happened yesterday."

"What happened yesterday?"

Anshi hesitated, her gaze flickering between Ruhan and Ruhi.

"Come on, Anshi. Just tell me," Ruhi insisted.

Ruhan, still puzzled, intervened. "Wait. What incident?"

"It’s nothing. She’s talking about me sleepwalking last night," Ruhi said, trying to brush it off.

"No, it wasn’t sleepwalking," Anshi interrupted.

"Then what was it?"

"I really don’t understand any of this. Why is this necklace such a big deal?" Ruhan asked. "Ruhi had it on her neck yesterday, and now it’s here. What’s wrong with that?"

"You don’t understand. You don’t know the truth," Anshi said, her voice trembling.

Ruhi’s expression hardened. "Then tell us the truth, Anshi."

Anshi looked torn, as if debating whether to reveal something.

Ruhi thought to herself, I'm sorry, Anshi, but I had to do this. I deliberately brought the pendant here with me and left it on the coffee table as an excuse to talk to Ruhan in the kitchen. I wanted the pendant to catch your attention. I know there's something you're keeping from me, and you're also hiding something about this pendant. I just want to clear things up. You've never hidden anything from me in all these years. So, what is it that you're suddenly keeping from me today? I won't let you off easily, Anshi, until you tell me the truth.

After the tense moment passed, they gathered for lunch. Ruhan served the dishes he had prepared, and the enticing aroma filled the room.

"This smells amazing," Ruhi said, smiling. "Oh, and this is from me. Well, sort of. Anshi helped too."

"I didn’t do much. Ruhi cooked; I just passed her the spices," Anshi said quietly.

"Thanks to both of you," Ruhan said with a grin.

As they ate, Ruhi noticed Anshi wasn’t eating much.

"You were hungry earlier. Eat something," Ruhi urged.

"I’m fine. I’ve had enough," Anshi replied before abruptly standing. "I’m sorry, but I need to go home. I’m not feeling well. Thanks for the lunch, Ruhan."

"Anytime," Ruhan said.

"Anshi, wait!" Ruhi called after her.

"I’ll talk to you later," Anshi said before leaving.

After she was gone, Ruhan looked at Ruhi, confused. "What was that about?"

"Nothing serious. She’ll be fine," Ruhi said. "And thanks again for lunch."

"You’re welcome. Anything else?"

"Could you pack some macaroni for Anshi? It’s her favorite," Ruhi asked.

"Of course. Just a moment."

Ruhan handed her a container of macaroni, and she left, heading straight to Anshi’s house.

---

"Anshi!" Ruhi called out as she entered the house.

Anshi appeared, her face pale and anxious. "Where’s the pendant?"

"The pendant? Oh no, I left it at Ruhan’s house. I must have forgotten it."

"Don’t lie to me, Ruhi. Did you take it?"

Ruhi hesitated before nodding. "Yes, I brought it back."

"Why?"

"Because you’re hiding something, Anshi. I know it’s connected to last night, and I need to understand."

Anshi turned away, her voice trembling. "Some truths are better left unknown. This isn’t something you should get involved in."

"Why not? What’s so dangerous about it?"

"You’re putting yourself in danger by digging into this. Please, stay away."

"You’ve never kept secrets from me. Why now?"

"Because this time, knowing the truth could cost you your life."

Ruhi stared at her friend, determination etched into her features. "What is it that I don't know? And what could put me in danger if I find out?"

Anshi sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Just stay away from it. And please, for once, be less stubborn and avoid this peril."

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