After returning home, Ishaan and Vikrant quietly slipped into their study, the weight of their plan still looming between them.
"Don’t worry. Everything is going according to plan," Ishaan said calmly, his back to Vikrant as he spoke into the phone. His voice carried a chilling undercurrent of satisfaction, the kind that only comes when control is absolute.
After a pause to listen to the other person, he chuckled darkly.
“Ha ha, don’t worry. She’ll pay for everything this time. She won’t even recognize herself after this is over. Take care of yourself in the meantime,” he added, before cutting the call without waiting for a response.
Vikrant had been watching him closely, sensing the edge in his brother’s demeanor. "Kya hua bhai? Sab theek hai?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Ishaan turned to him, his expression hard and unreadable. "Nothing... Just find her as quickly as possible. The sooner, the better." His voice held a finality to it, one that brooked no arguments.
Vikrant simply nodded, knowing better than to push. Together, they made their way downstairs, where the family had gathered for dinner. The conversation around the table was light, but the tension beneath the surface was palpable, especially between Ishaan and Vikrant. Everyone could feel something unsaid but didn’t dare to ask.
Breaking the silence, Manali suddenly chirped, “Apko ek song sunau?”
Everyone’s faces lit up, grateful for the shift in mood. They encouraged her to sing, eager to hear her voice fill the room.
With a mischievous smile, Manali began to sing:
"Ho gaya hai tujko toh pyaar sajna…
Lakh kar le tu inkaar sajna…"
Her sweet voice echoed through the room, lightening the atmosphere instantly. As she sang, she stealthily grabbed her phone and, in the middle of the chorus, snapped a picture of Vikrant and Anika, both completely unprepared for the ambush.
Manali burst into laughter, playfully switching up the lyrics:
"Ho gaya mere bhaiya ko toh pyaar sajna…
Lakh kar le yeh inkaar sajna…"
The room erupted into chuckles, with Anika blushing furiously while Vikrant tried to compose himself. Before anyone could react, Manali waved her phone at them, laughing even harder.
"Manali! Phone de!" Vikrant demanded, getting up from his seat to chase her around the room.
Manali shrieked in delight, darting behind Ishaan and peeking out mischievously from behind his tall frame. "Catch me if you can!" she teased, holding the phone close to her chest.
Ishaan watched the playful chase unfold, his eyes softening ever so slightly as he observed Manali’s carefree nature. It was a rare moment of lightheartedness in an otherwise tense household. Manali dashed around the furniture, still holding her phone, as Vikrant tried to grab it from her, but she was too quick.
Suddenly, just as she made a break for the main entrance, the doorbell rang. Startled but still laughing, she threw open the door and darted out, only to trip on the doorstep.
Time seemed to slow as Manali’s eyes widened in shock. She let out a small gasp as she stumbled forward, arms flailing. For a brief moment, she thought she was about to crash hard onto the ground.
“Bhai, bachao hume! Warna chot lag jaayegi!” she screamed instinctively, closing her eyes tightly and bracing for impact.
But instead of hitting the cold, hard ground, she landed in a pair of strong arms. Her heart raced as she realized she wasn’t hurt. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself cradled in the arms of a man—someone unfamiliar.
YOU ARE READING
HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES
Misterio / Suspenso✿ ⁰ o ⁰ ✿↝ Loving someone is okay but what if he is with you just for his own benefits . War amongst families , friends and lovers for . °•° Hukumat of the siyasat •°• ____________♡___________ ...
