The Devil's Substitute : Book #1 [Original Edition]

||Chapter 15||

Doubts began to fill Rani's mind as she observed Reyansh's different approach with Piyali. Fear crept in—fear that her grandson might fall in love with a middle-class girl like Piyali, who was immature and disrespectful. She couldn't let that happen.

Samaya was also in a similar state of worry. She shared Rani's concern about Reyansh's behavior towards Piyali.

"Reyansh, I am sure you are aware of the news," Rani interjected, her voice cutting through the tension.

Her words broke Reyansh's concentration on Piyali. Tamanna started biting her nails, a nervous habit that betrayed her anxiety.

Reyansh gently disentangled himself from Piyali's hug and stepped back. Piyali pouted, a mix of confusion and hurt on her face.

"Kya hogaya, Soniye?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Reyansh tried to calm his nerves. "Piyali, have you seen the news?" he asked, his tone serious.

Piyali gulped but maintained a straight face. "What news?"

Karan and Riya began to suspect Tamanna and Piyali, noticing Tamanna's odd behavior.

"Our marriage pictures have been leaked," Reyansh stated, his eyes narrowing as he watched Piyali's reaction.

"Oh," Piyali replied, her voice flat.

Reyansh's suspicion grew. He had expected her to panic, but she stood there, her face tense, her fingers gripping her saree pallu tightly. He observed her closely, noting the slight tremor in her voice and the way her Adam's apple bobbed nervously.

Reyansh then glanced at his family, who were standing nearby, trying to get a glimpse of Tamanna. She flashed them a nervous grin, showing her pearly white teeth.

"Can I use you for protection?" Tamanna whispered to Karan, who looked at her oddly.

"Rabba, mein kya karoon..." she muttered under his breath.

"Reyansh, we have to find out who is behind the pictures. What will we tell the world?" Rani Raghuvanshi said, her worry evident.

Reyansh shifted his gaze from Piyali, making her sigh in relief. "Yes, Daadi. We will find out. I have instructed the cyber team to investigate the source of the pictures."

Tamanna's and Piyali's jaws dropped.

"I will make sure they are jailed as soon as possible," Reyansh declared, side-eyeing Piyali, who was struggling to hold back her tears.

"Bhagwan, kya meri poori zindagi jail mein hogi... How can I live wearing that colourless uniform... yuck," Piyali thought, her mind racing.

Tamanna decided to intervene. "Reyansh bhaiya, uski koyi zarurat nahi hai. The pictures are leaked. Just let it go. Why punish the poor girl?" she suggested, her voice shaky.