Threads of Destiny

5

Abhira was meticulously organizing a stack of papers on her desk when Abhir knocked and entered her room. He looked a bit uncomfortable but determined.

"Hey, Abhira," Abhir said, trying to sound casual. "Got a minute?"

Abhira glanced up from her papers, noting the slight tension in her brother's posture. "Sure, Bhaiya. What's going on?"

Abhir hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I need to ask you for Anushka's phone number."

Abhira's eyebrows shot up, and a playful grin spread across her face. "Anushka's number? And here I was thinking you came by just to say hi."

Abhir's face flushed slightly, and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "It's not like that. I need to discuss something work-related with her. Rajdeep Uncle asked me to follow up on a few things."

Abhira leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Oh, I see. Just work, huh? Nothing more?"

"Seriously, Abhira," Abhir said, a hint of exasperation creeping into his voice. "Can you just give me her number? It's important."

Abhira chuckled, clearly savoring the moment. "Alright, alright. I'm just having a bit of fun. But before I hand it over, you owe me a coffee."

Abhir's eyes lit up with relief. "Deal. I'll even make it a double."

Abhira picked up her phone and tapped a few keys, all while keeping her eyes fixed on her brother with a mischievous glint. "Here you go," she said, handing him the phone. "And just so you know, I noticed how you were looking at her during lunch."

Abhir tried to maintain an air of innocence, though he couldn't hide the slight blush on his cheeks. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Abhira's smile widened. "Oh, come on. It's clear you care about her. And if you're just going to be work-focused, you'd better be prepared. Anushka is a wonderful person. You should be careful not to mess things up."

Abhir accepted the phone, trying to mask his growing embarrassment with a smile. "I appreciate the warning, Abhira. And I'll definitely keep that in mind."

Abhira's eyes softened as she looked at her brother. "I'm just teasing you. But seriously, take good care of her, alright?"

"Of course," Abhir said, his tone more earnest now. "Thanks, Abhira. I'll get that coffee to you soon."

Abhira waved him off as he turned to leave. "Looking forward to it, Bhaiya. And don't let me down."

As Abhir walked out, he couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and nervous excitement. Abhira shook her head with a smile, amused by her brother's awkwardness and genuinely hopeful for what might come next.

~~~~~~~~

In the opulent confines of the Raisinghani mansion, Rajdeep Raisinghani sat alone in his study. The room was dimly lit by a solitary desk lamp, its light casting elongated shadows across the polished mahogany surfaces and ornate decorations. Rajdeep's eyes, normally sharp and focused, were clouded with worry as he sorted through a stack of legal documents. The night was quiet, save for the soft ticking of an antique clock mounted on the wall.

A knock at the door interrupted his concentration. The butler, with his usual composed demeanor, entered and placed a letter on Rajdeep's desk before excusing himself. Rajdeep's gaze was drawn to the envelope, which was plain but for the meticulously penned address. Something about the envelope sent a shiver down his spine.

He picked it up with a sense of dread, carefully peeling it open. As he unfolded the single sheet of paper inside, his eyes scanned the words, and his heart sank with each line.