Whisper in the Night|18+(hold)

Chapter 10 : A Cry of Secrets

______________________________________________

Vote Target :- 40+

Total words:- 3000+

DAYS OF UPDATE:-

. Monday

. Friday

______________________________________________

Author's POV:-

The grand halls of Shekhawat Mansion shimmered, a kaleidoscope of silk saris and gleaming marble, all abuzz with the vibrant chaos of Ganesh Chaturthi's bhandara. It was the third day of the festival, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with life—a symphony of laughter echoing through high-ceilinged rooms, the playful sting of teasing remarks, and the rich, intoxicating aroma of cardamom-infused sweets and savory pakoras wafting in from the bustling kitchens. Servants, quick as shadows, navigated the throng with trays laden with offerings, while children, shrill with excitement, weaved through the legs of guests, their giggles trailing behind them. Elders, perched on ornate sofas, surveyed the joyful pandemonium with a mock seriousness that dissolved into indulgent smiles at the slightest provocation.

Amidst this joyous whirlwind, Aarav stood, a picture of exaggerated dismay, staring down in horror at the riot of colors sprawling across the pristine marble floor of the grand entrance. Divya, knees bent, head bowed in concentration, was meticulously pressing a vibrant blue powder into her intricate rangoli design.

"Yeh kya kiya hai?" he said dramatically, his voice laced with theatrical despair as he pointed a condemning finger at her half-finished masterpiece.

"Chii!" added Vivaan, wrinkling his nose as if he'd just stumbled upon something truly offensive. He leaned against the archway, a picture of casual amusement, enjoying the torment.

Divya, her hands smeared scarlet and sunshine yellow, didn't even lift her head. Her jaw, however, tightened. "Kutte ki tarah bhokna band karo, thik hai!" she snapped, her voice cutting through the bhandara's cheerful din.

Undaunted, Aarav crouched closer, his expression shifting to one of intense, forensic examination, as though the rangoli was not merely a design but a heinous crime scene. "Main gate pe hi haag diya tune!" he declared, his voice filled with mock disgust, as he circled the growing pattern.

Divya's head whipped up instantly, eyes blazing. "PAPAAA!!" she screamed, her voice, shockingly loud, reverberating through the vast mansion, momentarily silencing a group of gossiping aunties.

Aarav, startled, jumped back and clutched his ears, feigning agony. "Papa... bas chillate reh!" he mimicked her voice perfectly, hitting the high-pitched shriek with uncanny accuracy, earning a snort of laughter from Vivaan, who was now thoroughly entertained.

"Phatuu!" Vivaan chimed in casually, delighted by the unfolding drama.

"Vivaan!" came Nandani's sharp voice, slicing through the air from the inner courtyard. It held the unmistakable ring of a mother's command, capable of piercing any noise.

"Haan Maa, aa gaya!" he yelped, his playful grin instantly replaced by a look of mild terror. He scurried inside, abandoning Aarav and Divya to their colorful battlefield, disappearing like a scolded puppy. Aarav burst out laughing, clutching his stomach, while Divya, muttering darkly under her breath, returned with renewed determination to save her rangoli from further insults and the judgmental eyes of her brother.

Inside, the inner courtyard offered a slightly calmer, though still busy, atmosphere. Nandani, her brow furrowed in concentration, wiped her hands on her emerald dupatta, a faint smudge of turmeric on the fabric. She looked at Vivaan, who was now standing meekly before her. "Zara Rishav ko call kar ke puch ki wo kab aa raha hai."