Her Dangerous Obsession

Chap 27 - Presence of Mind

Author’s POV

At this time, everyone’s eyes were fixed only on Adhrit. The atmosphere in the grand venue had suddenly turned tense, and whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.

No one could understand, what this young man would do now, or how he could possibly prove his father innocent — especially when so many people stood as witnesses to the fact that, Namish had committed the theft.

Along with Namish, his entire family was deeply worried. After what Adhrit had just done — confronting Pranay and Barkha in front of everyone — the heartbeat of every family member had increased.

Namish’s condition was the most fragile of all. His mind was running wild with dreadful possibilities — If Adhrit fails to prove the allegation false… what then?

What if Pranay, insulted in front of so many people, decides to take revenge? What if his son pays the price for speaking the truth so boldly?

Anaisha, too, stood rooted to her spot, her eyes never leaving Adhrit. Her heart was restless, thudding against her chest, as if it would burst out. She could not understand, how everything had changed so suddenly.

Just a while ago, everything was fine — the rituals had been going on peacefully, everyone seemed happy — and now, all of a sudden, there was chaos.

Fear clawed at her heart, but still, a strange faith whispered inside her — He will handle this… he is her Adhrit, and he never fears to speak, especially when, he isn't at fault. It was what he did with her as well.

Jeet, standing nearby, folded his arms across his chest, and let out a taunting chuckle. Looking straight at Adhrit, he said in a mocking tone, "What happened, kiddo? You don’t know what to do now, do you? You spoke too much in your excitement earlier, but that’s alright. Just apologize. Who knows — we may even forgive you."

The insult in his words echoed in the silent hall.

But Adhrit, he didn’t flinch, not even a bit. He didn’t bow. Instead, he looked at Jeet with a calm, mysterious smile — the kind of smile, that seemed to carry a hidden power.

Then, without answering immediately, he let the silence stretch. His eyes, sharp and steady, swept across the people gathered there.

Finally, in his calm, yet stern voice, he said, "No one becomes small by apologizing. If it had been my fault, I would have apologized without a second thought. My family has taught me to own my mistakes with courage… but they have never taught me to accept someone else’s mistakes as my own."

Gasps escaped a few mouths in the audience. His words carried a weight, that silenced many, who had been whispering.

Hearing this, Barkha’s irritation rose like fire. Her carefully crafted plan was beginning to slip from her control. With a sharp tone, she snapped, "Then why are you wasting time, boy? Tell me — whose fault is it? If your father isn’t the thief, then prove it! Prove that he is innocent!"

Adhrit didn’t lose his composure. His steady steps carried him closer to Barkha. The crowd mouth parted slightly, their eyes following his every move, in thought, what would be his next move.

Once he reached closer, he turned to look at the people around, and then said suddenly, "Aunty, have you seen my ring anywhere? It was my engagement ring — it was very expensive. I don’t know, where it has gone. I am unable to find it anywhere."

The hall buzzed with murmurs. People exchanged confused glances.

Everyone looked at Adhrit with wide eyes, surprised at this sudden change of topic.