Eternal Souls

Chapter Four: Brewing Resentments and Unexpected Bonds

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Deshmukh household was shrouded in an air of tension. In the living room, Sulochana—referred to as Aai by her daughters—sat with her elder daughter, Mansi. Their conversation crackled with suppressed hostility.

"I can't stand her, Mansi," Aai said, her eyes glinting with malice. "Pallavi thinks she's so indispensable, but I see through her. I'll make sure she regrets ever crossing me."

Mansi, her face hard with resentment, nodded. "I hate her too, Aai. Ever since she came into this family, everything has been off. And with my wedding coming up, I don't want her involved in anything."

Aai's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Don't worry, Mansi. Tomorrow is your *sangeet*, and Pallavi will stay out of it. I'll make sure she stays away from everyone."

Mansi looked relieved but still anxious. "I don't even want her in the house during the celebrations. Can you make sure she stays in her room, away from everyone?"

Aai's eyes gleamed with determination. "Leave it to me. I'll ensure she understands her place and doesn't interfere with your special day."

Just then, Amruta entered the room, sensing the charged atmosphere but choosing to remain silent. She sat beside Mansi, her expression concerned.

"Mansi, tomorrow's *sangeet* is important. Can you count on me to help keep Pallavi out of everything?" Amruta asked.

Mansi nodded, though her anxiety was still evident. "Yes, please. We can't afford any disruptions."

Aai leaned back in her chair, her expression one of grim satisfaction. "Pallavi will regret ever thinking she belonged in this family."

---

At the Saree Emporium, Pallavi was finishing up her day, her mind heavy with the upcoming *sangeet* and the tension at home. As she was about to close the shop, the doorbell chimed.

She looked up to see Keerti walking in. Keerti, Raghav's sister, had been handling the shop's accounts for some time now. Despite the ongoing family tension, Pallavi and Keerti had maintained a supportive friendship.

"Keerti!" Pallavi greeted warmly, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "You're here late."

Keerti smiled as she approached the counter. "I needed to drop off some paperwork, but I also wanted to check in on you."

Pallavi glanced through the documents Keerti handed over. "Everything looks good. Thanks for taking care of this."

Keerti's smile widened. "No problem at all. How's everything going?"

Pallavi sighed, her gaze reflecting her stress. "It's been overwhelming. Between the family issues and the wedding preparations, I'm barely keeping it together."

Keerti's expression softened with sympathy. "That sounds really tough. You should make sure to take care of yourself amidst all the chaos."

Pallavi managed a small smile. "I'll do my best. It's just hard to keep everything in balance."

Keerti reached out and gave Pallavi a quick hug. "You're stronger than you know. Don't let anyone get you down."

Pallavi appreciated the gesture, her heart warming at Keerti's kindness. "Thank you, Keerti. Your support means a lot."

As Keerti gathered her things and prepared to leave, Pallavi noticed her looking at her watch. "I have to head out now. I'm starting a new job soon, and there's a lot to handle."

Pallavi nodded. "Good luck with everything, Keerti. I hope it goes well."

Keerti gave her a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Pallavi. I'll see you soon."

As Keerti exited the shop, Pallavi couldn't shake the feeling that the storm of family tensions was far from over. But for now, she took comfort in her friend's support, hoping it would be enough to get her through the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, Raghav was in his car, still brooding over the day's events. He had seen Keerti at the shop, and her warmth toward Pallavi had only fueled his anger. His thoughts swirled with ideas of how he might use the situation to his advantage.

He drove aimlessly, his mind fixated on revenge. The idea of Pallavi having a place of comfort and support while he felt cornered by his own actions only heightened his frustration. As he reached a bar, he stopped and went inside, seeking solace in reckless drinking.

In the haze of alcohol, Raghav tried to drown his thoughts. The image of Pallavi, her defiance, and her apparent closeness with his sister stirred a tumult of emotions in him. Revenge, he decided, was the only way to regain control. But for now, all he could do was drink and let the night blur around him, leaving his plans for the morning.