His dark obsession

14. From dust to life

Rihaan grasped Ekansh's shoulder, his voice calm and rational.

"Ekansh, listen. Samyuktika helped Kael out of humanity, not betrayal. He misled her, fed her lies about you."

Ekansh's gaze narrowed, his anger wavering. "She didn't know the truth," Rihaan continued. "She acted on compassion, not deceit."

Ekansh's expression softened, understanding creeping in.

Kael's pleas for mercy faded into the background as Ekansh's thoughts shifted to Samyuktika.

Ekansh's face twisted, a mix of emotions warring within.

Rihaan's words struck a chord, but his resentment lingered.

"I may have misjudged her intentions," Ekansh admitted, "but she still helped my enemy."

His voice dripped with venom. "Samyuktika's compassion is a weakness, a flaw I won't forgive."

Rihaan's eyes narrowed. "Is your pride worth destroying an innocent life, Ekansh?" Ekansh's gaze turned icy. "Don't question my judgment, Rihaan."

The tension between them was palpable. Vijay shifted uncomfortably, sensing the unease.

Ekansh's anger still simmered, focused on Samyuktika. "What happens to her now?" Rihaan asked, cautious.

Ekansh's response sent chills down Rihaan's spine: "She'll pay for her mistake, regardless of her motives."

Ekansh stormed into the mansion, his footsteps echoing through the halls. He headed straight to the room where Samyuktika was being held.

As he entered, his gaze fell upon her limp form on the floor. His stride faltered, surprise etched on his face.

"Samyuktika?" he called, his voice softer than expected. She didn't respond. Ekansh's eyes widened, taking in the scene.

The dust-covered floor, the scattered glass, the bloodstained bandage. Rage and concern warred within him. What had happened here?

He rushed to her side, his knees hitting the floor. "Samyuktika, wake up!" he urged, shaking her gently. Her eyelids fluttered open.

Ekansh's gaze locked onto hers. For an instant, their eyes connected. Something shifted within Ekansh.

His anger, his resentment, his hatred. It all faltered. "Samyuktika..." he whispered. His voice was almost tender.

As if seeing her vulnerable form had cracked his armor. But would this momentary weakness last?

Ekansh swiftly lifted Samyuktika into his arms, cradling her in a gentle bridal carry.

He rushed through the mansion's corridors, his long strides devouring the distance. "Vijay!" he bellowed.

Vijay emerged from the shadows. "Sir?" "Get a lady doctor. Now." Vijay nodded and sprinted off.

Ekansh kicked open Samyuktika's door and laid her on the bed. He gently pulled the blanket over her.

Samyuktika remained unconscious, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

Ekansh's eyes never left hers, his expression twisted with concern. The doorbell rang.

"Doctor Jain has arrived, sir," Vijay announced. Ekansh nodded. "Send her in."

Dr. Jain, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, entered. "Where is she?" she asked. Ekansh stepped aside.

Dr. Jain approached Samyuktika, her face scrutinizing. "Let's examine her," she said gently.