His dark obsession

17. The unshakeable image

Her anarkali

Now,

Here's the continuation:

Samyuktika held up her discharge papers, scanning the contents.

"Looks like I'm free to go," she said, folding the papers.

Ekansh nodded, his eyes on the road. "Let's get you home."Ekansh navigated the winding road, his eyes on the horizon.

Samyuktika broke the silence, "Why do you live in between the dense and the Forbidden forest?"

Ekansh's gaze remained on the road, "It's my family's ancestral property."

Samyuktika's curiosity piqued, "But why here, specifically? It's so isolated."

Ekansh's expression turned introspective, "My ancestors believed this land held power. They built the mansion as a symbol of strength and resilience."

Samyuktika raised an eyebrow, "Power? What kind of power?"

Ekansh's eyes flickered toward her, then back to the road, "Old stories, ancient legends. Some say this land amplifies one's inner energy."

Samyuktika's skepticism was palpable, "You believe that?"

Ekansh shrugged, "I believe in what I see. This land has a certain... aura."

Samyuktika gazed out the window, the dense forest looming ahead.

"You're not worried about the Forbidden forest?" she asked.

Ekansh's jaw clenched, "I can handle its secrets."

Samyuktika's eyes narrowed, sensing hidden truths.

"What secrets, Ekansh?" Ekansh's silence was his response.

They came home as she was going to her room. Samyuktika's eyes widened as Ekansh swept her into his arms, cradling her like a bride.

"Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum?" (What are you doing?) she demanded. Ekansh's gaze locked onto hers, his voice firm.

"Tum abhi puri tarah se theek nahi ho" (You're not fully recovered yet). "Toh tum mere saath hi rahogi iss room me" (So you'll stay with me in this room).
Samyuktika's cheeks flushed.

"Ekansh, this is ridiculous!" Ekansh shouldered open his bedroom door. "No arguments," he said. He deposited her onto his bed.

Samyuktika's eyes scanned the room. Intimacy lingered in every corner. "Ekansh, I can't stay here," she protested.