His dark obsession

22. Unexpected guests

Ekansh continued to work, trying to push aside his thoughts about Samyuktika. He focused on the task at hand, determined to be productive.

As the day went on, his concentration improved. Reports, spreadsheets, and meetings filled his schedule. Before he knew it, the clock struck 5 PM.

He packed his belongings and headed out of the office. The evening air was refreshing, a welcome change from the confines of his cubicle.

As he walked, Ekansh's thoughts drifted back to Samyuktika. Their awkward breakfast encounter still lingered in his mind.

Ekansh quickened his pace, eager to clear his mind. But little did he know, his life was about to take an unexpected turn.

Ekansh couldn't explain why, but he found himself longing to see Samyuktika again. It was as if an invisible thread connected them, pulling him toward her.

He tried to shake off the feeling, attributing it to the awkwardness of their breakfast encounter. But deep down, he knew it was more.

As he walked into his grand mansion, softly lit windows and meticulously manicured lawns welcomed him home.

His butler, Jenkins, greeted him with a nod. "Good evening, sir." "Good evening, Jenkins," Ekansh replied, his voice distracted.

His mind remained with Samyuktika. Why did he feel this sudden, intense connection?

Ekansh entered the living room, expecting solitude. Instead, he was met with a surprising scene.

His father, Mahindra, sat on the couch, alongside his stepmother, Nisha.

Saransh, his stepbrother, lounged in an armchair. And beside him, on the same couch, sat Samyuktika. The room fell silent.

Ekansh's eyes locked onto Samyuktika, his mind racing. Mahindra's expression was stern. Nisha's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Saransh's smirk hinted at mischief. Samyuktika's gaze met Ekansh's, her expression unreadable.

The air was thick with tension. Ekansh's presence hung suspended, like a question waiting to be answered.

Ekansh strode across the room, his eyes fixed on Samyuktika. He reached her side and grasped her hand tightly, his fingers intertwining with hers. With a gentle pull, he helped her stand.

"What are they doing here?" Ekansh asked, his voice low and urgent, his gaze never leaving hers.

Samyuktika's eyes fluttered to Mahindra and Nisha, then back to Ekansh. Her expression remained enigmatic.

Ekansh's grip on her hand tightened, his eyes burning with intensity. He awaited her response, his body tense with anticipation.

Nisha's voice cut through the tension, "What is this behavior of yours with bahu, Ekansh?"

Ekansh's gaze snapped to Nisha, his eyes narrowing. "Excuse me, Nisha ji. I wasn't speaking to you."

His tone was firm but polite, a subtle warning to not interrupt.

Nisha's eyebrows arched in surprise, but she pressed on, "I'm your stepmother, Ekansh. I have every right to—"

Ekansh's voice rose, cutting her off. "I said, don't interrupt. Samyuktika and I were having a conversation."

Mahindra cleared his throat, intervening. "Nisha, let's not interfere. Ekansh has a right to know."

Saransh shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the escalating tension.

Samyuktika's hand remained in Ekansh's grasp, her eyes locked on his, awaiting his next move.

Ekansh's gaze returned to Samyuktika, his voice softer but insistent. "What are they doing here?" he repeated, his eyes searching hers.