Yaara

8) Shadows of Doubt

Varanasi
Kashyap Mansion

The lively atmosphere in the Kashyap Mansion dimmed as the day progressed. Pihu's laughter echoed through the halls but couldn't mask the tension brewing beneath the surface. Ishu and Rey lingered in the living room, their minds occupied with thoughts of Shivansh and their protective instincts over Rudra.

As Rudra continued to engage with Pihu, who was excitedly sharing her plans for the day, Ishu and Rey exchanged wary glances, their minds racing with questions.

In the Living Room

Pihu clung to Rudra's arm, her little face glowing with joy.

Pihu: "Mr. Charming, let's have a royal tea party! You can be the king, and I'll be the princess!"

Rudra chuckled, his heart warm at Pihu's unyielding affection.

Rudra: "Alright, Your Highness. But only if I get to have a crown!"

Ishu watched from the sidelines, unable to shake off the feeling of jealousy.

Ishu (muttering to Rey): "It's like he's forgotten we exist. Look at how he's doting on that Shivansh guy and Pihu!"

Rey nodded, glancing at Rudra with a mix of admiration and concern.

Rey: "Yeah, it feels like he's shutting us out. He's never been this close to someone before."

As if sensing their unspoken worries, Rudra turned to them.

Rudra: "Hey, you two! Come join us!"

Pihu tugged at Ishu's hand, her wide eyes pleading.

Pihu: "Come on, Ishu bhaiya! Be part of our royal court!"

Ishu hesitated but eventually joined, putting on a smile for Pihu's sake.

Later, 

After a few hours of laughter, Ishani, Jeevika, and Pihu decided it was time to leave. The farewell was bittersweet; while Pihu threw herself into Rudra's arms one last time, Ishani's gaze flickered toward Shiv's room, concern etched on her face.

As the door clicked shut behind the girls, the atmosphere shifted.

Ishu: "What's the deal with Shivansh? Why is Bhaiya so invested in him?"

Rey: "I don't know, but it doesn't sit right with me. He's just some guy who showed up out of nowhere. What if he has ulterior motives?"

They exchanged wary glances, both boys feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness for Rudra.

In Shiv's Room

Shiv sat on the bed, still recovering from his injuries. Rudra had just finished checking his bandages, his brow furrowed with concern.

Rudra: "Are you feeling any better? You need to rest."

Shiv nodded, but his eyes flickered toward the door, aware of Ishu and Rey's presence outside.

Shiv: "Rudra, do you think your brothers are okay with me being here?"

Rudra smiled, trying to reassure him.

Rudra: "They're just protective, that's all. They'll come around."

But even as he spoke, doubt crept into his mind. He could sense the tension in the air and knew his brothers well enough to understand their jealousy and possessiveness.

In the Hallway

Outside, Ishu and Rey stood in hushed conversation.

Ishu: "We can't let Shivansh come between us and Bhaiya. We have to keep an eye on him."