Saanjh: Bound by love and revenge

Faces of Guilt

---

**Rudra’s Farmhouse - Night**

*Rudra paced in his room, anxiety eating at him.*

Rudra: Why can’t I sit still? *Siya's words played on repeat in his head.* What is she talking about with my grandparents? Is she really leaving me?

*Nehaal sat in another corner, haunted.*

Nehaal: *Why would Maahi frame me for something so horrible?* *The thought felt like a punch, leaving his chest hollow.* This can't be true.

*Nivyansh sat nearby, worry shadowing his face.*

Nivyansh: *My brother’s marriage... Nehaal's life... everything’s a mess. How did we end up here?*

---

**Inside Rudra’s Room**

*Nalini eyed Siya, curiosity etched on her face.*

Nalini: Family?

*Siya's fingers twisted together nervously.*

Siya: Uh... yes.

*Nalini’s brow furrowed.*

Nalini: But your parents died in a car accident, right?

*Siya nodded, swallowing hard.*

Siya: They did. But my cousins... they’re my family now.

*Bhuvan leaned forward, curiosity turning serious.*

Bhuvan: Cousins? Where are they? You’ve never mentioned them.

*Siya took a shaky breath.*

Siya: I... I was scared to talk about them. *Her voice wavered.* I was threatened... *She trailed off, her mind racing.* Anyway, I have a photo. Let me show you.

*She left the room, returning quickly with a photo frame, handing it to Nalini.*

*Nalini’s eyes widened as she stared at the picture.*

Nalini: This boy...

*Siya’s voice tightened.*

Siya: Yes, that’s Ahaan, my cousin. Why?

*Bhuvan gently took the frame, his face darkening as he examined it. Memories rushed back.*

Bhuvan: *The boy who accused Nehaal...* *He cleared his throat, trying to cover his reaction.* Oh, it’s nothing, beta. Just... just got emotional seeing a beautiful family.

*Siya felt uneasy, but she forced a nod.*

Siya: Alright.

*Bhuvan offered a kind smile.*

Bhuvan: Go rest, beta. We’re heading back to the mansion tomorrow. Pack your things.

*Siya’s heart ached, the idea of leaving Rudra hurting more than she expected.*

Siya: Okay... *She whispered.*

---

**After Siya Left**

*Nalini’s hands trembled slightly.*

Nalini: Bhuvan... that boy. He’s the one who accused Nehaal, right? Poor Siya. She’s so kind, and people just use her.

*Bhuvan sighed deeply.*

Bhuvan: Yes, but... I saw something in his eyes. Honesty. Anger. I don’t think he was lying.

*Nalini’s eyes narrowed.*

Nalini: Are you saying Nehaal might be guilty? You slapped him this morning, and now this? How can you not trust him?