HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES

Seperation

Manvika lay on the bed, her body heavy and fatigued, yet her mind buzzed incessantly with the echoes of the traumatic events that had unfolded. The soft whir of the ceiling fan above provided a comforting hum, but it was overshadowed by the chaotic memories of the day—a relentless reminder of the danger they had faced. Around her, her family gathered, their faces reflecting a cocktail of concern and relief, as if collectively holding their breath.

“Ishi and Krishi kahan hai?” Anika’s voice cut through the thick tension in the room. Her eyes darted around, searching for the twins, the worry in her tone palpable. It had been a day filled with too many close calls, and now, the absence of their innocent laughter made the air feel heavy.

Ritansh quickly sprang into action, opening a nearby cupboard where the twins had been hiding. “Here they are!” he announced with a relieved smile, his voice cutting through the somber atmosphere. The twins, Ishi and Krishi, burst out, their little feet pounding on the floor as they dashed toward Ishaan, who welcomed them with open arms.

“Are you fine, princess?” Ishaan asked, his voice a blend of warmth and protective urgency as he lifted them effortlessly into his arms. The sparkle in his eyes told them that they were safe now.

“Yess! Bhaiya didn’t let anyone hurt us!” Krishi chimed, her face lighting up with the joy of being reunited. Manvika couldn't help but smile at their innocent enthusiasm, feeling a flicker of warmth in her heart amid the turmoil.

As the initial chaos settled, Manvika slowly began to emerge from her daze, the harsh realities of the day slowly creeping back into focus. Her mind struggled to process everything she had witnessed—the horror that felt almost surreal. They all gathered in the living room, where Grey, Marchel, and Deva had already begun to clear away the remnants of the earlier chaos. Their swift movements were a testament to the urgency that hung in the air.

“Jerry is coming!” Rihaan announced suddenly, and the room went quiet. The mention of Jerry sent a ripple of mixed emotions through the group—Ritansh’s eyes sparked with excitement, while Manvika’s narrowed in apprehension. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, recognizing the pattern that Jerry’s arrivals seemed to follow. Where Grey, Jerry, and Ritansh reunited, trouble was seldom far behind.

Ever since Manvika had regained consciousness, she had been unable to connect with Ritansh. As if sensing her need for comfort, she called him over with a gentle motion of her finger, summoning him close. He moved to her side without hesitation, standing tall before her, his eyes filled with an understanding that needed no words.

Manvika’s gaze fell to his small hands, now marked with red cuts, remnants of their harrowing escape. “It is hurting,” she murmured, concern lacing her voice. The maternal instinct within her surged, as it always did, feeling the weight of her child’s pain as her own.

Ritansh nodded solemnly, and without a second thought, he climbed onto Rihaan’s lap, seeking the security of his father’s embrace, resting his head against Rihaan’s shoulder. The movement was simple, yet it spoke volumes of their bond, a silent affirmation that together, they would weather the storm.

“Let her rest, Manvika,” Rihaan urged softly, intertwining his fingers with hers. His touch was both reassuring and possessive, a reminder that their son was safe in their arms.

“I want all my children to get married and move far away from here to start fresh,” Rupali stated suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet as she looked around the room. Her words held an urgency, a plea for peace after the chaos they had just survived. “Shiv is already engaged to Soumya; now it's time for Shivi, Akshat, and Ishaan to follow suit.”

“Sahi bol rahi ho, Rupali! Aur ek baar Rihaan aur Manvika ki bhi shaadi dobara karwa dete hain,” Ranvijay supported, his enthusiasm bubbling beneath the surface as he sought to lift the mood, yet acknowledging the seriousness of their circumstances.