Anirudh's informant handed him a photograph, and his eyes widened as he took in Samyuktika's captivating smile.
Her striking features, radiant complexion, and luminous eyes leapt off the page.
"Stunning," Anirudh breathed, his gaze lingering.
For a moment, his vendetta against Ekansh Rai forgot, replaced by an unexpected spark of intrigue.
"Who is she, really?" Anirudh asked, his voice softer.
The informant hesitated.
"Not much is known, sir. She's from a humble background, was a teacher... Ekansh's family arranged the marriage."
Anirudh's eyes narrowed.
"Arranged marriage"
"Yes, sir. Whispers suggest Ekansh's family chose her to secure their legacy."
Anirudh's mind whirled.
"A pawn in their game," he muttered.
His gaze returned to the photo, studying Samyuktika's expression.
"Innocent," he thought, "and potentially... useful."
Anirudh's eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at Samyuktika's photo.
"She should be mine," he whispered, his voice laced with possessiveness.
The informant shifted uncomfortably.
"Sir, she's Ekansh Rai's wifeâ"
Anirudh's gaze snapped up, cutting off the informant.
"I don't care about Ekansh's claims," he growled. "She's the key to destroying him, and I'll stop at nothing to make her mine."
His words dripped with malice, fueled by a growing obsession.
The informant nodded, recognizing the danger in Anirudh's tone.
"I'll arrange for you to meet her, sir," he said, backing away.
Anirudh's smile spread, sinister and calculating.
"Make it happen."
As the informant departed, Anirudh's thoughts consumed him.
Samyuktika, the beautiful teacher, would soon become his pawn.
He envisioned her by his side, a trophy to rub in Ekansh's face.
But little did Anirudh know, Samyuktika held secrets of her own.
The two women beside Anirudh, who had been vying for his attention, now gazed at him with icy stares.
"Who is this Samyuktika?" one of them spat, her voice laced with venom.
Anirudh's smile faltered, sensing the sudden tension.
"Just a business opportunity," he attempted to downplay.
But the women weren't fooled.
"You're obsessed with her," the other woman accused, her tone dripping with jealousy.
Anirudh shrugged.
"Perhaps," he admitted. "But it's not about love. It's about power."
The women exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions cold.
"You're using us," the first woman hissed.
Anirudh's eyes narrowed.
"You knew the game," he reminded them. "Don't pretend to be innocent."
The atmosphere turned toxic as the women's anger boiled over.
"Leave," Anirudh commanded, his voice firm.
The women stormed out, slamming the door behind them.
Anirudh's focus returned to Samyuktika's photo.
"soon," he whispered.
.
.
.
Ekansh chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
"Rihaan, you're as perceptive as ever," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Rihaan raised an eyebrow.
"Pyar ka chakkar hai, mere dost?" he repeated, his tone teasing. "Has love finally caught up with the infamous Ekansh Rai?"
Ekansh's smile widened.
"Maybe," he admitted, his eyes sparkling. "Samyuktika...she's different, Rihaan. She's light, freshness, and warmth all rolled into one."
Rihaan's expression softened.
"I'm happy for you, Ekansh," he said, genuine warmth in his voice. "You deserve it. But be careful, yaar. Love can be a double-edged sword."
Ekansh's gaze turned serious.
"I know," he said. "But I'm willing to take that risk. For her, I'd face anything."
Rihaan nodded.
"I'll support you, always," he promised. "Now, tell me more about this Samyuktika. What's her secret?"
Ekansh leaned forward, a conspiratorial grin spreading. He told him everything.
Rihaan's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I've met Samyuktika, remember?" he teased.
Ekansh chuckled. "Right! You were impressed, weren't you?"
Rihaan nodded. "She's got a unique energy. Warm and genuine."
Ekansh beamed with pride. "That's what drew me to her," he admitted. "But there's more to her than meets the eye."
Rihaan's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Ekansh leaned in. "Samyuktika has secrets, Rihaan. Secrets that could change everything."
Rihaan's eyes narrowed. "What kind of secrets?"
Ekansh hesitated. "I'm not entirely sure. But I aim to find out." Rihaan's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Ekansh. Secrets can be deadly."
Ekansh's jaw clenched. "I'll protect her, Rihaan. No matter what.
Ekansh leaned back in his chair, his eyes lost in thought. "Rihaan, I need to tell you something about Samyuktika," he said, his voice low.
Rihaan raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "What is it?" he asked.
Ekansh's gaze drifted, his expression wistful. "Her eyes...they remind me of someone who held a special place in my heart," he revealed.
Rihaan's interest deepened. "Who?" he pressed.
Ekansh's brow furrowed. "That's the thing...I don't know," he admitted. "I've never met anyone with eyes like hers before. It's unsettling."
Rihaan's expression turned thoughtful. "Unsettling?" he repeated. "That's an interesting choice of words."
Ekansh nodded. "Yes. It's like...I feel a connection, but I don't know why," he explained.
Rihaan leaned forward, his voice filled with intrigue. "Maybe it's fate?" he suggested.
Ekansh's eyes snapped back to Rihaan, skepticism etched on his face. "Fate? I'm not sure I believe in that," he said.
Rihaan smiled. "You should," he advised. "Sometimes, life surprises us."
The barista arrived with their coffee, breaking the brief silence. Rihaan took a sip, his eyes never leaving Ekansh's face.
"Maybe someone from your childhood?" Rihaan suggested, his voice gentle.
Ekansh's gaze faltered, his mind racing back to memories he thought were long buried.
"Could be," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't remember anyone with eyes like hers."
Rihaan's expression turned thoughtful. "Sometimes, our minds block out memories to protect us," he said. "Maybe Samyuktika's eyes are unlocking something deep within you."
Ekansh's eyes widened, the possibility sending shivers down his spine.
"You think that's possible?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of hope and trepidation.
Rihaan nodded. "I do," he said. "And I think you should explore it."
Ekansh's gaze drifted, lost in the depths of his own memories.
Ekansh's thoughts swirled, memories long buried beginning to resurface.
"Rihaan, what if...what if I've been searching for someone my whole life without realizing it?" Ekansh asked.
Rihaan's expression softened.
"Then maybe Samyuktika's the answer to your search," he said.
Ekansh's eyes locked onto Rihaan's.
"But what if she's not? What if I'm just chasing a ghost?" Ekansh's voice cracked.
Rihaan placed a reassuring hand on Ekansh's shoulder.
"You won't know unless you take the leap," he said.
Ekansh took a deep breath, resolve forming within him.
"You're right," he said. "I need to know."
Just then, Ekansh's phone buzzed.
Samyuktika's name flashed on the screen.
"Speak of the devil," Rihaan whispered.
Ekansh smiled.
"Time to take that leap," he said.