25. first challenge

AYAAN MUKHERJEE'S POV

I've been trapped in my brother Abhimann's mansion for what feels like an eternity. He says it's for my own protection, but I know the truth. He's trying to keep me away from Yuvraaj, the one person who makes me feel alive.

Abhimann's obsession with controlling my life is suffocating. He's convinced Yuvraaj is a threat, but I know he's wrong.

As I pace in my gilded cage, I hear the sound of footsteps outside my door. Abhimann enters, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"The first challenge is set," he says, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Yuvraaj will have to prove his love for you, Ayaan. If he succeeds, I'll let you see him again."

My heart skips a beat. What kind of challenge could Abhimann have devised? And what will happen if Yuvraaj fails?

I try to read Abhimann's expression, but he's a master of hiding his true intentions. All I can do is wait and hope that Yuvraaj will pass the test.

But as the hours tick by, my anxiety grows. What if Yuvraaj doesn't show up? What if he fails?

The thought of being separated from him forever is unbearable. I have to find a way to escape, to warn Yuvraaj about Abhimann's twisted game.

But for now, I'm trapped, forced to play by Abhimann's rules. All I can do is wait and pray that Yuvraaj will come for me.

As the clock strikes midnight, I hear the sound of footsteps outside my room. Abhimann enters, a triumphant smile on his face.

"It's time, Ayaan," he says. "Yuvraaj has arrived at the windmill. Let's see if he's willing to do whatever it takes to prove his love for you."

He leads me to a hidden room deep within the mansion, where a large screen displays a live feed of the windmill. I see Yuvraaj, standing alone in the darkness, looking around uncertainly.

Abhimann hands me a microphone. "Tell him what he needs to do," he says.

I hesitate, unsure of what to say. But then I see the determination in Yuvraaj's eyes, and I know I have to trust him.

"Yuvraaj, I'm here," I say, my voice shaking. "Abhimann has set a challenge for you. You need to go to the top of the windmill and retrieve a flag. But be warned, it's not going to be easy."

Yuvraaj nods, his face set in a fierce expression. I can sense the passion in his eyes, and he's willing to face everything for me.

As I watch, he begins to climb the windmill, his movements swift and sure. But just as he is about to reach to  the top, a figure emerges from the shadows, taking him down, crashing to the ground.

My heart skips a beat. Who is this person? And what do they want?

The figure steps forward, revealing a woman with a scarred face and a cruel smile. She's holding a knife, and her eyes are fixed menacingly on Yuvraaj.

"Ah, perfect timing," Abhimann says, his voice dripping with malice. "Meet Rhea, an old acquaintance of Yuvraaj's. She has a score to settle with him."

Rhea begins to circle Yuvraaj, her knife glinting in the moonlight. Yuvraaj stands his ground, his eyes fixed on her, but I can see the tension in his body.

"Ayaan, what's going on?" Yuvraaj asks, his voice firm but wary.

"Abhimann's set a trap for you," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "Rhea's here to stop you from getting the flag."

Yuvraaj's eyes narrow. "I won't back down," he says, his voice firm.

Rhea lunges at him, knife flashing, and Yuvraaj dodges just in time. He counterattacks, but Rhea is relentless, her movements swift and deadly.

I watch in horror as they fight, my heart racing with fear. Yuvraaj is skilled, but Rhea is ruthless. What if he loses?

Just when it seems like Rhea is gaining the upper hand, Yuvraaj lands a lucky blow, sending her crashing to the ground. He seizes the opportunity, grabbing the flag and holding it aloft in triumph.

Abhimann's face twists in anger, but I feel a surge of pride and relief. Yuvraaj has passed the first test, but I know there will be more challenges ahead.

Abhimann's expression darkens, his eyes flashing with anger. "Very well, Yuvraaj," he says, his voice dripping with malice. "You've passed the first test. But the next one will be even more challenging."

Yuvraaj stands tall, the flag still clutched in his hand, his chest heaving with exertion. "Bring it on," he says, his voice firm.

Abhimann sneers. "We'll see about that," he says, and snaps his fingers.

I rush to Yuvraaj's side, throwing my arms around him and pulling him into a tight embrace. I kiss him passionately, trying to convey all my emotions and fears.

Yuvraaj responds, holding me close and deepening the kiss. For a moment, we forget about Abhimann and his twisted games.

But as we pull back, gasping for air, I remember where we are and who's watching. I expect Abhimann to be furious, but to my surprise, he's smiling.

"Ah, love can conquer even the darkest fears," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How touching."

I glare at him, but Yuvraaj just holds me tighter. "I am not going to let you win, Abhimann," he says, his voice firm. "We'll face whatever you throw at us, together."

Abhimann chuckles. "We'll see about that," he says. "The final test is yet to come. And it will require all your love and strength to overcome."

I feel a shiver run down my spine, but with Yuvraaj by my side, I know we can face anything. Bring it on, Abhimann. We're ready.

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~to be continued