Interrogation Before Truth – 2

[A Few Days Later]

Knock knock…

“I’m coming!” A steady, loud voice answered from behind the door.

The gate creaked open to reveal a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a folded newspaper in one hand. He peered over the rim of his frames, his expression cautious.

Man:

“Who’s there?”

Jiya:

“Hello, Uncle. Is Aunt Gori home?”

Man (narrowing his eyes):

“Yes… and you are?”

Jiya (with a soft smile):

“I used to be her neighbour. I’m Jiya Malhotra. May I speak with her for a moment?”

Man (after a pause, nodding):

“Wait here.”

He closed the gate and disappeared inside. A few tense minutes ticked by. Then, the door opened again, and he quietly ushered them in.

Inside, the house smelled faintly of sandalwood. Sunlight poured in through the half-drawn curtains, falling on a wooden chair by the window.

Sitting there was a woman draped in soft pastel clothes, her silver hair tied neatly, her eyes glimmering with recognition.

She rose slowly, her smile gentle but her voice brimming with affection.

Aunt Gori (smiling warmly):

“My child, how have you been? It’s been ages since we last met. Look at me now, I’ve grown so fragile!”

Jiya (hugging her gently):

“Aunt, I’m doing well. And fragile? Who dares say that? You’re still as gorgeous as ever—I’ll personally scold the one who said otherwise!”

Aunt Gori (giggling softly):

“By the way… who is that young man with you?”

Her teasing glance shifted toward Rudra.

Aunt Gori:

“Is he your boyfriend? Ohho! That’s why you were so eager to meet me!”

Rudra stiffened, his sharp gaze darting to Jiya, clearly caught off guard.

Jiya’s smile faltered for the briefest moment.

[Flashback – A Few Days Ago]

Rudra (leaning against the doorframe as Jiya barged in):

“What makes you come here like a storm?”

Jiya’s eyes were sharp, but her lips trembled slightly.

Jiya:

“I don’t want your predictions to be true… but I still need to investigate.”

Rudra (calmly, watching her pace):

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“Then?”

Jiya (straightening, voice firm):

“My parents won’t share anything. But my mom once said she did everything to protect me and my younger sister. That means something’s hidden… and I can’t sit still anymore.”

Rudra sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Rudra (to himself):

“She looks like she’s about to march into a war. Why does she always drag me in?”

Jiya (suddenly, almost pleading):

“Rudra, are you free this week?”

Rudra:

“Not really. What’s going on?”

Jiya:

“I need to visit a few places—dig into my parents’ past. And… I want you with me.”

Rudra (teasing, smirking faintly):

“If I go with you, who’ll protect the university?”

Jiya (arching a brow, slyly):

“Let’s be honest—what have you really protected? Everyone you tried to save still ended up dead. What’s the point of your presence?”

Her words stung, but her eyes softened as soon as she saw his expression falter.

Jiya (gently):

“…But I trust you, Rudra. If I have you beside me, maybe I won’t feel so lost.”

Rudra froze, startled by her sudden tenderness. He looked away quickly, hiding the heat rising in his face.

Rudra (quietly, giving in):

“Enough… Fine. I’ll cast a warding spell and come with you.”

Jiya (smirking, relief flooding her tone):

“Appreciated.”

Rudra (after a beat, tilting his head at her):

“…But when someone asks who I am, what will you say? Your bodyguard? Your… shadow?”

Jiya (pausing, then winking playfully):

“Leave that to me.”

Her teasing grin made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t want to admit.

[Back to the Present]

Rudra stepped forward, ready to explain who he really was. But Jiya quickly grabbed his wrist, squeezing it gently, and smiled brightly at Aunt Gori.

Jiya:

“Yes, Aunt. We were on a trip nearby. When I realized we were close to the old neighbourhood, I just had to see you.”

Aunt Gori’s eyes softened as she looked between them.

Aunt Gori:

“Aww, that’s so sweet. I’m truly glad you came, dear.”

Jiya introduced Rudra politely.

Rudra (to himself, annoyed yet oddly flustered):

“So this was her plan all along…”

Rudra (aloud, nodding):

“Hello, Aunt. It’s nice to meet you.”

Aunt Gori (clapping her hands softly, delighted):

“Aww, such a handsome young man! You two look wonderful together… like your ancestors’ king and queen!”

Rudra blinked, confusion flashing across his face.

Rudra:

“Who, Aunt?”

Aunt Gori (smiling knowingly):

“Her ancestors. I heard somewhere they fought side by side to protect their kingdom, and never left each other—even when one of them met a brutal end. Didn’t Jiya tell you?”

Jiya’s breath caught. Rudra’s eyes widened.

Rudra:

“No… but I’m surprised you know about this.”

Too stunned to answer, Jiya let Aunt Gori usher them to sit.

Tea and sweets were set on the table.

Rudra (curious):

“By the way, Aunt… how did you come to know all this?”

Aunt Gori (fondly recalling):

“Years ago… I visited their house. Her mother was cleaning, and I noticed some old photographs. I asked about them, and she told me little bits and pieces. It stayed with me.”

Jiya (softly, still lost in thought):

“Oh…”

Aunt Gori (leaning in, curious):

“By the way, what in the world does your boyfriend do?”

Rudra opened his mouth, but Jiya stealthily pressed her foot down on his.

Rudra:

“Ahhh! It hurts—”

Jiya shot him a sharp side-eye.

Rudra (to himself, glaring):

“Is she insane? If she wants me quiet, why bring me here in the first place?”

Aunt Gori (concerned):

“What happened, dear? Are you okay?”

Rudra (forcing a smile):

“I’m alright, just… my foot got caught under the table.”

Without warning, Jiya picked up two sweets and held one to his lips.

Her fingers brushed against his lips. Their eyes locked—her cheeks warmed, his heartbeat stumbled. Both pulled back, flustered.

Jiya (shyly):

“You must be starving. Have some sweets… they’re delicious.”

She quickly shifted her gaze to Aunt Gori, trying to hide her blush.

Jiya:

“So, Aunt… what were you saying?”