As Sahir entered the grand foyer, he nodded respectfully to the priest, who sat serenely, his eyes closed in contemplation. Mihir, on the other hand, strode past the priest, his eyes fixed on some distant point, his expression a mask of indifference.
Sahir's gaze followed Mihir, before turning to Sapna, his voice low and concerned. "What's the reason for the priest's visit,mom?" he asked, his brow furrowed in worry.
Moti Baa glided towards Sahir, her face etched with a deep unease. "The priest has foreseen a grave danger, one that threatens your very existence," she whispered, her voice trembling like a leaf in an autumn gust.
Sahir's eyes snapped back to the priest, his interest piqued. "What danger?" he asked, his voice firm, but laced with a hint of trepidation.
Sapna's eyes locked onto his, her gaze burning with an inner fire. "The priest says the only way to save you is..." Her voice trailed off, as if the very words were too terrible to utter.
Sahir's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "What way,mom?" he demanded, his voice rising in urgency.
And then, like a specter, Ruby walked in the doorway, her presence seeming to draw the very air out of the room. Sapna's gaze fell upon her, and her voice was barely audible. "Ruby."
Sahir's eyes widened in shock, his face paling as if struck by a physical blow. Mihir, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with a detached interest, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips, like a spectator enjoying a macabre dance. The room seemed to hold its breath, as if the very fate of the characters hung in the balance.
Sahir's eyes locked onto the priest, his voice incredulous. "How can Ruby save me?" he asked, his words laced with a mix of confusion and desperation.
The priest's eyes opened, his gaze serene and unruffled. "By marrying Ruby," he said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.
Sahir's face went white, his eyes wide with shock. He looked like he'd been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him. Ruby, on the other hand, smiled innocently, her eyes sparkling with a feigned sweetness. Her smile seemed to mirror Sahir's dilemma as she batted her eyelashes, playing the part of the demure, unsuspecting bride-to-be.
The room fell silent, the air thick with tension, as Sahir struggled to process the priest's words. Mihir watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Sapna's face was etched with worry, her eyes pleading with Sahir to accept the priest's solution. The priest, meanwhile, sat serenely, his eyes closed once more, as if waiting for the universe to unfold its plan.
Sahir's mind flashed back to his moments with Teju, the accidental touches, the lingering gazes, and the unspoken connection between them. His heart swelled with emotions, and he knew he couldn't marry Ruby. "No," Sahir said firmly, shaking his head. "I won't marry Ruby. How can marriage be a solution to the danger that's looming over me?"
The priest opened his eyes, his gaze piercing. "Your stars and Ruby's are matching, Sahir. Your union could prove to be a shield against the evil eyes that seek to harm you."
Sahir raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You expect me to believe that marriage can protect me from harm?"
The priest nodded. "In the ancient scriptures, it is written that when two souls with matching stars come together, their bond can deflect negativity and bring prosperity. Ruby's presence in your life can be the key to your safety."
Ruby's innocent smile still lingered on her face, but a flicker of calculation danced in her eyes. Mihir watched the exchange with interest, his expression unreadable. Sapna's face reflected her worry, her eyes pleading with Sahir to consider the priest's words.
Sapna's eyes welled up with tears as she stepped closer to Sahir. "Beta, please don't refuse. We're only trying to save you. What if this marriage is the only way to protect you from harm?" Her voice cracked with emotion, and Moti Baa chimed in, her own voice trembling.
"Sahir, think of us, think of your family. We'll be devastated if anything happens to you. Just consider it, beta, for our sake."
Sahir's resolve wavered under their emotional appeal. Sapna sensed her advantage and pressed on, her voice taking on a desperate tone. "Sahir, I beg of you, don't refuse. Swear on me that you'll agree to this marriage."
Sahir's eyes widened in surprise as Sapna's words cut deep. He hesitated, and Sapna's eyes locked onto his, pleading with him to agree. "Swear on me, Sahir," she repeated, her voice firm.
With a heavy heart, Sahir nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I swear on you, Mom, that I'll agree to the marriage."
As the words left his lips, Sahir felt a sense of perplexity wash over him. He had made a promise, but at what cost? Ruby's smile seemed to grow wider, while Mihir's expression remained inscrutable. Sapna's face, however, reflected a mix of relief and determination.
Sahir lay on his bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending marriage. The door swung open, and Mihir strode in, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"Well, well, well, look at Professor here, caving to family pressure," Mihir said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You're really going to let them dictate your life, aren't you, Professor?"
Sahir's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "What do you want, Mihir?" he asked curtly.
Mihir chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I just wanted to see the Professor's intellectual prowess reduced to mere obedience. It's quite... fascinating."
Mihir's words cut deep, and Sahir's anger simmered just below the surface. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Sahir accused, his voice low.
Mihir's grin grew wider. "Immensely, Professor. You're so predictable. Always trying to do the right thing, to please everyone else. It's almost... amusing."
Sahir's fists clenched, his anger boiling over. But Mihir just laughed, the sound sending a chill down Sahir's spine. "Don't worry, Professor," Mihir said, turning to leave. "I'll be there to witness your every move, every step of the way. And I'll be enjoying the show."
Mihir's grin still plastered on his face, he leaned against the doorframe, looking pleased with himself. "You know, Professor, I'm really glad I'm not like you," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'm not bound by family obligations or societal expectations. I don't have to prove myself to anyone."
Mihir's eyes seemed to gleam with a sense of freedom, as if he was untethered from the weights that held Sahir back. "I do what I want, when I want," Mihir continued, his voice laced with a sense of superiority. "I don't have to worry about what others think of me or try to live up to some predetermined standard of greatness."
With a smirk, Mihir pushed off from the doorframe and sauntered away, leaving Sahir feeling trapped and suffocated by his own responsibilities. "You're so busy trying to be the perfect son, perfect grandson, perfect everything," Mihir called out over his shoulder. "Meanwhile, I'm over here living life on my own terms."
Sahir's calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Mihir's taunting tone. "You know, Mihir, despite being twins, we're wired differently," Sahir said, his voice steady. "You might enjoy living life on your own terms, but I care about our family deeply. I want to protect them."
Sahir's eyes seemed to hold a deep sense of responsibility. "The reason they're pushing me to marry Ruby isn't because they want to control me, but because Mohana's evil eyes are on me, and they fear for my safety. They think marrying Ruby will bring me some protection, some peace."
Sahir's voice took on a hint of resignation. "I'm not thrilled about it, but if it makes my family happy, I have no issue. I'll do what's best for them, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness."
Mihir's expression twisted in mock admiration. "Wow, Professor, you're so great, so selfless, so willing to sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of others," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're like a martyr, a saint, a superhero. I'm sure the Nobel Prize committee is already on their way to Stockholm to award you the prize for Greatest Sacrifice."
Mihir's mocking tone cut deep, but Sahir remained calm, his eyes fixed on Mihir. "I'm not doing it for recognition, Mihir. I'm doing it because it's what needs to be done."
Mihir's eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark as he said, "You know, Sahir, Mohana's evil eye is on me too, but I'm not exactly trembling with fear. Why? Because I'm a Daavansh, just like you. I've got powers, abilities that make me more than capable of handling her."
Mihir's voice took on a tone of superiority. "I'm not getting married just to seek protection. I'm strong enough to take care of myself. And you know why? Because I'm not afraid to tap into my true nature. I'm a Daavansh, and I won't let anyone or anything dictate my life."
Mihir's words cut deep, and Sahir's expression turned introspective. "You, on the other hand, are letting the family's fear overwhelm you. You're so busy trying to protect them that you're forgetting to protect yourself. You're weak, Sahir, because you want to be vulnerable for the family's sake. I'm not. I've learned to be strong, to harness my powers."
With a dismissive smirk, Mihir turned to leave. "You need to learn to tap into your true strength, Sahir. Otherwise, you'll always be held back by your own limitations." With that, Mihir walked out, leaving Sahir to ponder his words.