Sharma Residence, Study Room
Maira's voice was low and concerned as she spoke to Kailashi. "Nani, I'm just telling you about last night's incident at Urvi's farmhouse. Mihir had a narrow escape, and Urvi's true nature was revealed. She turned out to be a Daayan and attacked him."
Kailashi nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, I know. What I want to know is how he's doing now."
Maira's brow furrowed. "He's fine, Nani. But I think he might suspect me now. I had to save him, and I'm worried that he might piece things together."
Kailashi's voice was firm. "He can't find out yet that you're a Reevavanshi, sent to protect him. It's crucial that he remains unaware."
Maira nodded in agreement. "Of course, Nani. Mihir is a very strange person. If he finds out I'm a Reevavanshi and I'm here to protect him, he won't let me. He's got an inflated sense of self-importance, thinks no one can harm him."
Kailashi's expression turned grave. "He's unaware of how dangerous Mohana and her Daayans are. Once Mohana sets her evil eyes on something, she always gets it. We can't let our guard down around Mihir."
Maira's eyes locked onto Kailashi's, determination etched on her face. "Don't worry, Nani. I'll keep him safe, no matter what."
Suddenly, a magical book on the desk started flipping through its pages, catching Kailashi and Maira's attention. As it stopped flipping, a strange sign of danger appeared on the page, accompanied by a picture of the Kashyap mansion. Kailashi and Maira exchanged a shocked glance.
Kailashi's voice was laced with concern. "Danger has infiltrated the Kashyap mansion. The evil forces have gained entry."
Maira's eyes widened in alarm. "What does this mean, Nani? We have to do something!"
Kailashi's expression turned grave. "We need to act fast. Mohana's powers are not to be underestimated. If she's targeted the Kashyap mansion, we must assume the worst."
Hostel Room
Teju sat hunched over her laptop, her eyes scanning the screen as she googled information about Daayans. Her mind kept wandering back to that night when she encountered the Sunehri Daayan. She shuddered at the memory of the Daayan's glowing eyes and her menacing presence.
Teju's fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed in more search terms, desperate to learn more about the supernatural creatures. She recalled how she had fled in terror and bumped into Sahir, who had saved her from the Daayan's clutches.
As she scrolled through the search results, Teju's eyes widened at the horrific tales of Daayans and their brutal killings. She felt a chill run down her spine, grateful to have escaped the Sunehri Daayan's attack.
Savi walked into the room and noticed Teju engrossed in her laptop. "What's going on, Teju? Why are you searching for Daayans?" she asked, curiosity etched on her face.
Teju looked up from her screen and began reading out loud, "'Daayans are known for their distinctive characteristics, including their long, dark braids, reversed feet, and razor-sharp nails.'"
She continued, "'They also have the ability to conceal their true form, which is said to be extremely beautiful, beneath an old, ugly, and scary face.'"
Savi's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's creepy. What made you look up Daayans, anyway?"
Teju's eyes seemed to glaze over as she spoke to Savi. "Remember I told you about my encounter with that... Daayan? Since then, I just can't seem to get it out of my head. I keep thinking about it, wondering how I escaped and what would have happened if Sahir hadn't shown up."
Savi's expression turned concerned. "Yeah, I remember. You were really shaken up by it. It's no wonder you're still thinking about it. That was a traumatic experience, Teju."
Teju nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know, it's just... I feel like I need to know more about them, you know? What they are, what they're capable of. Maybe then I'll feel safer, more prepared."
Savi stood up, signaling that it was time to wind down. "Teju, let's forget about the Daayan fiasco for tonight, okay? It's been a long day, and we should get some rest."
Teju nodded, but her eyes betrayed her unease. "I don't know, Savi. I feel like I have some connection to the Daayan story. It's like... it's not just a random encounter. There's something more to it."
Savi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean? What kind of connection?"
Teju's voice trembled as she recounted the events. "Like the attacks made on me, nights earlier I used to hear someone whispering my name, but I always found no one. And then someone passed a message that I was being called to some storage room where I was almost burned alive. And then... the Daayan took your form and deceived me to leave the college for the highway and almost killed me."
Savi's expression turned serious. "When you put it like that, it seems like you're on a Daayan hit list."
Teju's eyes widened in shock and worry. "But why? What could I have possibly done to deserve all this?"
Kashyap Mansion, Living Room
The Kashyap family warmly welcomed the Rathores, discussing the potential marriage alliance between Sahir and Ruby. Sapna smiled, her tone friendly.
"We're delighted to have this opportunity to strengthen our families' bond. Sahir and Ruby have known each other for a long time, and we think they'd make a great couple."
Mr. Rathore nodded in agreement. "Yes, we think so too. Ruby's a wonderful young woman, and we're sure she'd fit right in with your family."
Behind the scenes, the Kashyaps exchanged anxious glances, their desperation to secure the marriage alliance driven by their belief in the evil eyes and the family priest's warning. However, they kept their concerns hidden, presenting a united and welcoming front to the Rathores.
Sapna turned to Mrs. Rathore and asked, "I was expecting Ruby to join us today. Where is she?"
Mrs. Rathore smiled apologetically. "She went to college. She had some work to attend to."
Moti Baa's eyes lit up with interest. "Ah, yes! She and Sahir are actually colleagues at the college. Sahir's also been tutoring there. In fact, he's gone to college today as well."
The conversation flowed smoothly, with the Rathores playing their roles perfectly. Meanwhile, Sahir's absence was noted, and the family's anxiety about the potential marriage alliance lingered beneath the surface.
Hansraj College Library
Sahir walked into the library, scanning the room for Teju. He spotted her sitting at a table, surrounded by books and notes. As he approached her, he accidentally startled her, causing her to jump in fear.
In a reflexive response, Teju threw her arms around Sahir, holding him tightly. Sahir, caught off guard, instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
For a moment, they stood there, frozen in an intimate embrace. The tension between them was palpable, and they both felt a spark of attraction.
As they slowly pulled back, their eyes met, and Sahir smiled softly. "Hey, are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you."
Teju's cheeks flushed, and she looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and attraction. "Yeah, I'm fine sir. Just a bit jumpy, I guess."
The moment hung suspended, filled with unspoken emotions, as they stood there, still close, and gazed into each other's eyes.
Sahir's expression softened as he looked at Teju. "I came to check on you. I didn't come to college yesterday, and I was worried about you. Are you okay?"
Teju's eyes dropped slightly, and she nodded. "Yes, Sahir sir, I'm okay."
The formal address, "Sahir sir," brought a hint of reality back to the moment. Sahir's gaze lingered on Teju's face, and he smiled gently. "Good. I'm glad to hear that."
The tension between them still lingered, but Sahir's concern for Teju's well-being seemed to take precedence. Teju, however, couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as she looked up at Sahir, her eyes meeting his warm gaze.
Sahir's thoughts drifted back to the moment they shared, and he felt a pang of guilt. He remembered his promise to his mother, Sapna, to marry Ruby. With a resolute determination, he pushed aside his lingering feelings for Teju.
"Teju, I wanted to share some news with you," Sahir said, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm getting married soon."
Teju's eyes widened in shock, and she looked at Sahir as if trying to process the information. The news hit her like a sudden blow, leaving her speechless.
Sahir's expression remained calm, but a hint of awkwardness crept into his voice. "You should come to the wedding. It would be great if you could explore Delhi's events with me... I mean, you're always welcome to join us."
Teju's face fell, and she nodded slowly, still trying to come to terms with the news. "C-congratulations, Sahir sir. I'll... I'll try to make it."