Three days had passed. Since that night, a strange relationship had developed between Ayaan and Anvesha. Not as cold as before, but not completely warm either. A middle ground.
Anvesha still thought about—Ayaan's smile. That first genuine smile. The moment he said "Let's try."
But since this morning, Anvesha's heart wasn't at ease. A tingling pain in her forehead repeatedly. Something was about to happen—she could sense it.
At eleven in the morning, Ayaan called.
"Don't need to go to office today. A special guest is coming home."
Before Anvesha could ask anything, the call ended. Special guest? Who?
---
At twelve noon, a car entered the gate. Anvesha looked through the window—a black car. As the door opened, a young man stepped out. Wearing glasses. Smiling face. But Anvesha's heart pounded.
Arnab!
She recognized him. That face—which she had seen in her vision. Gun in hand. Ready to shoot.
Anvesha stepped back from the window. Her hands and feet grew cold. Didn't know what to do.
"Sister-in-law!"
Anvesha startled at the call from behind. Turning around, she saw—Arnab! Standing at the door. With that smile.
"Sister-in-law, do you recognize me? I'm Arnab. Ayaan's cousin. I've heard a lot about you."
Anvesha tried to say something, but no words came out.
Arnab stepped forward. Extended his hand. Anvesha hesitated. Would she extend hers? No?
Just then, Ayaan appeared.
"Arnab! You've arrived?" Ayaan came forward and took Arnab's hand. Then looked at Anvesha and said, "He's my cousin. Come to visit after a long time."
Arnab smiled. Something seemed hidden behind that smile. Anvesha could sense it.
---
Three of them at the lunch table. Arnab kept talking continuously. About business. About abroad. About new plans.
Anvesha listened silently. Putting food in her mouth, but tasting nothing. Her eyes kept falling on Arnab. And remembering that scene—the sound of gunshot, Ayaan falling.
"Sister-in-law, what do you think?" Arnab suddenly asked.
Anvesha startled. "What?"
"I was saying, Ayaan needs new business partners. Don't you think so?"
Anvesha looked at Ayaan. Ayaan was silent. Hiding something in his eyes.
"I... I don't understand these things," Anvesha whispered.
Arnab smiled. "Take it easy, sister-in-law. I was just asking."
Lunch ended. Arnab sat in the garden drinking tea. Ayaan was busy with work inside. Anvesha took the opportunity to go to Ayaan.
"Ayaan, can I say something?"
Ayaan looked up. "What?"
"Arnab... I don't feel good about him. Whatever he says, whatever he does—it all seems like acting."
Ayaan remained silent for a while. Then said, "I know."
Anvesha was surprised. "You know? Then why have you kept him here?"
Ayaan stood up. Looking out the window, he said, "One must know the enemy. And when the enemy comes disguised as a friend, it's better to keep them close. Conspiracy is easy from a distance. But if they're in front of you... you can keep watch."
Anvesha understood. Ayaan didn't trust Arnab. He was just keeping an eye on him.
"But he wants to kill you!"
Ayaan turned around. Fire in his eyes. "I won't die. You saw one future. But we will change it. Remember?"
Anvesha's eyes welled up. She remembered—that promise.
"Leave it. Keeping watch on him is my responsibility. You just be careful. Don't let him suspect anything."
---
Eight at night. Arnab came to talk to Anvesha again. Finding her alone in the garden.
"Sister-in-law, I want to talk to you."
Anvesha became alert. "What about?"
Arnab came closer. Lowering his voice, he said, "Do you know—Ayaan was supposed to marry another girl?"
Anvesha was startled. "What?"
"Yes. The engagement was fixed while his father was alive. But after his father died, Ayaan changed everything. And married you instead. Do you know why?"
Anvesha said nothing. Just listened.
"Because of your father's debt. Ayaan took advantage of that debt. You were bought, sister-in-law. In exchange for a contract. Do you know this?"
Anvesha's head was spinning. Were Arnab's words true? Or false?
"You're lying!"
Ayaan's voice came from behind. Anvesha turned to see—Ayaan standing there. Anger in his eyes.
"Arnab, what are you saying here?"
Arnab smiled indifferently. "Speaking the truth, brother. Shouldn't sister-in-law know?"
Ayaan stepped forward. Grabbing Arnab's collar, he said, "Leave the house. Now. Otherwise..."
Arnab freed his hand. "Alright, I'm leaving. But remember—truth hidden will eventually surface."
Arnab left. Anvesha stood there. Ayaan approached her.
"Don't believe his words."
Anvesha looked up. "What is true, Ayaan? His words? Or yours? Am I just a contract?"
Ayaan froze. Before he could say anything, Anvesha went inside the room. Closed the door.