Sunlight traced softly through the curtains, filling the room with a gentle warmth.
The door creaked open.
Ruhi peeked inside, her voice soft—still carrying a faint hiccup.
"Ashura… you're getting discharged today…"
Ashura sat up slowly, his voice quiet.
"I know, Ruhi… you've already told me that… like 27 times."
Ruhi chuckled softly.
"I love reminding you, my brother…"
A small smile appeared on her face.
Ashura glanced at her calmly.
Ruhi… she's just like Mom…
Tearful… emotional… but kind and caring.
While Avni and Nyra… and even Dad… always overreact too much…
A thought crossed his mind.
If they all go somewhere… where do I even go…?
A pause.
Then—
Wait…
Am I adopted…?
Before he could think further—
Tap.
Ruhi lightly slapped his cheek.
"Oye, overthinker."
Ashura flinched slightly.
"Idiot girl—" he snapped.
"You got lost somewhere," she teased, covering her mouth as she giggled.
"So this is the only way to bring you back."
Ashura narrowed his eyes and suddenly pinched her nose.
"Mmhh—!" Ruhi muffled, struggling.
"You're such a troublemaker," Ashura said calmly.
"Heyy—!" she protested, trying to free herself.
"Who does this to their elder sister?!"
Ashura didn't let go.
"You're only 30 seconds older than me."
Ruhi puffed her cheeks.
"Still… I'm elder."
She giggled softly, letting out a small sigh.
The scene shifted—
To the hospital corridors.
Footsteps echoed softly against the tiled floor.
Rivaan walked ahead, holding a bag in one hand, while Avni walked beside him.
"We slapped him pretty hard," Avni said calmly.
"So he understands his place."
Rivaan glanced at her.
"That's brutal," he replied dryly.
"You're harassing my son."
Avni puffed her cheeks.
"He deserved it."
A pause.
"…I still want to see him," she added softly.
"Poor Ashura…"
Rivaan sighed.
"You were just saying you hate him."
Avni smirked slightly.
"I never said I hate him… I just don't show that I love him."
Rivaan's expression softened a little.
"…He reminds me of Maya."
Avni stopped for a second, confused.
"…How?" she asked.
"Ashura and Mom are completely different."
She folded her arms.
"Mom was kind… she used to cry even when someone else got hurt."
Her gaze darkened slightly.
"But Ashura…"
A brief pause.
"…there's not a single day without blood."
"Either he gets hurt… or someone else does."
Silence filled the corridor for a moment.
Rivaan spoke calmly.
"…Their faces."
Avni blinked.
"They share the same features."
Avni let out a small chuckle.
"Genetics, Dad."
"…Yeah," Rivaan muttered.
"Maybe."
The scene shifted again—
Outside the hospital.
A sleek Mercedes-Benz slowly came to a stop near the entrance.
The engine went silent.
From inside, a voice spoke calmly.
"…This is the hospital where that boy is admitted?"
"Yes, sir," the driver replied.
The door opened.
"Thank you."
A composed, graceful voice echoed as someone stepped out—
Carrying an air of quiet authority.
Outside—
A long red carpet was laid out in front of the hospital entrance.
People stopped.
Whispers spread.
Confusion filled the air.
"Why is there a carpet here…?"
"Who's coming…?"
The ordinary atmosphere of the hospital… felt disturbed.
Inside the room—
"You look like a lazy dinosaur," Ashura said casually.
"Shut up, you idiot munchkin," Ruhi replied instantly.
Both of them giggled softly.
Ashura slowly stood up.
Ruhi immediately grabbed his hand, her voice turning nervous.
"You're not fully healed yet… don't push yourself…"
Ashura smiled faintly.
"I'm fine… don't worry, sissy."
He gently caressed her hair.
Before the moment could continue—
Knock. Knock.
Ashura glanced at the door.
"…Come in."
The door opened.
Rivaan and Avni stepped inside.
Avni's expression looked… strange.
Confused.
"Ashura…" she said slowly,
"…someone is here to meet you."
Ashura frowned slightly.
"…Me?"
Avni didn't answer.
Instead—
She stepped aside.
And pointed behind her.
Standing at the doorway—
Were two figures.
A young girl.
And an old man.
Both dressed in elegant, royal attire.
Their presence alone felt… different.
Heavy.
Silent.
Their eyes were fixed—
Directly on Ashura.
The room went still.
Even the air felt tense.
A few minutes later—
Everyone sat around a table inside the room.
Ruhi and Avni sat beside Ashura.
Rivaan faced the guests calmly.
The old man looked at Ashura.
"…You are Ashura… right?"
His voice—
Was filled with gratitude.
Ashura nodded slightly.
"…Yes."
And then—
Without warning—
The old man and the girl both bowed their heads deeply.
Ashura froze.
"…Hey—what are you doing?"
He quickly stood up, startled.
Rivaan leaned forward, confused.
"Mr. John… what are you saying?"
Avni and Ruhi exchanged glances, completely lost.
The girl lifted her head slightly.
Tears filled her eyes.
"Ashura ji…"
Her voice trembled.
"…you are not human…"
A pause.
"…you are an angel for us."
Ashura frowned.
"…What?"
The old man's hands trembled.
"A month ago…" he began, his voice breaking.
"My elder daughter went out at night…"
His eyes filled with tears.
"…a man… raped her…"
His voice cracked completely.
"…and murdered my child…"
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Unbearable.
"We went to the police… to the court…" he continued.
"But no one helped us…"
The girl clenched her fists.
"I broke after my sister died…" she said, her voice shaking.
"I wanted revenge…"
Her head lowered.
"…but I was weak… useless…"
A tear fell.
"But Ashura ji…"
She looked at him again, eyes filled with gratitude.
"…you…"
Her voice softened.
"…last week… you killed him."
She bowed her head again.
"You killed the man who destroyed my sister's life…"
A pause.
"…we owe you everything."
The room went silent.
Ashura stood still.
Then—
A small smile appeared on his face.
"…It's fine," he said calmly.
"You don't owe me anything."
His voice softened slightly.
"You've already suffered enough."
Rivaan placed a hand on the old man's shoulder.
"My son isn't good with words…" he said gently.
"But he has a good heart."
He glanced at Ashura.
"…and I know… he wanted justice for your daughter too."
Ruhi's eyes filled with tears.
"I didn't know…" she whispered.
"…that what Ashura does… can change someone's life like this…"
The old man slowly stood up.
"I don't want anything from you, boy…"
He stepped closer—
And suddenly grabbed Ashura's hands tightly.
His gaze was intense.
"I want to repay my debt."
Ashura blinked.
"…What?"
The old man's voice became firm.
"Please…"
A pause.
"…marry my daughter."
Silence.
"And become the heir to my entire wealth...
Ashura stumbled back slightly.
He gulped.
"I-I'm still a child, Uncle…" he said nervously.
"I'm not ready for marriage…"
Avni blinked, confused.
"…Yeah, he's right," she added quickly.
"My brother is only sixteen."
Ruhi nodded in agreement.
The girl stepped forward gently.
Her eyes were still filled with tears—
But her smile was soft.
"It's fine…" she said calmly.
"I can wait…"
A small pause.
"…for my hero."
Her gaze stayed on Ashura.
"For my whole life… if I have to."
Ashura froze.
Rivaan cleared his throat and spoke firmly.
"Mr. John… I understand your feelings," he said.
"But my son is still a child. You'll have to wait."
Ashura nodded quickly, avoiding eye contact.
His expression had turned shy.
Ruhi noticed instantly.
A small grin formed on her lips.
"…Nervous?" she teased, patting his shoulder.
Ashura puffed his cheeks slightly.
"Shut up…"
She's beautiful…
Rich… elegant… and strong…
But…
I'm not ready…
The old man spoke again, his voice calm but firm.
"I understand, Mr. Rivaan…"
A pause.
"…that it's too early."
He looked directly at Ashura.
"But I want your son… as my daughter's future husband."
His grip tightened slightly on his cane.
"I trust Ashura more than fate itself."
Silence filled the room.
"What happened to my daughter…" he continued, his voice heavy,
"…no one helped us."
His eyes darkened.
"But a boy… who didn't even know us…"
He looked at Ashura again.
"…killed that man."
A pause.
"That is enough for me to believe in him."
The girl lowered her gaze slightly, blushing.
"…And my daughter is mature," he added.
"She can become a good bride for Ashura."
Ashura's face turned red.
"…A bride…?"
He glanced at her for a second—
Then quickly looked away.
Let me think… before I say anything…
Ashura let out a slow breath.
Then he spoke—
Calmly.
"…Uncle."
A pause.
"I'm not a good person."
The room fell silent.
"I like blood," he continued.
"I kill people."
His voice grew colder.
"I hate weakness… almost as much as I hate criminals."
Ruhi tightened her grip on his arm.
"Ashura… stop…"
But he didn't.
"I hate disobedience," he went on.
"I hate people who pretend to care about me."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"I don't want a bride."
A pause.
"I want someone who can take care of me."
Silence.
"…Would you still give your daughter to someone like me?" he asked quietly.
"I'll ruin her life."
"Enough, Ashura," Rivaan said sharply.
"You're crossing the line."
Ruhi pulled his arm again.
"Please… stop…"
Avni raised her hand—
Ready to slap him again.
But—
"It's fine."
The old man's calm voice cut through the tension.
Everyone froze.
"I still accept you, Ashura."
Ashura's eyes widened.
"…What?"
Even after all that…?
He's still agreeing…?
The girl stepped forward slightly.
Her face was red, her voice trembling—
But her eyes were steady.
"Ashura ji…"
She clasped her hands together nervously.
"I'm ready… to stay by your side for my whole life…"
A small pause.
"Even if not as your wife…"
Her voice softened.
"…I'll still accept being with you."
Her eyes shined.
"I admire you… from the day I heard your name…"
She slowly revealed her wrist—
Ashura's name was tattooed on it.
"…You're my hero."
She smiled shyly.
Ashura stared.
Speechless.
The old man stepped forward again.
"Please… accept my request, Ashura," he said.
"I will entrust you with everything I have."
Silence filled the room.
Ashura closed his eyes for a moment.
There's no way out of this…
He let out a sigh.
Then—
A casual smile appeared on his face.
"…Alright, Uncle."
The room froze.
"I'll marry your daughter."
Silence.
Ruhi's eyes widened in shock.
"…What?"
Avni stood still—
Completely frozen.
Rivaan stared at him—
His expression clearly saying:
…This idiot.
Ashura took a quiet breath.
Then looked straight at the old man.
"…Am I ready to marry your daughter?"
The room stilled.
"…I have one condition."
The old man's face lit up instantly.
The girl covered her mouth in excitement, her eyes sparkling.
"Tell me, boy," the old man said eagerly.
"What do you want?"
Ashura's expression turned calm.
But his eyes… were serious.
"I have many enemies," he said.
Ruhi… Avni… sorry…
You might get dragged into this…
"They can kill me anytime," he continued.
"Until I finish them…"
A pause.
"…I won't marry."
Silence.
"And before that…" he added,
"I want to understand your daughter."
He glanced at her briefly.
"We can spend time together… talk… meet…"
His tone stayed steady.
"But not a proper marriage. Not yet."
The girl listened quietly.
Then smiled.
A bright… sincere smile.
"I don't really like short-term relationships," she said honestly.
"But…"
She stepped forward slightly.
"If it's with you… I accept."
Ashura blinked.
The old man nodded proudly.
"That's a wise decision," he said.
"I will also provide you protection, son."
His voice softened.
"I admire your thinking."
A pause.
"I will wait."
Ashura nodded.
"…Thank you, Uncle."
Both the old man and the girl bowed their heads again.
"Thank you, Ashura ji…"
Ashura's face turned slightly red.
"H-Hey… don't call me 'ji'…"
Before the moment could settle—
A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder from behind.
"…Huh?"
Avni's voice.
Dangerously calm.
"You said…" she whispered.
"…you have enemies?"
Her face slowly lifted—
Eyes filled with anger.
"Let's make them real."
Ashura froze.
Behind him—
Ruhi stood quietly.
Holding a knife.
Rivaan stood beside them—
Completely silent.
Ignoring everything.
Ashura gulped.
…I'm done.
Before Ashura could get "executed" by his own family—
He turned back.
His gaze fell on the girl.
Blonde hair tied neatly behind her back…
A soft smile on her face…
She was quietly looking at him.
Ashura spoke calmly,
"You know my name…"
She nodded.
"I know everything about you," she said gently.
"Your name… your age… your address… even your social media…"
She smiled.
Ashura blinked.
"…You're a stalker?"
She chuckled.
"…Maybe."
Ashura looked at her for a moment.
"…Your name?"
He slipped one hand into his pocket.
The girl straightened slightly.
Her voice calm… elegant.
"Shina…"
A small pause.
"…Shina Velryna."
Ashura nodded.
"…Nice to meet you."
The old man added with a smile,
"Shina John."
Ashura raised his hand.
She took it—
Holding it a little tighter than expected.
"…You're warm," she said softly.
Ashura froze.
That feeling—
It was familiar.
Too familiar.
"…This feeling…"
His vision blurred slightly—
And suddenly—
A memory flashed.
A small child sat in a woman's lap.
"Ashura…" she whispered gently, stroking his hair.
"You're so warm… my baby…"
Young Ashura laughed softly, holding onto her.
She pulled him closer.
"…I'm sorry…"
Her voice trembled.
"I can't stay with you for long…"
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"But I promise…"
She kissed his forehead.
"…in another world… we'll be together again…"
"…Ashura…"
The voice pulled him back.
Shina was looking at him.
A tear had slipped down his cheek.
"…Are you crying?" she asked softly.
Ashura wiped it quickly.
"…No."
Behind him—
Avni puffed her cheeks.
"Hmph… you're stealing our brother…"
Ruhi glared slightly.
"See… you made him cry…"
Rivaan chuckled lightly.
"Girls… don't start."
He looked at Shina and smiled faintly.
"She's going to be part of the family."
The old man stepped forward and placed a hand on Ashura's shoulder.
"From today onwards…"
He smiled warmly.
"…we are family."
Silence.
Ashura lowered his gaze.
Mom…
A shadow passed through his eyes.
I wish…
A pause.
I could kill you…
— End of Chapter 3 —