"Ruhi… Ruhi…"
A soft whisper echoed through the endless darkness.
Ruhi lay still in the void, her body weightless, her mind drifting between silence and sound.
Her eyes slowly opened.
"…Where am I…?"
She gently rolled to her side before sitting up, her gaze scanning the emptiness around her. There was nothing. No ground. No sky. Just a quiet, endless black.
Then—
"I'm proud of my girl."
The voice came from behind her.
Warm. Familiar.
Ruhi's body froze.
Her heart trembled as she slowly turned back.
A figure stood there, stepping forward with calm grace. With each step, her face became clearer… softer… real.
Ruhi's lips quivered.
"…Mom…?"
Her voice broke.
It was Maya.
Ruhi lowered her head, tears forming instantly.
"…Am I dead…?"
Her voice shook.
"I protected Ashura… but I lost my life…"
Before her thoughts could spiral further, Maya stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her.
"Don't worry, my girl… you're not dead."
Her voice was gentle, soothing. Her hand softly patted Ruhi's back.
"Don't cry… my baby…"
Ruhi clung to her tightly, her voice trembling.
"…Then why am I here…?"
Maya smiled faintly.
"I just wanted to see you."
She cupped Ruhi's face, wiping her tears.
"Thank you… for protecting Ashura."
"I'm proud of you… my daughter."
Ruhi's tears fell faster.
"I'm sorry… I'm not a good sister…"
Maya leaned forward, kissing her forehead softly.
"No… you are the best."
"You risked your life to save him."
"You are the best daughter… and the best sister I could ever have."
Her fingers gently brushed through Ruhi's hair.
Maya's expression slowly changed.
The warmth in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something heavier.
"But promise me something…"
Ruhi nodded without hesitation, her voice soft but firm.
"…Anything…"
"If Ashura is ever in danger… will you protect him again?"
Ruhi didn't think twice.
"Yes… Mom… but what danger…?"
Maya's face darkened.
"Someone wants Ashura… very badly."
Ruhi's eyes widened.
"Why…?"
"…He wants Ashura's body."
"And he will do anything to get it."
Ruhi stepped forward quickly, grabbing Maya's arms.
"Who is it?! Tell me!"
Maya opened her mouth.
"I—"
Her expression suddenly twisted in fear.
Her grip tightened around Ruhi.
"Ruhi… run—!"
Before she could finish—
A sudden force pushed Ruhi away violently.
"AHHH—!"
Ruhi jolted awake.
Her body shot up from the bed as she gasped for air, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
Her hand clutched her heart tightly.
"…Mom…!"
Her voice broke, tears forming again.
The hospital room was quiet. Machines beeped steadily beside her. Everything looked normal.
But her breathing didn't slow.
Her eyes trembled.
That didn't feel like a dream.
Her lips moved weakly.
"…Ashura… is in danger…"
Scene Shift
The air inside the laboratory felt heavy… suffocating.
Cold white lights flickered faintly across the steel walls.
Three girls were trapped inside thick glass chambers.
Their bodies were tightly bound against the surface, arms restrained, legs immobilized. Cloth was stuffed into their mouths, silencing their screams. Their eyes were blindfolded… their ears sealed.
They couldn't see.
They couldn't hear.
They could barely breathe.
Muffled cries echoed weakly through the room—broken, desperate, helpless.
One of the girls trembled violently, her body shaking as if rejecting everything around her. A faint glow flickered beneath her skin… unstable… unnatural.
"Subject #122 is ready for testing."
A scientist's calm voice cut through the silence.
The glow intensified.
The girl tried to scream, her body twisting against the restraints. But the gag swallowed her voice, turning it into nothing more than a suffocated cry.
Her movements grew more frantic.
More desperate.
But nothing changed.
She was completely trapped.
Footsteps echoed.
Slow. Confident.
The door slid open.
A bald man walked in, a cigarette resting between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily around him as he stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the chambers.
"This is… beautiful."
His lips curved into a smirk.
"Finally… they're ready."
He exhaled a long breath of smoke, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Are you ready?"
His voice was low, almost amused.
From the far end of the room, darkness shifted.
A figure stood there… hidden in shadow. His face remained unseen.
His presence alone felt heavy.
Cold.
"…Ishaan."
The voice came from the darkness.
"Do you think Ashura is suitable… as a subject?"
Ishaan lowered his head silently.
No hesitation.
He nodded.
"Yes."
The bald man's smirk deepened.
"Ashura…"
He repeated the name slowly, as if tasting it.
Then his expression hardened.
"Prepare all subjects."
His voice turned sharp. Commanding.
"Capture him… immediately."
The air in the laboratory seemed to freeze.
Somewhere far away…
A storm was about to begin.
The hospital lights dimmed softly.
Midnight had settled in silence.
The room was quiet… almost too quiet.
Ruhi clutched her chest tightly, her fingers trembling against her heartbeat.
"…Mom…"
Her voice came out as a whisper, fragile and broken.
"From whom… do I have to protect Ashura…?"
Her breath shook.
Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.
"And who… are the ones who want my brother…?"
Her vision blurred.
Then—
A face flashed in her mind.
Cold.
Calm.
Watching.
Ruhi's eyes widened slightly.
"…That man…"
Her voice trembled.
"Ishaan…"
A chill ran down her spine.
"Maybe… he's the danger…"
Her body shook as she tried to move.
Slowly, painfully, she pushed herself up from the bed.
Her legs trembled violently under her weight.
She stood—
For a second.
Then—
"Ahh…!"
Her body gave out.
She collapsed onto her knees, a soft cry escaping her lips.
Pain shot through her body.
Her breathing became uneven.
But her eyes… didn't lose focus.
"…I have to…"
She whispered weakly.
"…protect him…"
She placed her hand on the floor, trying to push herself up again.
Her arms shook.
Her strength wasn't enough.
She fell again.
The door creaked open softly.
Nyra stepped inside, letting out a small yawn.
"Ruhi… did you wake up…?"
Her voice was calm—sleepy.
But then—
She looked up.
And froze.
For a moment… she didn't move.
Her eyes widened.
Tears instantly filled them.
"…You…"
Her voice broke.
The next second—
She rushed forward.
"RUHII—!"
Ruhi lifted her head weakly.
"Nyra… didi…"
Before she could say anything more—
Nyra pulled her into a tight embrace.
So tight… as if she was afraid she would disappear again.
"Ruhi…!"
Her arms trembled as she held her.
"Thank God… you're alive…"
Ruhi rested her head against her chest, her eyes slowly closing.
"…I missed you… didi…"
Nyra tightened her hold even more.
Her voice shook as she spoke.
"Promise me… you won't ever do something like that again…"
Her words came out broken, filled with fear.
Ruhi nodded slowly.
"…I promise… didi…"
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
For a moment… everything felt warm.
Safe.
But then—
Ruhi's expression changed.
Her fingers tightened slightly against Nyra's clothes.
Her voice trembled again.
"…Where is Ashura…?"
The room was vast… yet eerily silent.
No decorations. No warmth.
Only a throne stood at the center.
A woman sat upon it.
Her posture straight. Her presence overwhelming.
Her eyes were cold.
"Did you find my daughters?"
Her voice echoed—calm… but deadly.
A servant knelt before her, his head lowered.
"…No, Your Majesty."
Silence.
The air grew heavy.
"I… I couldn't find her… I'm sorry—"
Before he could finish—
The woman's gaze sharpened.
"Useless."
Her voice dropped.
Cold.
In the next instant—
A sudden pressure filled the room.
The servant's body trembled violently—
Then—
His head fell.
Silently.
Lifeless.
Blood spread across the floor.
The woman didn't even blink.
"Where did they all go…?"
She slowly stood up from the throne.
Her footsteps echoed as she stepped forward.
"My daughters…"
Her voice cracked.
For the first time—
Emotion slipped through.
Tears gathered in her eyes.
"…If something has happened to them…"
The air around her began to distort.
A dark, mysterious aura filled the entire room, pressing against the walls like a storm waiting to break.
Her eyes burned with fury.
"I will burn the entire humanity."
Loud cries echoed through the hospital room.
"Ruhi—!"
Avni rushed forward and pulled her into a desperate embrace.
Her arms tightened around her as she cried uncontrollably.
"Ruhi…!"
Ruhi flinched slightly but then relaxed, her weak voice coming out softly.
"Avni didi… don't cry… I'm fine…"
But Avni didn't loosen her grip.
"I thought… I lost you…"
Her voice broke completely.
For the first time…
Ruhi saw her crying like a child.
From behind, Rivaan stood silently, watching.
"Avni," he said calmly, "Ruhi just woke up from a coma. You shouldn't hug her that tightly."
Nyra's voice came softly, still emotional.
"Avni… don't cry… she's okay…"
But Avni's sobs only grew louder.
"I'm sorry… I'm a bad sister… please forgive me…"
Ruhi let out a faint chuckle despite her condition.
She gently wiped the tears from Avni's face and glanced toward Rivaan.
"…Let her cry… it's okay…"
A weak smile appeared on her lips.
The door suddenly opened.
"Hehehe…"
Rishabh stepped inside, laughing under his breath.
"I finally found you all."
He lifted his camera and pointed it straight at Nyra.
"You're crying? My strong girl is crying?"
He laughed again.
Nyra's face turned red instantly.
"Stupid! I'm not—!"
She tried to hide her face, flustered.
Avni was still crying in the background.
Rishabh smirked.
Rivaan looked at the scene quietly.
"You look happy," he said.
His voice was calm… but warm.
"It's rare to see all of you like this… especially Avni."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Then his gaze shifted to Ruhi.
"But you…"
His tone softened slightly.
"You're strong… as always."
Ruhi smiled gently.
"…Thanks, bhaiya…"
Avni gently caressed Ruhi's hair, her fingers trembling.
"I promise… I'll fix my mistakes…"
Her voice broke again.
"When you come home… I'll cook for you… I'll wash your clothes… I'll do everything…"
Her grip tightened slightly.
"Please… don't leave me again… okay…?"
Her body shook as tears kept falling.
Rishabh stepped forward quietly.
He bent down beside her, his voice calm… steady.
"Listen, Avni…"
She didn't respond.
"One day… everything has to go."
A soft smile appeared on his face.
"But crying like this… doesn't always mean love."
He gently pressed his finger against her cheek, lifting her face slightly.
"Sometimes… it just hurts the person you're crying for."
Avni's breath hitched.
Rishabh's voice softened further.
"Look at her."
Ruhi was watching silently… tears in her eyes.
"She wants to see you smile."
"…Now smile."
Avni hiccupped softly.
"O-Okay…"
She tried.
Her lips curved slightly, but her body still trembled.
It wasn't perfect…
But it was real.
Ruhi's tears fell quietly.
"…Thank you… bhaiya…"
Rivaan stood at the back, watching everything in silence.
His expression remained calm…
But inside—
I can't deny it…
I got the best son-in-law.
He let out a slow breath.
Nyra spoke softly, her eyes still a little red.
"I never thought… you were this good, Rishabh…"
Rishabh puffed his cheeks slightly.
"I'm always like this."
He crossed his arms with a playful look.
"You just never noticed."
"Hehehe…"
Nyra let out a small chuckle.
"…Where is Ashura…?"
Ruhi's voice came out softly, almost hesitant.
Nyra held her emotions in and replied calmly,
"He went home… with Shina. We sent him."
Ruhi's fingers tightened slightly.
But she nodded.
Avni gently held Ruhi's hand.
"Let's go home…"
She gave a weak smile.
Ruhi nodded again.
"…Okay…"
Rivaan glanced toward Rishabh.
"Will you drive… or should I?"
Rishabh chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll drive."
Nyra immediately let out a small laugh.
"Dad… are you planning to send us to heaven today?"
Rivaan raised a brow.
"Why?"
Nyra crossed her arms.
"Because Rishabh is terrible at driving."
Rishabh's face turned red instantly.
"I-I'm not that bad!"
At home, the atmosphere was completely different.
Silent.
Still.
Ashura lay asleep on the bed.
His face was calm… but traces of dried tears still lingered.
Beside him, Shina sat quietly, holding a cup of coffee.
Her eyes remained fixed on him.
"…It's rare to see Ashura cry…"
Her voice was soft.
Yash took a sip of his coffee and spoke casually,
"We know he causes trouble…"
Reyansh added calmly,
"But it proves something."
Shina looked at him, confused.
"…What?"
Reyansh gave a faint smile.
"You're important to him."
Shina blinked.
"…How…?"
Harsh stepped in, folding his arms.
"You sat beside him for six hours."
He smirked slightly.
"No girl does that."
Shina lowered her head, her fingers tightening around the cup.
"…I just… like Ashura…"
Her voice softened.
"I'm not someone special for him…"
"You are."
Yash chuckled.
Reyansh smirked.
"Look, bhabhi is blushing."
Shina's face turned completely red.
"B-Bhabhi?! Already?! N-No—!"
She quickly covered her face with both hands.
"Stop it…!"
The three of them grinned together.
"Bhabhiii…"
"Nooo—!"
Shina's voice echoed as she blushed harder
.Shina let out a soft chuckle… her cheeks still slightly red.
"…Bhabhi actually sounds nice…"
A small smile formed on her lips.
Harsh looked at her calmly.
"But Shina… you don't look completely Indian. Where are you from?"
Shina straightened slightly.
"I'm from the UK… London."
She let out a small sigh.
"My mother is from the UK… and my father is Indian."
Reyansh nodded slowly.
"…Then it's kind of similar to Ashura."
He smirked faintly.
"He's Indian… and you're from the UK."
Yash immediately jumped in, grinning.
"See? Even God made the pair—hehe!"
Shina's face flushed again.
"You all are just teasing me…"
Reyansh leaned back casually.
"It's our first time talking to our bhabhi. Of course we'll tease you."
Shina tilted her head slightly, curious.
"…Don't any of you have girlfriends?"
"I mean… you're all boys…"
Reyansh folded his arms.
"I'm a proper sigma. I don't like girls."
Harsh shrugged.
"I like girls… but only the tsundere type."
Yash puffed his cheeks proudly.
"My choice is only Ruhi."
Shina chuckled softly.
"…Good choices."
Then she paused for a moment before asking,
"…Has Ashura ever… loved someone?"
Reyansh smirked, clearly enjoying this.
"In childhood, Ashura had a friend… her name was Riya."
Shina's eyes widened slightly.
"…Really?"
Harsh spoke calmly,
"Yeah… but she left him."
His tone turned a little serious.
"Because he was called a killer."
Before the mood could drop—
Reyansh suddenly pinched Harsh's cheek.
"You idiot! You ruined the moment!"
Shina giggled softly, covering her mouth.
"…You all are really funny…"
Suddenly—
Ashura jolted awake.
"—!"
He gasped sharply, clutching his chest as his breathing turned uneven.
For a moment… no one spoke.
All eyes were on him.
Ashura slowly looked around.
"…Oh…"
He swallowed nervously.
"I'm… home…"
Harsh stepped forward, his gaze sharp.
"Ashura… something's wrong with you."
"I'm fine."
Ashura lowered his head, burying his face into his knees.
"…I just… saw something…"
"Flashbacks…"
Reyansh placed a hand gently on his back.
"Don't worry… we're here."
Shina spoke softly, holding out the cup.
"Ashura… do you want coffee? I made it for you…"
Ashura didn't even look up.
"…I don't need it."
Her hand froze in the air for a second… before slowly lowering.
Yash suddenly smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Ashura, good news!"
Ashura spoke calmly,
"Tell me."
"Ruhi is discharged."
For a second—
Silence.
Ashura's face didn't change.
"…Oh."
"That's good."
"What…?"
All of them stared at him.
Yash's expression shifted.
"That's it?!"
"You're not happy?!"
His voice rose.
Shina, Reyansh, and Harsh remained silent…
Watching.
Ashura let out a slow breath.
"…Something is going to happen soon."
His voice turned cold.
"And I don't want any of you near me."
Confusion spread across their faces.
"…What…?"
Ashura lifted his head slightly.
His eyes looked distant.
"I saw something…"
He paused.
"…So please… stay away from me."
His voice dropped further.
"…It's dangerous."
"For your lives too."
The room fell into complete silence.
Shina suddenly stood up.
Her chair slid back with a sharp sound.
She walked straight toward Ashura, her eyes burning.
"We are staying with you… no matter what it costs."
Her voice trembled… but it didn't break.
"And you don't have any right to tell us to stay away."
Ashura slowly stood up.
His eyes… cold.
Completely different from before.
"You act like you love me…"
He clenched his fist, staring at his own palm.
"…but the truth is…"
His voice dropped.
"You're only with me… because your father wants me as a guard."
Shina froze.
Her steps faltered.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"…Ashura…?"
Pain filled her expression.
"What are you saying…?"
"HEY—STOP IT!"
Reyansh stepped forward, his voice loud.
Harsh frowned.
"You're making it worse."
Yash clenched his fist again, stepping forward.
"Don't talk to her like that—!"
Ting tong.
The doorbell rang.
Everything stopped.
Silence fell instantly.
Ashura didn't react much.
He simply turned his head toward the door.
"They're here."
His voice was calm…
Too calm.
Ashura Stood Silently Then Yash Walk toward the door.
"…I'll open it."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
Ashura lowered his head slightly as he moved.
Behind him—
Shina took a step back.
Her hands trembled.
"I… never thought you saw me like that…"
Her eyes filled with tears.
"If you don't want me… just say it…"
Her voice broke.
"…I'll leave…"
Ashura didn't hesitate.
"Yeah."
His tone was cold.
"I don't want you."
"…You're a burden to my life."
Something inside Shina shattered.
Completely.
Her knees gave out as she fell to the ground, frozen in place.
Her eyes wide.
Empty.
Reyansh stomped forward.
"Ashura—stop!"
His voice shook with anger.
"You—!"
He pointed at him.
"You always act like you care—!"
Ashura looked at him coldly.
"But the truth is…"
"You hate me."
"…because I'm perfect."
Reyansh froze.
"…Huh…?"
His voice cracked.
"What are you saying…?"
Harsh walked forward slowly.
Silent.
His steps heavy.
Ashura glanced at him.
"And you…"
"You always think you're the closest to me…"
He smirked faintly.
"…but I never even considered you a friend."
Before he could say anything more—
SLAP!
Harsh's hand struck his face hard.
Ashura stumbled back, hitting the wall.
The sound echoed in the room.
Harsh's voice was cold.
"…When did you start lying?"
His eyes burned with anger.
Ashura held his cheek.
"…It's not a lie."
The door opened.
Footsteps echoed.
Ruhi stood there.
Her gaze cold.
Sharp.
"…It is."
Silence.
Avni stepped forward.
Her eyes cold.
"What's going on here, Ashura?"
Harsh didn't hesitate.
"He's saying… he hates all of us."
Nyra's expression snapped.
"Then slap him until he remembers who we are!"
Her voice echoed with anger.
Ashura turned his face away.
"…Leave me alone."
His voice was low.
Empty.
Without waiting—
He walked into his room.
Bang.
The door shut hard.
Silence filled the hall.
Ruhi stepped forward slowly.
She raised her hand and knocked.
"…Brother…"
Her voice softened.
"Open the door… I want to talk…"
She knocked again.
The door clicked.
Ashura opened it slightly.
His face still cold.
From behind, Rishabh let out a sigh.
"…Here we go again…"
Rivaan stood silently.
His gaze heavy.
Sharp.
Yash couldn't hold it anymore.
"IDIOT—!"
He rushed forward and kicked the door hard.
BANG!
Ashura opened the door.
"What now…?"
His gaze was cold.
Distant.
Ruhi stepped forward.
"I… saw Mom."
She smiled faintly.
Ashura froze.
His eyes widened.
"…What…?"
Ruhi nodded softly.
"You saw her too… didn't you?"
Ashura's silence said everything.
Ruhi suddenly hugged him tightly.
"She said… you're in danger…"
Her voice trembled as tears fell.
"And she told me… to protect you."
She tightened her hold.
"I'll protect you… I promise…"
A small, fragile smile appeared on her lips.
Rivaan's expression shifted.
Shock.
Shina wiped her tears, her voice soft.
"…Are you talking about your mother…?"
Nyra spoke quietly,
"…They're lucky… to see her again…"
Rishabh lowered his voice.
"…How did your mother die…?"
Nyra eyes darkened.
"…She was murdered."
Silence.
Heavy.
Rishabh looked away slightly.
"…That's… sad…"
Rishabh's expression softened with regret.
Suddenly—
Avni grabbed Ashura by his collar and slammed him against the wall.
"If you want to stay alone…"
Her voice shook with anger.
"…then kill us first."
She nodded firmly.
"Then go live alone for the rest of your life."
Yash stepped forward, grabbing a knife from the table.
"Yeah… kill us."
His voice was serious.
Ashura's throat went dry.
"H-Hey…"
Harsh caught Yash's hand.
"…Kill me first."
His voice was calm.
"I already said… I can't see a tomorrow without you."
Ashura lowered his head.
"…Sorry…"
"…guys…"
His voice broke slightly.
"But… this is for your safety…"
"We don't care."
Ruhi hugged him tighter.
"If it means disappearing…"
"…then we'll disappear together."
Avni joined, hugging him from the side.
"Yeah… little brother…"
She smiled through her tears.
Nyra quietly took out her phone.
Click.
She captured the moment.
Ashura stood there…
Surrounded.
Held.
Unable to push them away anymore.
Suddenly—
Shina stood up.
Without saying anything—
She ran out.
Rishabh blinked.
"…What happened to her?"
Reyansh's voice turned cold.
"…Ask Ashura."
Yash grabbed Ashura's collar again.
"Try your best…"
He puffed his cheek slightly.
"…to earn bhabhi's forgiveness."
Ashura nervously nodded slowly.
"…Okay…"
Ashura walked past Rivaan.
"…What did Maya say to you?"
Rivaan's voice was calm… but carried a hint of sadness.
Ashura paused for a second.
Then glanced back slightly.
"…She said…"
"…Take care of your sisters…"
His voice lowered.
"And… our enemy…"
"…is someone I know."
He clenched his fist.
"But she couldn't finish it."
Without waiting—
He turned and ran.
"…I'll go after her."
Yash walked nervously toward Ruhi.
A small, awkward smile on his face.
"R-Ruhi… how are you…?"
Ruhi looked at him calmly.
"I'm fine."
Yash nodded quickly.
"…I'm glad…"
Before he could stop himself—
He hugged her tightly.
Ruhi froze for a second.
"Umm…"
Yash's shoulders trembled.
Tears slipped down.
"I thought… I lost you…"
His voice broke.
"I promise… I'll protect you… always…"
Ruhi stayed silent for a moment.
Then gently patted his back.
A soft smile appeared.
"…Thank you…"
She paused slightly, then added playfully,
"And thanks for the blood too…"
She chuckled faintly.
"Now we're… kind of connected."
Her fingers gently ran through his hair.
Yash blinked.
"…You mean—?"
A hopeful smile appeared.
"Can I… be your boyfriend?"
Ruhi shook her head softly.
"…Not yet…"
She smiled.
"No rush… okay?"
Yash sighed… but smiled.
"…Okay…"
Reyansh chuckled from behind.
"Damn… rejected again."
Harsh patted Yash's back.
"Idiot… he actually won."
Reyansh blinked.
"Huh…?"
Harsh smirked.
"She didn't slap you this time."
Nyra giggled.
"…You two look cute."
Rishabh added teasingly,
"Just like us."
Avni glanced toward Rivaan.
"…Dad… don't you want to ask about Ashura?"
Rivaan stayed silent for a moment.
Then sighed.
"…No."
"I don't."
His eyes turned distant.
Heavy with thoughts.
The night was quiet.
A cold breeze passed over the still lake.
Moonlight reflected softly on the water… calm… untouched.
Shina stood alone near the edge.
Her figure trembling slightly.
Her fingers slowly wiped the tears from her cheeks.
But they didn't stop.
More kept falling.
"…So that's how it is…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Broken.
She clenched her fist tightly.
Her lips trembled.
"I… hate Ashura…"
But her voice betrayed her.
It wasn't hatred.
It was pain.
Deep.
Unbearable.
Tears slipped down again…
Falling into the silent lake below.
Creating small ripples—
That slowly disappeared into darkness.
And just like that…
So did her smile.
Chapter 8 End.