At the Pratap Singh Mansion, the night stretched long and heavy, cloaked in silence.
Only the steady thud of darts breaking the air disturbed it.
Thwack.
Another perfect hit — straight through the bullseye.
Yuvaan stood in his room, his eyes fixed on the dartboard but his mind miles away. Each throw carried the echo of Kiara's last words:
"What I want doesn't matter… I made a promise to someone very important."
The memory cut deeper than he expected.
She had chosen her father — over him.
He gritted his teeth, muscles flexing under the low amber light. The next dart slipped from his hand mid-air and clattered uselessly against the floor.
"Yuvaan…"
He turned sharply. Standing at the doorway was Bhoomi, her frail figure wrapped in a shawl, her eyes distant but filled with concern.
"Are you… troubled, beta?" she asked softly, stepping into the room.
Yuvaan instantly masked his emotions, forcing a reassuring smile. "No, Maa. Nothing you need to worry about."
But Bhoomi frowned, her voice trembling. "You say that every time. I may not remember everything… but I know when something is wrong." She pressed her hand to her temple, frustration flickering in her face. "I hate this… this fog in my head. I can't even help my own son."
Her voice cracked, and Yuvaan's expression softened. He moved to her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Don't ever say that again," he murmured. "You've done more for me than anyone ever could. You're not a burden — you're my strength."
Bhoomi's lips quivered into a faint smile. "You've grown into such a good man, Yuvaan. I only wish your father could see you now."
Yuvaan's smile faltered. A flicker of darkness crossed his eyes.
He hugged her tightly — too tightly — as if hiding something behind the warmth.
Soon, Maa, he thought silently. Soon I'll make the person who did this to you pay once I'm able to identify the attacker, The sigil in your mind—the curse they planted—it won't control you forever.
He drew back, brushing her hair aside with quiet tenderness. "You should rest now. It's late."
Bhoomi nodded, turning to leave. "Goodnight, beta. Don't stay up too late thinking."
He watched her go, his jaw tightening. When the door clicked shut, the facade fell away.
He looked at the dartboard again, his voice a low growl.
"You chose your promise, Kiara… but I never gave you a choice."
He grabbed a dart and hurled it with such force that it split the bullseye clean in two.
"You're mine. And I will not let you marry anyone else."
Next morning
The light flickered once — and then the room plunged into darkness.
The scent of fresh marigolds filled the air. The sound of decorators bustling about echoed through the Shetty villa, blending with the soft clinking of silver trays and murmured instructions from the household staff.
Kiara descended the stairs, still half-asleep, brushing her hair aside. Her eyes caught the flash of gold and red everywhere — drapes being tied, flower garlands hanging from the chandeliers, trays of sweets lining the console table.
Her brows furrowed. "Wait… what's going on here?"
A few workers smiled politely, but no one answered. They were too busy tying ribbons and arranging lights. Confused, Kiara stepped off the last stair and turned toward the living room — only to find Vikram emerging from the hallway, his expression composed but tired.
"Papa?" she asked warily. "What's all this?"
Vikram walked up to her, his hands clasped behind his back. "Your engagement, beta," he said softly. "It's happening today."
For a moment, the world tilted. The words didn't make sense.
"My… engagement?" she repeated, her voice rising. "What the fudge, Papa?! Today?"
Vikram didn't flinch at her tone. He simply nodded, his expression calm — too calm. "Yes. It's time, Kiara. The Oberois are good people. Vedant is a fine young man. And your marriage will take place in three days."
Kiara stared at him, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. "Three days? Are you serious?"
Vikram's gaze softened, but there was steel beneath it. "I know it feels sudden. But it's important. Please, just trust me on this."
"Important?" Kiara laughed bitterly, her voice trembling. "You're talking about my life, Papa, not a business deal!" She ran a hand through her hair, pacing. "Why are you rushing this? What's happening that I don't know?"
He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Because time is not on our side, Kiara. Please, don't ask questions right now. Just listen to me — for once."
Her lips parted, but no words came. The conflict within her twisted painfully — the image of her father, pale and dying in that hospital bed, flashed before her eyes. She had promised.
And now, that promise was tightening around her neck like a noose.
Kiara swallowed hard, blinking back the sting of tears. "I… I don't understand any of this," she whispered. "But fine. If this is what you really want…"
Vikram placed a trembling hand on her shoulder, relief flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, beta. You're doing the right thing."
She nodded mechanically, forcing a smile she didn't feel, as the sounds of celebration swelled around her. But her heart — her heart was breaking.
From the corner of the hallway, Varun watched silently, guilt and anger warring in his eyes. He knew his sister was being sacrificed to protect her from something darker — but at that moment, it felt like they were losing her anyway.