Back at the Pratap Singh residence, the family huddled around the television, eyes glued to the coverage of the mall incident. Chandrika's lips quivered in pride, Bhoomi's hand rested protectively on her chest, and even Susheela and Vinod exchanged wide-eyed, impressed looks. Every clip of Kiara guiding the hostages, taking bold steps forward, and facing the terrorists sent waves of admiration through the family.
Meanwhile, outside the mall, Yuvaan walked beside Kiara, their pace leisurely as the city hummed around them. Kiara glanced at him, curiosity and amusement mingling in her expression. "Why… why did you make everyone believe I saved them?" she asked, her voice light but tinged with curiosity.
Yuvaan's gaze softened, a rare warmth flickering in his eyes. "Because you did, wifey. You encouraged them first. You were the spark. I merely… added a little flair at the right moment." He smirked, letting his words settle, then added with quiet pride, "I'm proud of you."
Kiara's lips curved into a shy but triumphant smile. "You really know how to make an entrance, every single time," she teased, her tone playful but affectionate.
Yuvaan's eyes glinted with mischief, his signature swagger in full effect. "Because I am… simply the best," he replied smoothly, brushing a strand of his shoulder-length hair from his face as if the world itself paused for him.
Kiara rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. Even amidst chaos and danger, Yuvaan's charm and her own courage had formed an unspoken rhythm—a blend of respect, admiration, and a spark that neither of them could deny.
Yuvaan stepped closer, his presence commanding yet familiar. He leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from Kiara's face, and whispered with a mischievous, low drawl, "Happy Valentine's… see you tonight."
Kiara felt heat rise to her cheeks, her heartbeat stuttering at the intimate gesture. She looked up at him, eyes wide, caught between amusement and embarrassment.
With a fluid, gentlemanly motion, Yuvaan gestured toward the car. "Ladies first," he said, voice smooth as silk. Kiara nodded and walked toward the vehicle, joining Anya inside. The car doors closed behind them, and the engine purred to life as they drove off, leaving Yuvaan standing there, his expression one of quiet satisfaction.
Vikram approached him, eyebrows raised, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his gaze. "I still can't believe it," he said softly. "Kaal… the same dark force who once sought to end the world in his previous life… actually saved it today. I just hope… you don't revert to your old ways again."
Yuvaan's smirk widened, eyes glinting with his usual dangerous charm. "Old ways? I prefer to think of it as selective… adjustments," he replied, the corners of his lips curling in amusement.
Vikram shook his head, a small sigh escaping him, and walked away, leaving Yuvaan alone in the fading afternoon light. Yuvaan allowed himself a small, satisfied smile, his mind already turning toward the night ahead—and the Valentine's evening that awaited his wifey.
The evening sunlight filtered through the Shetty mansion's tall windows, painting everything in shades of gold and amber. Kiara stood before the mirror, slipping into a stunning red gown that clung elegantly to her frame. The fabric shimmered subtly with each movement, accentuating her poise and confidence.
She adjusted a strand of hair, took a deep breath, and whispered to herself, "New beginnings… let's make this one count."
Meanwhile, miles away at the Pratap Singh mansion, Yuvaan strode into his dressing room. The crimson and black suit lay waiting for him—a perfect mix of danger and sophistication. As he slipped into it, he caught his reflection in the mirror. The sharp lines of the suit mirrored his sharp instincts, his confident aura, his signature villainous swagger.
Angad leaned casually against the doorframe, smirking. "Finally, red. Didn't think you'd ever leave all-black behind."
Yuvaan glanced at him, unimpressed. "Fashion advice from my little brother? Tempting, but I think I've got this."
Angad chuckled, shaking his head. "Just don't scare everyone before the party starts."
Yuvaan smirked, brushing back his shoulder-length hair as the evening breeze teased the strands. "Scaring people is part of my charm. Now, let's see how my wifey handles a red carpet entrance."
Evening shadows stretched across the quiet park near Aishwarya's apartment. She strolled along the path, still simmering with the memory of Kiara's assertiveness at college, her anger barely contained.
From behind a tree, a veiled woman emerged, gliding toward her with an unnatural calm. In her hands, a small, glowing red orb pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat in the dim light.
"You want her gone," the woman said softly, her voice smooth and chilling. "To erase the one who stands in your way."
Aishwarya's eyes narrowed, her fists tightening. "And you can help me?"
The veiled woman nodded and extended the orb. "Take it. But be warned—its power answers only to your intent. Misuse it, and the consequences are yours alone."
Without hesitation, Aishwarya grasped the orb. A warm, almost electrifying sensation coursed through her, mingling with her fury. The woman simply melted back into the shadows, leaving Aishwarya alone under the fading glow of the park lights.
Aishwarya paused, staring at the orb in her hand. I can't believe this… could it really erase Kiara forever?
Her lips curved into a dangerous, determined smile. It doesn't matter. Kiara will never have Yuvaan. This ends tonight.
The red light of the orb reflected in her eyes, pulsing like a promise of the chaos Aishwarya was about to unleash.