The morning sun spilled gently across the Pratap Singh mansion, illuminating the prayer room where Chandrika, Bhoomi, and Susheela were performing their morning puja. The air was filled with the soft aroma of incense, the rhythmic ringing of the bells accompanying their chants.
Kiara descended the stairs gracefully, her presence bringing a smile to Bhoomi's face. She paused, folding her hands in respect.
"Good morning, Moti Baa, Mummy ji, Auntie ji," Kiara said softly, bowing slightly.
Bhoomi's eyes shone with delight. "Kiara, my dear! You're home, and… you've given your relationship with Yuvaan a second chance. My heart is at ease."
Kiara smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She received their blessings, humbly bowing her head as they whispered prayers for her and Yuvaan.
Just then, the doorbell rang, its sharp chime cutting through the serenity. The staff hurried to open the door, and a group of police officers, led by an ACP, stood there, their expressions serious.
"We need to see Yuvaan Pratap Singh," the ACP said firmly.
Vinod stepped forward, concerned. "May I know the reason for this visit?"
The ACP's gaze remained steady. "I will explain once Yuvaan Pratap Singh is present."
Vinod nodded, turning to Angad. "Call Yuvaan immediately."
Angad hurried upstairs and found Yuvaan still lying in bed, his hair tousled from sleep. Smirking, he shook him gently. "Sleeping beauty, wake up."
Yuvaan groaned, one eye opening lazily. "What?"
Angad gestured toward the window. "You have visitors."
Yuvaan rubbed his eyes. "What sort of visitors?"
"Not the long-braided kind," Angad replied, his tone laced with amusement. "These ones carry guns and handcuffs."
Yuvaan's eyes snapped open, sitting up in an instant. "Police?"
"Yes," Angad confirmed.
Yuvaan stretched and yawned nonchalantly. "Go ahead, I'll join them after freshening up. The police can wait."
Angad came down the stairs first, smirking. "He's coming," he announced casually.
A few minutes later, Yuvaan appeared at the bottom of the grand staircase, clad in his black attire, every movement exuding calm control and confidence. His hair fell perfectly, and his eyes—normally dormant—gleamed faintly in the morning light, giving him an air of dangerous elegance.
The ACP stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Mr. Pratap Singh, why did you take so long?"
Yuvaan's lips curved into a sly smile. "Come on… of course, I needed to freshen up. But I have a question too—why is the police here asking for me?"
The ACP didn't hesitate. From his coat pocket, he pulled out a handcuff and a warrant. "You are hereby accused of the murder of Miss Aishwarya Sharma."
A heavy silence fell across the Pratap Singh mansion. Kiara froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Chandrika, Bhoomi, Susheela, and Vinod all gasped.
Yuvaan's expression remained calm—almost amused. He blinked slowly, tilting his head, his voice smooth and measured. "Aishwarya…?" He let out a soft, incredulous chuckle. "You must be joking."
The ACP's jaw tightened. "This is no joke, sir. Evidence points directly to you. You are to be taken into custody immediately."
Yuvaan leaned casually against the staircase railing, crossing his arms, his composure unshaken. "Well," he said, voice dripping amusement, "this is… unexpected. But do go on. I'm curious to hear how you think I—of all people—ended up in such a scandalous story."
Kiara's heart raced. She glanced at Yuvaan, sensing the mix of disbelief, control, and that subtle edge of danger he always carried. Even now, he seemed untouchable, as if the world itself bent around his presence.
The ACP's voice rang cold and unyielding across the Pratap Singh mansion's drawing room. "Miss Aishwarya Sharma was found dead last night in a fire at her apartment. CCTV footage shows that Yuvaan Pratap Singh was the last person to enter her residence."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Kiara's eyes widened in disbelief. Chandrika clutched her saree tightly, Susheela's hand flew to her mouth, and even Angad froze mid-step. Bhoomi's face paled, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the armrest of her chair.
Yuvaan, however, remained calm. Not a muscle twitched on his face. He stood silently, letting the words sink in, his dark presence dominating the room without a single overt display of power.
Bhoomi finally found her voice, her tone firm and unwavering. "No… my son cannot… he would never do such a thing. He is incapable of this!"
The ACP ignored her protest. "We have a warrant for his arrest. Yuvaan Pratap Singh, you are under arrest for the murder of Miss Aishwarya Sharma."
Before the officers could cuff him, Yuvaan's sharp gaze met Kiara's. He stepped closer, his voice a low whisper only she could hear. "A new game has begun, wifey. Now… you mustn't be a pawn. Be a player."
Kiara's breath caught, her heart tightening at his words. The look in his eyes—controlled, warning, and slightly mischievous—gave her both fear and hope.
With a subtle tilt of his head toward the officers, Yuvaan allowed them to handcuff him. He didn't resist, but his aura radiated authority, making even the police hesitate for a moment. Then he let them lead him away, leaving Kiara standing frozen in the hallway.
Bhoomi suddenly felt dizzy, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Kiara's instincts kicked in immediately. "Mother-in-law!" she called, rushing forward to support her. She guided Bhoomi to sit, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.
"It's okay… he will be out, I promise," Kiara said, her voice firm despite the storm of fear and uncertainty swirling inside her. Bhoomi's hands gripped hers, and for a brief moment, the two women clung to hope together amidst the chaos.
Outside, Yuvaan's calm footsteps echoed in the hallway, every step a silent reminder that the game had truly begun.