The brothers moved with quiet urgency. First, they ensured the girl was safe—Pranati was gently admitted into a nearby hospital, her condition stable, though still unconscious from the earlier shock. Her scooter, repaired earlier by Arnav, was discreetly brought to the hospital parking lot.
Ranav stationed a constable nearby, instructing him to stay until the girl regained consciousness. "Don't let anyone disturb her," he said firmly. "She's safe here, for now."
Meanwhile, in the backseat of the car, Arnav lay unconscious, drowsy from the sedative Ranav had carefully administered. It wasn't punishment—just a precaution. He had refused to go home earlier, fearing he might harm his family. Now, safely restrained by sleep, he could be taken back without risk.
Ranav slid into the driver's seat, Arav buckled beside him. The city blurred past in the late afternoon sun as they drove home, the weight of responsibility heavy on both their shoulders.
"Home is the only place he'll be safe," Ranav said quietly.
Arav nodded, glancing at his brother in the back. "He'll wake up surrounded by family. That's what matters."
And with that, they drove on, carrying both their brother and the girl whose life had narrowly been spared.
The doorbell echoed sharply through the otherwise quiet villa. Vedshree's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly opened the door, her hands trembling.
Standing there were Arav and Ranav, their faces tense but controlled, supporting the unconscious form of Arnav between them.
"Arnav?" Vedshree gasped, rushing forward. "What… what happened? Is he—"
Arav gently held her back. "Chachi… he's okay," he said firmly, though his voice betrayed worry. "He refused to come home on his own. So… we had to make sure he'd return safely."
Vedshree's eyes widened, taking in the sight of her son lying limp yet unharmed. "But—how? What did you do to him?"
Ranav spoke carefully, kneeling beside Arnav and laying him across the sofa. "We didn't hurt him. We used a sedative. It's temporary… it only works while he's human. The moment his powers awaken, it fades."
Vedshree's hands shook as she reached out instinctively. "He… he's safe?"
Arav nodded. "Safe. We just needed him here. He was adamant about leaving. We couldn't risk him being alone."
Ranav, keeping a close eye on Arnav, slightly adjusted the bracelet on his wrist. The sedative took hold fully. Slowly, Arnav's eyes fluttered open.
For a moment, his gaze wavered between confusion and shock. Then he realized where he was. His breath caught. "I… I'm home?" he whispered, voice thick with disbelief.
Vedshree's tears fell freely now. She dropped to her knees beside him, cradling his hand. "Yes, Arnav… you're home. Don't you ever scare us like this again," she murmured, her voice quivering.
Arnav looked at her, the weight of the day's events etched on his face. The sedative still dulling the edges of his awareness, he allowed himself a brief, shaky exhale. Ranav and Arav watched quietly, tension easing slightly as the bracelet was gently readjusted.
The villa, once echoing with unease, seemed to breathe for the first time that day. Outside, the wind rustled softly against the windows, as if offering a momentary reprieve.
Yet, in the shadows, every heartbeat reminded them: Arnav's awakening powers were only beginning to stir.
Suman, Bani Dadi, Vanraj, and Sanjeev entered the living room almost together, their footsteps hesitant, hearts still racing from the fear that had gripped them all afternoon. The air seemed heavy, each shadow in the room echoing their anxiety.
Bani Dadi's eyes fell first on Arnav, slumped on the sofa, the bracelet on his wrist faintly glinting in the late afternoon light. Relief hit her like a wave, leaving her momentarily breathless. "Beta…" she whispered, her voice cracking, trembling under the weight of days spent in fear. "You… you're home. Thank God…" Her hands hovered over him, almost shaking, as if touching him would confirm he was alive, that this nightmare was finally over.
Suman pressed her hands to her mouth, trying to still the rapid pulse of her worry. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Arnav!" she breathed, voice thick, fragile, as if the mere sight of him had finally anchored her. Vanraj and Sanjeev came forward slowly, still bearing the shadow of panic, yet their faces softened with the relief of seeing him safe.
Arnav lifted his head, muscles tense, shoulders stiff. His gaze immediately fell on Ranav and Arav. "You… you brought me back? Even though I said no?" His voice was low, trembling slightly with anger—but beneath it, a current of fear ran strong.
Ranav swallowed, shifting nervously. "Bhaiya… we couldn't risk it. You were leaving without telling anyone. We… we had to make sure you came back."
Arav's voice was softer, almost pleading. "We only wanted to protect you, Bhaiya. That's all."
Arnav's jaw tightened, and he looked down, his eyes shadowed with guilt and despair. "I didn't want anyone to get hurt. That's why I left. I can't… I can't control what's inside me." His hands trembled subtly, betraying the storm within.
Vedshree stepped forward, voice quivering, tears brimming. "Why… why are you thinking of leaving, Arnav? Why?"
He exhaled shakily, looking down. "Because… I'm dangerous. My powers… if I lose control, someone could get hurt. You… everyone. I'm… I'm a monster, Mom. Monsters hurt the people they love, Afterall I'm a witch's son...."
Vedshree's eyes flared with pain and disbelief. Her heart ached at the words, her chest tightening. Without a second thought, she struck him sharply across the cheek. The room went deathly silent. The slap was not anger—it was a lifeline, a reminder that love outweighed fear.