Night had settled over the Raizada Villa.
The lights in Arnav's room were dim, the balcony doors open. He stood outside, hands resting on the railing, staring into the quiet darkness beyond the estate walls.
The city lights below blurred into something distant, unimportant. His mind wasn't.
Footsteps approached behind him.
Arav stopped first, leaning casually against the doorframe, studying his elder brother's still back. Ranav followed, loosening his collar, sensing the heaviness in the air.
"You've been standing here a long time," Arav said lightly. "Either you're planning to fly… or you're thinking too much again."
Arnav didn't turn. "Both are dangerous," he replied.
Ranav exchanged a glance with Arav before stepping closer. "You've gone quiet since you came back," he said. "That's never a good sign with you."
Silence stretched.
Then Arnav spoke, his voice low, steady—but burdened.
"What if they're right?" he asked quietly. "What if the Evil Eye really does return… and I lose control?"
He finally turned to face them.
"What if one day I hurt someone here?" His jaw tightened. "Mom. Dadi,Elder Mom,Dad, Uncle. You both." A pause. "I don't think I could live with that."
Arav's expression softened immediately. "Bhaiya," he said, stepping closer, "you've spent your entire life protecting this family. You think one prophecy changes that?"
Ranav crossed his arms, trying to keep things light—but his eyes were serious. "And if you do go rogue," he added, "I'll personally arrest you."
Arnav blinked. "You're not even posted here."
"I'll transfer," Ranav shot back. "Family discount."
Despite himself, Arnav let out a quiet breath—almost a laugh.
Arav placed a hand on Arnav's shoulder. "You're not alone in this," he said firmly. "Whatever comes… we face it together."
Ranav stepped in from the other side. "Always."
For a moment, Arnav hesitated.
Then he pulled them both in.
The three brothers stood there in a tight embrace—no words, no heroics—just shared strength, steady and unbreakable.
Above them, the night remained calm.
But fate was already awake.
Meanwhile, at the chawl.
Pranati lay stretched across her bed, one leg bent carefully to avoid her injured ankle, phone pressed to her ear. The room was quiet except for the distant sounds of the neighborhood settling in for the night.
"I'm serious, Siya," she said, staring up at the ceiling fan. "The way the temple shook today… it was exactly like my dream. Same cracks. Same falling stones."
There was a pause on the other end.
"That's creepy," Siya admitted. "But earthquakes happen, Pranati. Don't start overthinking."
"I know, I know," Pranati replied quickly. "I'm not saying it means something." She hesitated, then added lightly, "But what if I'm secretly a seer?"
Siya burst out laughing. "Oh God, please no."
Pranati smiled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Listen carefully then," she said dramatically. "I see your future. You're going to marry a very hot guy."
"Only one?" Siya teased. "That's a disappointing prophecy."
Pranati laughed, shaking her head. "Don't question the universe. Details come later."
Their laughter filled the room, warm and familiar.
But when the call ended, the smile slowly faded from Pranati's face.
Her gaze drifted to her wrist—empty, unmarked—for reasons she couldn't explain. The memory of the trembling temple returned, quiet but persistent.
She turned onto her side, whispering to herself, "It was just a coincidence."
Still… sleep took longer than usual to come
Meanwhile, at Siya's apartment.
The call with Pranati had ended, but Siya remained standing by the window, phone still in her hand. Outside, the city lights flickered softly, unaware of the currents shifting beneath the ordinary night.
She exhaled slowly.
"You might be right," she said, not to herself.
She turned slightly, her voice lowering. "The story could take a new turn… as early as tomorrow."
A pause followed. The person on the other end didn't rush to answer.
Then—calm, assured—came the reply.
"It will."
Siya's fingers tightened around the phone. "And it won't destroy everything?"
"No," the voice said gently. "It will change things. But it's for the best."
Siya closed her eyes briefly, as if accepting something long delayed. When she opened them again, her reflection in the glass looked thoughtful… resolute.
"Then let it begin," she murmured.
Outside, the wind picked up slightly—carrying with it the promise of a dawn that would not be ordinary.