05

CHAPTER 5

Scene: Ekansh Returns from France – Rajvansh Estate, Jodhpur

The sun sets as Ekansh's private jet glides onto the estate's secluded airstrip. The sprawling Rajvansh mansion stands tall, bathed in golden twilight, its stone facade casting long shadows across the lawn. As the door opens, Ekansh steps out—impeccably dressed, expression unreadable. Every movement of his is precise, controlled.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere is charged. Family members gather in the grand hall, their chatter dying down the moment they hear the gates open. Their eyes lock onto the front doors like magnets drawn to fate.

As Ekansh enters, a hush falls over the room.

Ekansh (raising an eyebrow, suspiciously):
"Everyone standing around like I just came back from war. What's going on?"

No one responds. The smiles are too wide. The silence, too rehearsed.

He doesn't wait for an answer. Without another word, he strides past them and up the grand staircase, heading straight to the 4th floor—his sanctuary.

The door shuts behind him with a quiet thud. The message is clear: Not now.

Scene: Downstairs – Family's Buzzing Excitement

Adi (whispering loudly):
"Okay, what is happening?! Why was everyone just... staring at him like that?"

Vikram (his father, stern):
"Watch your tone. You're talking about your elder brother."

Adi (rolling his eyes):
"Dad, seriously? I'm just asking! It felt like we were waiting for him to walk into his own surprise party!"

Karthik (interjecting to calm the mood):
"Can someone please just tell us what's going on?"

Shiv (grinning mischievously):
"Dada Sa fixed Bhai Sa's wedding."

Adi (stunned):
"You're kidding."

Karthik and Adi (in sync, wide-eyed):
"WHAT?!"

Shreya (deadpan):
"It's not a joke, Adi."

Naksh:
"Dada Sa's chosen the bride. And guess what? Ekansh doesn't even know her properly yet."

Adi (laughing nervously):
"This is unreal. Who convinced him to agree?"

Shreya (grinning):
"Dada Sa. Who else? Even Ekansh can't argue with him."

Adi (smiling wider now):
"Finally! Bhai Sa's getting married! That means—Bhabhi is coming!"

Scene: Dining Room – Awaiting Ekansh

The long dining table is set. Silver platters gleam under the crystal chandelier. The family sits, but all eyes keep darting to the hallway.

Adi (grumbling):
"He's usually on time. What's taking him so long today?"

As if on cue, Ekansh enters.

Ekansh (with a smirk):
"Missed me already, Adi?"

Adi (caught off guard):
"What? No! Shiv missed you! Ask him!"

Shiv (whispering):
"Why me?!"

Laughter spreads through the table until Ratan Singh clears his throat. The room stills instantly.

Ratan (calmly):
"Ekansh, join me on the terrace after dinner."

Ekansh (nodding respectfully):
"Yes, Dada Sa."

Scene: The Terrace – A Private Conversation

A cool breeze carries the scent of sandalwood as Ekansh walks up to the terrace. The night sky above is clear, and the lights of Jodhpur twinkle below.

Ratan stands near the edge, his hands behind his back.

Ratan (softly):
"You've carried this legacy with strength, Ekansh. But now it's time to share the burden. It's time you got married."

Ekansh (quietly, without emotion):
"I'll do it. If it's your decision, I won't refuse. But don't expect anything more than duty from me."

Ratan (chuckling):
"You're still so guarded. That's alright. Sometimes, love finds us after the wedding... not before."

Ekansh says nothing. He simply nods.

Scene: Family Hall – The Announcement

Ratan walks back into the hall. Everyone turns toward him, tense with anticipation.

Ratan (smiling):
"He's ready."

Cheers erupt. Saanvi jumps from her seat, Meera claps excitedly, and Adi does a small victory dance.

Shiv:
"We're getting a Bhabhi! Didi-in-law is on the way!"

Ratan (raising his hand):
"Tomorrow, we leave for Udaipur. We'll finalize the date."

Adi (pumped):
"I'm coming too. This is history!"

Karthik:
"Count me in."

Ratan (laughing):
"Of course. Everyone's going. Including Ekansh."

 Ekansh Alone in His Study – The Mask of Control

Later that night, Ekansh stands in his study on the 4th floor, bathed in moonlight. The silence is complete. He stares out the tall glass window, watching the estate as though it were a chessboard.

He doesn't smile. He doesn't pace. He thinks.

He walks to his desk, opens a drawer, and pulls out the official marriage proposal. The Rajvansh seal glints under the soft lamp.

Ekansh (to himself, eyes cold):
"This isn't about love. This is legacy. Strategy. Power. That's what matters."

He folds the paper and returns it to its place.

Ekansh (quietly):
"She will be the queen of Rajvansh. But my heart... 

He turns off the light and walks out—shoulders squared, expression unreadable, the mask firmly in place.


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