Chapter 5: A Creeping Fear
Author
The pooja is over, and the small room feels warm with the glow of diyas (small oil lamps) and the faint smell of chandan (sandalwood). Viraa Rajwanshi sits on a cushion, her leheriya (colorful, wavy Rajasthani fabric) dupatta neatly folded, her jhumka earrings still, her heart full of anger for the rude stranger she’s stuck marrying. Arjun Vardhman is across from her, his kurta tidy, kada (metal bracelet) shining, his face tight with frustration. Their families, desperate to clear a two-crore debt and save their Rajasthani honor, have forced this shaadi (wedding) on them, and they only just learned each other’s names. A scary rudraksha (sacred seed) note—“Bound, but not safe”—was found last night, and a strange sound outside has everyone on edge. They hate each other, but a tiny, secret feeling stirs, and danger feels close.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Tugging her dupatta Ugh, why am I stuck with you, yah khadoos insaan? 😤
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Crossing his arms Haan, Miss Bak Bak, I’m not thrilled either. Stop whining! 😏
Author
Viraa glares, annoyed by his smirk. His sharp eyes make her heart skip, but she pushes it down, hating him more.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Whining? You’re the problem, always so rude! 😡
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Leaning forward Rude? You talk too much, Miss Bak Bak. In his mind Why does her voice pull at me? No, Arjun, just stay mad!
Author
A soft creak comes from the hallway, like someone stepping on wood. Viraa’s eyes widen, and Arjun tenses.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Whispering Wait, did you hear that? Maa Durga, koi hai? 😨
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Standing up Haan, I heard it. Stay put—I’ll check.
Author
Arjun moves toward the door, his kada making a soft clink. Viraa’s heart races—she can’t stand him, but his quick move feels strong. She stands, following him.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Huffing I’m not sitting like a doll! I’m coming, khadoos! 😤
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Glancing back Arre, you’re so stubborn! Fine, but don’t trip. In his mind She’s fearless, uff, why does it spark something?
Author
They tiptoe into the dark hallway, the smell of chandan fading. A shadow moves at the far end, and Viraa grabs Arjun’s arm, her jhumkas jingling. Her touch sends a shiver through him.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Letting go, embarrassed Oh, sorry! I saw something there! 😳
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Voice low It’s okay, Viraa. I saw it too. Don’t be scared. In his mind Her touch—why’s my heart racing? Focus, Arjun!
Author
The shadow is gone, but a small paper lies on the floor, tied with a rudraksha bead. Arjun picks it up, reading: “No vows will save you.” Viraa’s breath catches.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Staring Yeh kya hai? My dil says we’re in big trouble! 😢
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Frowning Haan, some goonda (troublemaker) is playing games. We’re not safe.
Author
Viraa steps back, her leheriya catching the dim light. She hates his calm voice, but it steadies her fear. Arjun’s eyes flick to her—she’s a pain, but her courage pulls him.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Don’t act so cool, khadoos! I’m Viraa, not your Miss Bak Bak! 😤
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Smirking Haan, Viraa, I’m Arjun, not khadoos. Deal with it. In his mind Her name sounds nice—argh, stop it, Arjun!
Author
Auntie’s voice calls from the room, her odhni (Rajasthani headscarf) flapping as she hurries in, holding a plate of ghevar (sweet Rajasthani dessert).
Auntie
Arre, beta, where are you? We need to plan the sagai (engagement)! 😊
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Sighing Haan, Auntie, my dil isn’t ready for this shaadi! 😣
Author
Arjun lets out a small laugh, and Viraa glares. His chuckle annoys her, but it’s warm, like a desert breeze. Rohan rushes in, tripping over a thali (metal plate), and a mirchi vada (spicy Rajasthani fritter) flies, hitting Arjun’s kurta.
Rohan
Grinning Oops, di, sorry! Vada attack! 😆
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Brushing it off, teasing Haan, Rohan, you’re a walking tamasha (funny mess)! In his mind Her giggle—why’s it so light? Bas, Arjun, stay angry!
Author
Viraa laughs, her jhumkas shaking, but her smile fades as she spots a mark on the note—a rough swastik (sacred symbol), scratched like a warning.
Viraa Rajwanshi(FL)
Pointing Arjun, look! This swastik—it’s not from a pooja. It’s bad! 😨
Arjun Vardhman(ML)
Nodding Haan, Viraa, it’s a sign from some dushman (enemy). We’re in this mess together.
Author
Their eyes lock—hate still burns, but a shared fear ties them. A diya flickers out, and a cold breeze slips through the window. Who’s behind this scary game? 😱
Comments