The shadows in the corridor

The corridor outside Reyaansh Singh Rajvansh’s room was heavy with silence. The storm had softened to a drizzle, but the tension inside the mansion remained thick. Ekansh’s steps were measured now, his anger restrained and focused. He didn’t want to lose control — not here, not with Reyaansh.

“Bhai sa…” Ekansh said, voice steady but firm, mixing Hindi and English naturally. “We need to understand. We are confused . This… situation… it wouldn't stay hidden from the world for too long. Tell us — who is she? Why is she here?”

Devansh followed closely, calm as ever, expression composed. “Ekansh, slow down. Think strategically. Bhai sa isn’t hiding from disrespect; he’s choosing timing. We are asking questions, but carefully, with respect.”

Ekansh paused at the door, hand hovering reading to knock, “Yes, I know, bhai sa. Respect is obvious. Lekin… media, police, are waiting outside. We need clarity — otherwise it’s chaos. We can’t afford that.”

Devansh’s gaze swept the corridor, calculating. “Exactly. That’s why we approach logically. Ekansh, ask what’s necessary. I’ll handle the implications.”

Ekansh rapped lightly on the heavy wooden door. “Bhai sa… hum dono aapke saath hain. But hum samajhna chahte hain. please bataiye — who is she? Why is she in the house?”

From inside, only the soft rustle of fabric answered. A maid, worked quietly, already sliding Reyaansh’s white shirt and trousers over the unconscious girl. Every movement was careful, deliberate — ensuring she remained protected, unseen, and safe.

Reyaansh appeared in the doorway, dripping from the earlier rainstorm, eyes dark, commanding, unreadable. His presence alone silenced the twins.

“She is my wife and your bhabhi sa” he said simply, voice low, carrying authority and finality.

Ekansh’s brows knitted, but his tone remained measured. “Bhai sa… wife. I understand the word… but not the timing, the secrecy. Explain… at least enough so we can manage things.” He carefully chose his words, aware of Reyaansh’s temper and the respect owed.

Devansh’s voice was calm, analytical. “Bhai sa, the media is outside, police are waiting, and questions will flood by morning. If this is handled wrong, it will become a scandal. We need a strategy before sunrise. Statements, press, control — everything.”

Reyaansh’s eyes met Devansh’s, dark and unreadable, a hint of approval flickering for the calm twin. “Handle it. All of it. By morning, everything under control. Make sure there’s no room for misinterpretation.”

Devansh inclined his head once. “Understood, bhai sa. Everything contained before morning.”

Ekansh’s anger was restrained, sharp, and purposeful. “Bhai sa… hum samajh rahe hain aapne reason dekha hoga. But hiding it completely is risky. We are ready in every possible way to support you. But I think a little… guidance would help. Strategy, not interference.”

Reyaansh’s lips quirked faintly. “Ekansh… you will understand in time. Till then… trust my choice, and trust me. That is all I ask.”

Inside the room, the maid finished adjusting the girl’s clothes. Aradhya lay unconscious, unaware of the world outside, dressed now in Reyaansh’s attire. Every fold and tuck of the shirt was deliberate, protective — a silent act of guarding both her and the secret she carried unknowingly.

The twins exchanged a glance — Ekansh’s fire now channeled into sharp calculation, Devansh’s calm a steady anchor. Neither was satisfied, yet neither dared push further. Respect held them back, strategy kept them grounded.

Reyaansh moved aside slightly, allowing the corridor light to spill faintly, a silent signal: their questions had reached their limit for now.

“Go,” he said finally, voice low and commanding. “Everything done here is for the house… and for her. Trust me.”

Ekansh nodded, carefully measuring his words. “Humein samajh aayega, bhai sa. Timing ke saath. We are ready.”

Devansh added, calm, precise. “Yes, bhai sa. Everything will be controlled. Don’t worry.”

The twins left, the door closing softly behind them. Rain continued to tap against the roof, echoing the unanswered questions. Inside, Reyaansh returned to the unconscious girl, adjusting his clothes over her carefully, guarding both her and the secret he alone bore.

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