The Unexpected Crown Chapter 4: The First Signs of Obsession

Luna’s world began to shift imperceptibly, like a soft tremor before an earthquake. The more Pulkit teased, the tighter the invisible threads of control wrapped around her. But the Malhotras… they were already watching.

[Scene: Malhotra Mansion – Private Study – Evening] (The air is heavy with dim light. The family sits in a semi-circle. A large screen shows Luna Sharma’s school profile—her grades, daily schedule, every detail meticulously collected.)

Malhotra grandfather

(voice deep, deliberate): “She doesn’t belong in his world… yet.”

Malhotra aunt

(smiling faintly, a dangerous glint): “She has structure… an order that could be broken.”

Pulkit’s Mother

(soft, almost whispering): “Or perfected.”

Malhotra uncle

“We should meet her indirectly. Observe how she behaves around Pulkit… test the pull.”

Malhotra grandfather

(replying): “Ensure nothing reckless. Discretion is key. Let obsession form… naturally.”

(The family smiles subtly, in unison, as if they were puppeteers watching their marionette.)

[Next Day – School – Art Room – Afternoon] (Luna is sitting by herself, trying to concentrate on her art project—a rare moment of peace. Pulkit enters without knocking, as usual. His presence is deliberate, calculated.)

Pulkit Malhotra

(grinning, loud): “Creating masterpieces to impress the world, or just trying to kill time?”

Luna Sharma

(without looking up): “Neither. Just… focusing.”

Pulkit Malhotra

(smirking): “You know, if you spent half that energy managing me, you wouldn’t be so stressed.”

(Luna’s pencil trembles slightly in her hand. She resists the urge to snap at him. He watches, amused.)

📱 Pulkit’s Message to Friend (private): “She’s so fragile beneath that armor… I want to see how far I can push before she breaks.” 📱 Friend’s Reply: “Careful, bro. You might fall first.”

[Later – School Corridor – Evening] (Luna walks toward the exit, her bag heavier than usual, steps slower than normal. Pulkit suddenly appears beside her, shadowing her like a predator.)

Pulkit Malhotra

(soft, dangerous): “Do you ever get tired, Luna? Carrying the weight of rules on your shoulders?”

Luna Sharma

(quiet but firm): “I don’t carry them. I follow them.”

Pulkit Malhotra

(closer now): “Maybe… you want to break them.”

(Her eyes flicker up, meeting his gaze for a brief, electric moment before darting away. Her heartbeat speeds up.)

Luna Sharma

Luna’s Inner Thought: Why does he always know exactly what to say to unsettle me?

The Malhotras were patient. Every glance, every teasing word was a carefully placed brick in a wall meant to enclose her. Pulkit had no idea that he was no longer the one leading the game… He was being led.

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