CHAPTER 3: Part 1 (MY LITTLE RABBIT)
~ ISHIKA (POV) ~
The next morning, the house was abuzz with activity. A significant prayer was scheduled for the village, necessitating an early departure so everyone had to get ready early as well.
The entire morning was a whirlwind of preparations.
"Kitni der laga rahe ho sab, jaldi karo. (How long are you taking everyone, hurry up.)" Mumma's voice echoed through the house, her impatience growing with each passing moment.
She'd been preparing for the Shiv Rudra Abhisheka since the previous night. The preparations had everyone on their toes.
"Maa Sa sab aa jayege, aap ye dekho, sab hai na. (Maa Sa, everyone will be here, you see, everything is fine.)" Bhabhi said coming out of the pooja ghar.
"Nariyal kaha hai, maine kaha tha na... (Where is the coconut, I told you...)" Mumma started, her voice rising in irritation, her voice echoed through the house.
She needs to calm down before something explodes and before the situation could escalate, I intervened.
"Nariyal aur baaki sara samaan car main hai, aap log bhi chalo baaki log bahar hi hai. (The coconut and all the other stuff is in the car, you guys come too, everyone is already outside.)" I interrupted mumma.
"Sab bahar bhi nikal gaye? (Everyone already went outside?)" Mumma asked, her voice laced with disbelief, I nodded in response.
"Ishika, looking beautiful," Bhabhi complimented, her eyes sparkling with approval.
"Not more than you, Bhabhi," I replied, returning the compliment.
"Chalo, chale (come on let's go.)" Mumma urged impatiently, her tone growing sharper.
~ MRITYUNJAY (POV) ~
After a horrible night's sleep, I had to leave for work earlier than usual today. The warehouse situation was spiraling out of control.
I had a hunch about who might be behind the ordeal. He is the only one brazen enough to pull this off. He thought he is invincible, but he is sorely mistaken.
My phone rang, interrupting the quiet of the early morning. I am driving through the city traffic when the insistent vibration jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID before answering.
It was Chirag Prasad, my security chief.
"What is it?" I asked him through my Bluetooth device.
Chirag responded, "Sir, we've confirmed that Atharva Singhania is the mastermind behind the warehouse fire."
"Where is that bastard now?" I demanded, how do I describe Atharva Singhania - he is a snake wrapped in silk.
That's how I saw him. A charming facade, a smile that could melt ice, but underneath, a cold, calculating predator. His eyes held a chilling emptiness, a void devoid of empathy or remorse.
He was a master manipulator, a puppet master pulling strings from the shadows. He enjoyed nothing more than watching others squirm.
He thinks he's untouchable, the only reason he's still breathing is because I allow it. But push me too far, and even I can't guarantee his safety.
"According to the last data record, he is in Ramgarh," Chirag informed me, his voice as calm and collected as ever.
"What the fuck is he doing there?" I asked, my voice icy and controlled.
"For a land deal," he replied, his voice flat.
"I'll catch him myself," I growled, I was already on my way to meet with Kartik. So, dialing his number, I steered the car towards Ramgarh.
He is aware that half of the land in the Ramgarh is owned by Rathore's, how dare he places a foot in my territory and expect to leave unscathed. The audacity of this man to encroach on Rathore territory was unforgivable.
*Ring Ring*
"Hello" Kartik answered the call.
"You are coming with me to Ramgarh, right now."
"It's only 9:30 AM right now," Kartik pointed out.
"So?" I asked in an irritated tone.
"I'm coming," Kartik replied, his voice resigned.
~ ISHIKA (POV) ~
The moment we stepped foot in the village, the cacophony of preparations enveloped us. Women in colorful saris bustled about, their laughter and animated conversations, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The heady aroma of incense and freshly cooked food filled the air, a tantalizing prelude to the afternoon's rituals. Everyone from nearby was here to take part in the prayer.
"Ishika beta tumhen 21 shivling banaane hai, piche wale taalaab kee mittee se, vaahee ja ke banaake le aana. (Ishika, daughter, you have to make twenty-one Shiva Lingas from the soil of the pond behind. Go there and make them there and bring them back.)" Chachi Sa commanded, her voice firm.
"Ji Chachi Sa," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. I was ready to contribute to the preparations.
"Ae chote, chal sath. (Hey chote, you are coming with me.)" I ordered Rudransh, my younger brother, as I turned to him. Everyone affectionately calls him Ansh, but I sometimes use the nickname 'chote' to call him.
Piya, my younger sister, who is older than Ansh but younger than me, was already engrossed in crafting intricate flower garlands from marigolds and roses with Bhabhi.
"Ishika Di aap hi chale jao na. (Ishika Di, you go by yourself)" he whined, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"Jaa chup chap. (Go with her quietly.)" Cutting Rudransh's protest short, Mumma ordered sternly. Piya and I exchanged a glance. Chacha sa, Baba Sa and Karan Bhai Sa entered through the front door.
"Kya chal raha hai? (What is going on?)" Baba Sa asked, his voice stern. Piya and my eyes widened in surprise as Dada Sa looked at us shaking his head.
"Rudransh is not listening," Mumma complained, her voice rising in exasperation. Ansh's eyes widened in terror, mirroring our own surprise. Aaru giggled while playing with a flower and sneezed.
"Ansh, listen to your mother," Baba Sa scolded Rudransh. Piya giggled at the situation, while I couldn't help but chuckle.
To Be Continued...