Pari sauntered toward the old master, her confidence radiating. A smirk curled her lips as she leaned in, whispering something. The crowd, captivated by the sight, leaned forward, their breaths hitching in anticipation. What are they planning?
The old man's smile twisted into a sly grin, a glimmer of mischief sparkling in his eyes. Ah, this will be quite the performance, he thought, savoring the unfolding drama.
With a deliberate nod, he closed his eyes, summoning the power within the enchanted ball. A billow of white smoke enveloped the crowd, swirling like a mist in a forgotten forest, and as it began to coalesce, a large screen materialized, revealing a fierce battle scene. Gasps erupted as Minister Mayank emerged, valiantly fighting on the front lines, impressing everyone with his fearless prowess.
They adore me, Mayank thought, his chest swelling with pride. But just as the praises reached a crescendo, the scene morphed. The battlefield faded, replaced by an image of two figures—one man and one woman, laughter shimmering between them as they held hands. Confusion rippled through the crowd; recognition dawned. It was Mayank and Reeta.
Maira felt as if the ground had crumbled beneath her. How could this be happening? she thought, her heart pounding as shock coursed through her veins. She staggered backward, drowning in a whirlpool of emotions.
Niya, standing on the precipice of despair, felt her heart race. They can't know! This secret must remain buried! Her mind raced with the weight of the concealed truth, panic threatening to grip her.
"Father!" Pari's voice sliced through the tension, laced with feigned innocence. "Is this true? Were you with Dr. Reena?" Now the real show begins, she mused, relishing the drama set before her. "I intended to honor you for your bravery, but instead…" Her voice trailed off dramatically, casting the ominous air of accusation.
Mayank's expression drained of color, dread morphing into realization as the crowd's admiration twisted into disgust. What have I done? he thought, desperate for a way to salvage his dignity. His eyes locked onto Maira, panic in his gaze, and he felt the weight of his unspoken words crashing down upon him.
"No! This isn't true! It's just a trick!" Reeta's voice rose, trembling like a fragile leaf caught in a storm. How could they do this? She fought to maintain her composure, but the underlying fear was unmistakable.
"Are you questioning the old master's abilities?" Pari shot back, her tone sharp, crafting a dagger from words. I have them right where I want them, she reveled, feeding off the chaos she had ignited. "Do you dare disrespect the Emperor's messenger?"
How is this happening? Reeta's thoughts spiraled out of control. "I didn't mean it."
Mayank stood frozen, his heart racing, wanting to explain, but guilt anchored him in silence. This was never meant to unfold like this!
Pari pressed on, reveling in the tension that danced in the air. "You brought Niya back from the war and introduced Dr. Reena shortly after. Is it true that she is your daughter?"
Gasps echoed like thunder, uncertainty casting a dark shadow over the crowd. Maira felt a cold chill seep into her bones. How can this be reality? The implications clawed at her, making everything more unbearable.
Fear coiled around Mayank, Reeta, and Niya as the truth hung dangerously in the air, ready to drop like a guillotine's blade. Pari capitalized on the moment, her voice sharp and triumphant. "Is Dr. Reena the woman you once loved? The one who abandoned you for another man ?"
This can't be the happening, Mayank thought, desperation rising like smoke in his chest as he viewed Maira's shattered facade.