Ishq Hua | 18+

Threat

Silence fell like a shadow over the room.

I felt my spine straighten, fists clench.

Dadu looked at both of us. "Be careful. Live your life. But don't let your guard down."

Reyansh nodded. "He won't come near her."

Papa added quietly, "We know. But you both should stay alert."

The tension slowly eased as we moved to a lighter mood again, but a silent message had been passed between us all - we might be happy, yes, but the war wasn't over.

And Reyansh... had already stepped into his place in our family - not just as a son-in-law, but as one of our own warriors.

***

After everyone drifted off into their routines, Reyansh left for a office meeting. Dadu and Papa were buried in paperwork, Ma and Dadi was fussing over dinner plan, and Bhai was still half-glued to his phone.

I was on the sofa, aimlessly flipping through pictures on my phone when Radha came with that mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Uh-oh.

She plopped beside me, bumping my shoulder. "So..."

I didn't look up. "So?"

"So, Mrs. Reyansh Rajvansh... how was the first night?" she asked in a sing-song tone.

I raised an eyebrow. "Subtle."

"Please, like I've ever been subtle. I waited two whole days to ask. And anyway," she added with a devilish grin, "Veer already told me everything."

I froze. "Everything?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded dramatically. "How you barely stayed awake, drank the milk and-bam-knocked out like a light. And poor Jiju just stood there, totally confused."

I blinked, my stomach flipping slightly. Wait, what? But I kept my expression neutral, chuckling softly. "Oh... that."

Radha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Wait, you knew the milk was spiked?"

I smiled, lifting my chin confidently. "Of course I knew. Reyansh told me next morning."

She burst into laughter. "I still can't believe they did this to you both."

I laughed with her, but I could feel my cheeks warming. Seriously, Why didn't he told me about this?

Before she could tease me further, I smoothly changed the topic. "Anyway... how are you holding up? After... everything with Manvi?"

The smile faded from her face, replaced by a softer expression.

Radha looked down, fiddling with her bracelet. "Better... I guess. It still stings sometimes, but Veer's been amazing. And knowing we're all safe now-that's helping more than I expected."

I reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "I'm proud of you, Radha. You handled it all with so much strength."

She gave me a tired smile. "Yeah, well...Maa and Papa had been very polite with me, but don't know how to react."

I hugged her, "Everything will be okay just let the time go, they are just trying to make you comfortable again."

We laughed lightly and talked about wedding and many other stories.

Later that night, Reyansh returned from work, Maa invited him over. I was seated at the table with the family, and I greeted him like nothing had happened.

He smiled at me, casually resting his hand on the back of my chair. I nodded but didn't lean into his touch like I usually did.

He noticed.

Of course he did.

All through dinner, I answered politely, laughed when others laughed, but didn't meet his eyes.

After having some chit chat, I stood up, murmured a soft "Goodnight," and walked upstairs without waiting for him.

He followed, a half-step behind.

"Jaan?" he asked, brows furrowing as we entered the room. "Everything okay?"

The way he said Jaan-soft, questioning-made me melt instantly. Ugh. Why does his voice have that effect on me? I wasn't actually angry. I just... wanted to know why he didn't tell me about the spiked milk. That's it. So, fine-if he won't bring it up, I'll just have a little fun teasing him first. Pretend to be mad. Let him stew a bit.

I didn't respond.

I went to the wardrobe, pulled out my nightwear, and headed for shower.

Still silent.

And just as I reached the door, I paused, turned around slightly-not enough to meet his eyes-and then slammed it.

Firmly.

---

End