Pratap Singh Mansion – Late Afternoon
Soft sunlight filtered into Yuvaan's room, bathing everything in a warm glow. The engagement was only hours away, and the house hummed with excitement. Yuvaan stood before his mirror, dabbing moisturizer along his jawline with the precision of a man preparing for war rather than a ceremony.
His shoulder-length hair brushed lazily against his cheek as he leaned closer, smoothing the cream with slow, confident strokes. The scent of sandalwood rose from his skin—warm, polished, dangerously intoxicating.
But behind that calm…
a slithering presence watched.
From the open window, golden scales shimmered—subtle enough to be missed, but sharp enough to threaten. A serpent lingered half-hidden, its eyes fixed on Yuvaan, tongue flicking out as if tasting his aura.
A faint chill curled along the back of Yuvaan's neck.
He stilled completely.
His fingers paused mid-motion, expression tightening with that instinct he had spent years trusting. His eyes narrowed, dark and sharp, the faintest glimpse of the warlock king he once was.
He set the bottle down, turning toward the window with unhurried, predator-like steps.
The serpent recoiled into the shadows.
Yuvaan approached slowly—shoulders squared, posture tall, gaze cold and calculating.
The entire room felt different now… like the air itself was holding its breath.
He yanked the curtain aside.
Nothing.
Just the soft sway of the garden under the breeze.
Yuvaan's jaw flexed.
Whatever it was, it had been real.
And it had watched him.
Just then, the door burst open.
Angad barged in first, grinning like he owned the place. "So you're moisturizing? Really? Trying to look extra perfect for the engagement… or for Kiara?"
Aakash leaned on the wall with a satisfied smirk. "We searched for you all morning. And guess what we learned?"
Riddhi strutted in, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. "That you sneaked off to the Shetty house. Obviously."
Yuvaan blinked once, expression smooth but instantly defensive.
"So? What exactly is your point?"
Angad raised a brow. "Point? The point is—why the sudden escape this morning?"
Yuvaan adjusted his watch with deliberate calm. "I went to discuss engagement rituals. Someone has to handle the important details."
Aakash laughed outright. "Right. Important details like falling onto Kiara's bed?"
Riddhi clapped her hands once. "Aunty asked for you three times, but you were off having secret lover meetings."
Yuvaan dragged a hand through his hair, sighing in theatrical annoyance—but the slight smirk tugging his lips exposed him.
"You three talk too much," he said smoothly. "And imagine too much."
Angad nudged him. "Come on, Bhai. Just admit it."
Yuvaan narrowed his eyes, voice dropping into that soft, dangerously charming tone.
"Admit what?"
Aakash replied instantly, grinning. "That you can't survive even one day without Kiara."
Riddhi added, "Not even half a day."
For a second, Yuvaan tried to keep a straight face…
but the corner of his mouth twitched.
He looked away, shrugging casually—though a faint red brushed his ears.
Angad pointed dramatically. "Look! He's blushing. He actually is."
Yuvaan groaned softly, rubbing his forehead. "Please stop before you embarrass yourselves, not me."
They only laughed louder, circling him like a pack of overexcited siblings.
Outside the window…
the golden serpent still watched him.
Silent.
Unblinking.
And waiting.
Bhoomi stepped into the room with a soft knock. The trio immediately straightened, but she barely glanced at them — her attention was fixed on the folded sherwani in her hands.
"Yuvaan beta," she said gently, "this… this belonged to your father, Pramad."
Her voice carried a warm mixture of nostalgia and pride. "He wore it on our engagement… twenty-seven years ago. Two years before you were born."
Angad, Aakash, and Riddhi exchanged quiet looks, suddenly respectful.
Bhoomi stepped closer, holding the sherwani out to her son.
"It's a little worn out, but… it would mean the world to me if you wore it tonight."
Yuvaan took it carefully, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then the corner of his mouth lifted — that calm, low smirk only he could pull off.
"So… you're asking me to revive a legend," he said, brushing his thumb over the faded embroidery. "I don't mind. But… can I make a few adjustments?"
Bhoomi let out a relieved laugh. "Of course, dear. It's yours. Do whatever you feel is right."
Yuvaan nodded once.
And with a subtle flick of his fingers — almost too fast to catch — the air around the sherwani shifted.
A faint shimmer rolled across the fabric like a breath of midnight.
The dull blue brightened… deepened… transitioning into a rich, bold dark blue that suited him perfectly. The embroidery sharpened, the fabric renewed as though time itself had bent to his will.
Even the trio stared, impressed.
Bhoomi's eyes glistened. "You always surprise me, Yuvaan… Thank you. I know Pramad would've loved this."
Yuvaan's voice dropped into that velvety, villainous-register calm.
"I'll wear it, Mom. Promise."
Bhoomi smiled warmly. "Good. Now… before I forget—" She lifted a second, carefully wrapped bundle. "I'm sending the staff to deliver Kiara's lehenga. The same one I wore on my engagement. I want her to have it."
Yuvaan reached for it.
The moment his fingers touched the cloth, something in his eyes softened — only slightly — before the usual sharpness returned.
"Let me fix it first," he murmured.
The lehenga gave off a soft glow as he let his magic flow through the threads. Like the sherwani, its color deepened, renewing into a richer shade — elegant enough for Kiara, and bold enough to match Yuvaan's sherwani perfectly.
Bhoomi clasped her hands together, touched. "Perfect. I'll take it to her now." She began walking out before pausing at the door. "Go freshen up, okay? Guests will start arriving soon."
Yuvaan gave her a small nod, the kind that held both respect… and secrets.
Bhoomi left with the lehenga, her footsteps fading down the corridor.
The moment she disappeared, Angad whistled softly.
"Bro… that was actually kinda smooth."
Yuvaan smirked, sliding the renewed sherwani over his arm.
"Get used to it."