The night felt too silent.
Rain fell quietly as thunder roared across the sky.
Ashura sat in the back seat of the car. His gaze remained fixed outside the window.
Raindrops slid down the glass slowly. His reflection looked unfamiliar.
How did this even happen…?
His thoughts echoed in the silence.
Mr. John… died…
His fingers tightened slowly. The words still didn't feel real.
It feels like yesterday…
He offered me marriage…
Ashura closed his eyes for a second. A heavy breath escaped his lips.
And now… he's gone…
His fist clenched tightly. The veins on his hand became visible.
"Shina… stay strong…" he murmured under his breath.
"I'm coming."
Thunder roared again. A flash of lightning lit up the sky.
For a moment… his eyes looked colder.
At Shina's residence, the air felt heavy.
She sat there quietly, crying softly.
"How… how is this possible…?" her voice trembled. "Dad… you left me…"
Her tears fell slowly, one after another. She couldn't stop them.
Flashback
"Daddy! Daddy!" little Shina ran toward him happily. Her small steps were unsteady.
John chuckled warmly. "Shina, slow down… you'll fall."
She jumped into his arms without hesitation. "You're here… you'll catch me!"
John smiled and hugged her tightly. "Hmm… my girl…"
"You don't have to worry about anything while I'm alive," he said gently. "I'll always be here."
"If I die… then you can think about it—"
"Daddy!" she puffed her cheeks and pinched his face.
"Ouch…" John laughed softly. "Alright, alright… I won't say that again."
"Don't say those words…" she said stubbornly. Her cheeks were still puffed.
"Hahaha…" John chuckled, holding her close.
Present
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"…You really left me…"
Her voice broke completely.
Behind her, Aryan stood calmly. His expression remained unreadable.
"So, officer…" he spoke in a controlled tone. "My father's body was found in his office?"
The officer nodded seriously. "Yes… we investigated."
"He was shot in the head," he added coldly. "There was no chance of survival."
"…I see," Aryan replied quietly. His gaze darkened for a brief second.
A soft knock echoed through the room.
Shizu's voice trembled slightly. "…Coming."
She walked toward the door slowly. Her hand hesitated for a second before opening it.
The door revealed Rivaan and his family. Ashura stood there quietly, his eyes searching.
"Where's Shina?" he asked calmly.
Shina stood up instantly. Her voice broke the moment she saw him.
"Ashura…"
She ran toward him without thinking. Her body crashed into his as she hugged him tightly.
"Ashura…!" she screamed, her voice trembling. Tears streamed down her face.
"Someone killed my father…" she cried loudly. "Please… find him… and take revenge…"
She grabbed his hands tightly. "Please… I beg you…"
Ashura held her arms gently. His expression remained calm, but his grip tightened.
"Don't cry… please," he said quietly. He exhaled slowly.
"Shina… calm down first."
From behind, the officer observed him carefully. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Isn't he Ashura Rivaan… the boy who killed 27 people…?
He glanced toward Aryan. "Who is he to you?"
Aryan answered calmly. "My sister's fiancé."
"Why…?" the officer looked back at Ashura. "Maybe he killed your father… that boy is a psycho."
Aryan stayed silent for a second. Then—
"Oh…" his eyes flickered.
So Ashura is a killer… his inner voice whispered.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
That's good for me.
"Mr. Rivaan, please sit," Aryan spoke politely.
Rivaan nodded. "Sure…"
A minute later, everyone sat together. The atmosphere felt heavy.
Shizu served juice with trembling hands. "Take this… Ashura ji…"
From beside him, Ruhi whispered softly. "Ashura… the situation is very bad…"
"Hmmm…" he nodded slightly. His eyes remained focused.
"…But who is that guy?"
His gaze locked onto Aryan.
"Nice to meet you, Ashura," Aryan smiled calmly. "I'm Aryan…"
"Shina's elder brother."
Shina's hands trembled slightly. She avoided looking at either of them.
Rivaan frowned in confusion. "We've never seen you before, boy."
"I lived in London," Aryan sighed lightly. "That's probably why."
"So… you're Ashura…" he said, locking his gaze with him.
"My sister's fiancé."
Ashura nodded calmly. "…Hmmm."
The officer spoke coldly.
"So, Ashura Rivaan… where were you at 9 PM ?"
Ashura didn't react immediately. His gaze remained steady.
"At my home," he replied calmly.
Ruhi suddenly stood up in anger. "Are you saying my brother killed him?!"
She slammed her fist on the table. The sound echoed sharply.
The officer remained calm. "Sit down, girl… this is a conversation."
Ashura gently held her hand. "Wait, Ruhi…"
"Let them clear their doubts," he said quietly.
Ruhi glared for a second, then stepped back reluctantly. Her anger still burned.
Rivaan spoke firmly. "Sorry, officer… my son didn't kill him."
His eyes hardened as he stared back. The tension in the room grew heavier.
Another officer from behind stepped forward. "Mr. Roger…"
"We have no evidence that Ashura Rivaan is involved," he said seriously.
"It's inappropriate to accuse him without proof."
Shina nodded slowly. "…Hmm…"
Her lips trembled slightly as she spoke.
"Ashura… may not be a good person…" her voice was soft… too soft.
"But he wouldn't kill my father…"
Her words hung in the air.
Aryan watched everything silently. His gaze moved between all of them.
So… the whole family stands with him…
A faint smile appeared in his thoughts.
What a strong bond…
Roger, the officer, slowly stood up.
"Alright… if you say so, I'll trust it for now," he said with a faint smirk.
"But…" his tone turned colder. His eyes locked onto Ashura.
"If I find even a single clue…"
His gaze hardened completely.
"Ashura… you'll be behind bars."
"And trust me…" he leaned slightly forward.
"You won't be treated kindly there."
Ashura smirked faintly.
His eyes didn't waver even for a second.
"You look new here, officer…" his voice was calm… almost mocking.
"Don't open packages you understand."
He tilted his head slightly.
"You might have to change your shift… sooner than you think."
The officer chuckled lightly.
"That's bold… warning an officer," he said with a smirk.
"I like your attitude, boy."
He turned his back casually. "Let's go, Arsh."
"Yes, sir," the other officer nodded.
Both of them walked out. The door closed behind them.
Shizu exhaled deeply.
"…That was close."
"Ashura ji literally warned the police…" she muttered in disbelief.
Ruhi chuckled softly. "Ashura… do you ever feel fear?"
"Never," Ashura yawned lightly.
Then his gaze shifted toward Shina.
"Shina… please don't cry," he said gently, offering a small smile.
"I know this is hard… but we're here with you."
Ruhi nodded quickly. "Hmmm… sister, don't cry…"
She smiled softly, trying to cheer her up.
Shina tried to hold her tears back.
"How can I not cry…?" her voice broke again.
"My dad… left me alone…"
"You're not alone," Rivaan smiled warmly.
"I'm your father too… from now on."
Aryan watched everything silently.
These people… showing too much kindness to this bitch…
A faint irritation crossed his mind.
"Huh…" he sighed inwardly.
"Don't cry… my little angel," Aryan said softly.
He placed his hand on her shoulder and pulled her slightly closer.
"My sweet sister… please…"
Shina sniffed softly.
"…Okay… bhaiya…"
She forced herself to stop crying. Her tears slowly held back.
Shizu glanced toward Ashura.
"Ashura ji… can you give me a moment?" she said softly, forcing a small, awkward smile.
Ashura nodded. "Sure."
He stood up calmly.
"Come with me," she said, turning away.
Ashura followed her quietly.
Everyone's eyes stayed on them.
Aryan's gaze narrowed slightly.
Why is she calling him alone…?
A faint smirk formed.
Does she also like him…?
He exhaled slowly, hiding his thoughts.
Ruhi muttered softly, "…Ashura…"
Rivaan turned toward Shina.
"Shina… your father is gone…"
His voice softened.
"We can't leave you alone."
He extended his hand toward her.
"You can come with us."
Aryan spoke coldly.
"Sorry, uncle… but my sister is not alone."
His tone carried control.
Shina hesitated.
"Bhaiya… you'll go back to the UK in a few days…"
Her voice trembled.
"Mom isn't with us… dad too…"
"I'll be alone…"
Ruhi stood up instantly.
She gently held Shina's hand.
"Then come live with us," she said with a warm smile.
Shina looked at her.
Tears still filled her eyes… but she smiled.
"…Okay…"
Aryan sighed quietly.
"Huh… whatever."
His expression remained neutral.
But inside—
I have to finish this…
His gaze darkened.
Shina… and Ashura… both.
I have to finish both…
Aryan's eyes darkened for a brief moment.
His fingers tapped lightly on the table. His expression stayed calm on the outside.
Shina… and Ashura…
A faint smile formed on his lips.
Both are problems now.
He leaned back slightly in his chair.
Everyone around him was busy talking. No one noticed his shifting gaze.
Ashura…
That boy is more dangerous than I thought.
The officer's words echoed in his mind.
"The boy who killed 27 people…"
Aryan's smile deepened slightly.
Perfect…
If things go wrong…
I can just blame everything on him.
His eyes flickered toward Shina.
She was smiling weakly through her tears.
And you… my dear sister…
You're just a pawn in this game.
His fingers tightened slightly.
I'll break you first…
Then I'll erase him.
Thunder roared outside again.
For a moment, lightning flashed across the room.
Aryan's face was visible in that light—
Cold.
Empty.
Dangerous.
After a few moments, Ashura and Shizu returned.
Everyone's gaze instantly locked onto them.
Ashura walked forward calmly. But something in his expression had changed.
Shizu forced a small, awkward smile.
"Shina ji… let's go," she said softly.
"Can I pack your suitcase?"
Shina nodded weakly. "…Yes, Shizu…"
A faint smile appeared on her lips, but it carried pain.
Ashura exhaled slowly.
"Are you all ready?" he asked calmly.
His gaze lingered on Aryan for a second longer.
Aryan chuckled lightly.
"Yeah… don't worry, little bro," he said with a fake smile.
Ruhi frowned slightly.
Ashura… changed…
She stood up and walked toward him.
"Bro… is everything okay?" she asked softly.
She held his hand gently.
"I'm fine," Ashura replied.
But his smile… felt forced.
"Dad…" Ashura shifted his gaze toward Rivaan.
"Let's leave… the rain has stopped."
Rivaan looked at him for a moment.
Then nodded slowly. "…Okay, Ashura."
He stood up.
Ashura turned his gaze back toward Aryan.
"…You're staying here?" he asked coldly.
Aryan nodded.
"Yes… little bro," he replied calmly.
"It's my father's house… I should take care of things here."
He stepped closer.
Then placed his hand on Ashura's shoulder.
"Take care of my sister."
For a moment—
Silence.
Ashura didn't move.
His eyes lowered slightly.
"…Of course," he replied quietly.
But his tone carried something deeper.
Shina slowly stood up.
She walked beside Ruhi, her steps unsteady.
Ruhi placed a hand on her shoulder gently.
"Don't cry… I'm here," she said with a soft smile.
Shina forced a small smile.
"I'm not crying…" she whispered, wiping her tears.
Ashura's gaze shifted toward her.
"Shina…" he called softly.
She turned toward him.
"Yes… Ashura?" her voice was calm, but fragile.
Ashura walked toward her slowly.
She tilted her head slightly. "Tell me…"
Without warning—
He held her hand.
Then gently pulled her closer… pressing her lightly against the wall.
Everyone froze.
Rivaan sighed. "My boy… elders are still here…"
Ruhi covered her mouth, blushing slightly.
"Ohhh… Ashura is going romantic now…"
She quickly took out her phone.
"I should record this…" she whispered excitedly.
Behind them, Aryan's expression darkened.
What is he doing… in front of everyone…?
Shizu opened the door.
"Shina ji… your suitcase is—"
She stopped.
"Oh… looks like Ashura ji already packed something else…" she chuckled awkwardly.
Shina's face turned red instantly.
"A-Ashura… everyone is watching…"
Her hands trembled slightly.
Ashura didn't react.
His voice came out calm… but cold beneath.
"Shina… my girl…"
He gently caressed her hair.
"I promise…"
His fingers tightened slightly.
"I will kill the one who killed your father."
The room went silent.
"I will erase the person… who made my girl cry."
His voice turned serious.
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Slowly—
He bent down.
And placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Shina froze completely.
Her hands trembled.
Her face burned red.
"A-Ashura…"
Her voice barely came out.
Aryan's eyes darkened completely.
What is he trying to show…?
Ashura stepped back.
As if nothing had happened.
"Let's go, dad," he said calmly.
Shina slowly dropped to her knees.
She covered her face.
He… kissed me…
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
Ashura…
Her thoughts screamed his name.
Ashura slowly walked toward the door.
Before leaving, his steps paused for a moment.
His gaze shifted toward Aryan.
For a few seconds… they just stared at each other.
Maybe I'm wrong…
His thoughts turned colder.
But if this guy is the one who killed her father…
His eyes darkened slightly.
Then I'll be the one to bury him.
Aryan met his gaze calmly.
Not a single emotion crossed his face.
But something in his eyes… felt wrong.
"Let's go," Ruhi said softly.
Her voice broke the silence.
Shina gently held Ashura's hand.
"…Will you take care of me?" she asked quietly.
Ashura looked at her.
Then smiled faintly.
"…Yes."
Shina smiled through her tears.
"…Thank you…"
From behind, Shizu watched everything.
Ashura ji is moving too fast…
A hint of concern filled her thoughts.
"Let's leave," Rivaan said calmly.
Everyone slowly started moving out.
One by one… they left the house.
The moment faded into silence.
At last…
Aryan waved his hand lightly. "Bye… take care."
The car slowly drove away.
He stood there silently for a moment.
Then—
A chuckle escaped his lips.
It grew into a giggle.
Then into a loud, twisted laugh.
"Hahahahaha…"
"Ashura…" he licked his lips slowly.
"It looks like… you're getting close to the truth…"
"But you're still unsure…"
His foot pressed hard against the ground.
His expression twisted with madness.
"I'll ruin your life…"
"And my sweet sister's life too…"
"Maybe… I can help."
A soft voice came from behind.
Aryan turned back instantly.
A figure stood there in a hoodie.
Her face calm… too calm.
"I'm Riya," she smiled faintly.
"Nice to meet you, Aryan."
"What do you want?" Aryan smirked.
His eyes scanned her carefully.
"Ashura… is my ex," she said coldly.
"And that girl… Shina…"
"I hate her."
"You hate them too," she continued.
"So… we're the same."
Her gaze locked onto his.
"Let's remove them."
Aryan chuckled darkly.
A slow, evil smirk spread across his face.
"…Interesting."
"Come inside."
"Let's talk."
Far away… inside the moving car.
Ashura stared outside quietly.
The rain reflected in his eyes.
"Aryan…" his thoughts whispered.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
"I hope you're not the one…"
"…Because if you are…"
His eyes turned colder.
"I'll send you to hell."
Chapter 14 Ended.