SHERGILL ESTATE

The grand Shergill estate loomed ahead, its once-majestic facade now tarnished by neglect and shadowed by secrets. Drishti stood at the entrance, her heart racing as they prepared to delve into the mysteries hidden within its walls.

"Ready to unlock some family secrets?" Yash quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he nudged Drishti's shoulder playfully. "Or are we just here for the ambiance? I could use a good ghost story!"

Drishti rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Focus, Yash. This is serious."

"Seriousness is overrated," he replied dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "But for you, I'll try. I mean, how many ghosts can we find?"

Rakshit stood slightly apart, arms crossed and eyes narrowing at the easy camaraderie between Drishti and Yash. A familiar sense of jealousy gnawed at him. "Can we get moving? The sooner we find something, the sooner we can leave," he said, attempting to keep his tone steady despite the irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

Divya, ever the mediator, shot Rakshit a teasing look. "You're not afraid of a little investigation, are you? Or are you just worried we might uncover something embarrassing about your family?"

"Embarrassing? You mean how much of a mama's boy Rakshit was?" Yash chimed in, laughter dancing in his voice.

Rakshit shot him a glare. "Very funny, Yash. Let's just focus on the task at hand."

As they entered the estate, the air felt thick with memories. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light filtering through the tall windows, illuminating the scattered remnants of a once-vibrant life. They moved cautiously, the floorboards creaking beneath their weight.

"Is it just me, or does this place feel like a horror movie set?" Drishti murmured, her gaze lingering on the faded portraits lining the walls.

"Only if you scream like a banshee," Yash teased, stepping closer to her. "I'll be right here to save you, my dear damsel. I may not have a sword, but I can definitely wield sarcasm."

"Thanks, but I'll pass," Drishti retorted, shaking her head, though a small smile crept onto her lips.

Rakshit felt a twinge of annoyance at Yash's flirtation. "Let's split up and cover more ground," Akshit suggested, trying to keep the mood light. "Yash, you're with Divya. Rakshit and Drishti can check the study."

"Great, a perfect match-up," Yash said, winking at Drishti. "I can see the chemistry already! You know, it's not every day you get to investigate your own family drama."

Rakshit's jaw tightened. "Let's just get to work."

As they entered the study, Drishti felt a rush of nostalgia. She approached the desk, her fingers grazing the dust-covered surface. "There's got to be something here," she said, scanning the room.

"Look for anything that stands out," Rakshit suggested, trying to keep his focus on the task instead of the warmth spreading through him at the sight of Drishti's determined expression.

Moments later, Drishti noticed a small, ornate box tucked away on a shelf. "What's this?" she asked, carefully retrieving it.

Rakshit leaned closer, his breath hitching slightly as their shoulders brushed. "Open it."

With a slight tremor of anticipation, Drishti opened the box, revealing a collection of old photographs and letters. Her heart sank as she recognized a picture of her mother with Ravi, both young and full of life.

"Wow, look at those two" Yash's voice rang out as he peeked into the room, noticing the photos. "Looks like Drishti's mom had quite the history! I bet your dad was a total charmer, right? Or was it the other way around?"

"Shut it, Yash," Rakshit snapped, irritation flooding his voice. "This isn't a joke."

Drishti shot him a look, sensing the tension but also feeling the warmth of Rakshit's proximity. "It's okay, Mr. Shergill. It's nice to remember her this way."

Rakshit's gaze softened momentarily, but he quickly masked it. "We'll figure this out together. I promise."

Just then, Yash broke the moment, leaning dramatically against the doorframe. "And here I thought I was the only one in touch with my feelings! Should I get some popcorn for this emotional reunion?"

"Yash!" Divya exclaimed, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile.

"Just saying, it's not every day you witness a couple bonding over family secrets," he replied, winking at them. "I'm basically the third wheel here! Someone should really take me on a date to make it even."

Rakshit rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Focus, Yash. This is about uncovering the truth, not your romantic aspirations."

As they continued to search, the atmosphere shifted. Laughter punctuated the seriousness of their mission, but the underlying tension simmered as Rakshit couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy watching Yash's playful banter with Drishti. He found himself leaning closer to her, their shoulders brushing as they looked at the pictures together.

"Let's keep searching," Drishti said, her heart lightening as they returned to their task. "There has to be more here."

Rakshit nodded, feeling a warmth growing in his chest. Maybe this investigation would bring them closer together, despite the shadows lurking in the estate.

AKSHIT AND DIVYA

As the group delved deeper into the Shergill estate, the air became thicker with unspoken secrets and hidden histories. Meanwhile, Akshit found himself wandering away from the others, drawn toward a secluded terrace that overlooked the estate's sprawling gardens.

The late afternoon sun cast a warm golden hue over the scene, and he took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, trying to shake off the weight of the day. His mind drifted back to the playful banter and the tension that lingered between Drishti and Rakshit, but it was Divya's laughter that echoed in his ears, reminding him of a lightness he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" Divya's voice broke through his thoughts as she stepped onto the terrace, her presence immediately brightening the atmosphere.

"Of course not" Akshit replied, turning to face her. "It's nice to take a break from all the... chaos inside."

Divya leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the garden below. "It really is beautiful here. I can see why you guys have so many memories tied to this place."

"Yeah, it's got its charm," Akshit said, glancing at her. "Though it's hard to appreciate it fully with everything going on. I just wish we could find some answers."

Divya nodded, her eyes flickering with understanding. "We will. Together."

Silence enveloped them for a moment, a comfortable pause that felt charged with unspoken words. Akshit found himself stealing glances at Divya, noticing how the sunlight danced in her hair and highlighted the soft features of her face. She was different from anyone he'd met before-bold, unyielding, yet gentle.

"Are you okay?" Divya asked suddenly, turning to him with a concerned expression. "You seem a bit... distracted."

"Just thinking about family" he admitted, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice. "I mean, with all the tension between Rakshit bhaiya and Drishti bhabhi... and the secrets we're uncovering, it's hard not to feel the weight of it all."

Divya stepped a little closer, her expression softening. "You're a good brother, Akshit. You care a lot about Rakshit bhaiya, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do. Sometimes I just wish he would let me in more" Akshit confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's like he's building walls around himself, and I don't know how to break through."

"I think he just needs time," she reassured him, her eyes locking onto his. "And maybe someone to remind him that it's okay to rely on others."

Akshit felt an inexplicable pull toward her sincerity. "You really believe that?"

"Absolutely" Divya said, her smile infectious. "And you know, I think you're the perfect person to show him that."

Their eyes held for a moment longer, and Akshit's heart raced as he found himself drawn to her warmth. "Thank you, Divya. For everything. You've been... a really great friend."

"Just a friend?" she teased lightly, her tone playful, but there was a glimmer of something deeper in her gaze.

"Maybe a bit more than that" he admitted, the admission tumbling out before he could think twice. "I mean, I don't know... there's just something about you that makes it easy to open up."

Divya took a step closer, her breath hitching slightly as their proximity shifted. "I feel the same way, Akshit."

In that moment, surrounded by the shadows of the past, something new began to bloom between them-an unspoken understanding that transcended friendship. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow around them, Akshit took a chance, leaning in slightly, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Can I-" he started, but before he could finish, Divya closed the gap, her hand brushing against his as she leaned in, their foreheads almost touching.

"Yes," she whispered, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Before either of them could second-guess their instincts, Akshit closed the distance, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a sweet promise, a connection forged amidst the chaos of their lives.

As they pulled back, breathless and a little surprised, Divya's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Well, that was... unexpected."

"Yeah," Akshit breathed, a grin spreading across his face. "But good unexpected."

Divya laughed, her eyes sparkling with newfound affection. "Definitely good."

With their hearts racing and the weight of the estate's secrets momentarily forgotten, they stepped back to the reality of their mission, each aware that their newfound connection could either complicate things or make them stronger as they faced the challenges ahead.

AFTER SOMETIME

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Shergill estate as Drishti, Rakshit, Yash, Akshit, and Divya regrouped in the study. The atmosphere was thick with tension, their recent discoveries weighing heavily on their minds. The discovery of the journal and the names of their parents on a suspicious list had left everyone unsettled.

"Alright" Rakshit said, leaning against the desk, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "We need to find Tejashri aunty. She might know something about this list."

Yash raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor fading. "You really think she's involved? I mean, she's always been... well, her."

"Whether she is or not, we need to talk to her" Drishti insisted, her voice firm. "There's a lot at stake here."

As they made their way through the estate, Drishti's mind raced. What if Tejashri held the key to unraveling the truth about their parents? What if she was the connection they desperately needed? But a nagging doubt lingered-could Tejashri really be involved in something so sinister?

The group found Tejashri in the sunroom, her demeanor calm as she gazed out at the sprawling gardens. She came in the afternoon when Rakshit gave her an urgent call. "Ah, you're all here" she said, turning to face them, her expression unreadable. "What can I do for you?"

Rakshit stepped forward, his tone serious. "We need to talk about the names we found on that list. What do you know about it?"

Tejashri's eyes flickered with something-surprise, perhaps? But it was quickly masked. "That list... It's old. Things were different back then. You don't know the whole story."

"Then tell us" Akshit pressed, frustration leaking into his voice. "We deserve to know the truth!"

Tejashri hesitated, crossing her arms defensively. "It's not that simple. There are things about your parents... things that are better left unsaid."

"Why are you being so evasive?" Yash interjected, his intuition kicking in. "If you have nothing to hide, why not just tell us?"

Before Tejashri could respond, she looked away, her expression troubled. "Sometimes, ignorance is bliss" she said quietly. "And sometimes, knowing too much can be dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Rakshit echoed, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "What do you mean by that? Are you saying our parents were involved in something shady?"

Tejashri's gaze hardened, her posture shifting as she took a step back. "You're not ready for this conversation" she declared, a hint of fear in her voice. "You think you want to know the truth, but it could shatter everything you believe."

"Stop dodging the question!" Drishti snapped, her frustration boiling over. "We're tired of the secrets! Just tell us what you know!"

Tejashri opened her mouth as if to respond but then paused, looking conflicted. The tension in the room escalated as they all waited for her to speak. Finally, she shook her head, her expression shifting to one of resignation. "I can't do this. Not here. Not now."

With that, Tejashri turned and strode out of the sunroom, leaving behind a storm of questions and a sense of unease.

"Why is she acting so suspicious?" Akshit asked, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "She didn't deny anything."

Rakshit's jaw clenched, uncertainty flooding his thoughts. "She's my aunt. I want to trust her, but..."

"But you're starting to doubt her," Drishti finished, her eyes searching Rakshit's face for clarity. "And that's understandable. We all want to know what happened."

As they stood there, the silence stretched uncomfortably. Yash broke it with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if we're playing a game of trust, I feel a bit left out here. My only scandal involves my love life-and that's just me being single!"

Divya smirked, shaking her head. "Yash, your love life is a scandal in itself."

"Exactly!" Yash grinned. "Imagine if I had a list of names-every girl I've ever had a crush on. It would be a bestseller!"

The lighthearted banter was a welcome distraction, but Rakshit couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the air. His loyalty to Mahima battled against the rising doubts about Tejashri. What if she was hiding something crucial?

Yash, sensing Rakshit's turmoil, stepped closer. "Hey, man, I get it. Family loyalty runs deep, but sometimes you have to consider the bigger picture. There's more to this story than meets the eye."

"Yeah, but that's my family we're talking about," Rakshit replied, frustration leaking into his tone. "I can't just turn my back on them."

"I know," Yash said, his voice softer now. "But what if it's the truth that helps you protect them? You have to be willing to see all sides."

Rakshit nodded, grateful for Yash's support even in the face of his own internal conflict. "We'll find out the truth," he said, determination etched on his features. "Whatever it takes."

As they left the sunroom, Drishti couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. She glanced at Akshit and Divya, who were deep in conversation about Tejashri's abrupt exit. "We need to investigate further," she said, her voice steady. "There's something about this whole situation that doesn't add up."

"Agreed," Akshit replied. "Let's split up again and see if we can find any other clues. We need to dig deeper into our parents' pasts."

"Count me in," Yash said, a determined glint in his eyes. "Just promise me there will be more fun and less drama next time."

As Tejashri left the old Shergill estate, they moved forward, the group's resolve strengthened. They were united in their search for the truth, but as they ventured deeper into the mysteries of the Shergill family, each step brought them closer to revelations that could change everything.

EVENING

Drishti wandered through the dimly lit attic of the Shergill estate, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been drawn to this secluded space by a strange instinct, as if the shadows held secrets waiting to be uncovered. As she sifted through dust-covered boxes, her fingers brushed against something that felt oddly significant. Pulling it out, she found an old journal bound in worn leather. As she flipped through its pages, the familiar handwriting brought a rush of nostalgia; it was her mother Vidya's.

Each page revealed her mother's fears and suspicions, a chilling testament to the dark undercurrents swirling within the family. Vidya had documented her growing concerns about someone close to her, hinting at strange occurrences that plagued her and Ravi. Drishti's breath caught as she read lines that spoke of hidden agendas and whispered conversations. The deeper she delved into the journal, the more she realized her mother had feared for their safety. One entry stood out, its words emblazoned in her mind: "Mahima has a dark side that we cannot ignore." Drishti shivered at the implications, torn between disbelief and the unsettling recognition that perhaps her mother had seen something the rest of them had missed.

After emerging from the attic, Drishti hurried to gather the others. In the living room, she shared her discovery with Akshit, Yash, and Rakshit. The atmosphere grew tense as she recounted the journal's content. "My mother suspected something about Mahima aunty" Drishti said, her voice steady but laced with urgency. Akshit exchanged a glance with Yash, both of them seeming to consider the gravity of her words.

Rakshit, however, remained steadfast, his jaw clenched as he shook his head. "My mother would never harm anyone" he defended fiercely, his loyalty to Mahima evident. "You're reading too much into this, Drishti." His voice held a sharp edge that sent a jolt of frustration through her. Yash, sensing the tension, attempted to diffuse it. "Well, if she's so innocent, maybe she should host a family dinner to clear things up!" he quipped, trying to lighten the mood. But Rakshit shot him a glare that silenced any further attempts at humor.

Just as the group began to strategize how to confront Tejashri, chaos erupted in the mansion. A loud crash echoed through the hallways, and the lights flickered ominously. "What the hell was that?" Drishti gasped, her heart racing as they rushed toward the source of the noise. They found themselves plunged into darkness, the power cut unexpectedly.

"Stay close" Rakshit urged, his protective instincts kicking in as he guided Drishti through the gloom. Just as they were beginning to calm their nerves, Drishti felt a sense of foreboding wash over her. "I don't like this," she whispered, glancing around as shadows danced ominously in the corners. Suddenly, a figure loomed in the darkness, and she felt her pulse quicken. Just as she opened her mouth to scream, Yash appeared, charging in like a knight in shining armor. "You really need to start carrying a flashlight, Drishti," he said, his voice teasing even in the tense moment, though she could see the genuine worry in his eyes.

The distraction allowed them to regroup, but the atmosphere was thick with unease. Akshit, still shaken by the earlier events, stumbled upon a document while searching for a way to restore the power. His eyes widened in shock as he scanned its contents, revealing that Mahima was not Rakshit's biological mother. "Rakshit needs to see this," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air. "If this is true, it changes everything."

He hesitated, knowing how fiercely Rakshit defended Mahima. The thought of shattering his brother's trust gnawed at him. They convened once more, Akshit struggling to find the right words. "What if... what if Mahima has been hiding something significant?" he ventured, glancing at Drishti and Yash for support.

Drishti felt a chill crawl up her spine at the implications. "We need to confront Tejashri and get to the bottom of this," she urged, her determination surging. "But Rakshit won't like it," she warned, casting a glance at her husband, who remained oblivious to the growing storm around him.

The debate grew heated as they weighed their options. Yash, with his trademark bravado, tried to lighten the mood again. "Who knew family secrets could be this entertaining? Next thing you know, we'll be casting a reality show!" But Drishti and Akshit's expressions remained serious. "This isn't a joke, Yash. People's lives are at stake" Drishti countered, her voice unwavering.

As the conversation intensified, Yash couldn't help but feel like an outsider, a third wheel caught in a complicated web of emotions and loyalties. Watching Rakshit's fierce loyalty to Mahima and Drishti's growing resolve made him feel slightly left out. "So... am I just here for comedic relief?" he asked, half-joking, though his tone revealed the frustration of being the odd one out. "Because I'm starting to feel like a single guy at a couple's retreat."

Drishti couldn't help but smile at Yash's antics, the humor a brief respite from the heavy atmosphere. But as she glanced at Rakshit, she saw the protective fire in his eyes and knew that their investigation would only deepen the rift between them.

HOURS LATER

After hours of stumbling through the dimly lit corridors of the Shergill estate, the power finally returned. A flicker, then a hum, and the grand chandeliers blinked to life, flooding the mansion with a harsh, artificial brightness. The shadows that had made the house feel eerie seemed to vanish, but Drishti knew better. The darkness wasn't gone-it had just retreated, waiting.

Akshit leaned against the wall, sighing in relief as the lights restored some normalcy. "Finally, feels like we're back in the 21st century," he muttered, earning a playful nudge from Yash.

"Speak for yourself," Yash chuckled, throwing an arm around Akshit's shoulder. "I was about to suggest lighting candles and telling ghost stories. Maybe the Shergills have some family haunts?"

Drishti rolled her eyes at Yash's quip, but she couldn't deny the relief she felt too. They had spent the last few hours piecing together bits of the family's complicated history, following the trail that led them closer to Tejashri's secrets. And now, with the house back to normal, it seemed like they had a moment to breathe.

But it wasn't over yet.

Rakshit, standing by the window, seemed less at ease. He had barely spoken since the power went out, silently observing as Akshit and Yash debated their next move. Drishti's heart ached as she watched him, torn between his love for his family and the growing unease that maybe, just maybe, someone close to him was lying.

"Tejashri aunty" Rakshit finally said, breaking the silence. "She's hiding something. But I need more than suspicion before I accuse my own aunt."

Drishti exchanged a glance with Yash. They were getting closer, but they couldn't rush it. There were still too many questions, too many loose ends.

The group agreed to take a break. After hours of tension, they needed some distraction. Yash, ever the playful one, suggested a card game.

"You know, nothing says 'family drama' like a round of poker," he joked, winking at Drishti. "Come on, who's in?"

Drishti smiled, grateful for Yash's lightheartedness. "Alright, fine. But no cheating, Yash."

"Me? Cheat? Never!" Yash grinned, though everyone knew better.

They all gathered around the table, the tension easing as the cards were dealt. Even Rakshit, usually so serious, cracked a smile. The atmosphere grew light, the flicker of candlelight playing across their faces as laughter filled the room.

As the game progressed, Yash leaned toward Drishti, his voice low but teasing. "So, Mrs. Shergill, what's your bet? All in? Or are you just trying to distract me?"

Drishti smirked. "I don't need to distract you, Yash. You're terrible at bluffing."

On the other side of the table, Rakshit's eyes narrowed. He hadn't missed the way Yash and Drishti bantered, how he called her "Mrs. Shergill", their friendship easy and relaxed. Something about it tugged at him in a way he didn't like to admit. He clenched his jaw, his focus entirely on the cards, but his mind wandered.

Why did it bother him so much?

Meanwhile, Divya and Akshit sat beside each other, the awkwardness between them turning into something softer. Divya nudged Akshit with a playful grin. "You're awfully quiet. Nervous about losing?"

Akshit smirked, his earlier tension fading as he leaned closer. keep dreaming."

"Oh really?" she challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We'll see about that."

As the night wore on, the game continued, and for a brief moment, they all allowed themselves to forget the looming shadows, the secrets that hung over the Shergill mansion. The laughter, the friendly competition-it was a temporary escape from the unraveling truth.

But even as they laughed and teased, each of them knew that the game they were playing was much bigger than a round of poker. And soon, the stakes would be higher than they ever imagined.

NIGHT

As the game wrapped up, Yash stretched his arms and let out a dramatic yawn. "Well, I think it's safe to say I've lost enough tonight. Time to call it quits before I end up owing you all."

Drishti laughed, collecting her winnings from Yash. "It's not just poker you lost at, Yash. I believe you owe us a good horror story too."

Yash threw her a playful glare. "Oh, I'm saving the horror stories for when the stakes are higher. Like when we have no more lights or cell service," he quipped.

Divya smiled warmly at the group as she stood up. "Alright, goodnight, everyone. I'm sure tomorrow is going to be just as eventful as today."

Akshit nodded at her, standing up as well, his gaze lingering on her a bit longer than usual. "Yeah, goodnight. Try to sleep peacefully without thinking too much about the mansion's... mysteries."

Divya chuckled softly, playfully nudging him as she walked past. "I'm not the one who gets spooked easily, Akshit. That's all you."

Akshit smiled to himself as she left the room, a quiet warmth settling in his chest. He hadn't realized how comfortable he had begun to feel around her.

Yash watched the small interaction with a smirk. "Seems like Akshit's found someone to occupy his thoughts besides his books" he teased, earning a subtle punch from Akshit.

"I'm just being polite," Akshit muttered, though his face betrayed a hint of amusement.

Rakshit had been quiet for most of the game but stood up as well, finally breaking his silence. "We all need some rest" he said in his deep voice, glancing toward Drishti, who had just finished gathering the cards. "Tomorrow might bring answers we're not prepared for."

Drishti nodded, though she couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that clung to her. "Goodnight, Mr. Shergill" she said softly, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away.

He lingered for a moment longer than necessary, his gaze holding hers, before turning and heading toward his room. Yash, always one to break the tension, leaned toward Drishti with a mischievous grin. "Should I take the hint and leave you two lovebirds alone?"

Drishti smirked, shaking her head. "Go to bed, Yash. You've already lost too much tonight."

Yash let out a mock sigh, dramatically holding his heart. "One day, someone will appreciate my sense of humor. Mark my words."

As everyone made their way toward their respective rooms, a sense of calm finally settled over the house. The eerie atmosphere from earlier in the evening seemed to have dissipated, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and camaraderie.

Drishti paused outside her door, casting one last glance down the hallway where Rakshit had disappeared. She sighed softly, her mind racing with thoughts of the investigation, the tensions between them, and the ever-growing suspicions surrounding Tejashri.

Tomorrow would bring more revelations, but for now, it was time to rest.

With that, she whispered, "Goodnight," to the empty hallway and slipped into her room, hoping sleep would offer her the peace she so desperately needed.

Upstairs, Yash lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling with a grin. "Third wheeling. Fantastic," he muttered to himself, before drifting into a light, playful sleep.