Author pov

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The moon hung high in the velvet sky, casting a silvery glow over the quiet harbor. The air was thick with tension, alive with the whispers of the wind that rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. It was a night like any other, but for Suhasini, it felt electric with anticipation.

Clad in a fitted black jumpsuit that clung to her frame, she moved with the grace of a shadow, blending seamlessly into her surroundings. Her heart raced, but her mind was a steely calm, focused solely on the task at hand.

She crouched behind a stack of crates, the rough wood splintering beneath her fingertips as she peered through a narrow gap. The shimmering cargo ship loomed ahead, its hull painted a deep navy blue, and its deck illuminated with harsh, white floodlights that sliced through the darkness. Jewel-encrusted treasures awaited their fate within. Suhasini could almost see them—a fantasy world of gold, diamonds, and rubies sparkling in her mind's eye. It was a treasure trove just waiting to be claimed.

"Are you ready?" whispered Veer. His voice was low, but the urgency in it sent a surge of adrenaline through her veins. The rest of the crew, a motley group of skilled thieves, waited several paces behind them, their faces masked, eyes glinting with a shared determination.

Suhasini nodded, her breath steadying as she adjusted the small backpack slung over her shoulder. Inside were tools of the trade—lock picks, a compact flashlight, and a few small bags for collecting their spoils. She could feel the weight of anticipation and risk, an exhilarating cocktail that quickened her pulse. As they approached the ship, the faint sound of waves lapping against the dock echoed softly in the background, a reminder of the world that existed beyond their immediate goal.

The smell of saltwater mingled with the metallic tang of the ship's hull, a scent both invigorating and foreboding. Suhasini took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. They crept closer, the shadows their allies, when suddenly the sharp blare of a horn pierced the calm night. Suhasini's heart lurched as the neon lights of a patrol boat swept across the harbor. They froze in place, hearts pounding in synchrony, as the boat glided by, oblivious to their presence. It was a reminder of the precarious tightrope they were walking, one that could tip at any moment.

Once the coast was clear, Veer took the lead, gesturing for them to follow. They darted toward the ship's ladder, each step echoing in Suhasini's mind like the beat of a drum. Gripping the cold metal, she climbed swiftly, her muscles coiling and releasing with precision, every inch bringing her closer to the glittering prize. Reaching the deck, they drew themselves up behind a stack of cargo crates. The air was thick with the scent of oil and adventure, a heady mixture that only fueled Suhasini's resolve. She felt the weight of the moment, of the years spent honing her skills for this very night.

"Okay," Ekaansh whispered again, his voice barely above a breath. "Let's split up. Suhasini, you and Veer take the aft cargo hold. The rest of us will check the forward section." Suhasini nodded, her excitement surging as she and Veer slipped into the dimly lit interior of the ship. The hold was a maze of crates and containers, each one a potential treasure. As they made their way deeper, they passed by stacks of unmarked boxes, their contents unknown but tantalizing; they could practically taste the wealth that surrounded them.

Finally, they reached a large, locked metal crate, the kind that made Suhasini's heart race with dreams of opulence.

"Let's see what's inside," she murmured, Veer pulled out his lock pick set. The lock was stubborn, and as he twisted and turned the delicate tools, beads of sweat formed on his brow. Time ticked away, each second stretching into an eternity. With a satisfying click, the lock surrendered, and they pushed the lid open. Inside, the soft glow of velvet-lined compartments revealed a dazzling array of jewelry—necklaces dripping with diamonds, rings adorned with sapphires and emeralds, bracelets that sparkled like stars. Her breath caught in her throat; this was a treasure hunter's dream come true.

"Wow," Veer breathed, his eyes wide. "This is incredible!" Suhasini grinned, swiftly grabbing the small velvet bags and filling them with as much as they could carry. The others also did same with stealing a bunch of jewells.

But in that moment of triumph, the air shifted. A low, ominous sound reverberated through the warehouse. The heavy footsteps echoed from outside, growing louder and closer. Panic surged through Suhasini as she exchanged wide-eyed glances with her companions. "We need to go—now!" Veer hissed, urgency lacing his voice. The sound of voices grew more distinct.

"Everyone out!" The command was sharp and authoritative, slicing through the tension like a knife. Suhasini's heart plummeted; reality crashed in like a tidal wave. They were trapped. Adrenaline flooded her system, propelling her into action as she darted for the back exit, pushing past her friends.

She could hear the chaotic shuffle of feet behind her, but her focus narrowed to a single goal: escape. The warehouse felt like a labyrinth, each corner echoing with their hurried breaths and the growing sounds of the approaching police. Just as she reached the exit, she collided with a solid figure. A man stood there, flashlight piercing through the darkness.

"Stop!" he commanded, and Suhasini froze, her heart pounding against her ribcage like a caged bird desperate to flee. In that instant, time slowed. The jewels slipped through her fingers, cascading onto the floor like fallen stars.

"Who are you?" The man asked. The warehouse was no place for someone like her, with the world still at her feet, and yet here she was, seemingly lost amid the twisted remnants of the past. He thought.

It was a question, but also an invitation for her to come clean, to explain why she was trespassing in a place that smelled of forgotten dreams and unspoken stories. But instead of retreating, Suhasini stood her ground, taking a step forward, her posture revealing a surprising strength. Which made him amused.

"I'm not afraid of you," she shot back, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. There was something about her that intrigued him—perhaps it was the spark of rebellion in her demeanor or the way her chin tilted defiantly upward, challenging his authority. Before the man could respond, another figure emerged from the shadows—Ishaani.

She was a whirlwind of motion, her presence electrifying the air around them. Her dark eyes were alight with a fierce intensity that both unsettled and captivated the man. She moved with fluid grace, every step calculated, her confidence radiating like an aura. In that fleeting moment, the man realized that he had underestimated the situation.

Ishaani appeared almost ethereal, her long black hair flowing behind her like a banner of darkness. And it was then that the man noticed the glint of metal in Ishaani's hand—a knife, sharp and menacing, catching the sparse light like a predator's gaze.

"Get away from her!" Ishaani barked, her voice a low growl, filled with a fierce protectiveness that sent a chill racing down the man's spine. The air crackled with tension, thickening with the impending confrontation. the man's heart raced, and the instinct for self-preservation kicked in, but as he took a step back, he felt the weight of the moment settle upon him like an impending storm.

In one swift motion, Ishaani lunged forward, her knife slicing through the air with deadly precision. Time seemed to slow as the man's mind raced, processing the imminent threat. He had meant to defuse the situation, but now it had escalated beyond his control. The blade met flesh with a sickening thud, and the world around them fell silent, replaced by the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears. The man staggered backward, shock coursing through him as he tried to comprehend what had just transpired.

Ishaani stabbed in the chest again and again. While the others came back for those two.

"Isha, come on we need to go back before we encounter more trouble." Ekaansh said. "And, Suhasini, try to be more faster." He sneered at Suhasini.

Then, came back to their spot where the Surush meeting were held.

***

Suhasini's POV

After we had come back from the mission, Ekaansh pulled me to a corner. His towering figure loomed over me, a menacing shadow that eclipsed the warmth of the sun.

"Can't be more effective," Ekaansh sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, my usually vibrant spirit dimmed by the cruel taunts. I had lost track of time in my effort to help my siblings go to sleep, and now, I stood at the mercy of this relentless tormentor.

Ekaansh leaned in closer, his smirk widening as he continued his onslaught. "Did you forget your way to the meeting?" His words cut through the air like a knife, piercing her resolve. While my stomach churned with anxiety. I could feel the weight of his gaze, a suffocating reminder of my humiliation. But in that moment, something shifted within me. As he continued to berate me, a spark ignited in my chest—a resolve that had been simmering beneath the surface.

I lifted my chin, meeting Ekaansh's mocking eyes with newfound determination. "You may think you can bully me, but today is the last day you'll ever get to do that," I declared, my voice steady despite the tremor of my hands.

Ekaansh's laughter faltered, confusion flickering across his face. "What did you say?" he retorted, but his bravado wavered.

I took a step forward, my posture bold and unyielding. "I meant was that you may had power over me. In this past month you controlled me. You forced me to do things that I never wanted to. You forget that between this you have the upper hand but for everyone else I am the LEADER." I proclaimed, each word a declaration of my newfound strength.

"I will obey commands while leading the Surush. Because this is about much more than us two. But, I will make your life a living hell. For even though I may have the illusion of control over everyone here, I still can command you." I finished

It was Ekaansh who seemed caught off-guard. I felt a surge of empowerment wash over me; I was no longer the victim. The girl who had once felt small and powerless now stood confidently, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—my declaration echoing in the hearts of my enemy.

"You think can control everything, don't you? Even me, sometimes," Ekaansh said.

"Control is an illusion, Ekaansh. But power? That's I have understood very well over the years."

"Well, let's see how you make my life a living hell, Suhasini," He said before walking out of the clearing.

Leaving me fuming behind him

***

The weight of the world pressed down on my shoulders as I sat on the rough, wooden bench in the courtyard, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. Tears glistened in my eyes, and my heart ached from the cruel taunts of Ekaansh, his words still echoing in my mind like the relentless tolling of a bell.

Just then, I felt a gentle presence beside me. Veer, with his warm smile and steadfast demeanor, settled in close, his shoulder offering a sturdy support I desperately needed. "Don't let him get to you, Suhasini, he is just having a bad day and he has anger issues, after... well everything." he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring.

"But just becuase-" I began but before Sruthi came down besides me and whispered comforting words to me. One thing I learned in this past month was that Sruthi and Adasrhini were very fragile and hated blood and negative thing so Ekaansh made them two make clothes for missions and all of that stuff.

Sruthi, her dark curls bouncing as she spoke. "We'll stand by you, Suhasini. Together, we can face anything." As they spoke, the pain of humiliation began to ebb, replaced by a bond forged in the crucible of shared adversity. 

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Akka - Older Sister

Annaya/Anna - Older Brother

Celli - Little Sister

Tammudu - Little Brother

Atta - Aunt

Amma - Mom

Nana - Father

(These are all Telugu)

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: ̗̀➛ Next Update:- Tuesday

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: ̗̀➛ Q/A:- So what do you think about Ekaansh?

: ̗̀➛ Q/A:- So what do you think is the relationship between Suhasini and Veer?

: ̗̀➛ Q/A:- So what do you think happened to Hari & Kasev?