The study room was unusually quiet.
Stacks of papers and old files covered the large wooden desk where Rudra's grandfather sat, carefully reading through some documents. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated his tired face.
The door opened.
His grandfather looked up and immediately noticed Rudra standing there.
"Come, beta," he said warmly.
Rudra walked inside and took a seat across from him.
The old man studied his face for a few moments.
"What happened?" he asked. "Why are you looking so tired?"
Rudra leaned back in the chair.
"Because I got into a fight today."
His grandfather's expression instantly turned serious.
"Did someone discover your identity?"
Rudra shook his head.
"No. They weren't after me."
"Then why did they attack you?"
There was a brief pause before Rudra answered.
"Because they wanted Aarna. They were trying to take her away."
"Aarna?" his grandfather repeated. "Who is she? And why did you fight for her?"
Rudra looked down for a moment before replying.
"She's Shekha Khanna's daughter. Her mother may be the only person who can help me uncover the truth behind my parents' deaths."
His grandfather sighed deeply.
"Rudra..."
The concern in his voice was unmistakable.
"I can't bear to see you like this. I only allowed you to step into this dangerous world because I know how stubborn you are. But that doesn't mean you should turn yourself into a living corpse."
Rudra's jaw tightened.
"I'll only find peace after I punish the people responsible."
His grandfather looked at him sadly.
"I will always stand by your side. But your identity must remain hidden. The moment your enemies learn who you truly are, they won't come after you..."
He paused.
"They'll come after our family."
The old man's voice became heavy.
"I've already lost two children. I don't want to lose another."
Rudra's eyes softened.
"I won't let that happen, Dadu."
For a few moments, silence filled the room.
Then his grandfather suddenly asked,
"Do you like someone?"
Rudra frowned.
"Why are you asking that?"
A faint smile appeared on the old man's face.
"If you don't like anyone... then there is someone who likes you."
Rudra immediately knew where this conversation was heading.
"Don't start, Dadu."
His grandfather chuckled.
"Kashlya told me about Sanvi today. You know her well, and apparently she loves you."
Rudra closed his eyes in frustration.
"If there isn't already someone in your heart, then why not give her a chance?"
"No."
The answer came instantly.
"That can't happen."
"Why?"
"Because I can't return her feelings."
His grandfather remained silent, allowing him to continue.
"Right now, I can only focus on finding the truth about my parents."
The old man slowly shook his head.
"Don't destroy your present while chasing the past, Rudra."
His voice carried years of wisdom and pain.
"Sometimes we have to let things go before we can truly free ourselves."
Rudra remained quiet.
His grandfather smiled gently.
"I don't mind if you like someone. I don't mind if you don't. What matters to me is your happiness."
For the first time, Rudra couldn't find an answer.
"Please give me some time," he finally said.
"Right now, I can't think about any of this."
His grandfather raised an eyebrow.
"How much time do you need?"
Rudra looked directly into his eyes.
"Two months."
The old man waited.
"Within two months, I'll find the people responsible and make them pay."
His grandfather stared at him for several seconds before nodding.
"Fine."
Rudra looked surprised.
"Really?"
"Yes. But if you fail to complete your mission..."
A mischievous smile appeared on the old man's face.
"...then at the very least, you will get engaged to Sanvi after two months."
Rudra nearly choked.
"Dadu!"
The old man simply folded his arms.
"My condition is final."
Without giving any response, Rudra stood up and headed toward the door.
"Where are you going?" his grandfather called out.
Rudra didn't even turn around.
"Good night."
The door closed behind him.
His grandfather shook his head helplessly.
A small smile appeared on his lips as he looked toward the closed door.
"This boy..."
He leaned back in his chair.
"When will he stop carrying the weight of the entire world on his shoulders?"
His gaze drifted toward the night sky outside the window.
"I just hope someone enters his life and t
eaches him how to truly live... and how to enjoy life before it's too late."
The old man sighed softly.
Perhaps fate had already sent that person.
Neither of them had realized it yet.
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