Falling Destiny

Episode 26 : “The Mansion and the Watchful Eyes”

(Neha’s POV)

The next morning, right at 10, my phone rang.

I was brushing Disha’s hair when I saw an unknown number flash on the screen. I hesitated a moment before answering.

“Hello?” I said softly.

“Good morning,” a familiar voice replied, warm and smooth—Veer.

Just hearing his voice brought a smile to my face. Maybe it was the memory of him helping me, or maybe just the charm in his tone… I didn’t know.

“I’ve sent a car to pick you up. It should be at your gate by 10:30,” he said.

I blinked. “Wait—how did you get my number?”

“Your academy manager,” he replied, casually.

My heart skipped a beat, not in fear, but in some strange anticipation. I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Okay, I’ll be ready.”

And sure enough, at exactly 10:30, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up outside our modest house.

I stepped out with a small bag and found myself the center of attention. Curious eyes peeped through every window, old aunties whispered to one another, and children ran to the gate. I could feel every pair of eyes on me, all wondering the same thing—who had come for Neha?

The driver opened the door for me. I slipped in, still overwhelmed, and the car sped through the streets like I was royalty.

---

When we finally stopped, I looked outside and gasped.

A mansion—no, a palace.

White marble gates, fountains at the entrance, trees aligned perfectly along the driveway. It felt like something out of a dream. I stepped out, and my feet automatically slowed as I took in the sight. So many guards stood straight like statues, and maids walked around carrying trays, whispering directions to each other. Everything was shining, precise, and overwhelming.

I wasn’t sure where to go when Veer appeared at the main door. Dressed in a black tuxedo, he looked like he belonged to another world—this world.

“Welcome, Neha,” he said with a faint smile.

“Your house is…” I looked around, still stunned, “...unbelievable.”

He chuckled softly. “You’ll get used to it.”

He waved over a maid. “This is Meher. She’ll look after anything you need.”

Meher offered me a tall glass of some pink-orange drink. I hesitated for a second—still not used to this kind of treatment—but finally took it and whispered, “Thank you.”

Veer then led me through the hallway, his voice echoing against the high ceilings. “Come, I want you to meet my sister. Ruhani.”

We reached a large, sunlit room with floor-to-ceiling mirrors on one side and smooth wooden floors—a dance hall.

There she stood.

Ruhani.

She was stunning—tall, fair, soft curls falling around her shoulders. But what stood out most was the warmth in her eyes. She smiled at me as Veer introduced us.

“She wants to learn some modern and classical steps,” he said, stepping aside.

“I’d love that,” I replied, returning her smile.

We got started almost immediately. The music played in the background as I began teaching her basic spins and postures. She was light on her feet, graceful and eager to learn. I started feeling comfortable, even happy.

But after a while, I felt something.

Eyes.

Someone was watching me.

I paused briefly while correcting Ruhani’s posture and glanced toward the door. And there he was—Veer.

Leaning slightly against the frame, arms crossed, a faint smirk on his lips. His gaze wasn’t intense or invasive—it was curious, observant. Yet it made my cheeks flush.

I turned away quickly, trying to focus on the steps again.

Why was I suddenly feeling nervous?

Ruhani giggled as she twirled, “You know, you’re very graceful.”

I smiled awkwardly, still conscious of Veer’s gaze.

The class went on for another hour. Ruhani was a quick learner, and by the end of the session, she’d already memorized a short choreography. I clapped for her, and she hugged me tightly.

“You’ll come again tomorrow, right?” she asked sweetly.

“Of course.”

As I packed up my things, Veer appeared beside me again. “Did you enjoy the session?”

I nodded, avoiding direct eye contact. “Your sister is a gem.”

He looked pleased. “And you… you’re exactly what she needs.”

That sentence made my heart flutter a bit.

He walked me to the entrance, but before I stepped out, I turned back. “Thank you, for… everything. And for saving me that night.”

He tilted his head. “You don’t need to thank me for that.”

I smiled again. “Still, I should’ve at least offered tea.”

“Maybe next time,” he said, his eyes not leaving mine.

“Maybe,” I replied softly, stepping into the car again.

As the black Mercedes pulled out of the grand gates and into the ordinary streets of the city again, I looked out the window, the breeze kissing my face.

I couldn’t understand what exactly this was.

Was Veer just being kind? Or was there something more?

All I knew was—this day felt different. And I didn’t know why, but a part of me felt like something had started.

Something unexpected.