COLLUSION: THE WEB OF COFFINED TRUTHS (PART1)

VR MANSION:

Rehansh's Room:

9:15 AM

Rehansh was happily humming a tune while getting dressed when he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in!" he said in a sing-song voice, clearly in a cheerful mood.

Vansh walked in, raising an eyebrow. "What's going on? You seem too excited. Is there some special occasion?" he teased, though his tone carried a hint of bitterness.

"Not exactly a function… but it's no less than one either! How do I look?" Rehansh asked, still admiring himself in the mirror with a broad smile, completely ignoring his brother's sarcastic remark.

"You look different...in casuals. It's been a while since I've seen you like this," Vansh commented, still skeptical about his brother's unusual excitement over a mere girl.

"In a good way or a bad way?" Rehansh asked, adjusting his collar.

"In a good way, of course. You look great, Rehan...but why do you even doubt yourself? Girls usually throw themselves at you. You know that, right?" Vansh frowned.

"Come on, Ansh! Arya isn't like those girls. She's different...and I really want to impress her! Yesterday my new suit didn't do much, but at least my behavior did. She even complimented me on that!" he giggled like a teenager in love.

Vansh looked at him, dumbfounded. "Um...are you really my twin? Or did someone swap you with a doppelganger?"

"Oh shut up, Ansh! I can't help it, okay? Just thinking about her makes me smile. And if you want me to have a permanent scowl on my face, then sorry to disappoint you!" Rehansh laughed, clearly unbothered by his brother's remarks.

Vansh sighed. "No, it's not that...it's just surprising to see you this happy and excited after so many years. But for a girl? That's what surprises me the most."

"Awww! Is my Ansh jealous of my Arya now?" Rehansh teased, grinning mischievously.

"Whatever," Vansh grumbled.

"Listen, Ansh. Don't ever be jealous of Arya, okay? Because you two are the most important people in my life. I can never replace one for the other. You both have your own irreplaceable place in my heart. Got it?" Rehansh reassured, his tone genuine.

Vansh sighed. "Yeah...I get it. Just...don't get your heart broken, okay?"

"Okay, done! Now I gotta rush, I'm already late to pick her up. Bye!" Rehansh said hurriedly, grabbing his keys and heading out, still smiling like a lovestruck fool.

Vansh's POV:

I woke up early today, hoping for a normal day, but boy was I wrong.

Rehan woke up extra early, skipped breakfast, and spent almost two hours choosing his outfit...seriously? Like he was about to meet Queen Elizabeth or something. His bed was a complete mess with clothes scattered everywhere. And now, he was skipping an important meeting — one that he himself told me to manage. He had never done this before...not even when I forced him to take a break.

But for her? Arya? He did it willingly...and without her even asking. That's what's scaring me.

The amount of control that girl has over him or, more precisely, the power over his life that he is willingly giving to her — it's terrifying. I've been there once...and it cost me my peace. I still remember the consequences of giving someone that power. It broke me.

And when I try to warn Rehan about it, all three of them — Rehan, Siya, and Daadi — gang up on me, calling me judgmental. But they just don't get it. I'm not generalizing women, I'm protecting my brother from heartbreak. But whatever...I just hope he doesn't hurt himself.

And if that girl dares to hurt him...she won't be spared. (Evil smirk)

With that thought, I walked out of his room, heading downstairs.

Vansh's POV ends

Living Room – VR Mansion:

As I descended the stairs, a girl suddenly blocked my way. I looked up, already irritated. She was holding a bowl of kheer and grinning like an idiot.

"Ansh!" she called sweetly.

I clenched my jaw. "It's Vansh! How many times do I have to tell you that? Now move aside!" I snapped.

"But...Daadi said you have an important deal today, so I thought something sweet might bring you luck. That's why I made this kheer especially for you...please try it!" she said, holding the spoon close to my mouth.

I roughly pushed her hand aside and gripped her wrist. "Listen very carefully, Radhika. Drop the act of being a sweet and innocent girl, and stop trying to get close to me! It won't end well for you!" I warned coldly, then shoved her hand away and walked off without a second glance.

I heard the bowl crash to the ground, and I smirked. Typical.

"Oops! Plan flopped, huh, Maheshwari?" I heard Siya snicker from behind.

"Shut up, Siya!" Radhika yelled and stormed off.

Sarvodaya Apartments:

10:22 AM

Rehansh parked his car and checked his phone, only to realize he didn't have Arya's number. He facepalmed. "I need to get her number today," he muttered to himself.

Moments later, he spotted her crossing the road, and his face instantly lit up. He waved happily, and she walked towards him.

"Good morning! I'm not late, am I?" she smiled, getting into the car.

"Nah...just five minutes. No big deal. And good morning to you too, Sunshine!" he grinned.

"Sunshine? Already giving me nicknames?" she raised an eyebrow playfully.

"What can I do? You're glowing in the sunlight like that...I had to call you something cute!" he teased, making her laugh.

"You're such a flirt!" she giggled.

"And you're glowing...so what's the secret of your flawless skin?" he asked, genuinely admiring her beauty.

"You want my skincare routine now?" she teased.

"Why not? Everyone wants glowing skin, don't they?" he chuckled.

"Your skin is already perfect, Rehan!" she smiled and playfully pinched his cheeks.

"Did you just pull my cheeks?" he asked, swatting her hand away in disbelief.

"Yes! Because you're so cute!" she laughed.

"I am NOT cute! And stop pulling my cheeks, Arya!" he whined like a kid.

"Aww! Now I'll do it every single time!" she giggled mischievously.

"Oh God...this girl!" he groaned, driving off while she laughed at his annoyed face.

Hospital – 7:30 PM:

As promised, Rehan was there on time. Arya excitedly waved at him, and his heart fluttered. Just as he was about to approach her, a guy came from nowhere.

"Hey! Ignoring me now, huh?" the guy teased Arya, shaking her hand.

Rehansh's jaw clenched, his fists tightening. "Who's this guy, Arya?" he asked, struggling to stay calm.

"Oh! Meet Jay...Jaydeep Mandavkar. (To Jay) And Jay...he's Rehansh Raisinghania—"

"Whoa! You didn't tell me you have a boyfriend now!" Jaydeep gasped dramatically.

"WHAT?! Boyfriend?! Who said that?" Arya yelled, embarrassed.

Jay smirked. "Dude, you're already so possessive...I'm impressed!"

Rehansh chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Jay."

"Same here, Mr. Raisinghania," Jay grinned.

Just then, Jay's boyfriend, Srikant, showed up, and they all laughed together. Realizing Jay was taken, Rehansh finally relaxed.

"Man, you're lucky! Dating a doctor comes with skipped dates and canceled plans," Jay joked.

"Ugh! Shut up!" Arya and Sri scolded in unison, making everyone burst into laughter.

And Rehansh? He was just happy seeing his Sunshine laugh.