The morning sun filtered through the trees of the Shukla household, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Sidharth stood on the porch, his heart heavy with the weight of the previous day’s events. The village still buzzed with whispers, and the air felt thick with tension.

Shenaaz was seated on the floor of their modest living room, clutching a framed photograph of Shiv. Tears streamed down her face as memories flooded back—of laughter, care of the man she had married out of obligation rather than desire. Sidharth approached her cautiously, the image of her desolation cutting through him like a knife.

“Shenaaz,” he said softly, kneeling beside her. “We need to talk about what happened yesterday.”

She looked up, her eyes red and puffy. “What is there to talk about, Sidharth? They think I’m a witch, a bad omen. They think I killed Shiv!”

“I know you didn’t,” he replied firmly, taking her hands in his. “But we have to find a way to prove it. We can’t let them treat you like this.”

Just then, Devika entered the room, concern etched across her face. “Sidharth, the villagers won’t stop. They’re blaming Shenaaz for Shiv’s death, and if we don’t do something soon…” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken threat hanging in the air.

Inder appeared at the doorway, his expression grim. “I’ve heard the rumors, and they’re growing louder. It’s only a matter of time before they take matters into their own hands. We need to find out what happened to Shiv and also you marry her for her safety .”

The mention of Shiv’s fate hung heavy in the room. Sidharth felt a surge of frustration. “But how? The police haven’t found anything. About marriage are you sure ”

Devika placed a comforting hand on Shenaaz’s shoulder. “yes Sidharth, this is the only way to keep her safe and also we need to dig deeper. There may be people who know something. Maybe someone saw something about shiv .”

“Maybe…” Sidharth pondered, his mind racing. “I need to speak to the last people who were with him. The other officers from his department. They might know more about the circumstances surrounding his death.”

Shenaaz wiped her tears and looked at Sidharth with newfound determination. “I want to help. I need to clear my name and find out what happened to Shiv.”

Sidharth nodded, appreciating her strength. “Then we’ll do it together. We’ll find the truth, but before that let’s get married i know it’s very difficult for you but I am always there for you.”

As they planned their next steps, a loud knock echoed through the house, breaking their moment of solace. Inder opened the door to reveal a tall, stern-looking man in a crisp uniform—an inspector from the police force.

“Good morning, Shukla family. I’ve come to speak with you regarding Shiv’s death,” he announced, his voice commanding attention.

The atmosphere shifted as they all turned to face him, a mix of hope and anxiety swirling among them. Sidharth felt a flicker of hope ignite in his chest. Maybe this was the breakthrough they needed.

“Please, come in,” Devika said, motioning for him to enter.

As the inspector stepped inside, Sidharth couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold. The truth was out there; they just had to find it—before it was too late.

And somewhere, in the shadows, a new player watched the family’s every move, a figure cloaked in mystery and secrets, ready to intervene when the time was right.

What would this investigation uncover? Would they find the answers they desperately sought, or would the darkness only deepen? The journey of truth was just beginning.