A Seed Planted Quietly
Najma learned early in life that danger rarely announced itself.
It arrived softly.
With smiles.
With concern disguised as kindness.
The Sign residence was unusually busy that afternoon. Preparations for an upcoming charity event filled the halls with activity. Najma stood near the staircase, reading through a list Sasha had handed her, marking off details carefully.
"You're very organized," Sasha observed.
Najma smiled faintly. "It helps me think."
Sasha nodded approvingly. "You'll manage this house well."
Before Najma could respond, a familiar voice drifted in.
"Najma."
She turned.
Rachel Parulkar stood at the entrance, dressed elegantly, confidence woven into every step. She smiled warmly, as if they were old friends.
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
Sasha's eyes narrowed slightly—but she stepped away politely.
Najma inclined her head. "Is there something you need?"
Rachel glanced around. "Privacy."
They moved to the sitting room.
Rachel sighed theatrically. "I've been meaning to speak to you."
Najma waited.
"I don't want you to misunderstand anything," Rachel began. "Ranveer and I… we go way back."
Najma's expression remained calm. "You mentioned."
Rachel studied her face carefully. "Then you know how hard this has been for me."
Najma folded her hands. "I imagine it hasn't been easy."
Rachel smiled sadly. "He doesn't open up to people. Except me."
The words slid into place like a blade.
Najma didn't react.
"Does he talk to you about his fears?" Rachel continued gently. "His anger? His sleepless nights?"
Najma met her gaze. "No."
Rachel nodded. "That's what I thought."
Silence stretched.
Rachel rose slowly. "I just wanted you to know… you're kind. And he needs kindness."
She paused at the door. "But sometimes kindness isn't enough."
And she left.
That evening, Najma sat alone in her room, staring at the wall.
Rachel's words replayed—not because they hurt, but because they fit too easily into places Najma had never dared question.
Ranveer was distant.
Controlled.
Untouched.
Perhaps he had chosen practicality over connection.
The thought didn't break her—but it weighed on her.
Across the house, Ranveer ended a call abruptly.
Rachel's name glowed briefly on the screen.
He ignored it.
Sasha watched him carefully. "She's trying to stir something."
Ranveer's eyes hardened. "She won't succeed."
But when he passed Najma in the hallway later, she stepped aside slightly—creating space where there had been none before.
Ranveer noticed.
And for the first time, he felt the ground shift beneath him.