Reyansh disconnected the phone and looked toward Manya. His face was red with anger, his fists were clenched, and his eyes were bloodshot. Manya’s heart was pounding loudly. She asked softly, “Reyansh ji… what happened? A letter from my step-mother? What is in it? Why is she threatening me?”

Reyansh put the phone aside. He pulled Manya into his lap, gripping her waist in his hands as if he would break anything that tried to snatch her away. His voice was cold, yet filled with rage.