The Accidental Genius, Part -1

This fictional psychological thriller, told in three parts, delves into the illustrious Rai family and the secrets they hold. It’s a tale of two sisters, their hidden obsessions, and the blurred lines

The Shadows~

The art exhibit was unlike any other event of 2024, a grandiose exhibit hosted by the illustrious Rai family, known for their centuries-old legacy in fine arts. The venue, an ancestral mansion-turned-gallery, whispered tales of artistic mastery in every corner. The exhibit was a tribute to the one and only Mr Satish Rai, the crowned jewel of Indian fine arts, whose work had not only defined an era but also set an unforgettable mark in the world of creativity.

Mr. Satish Rai's name and art itself were an embodiment of the essence of our rich cultural heritage. The evening was a celebration of his life’s work, with pieces passed down through generations, each one a testament to the Rai family’s artistic genius. The gallery buzzed with admiration as guests marvelled at his legacy.

"Unbelievable talent," one remarked, eyes scanning the intricate brushstrokes on the canvas. "It must run in the family", “Not entirely” someone added. Another voice chimed in, tinged with curiosity. "Perhaps, but there’s something about these newer ones... they are too perfect, to the point where they seem artificially stimulated by the artist. It's almost as if they don’t belong to the natural artist's abilities. The origin feels... off.

For most of it, the atmosphere remained one of reverence and respect, solely for the art and the legacy of the great Mr. Rai and family, but still one could sense it, there were murmurs—hushed and fleeting, of course—sparked by the incident that had occurred a few years back. Unbothered by the whispers that floated through the room like shadows. Many dismissed the rumours as mere media-driven gossip, attempts to tarnish the image of those who had achieved greatness. 

Yet, a lingering sense of mystery clung to the air, enticing some to entertain darker possibilities. Among the murmurs, questions arose about the Rai family’s legacy and talent, mingling with whispers of an obsession deeply rooted in their bloodline. Some Speculation swirled, about, someone or somebody, going after the family legacy, linking to the legends' demise. And, some discussed the possibilities of the extreme lengths that someone could go to protect their art, or perhaps, to claim it for themselves. Was there really something under the celebrated public image, waiting to be unveiled?

As guests wandered through the exhibit, their gazes occasionally shifted to the two women on stage, so ethereally beautiful that they seemed to be Mr Rai's finest artwork up till now. Like masterpieces not of one creation, but two, cloned to perfection, identical to the eye in every way, but just so different in every other. One stood, the other sat in a wheelchair, their resemblance to the legendary Satish Rai unmistakable. The twins, Aisha and Ananya Rai were the latest bearers of the Rai family legacy. Both were esteemed professionals, but down different paths, Aisha who was familiar with the limelight, treading across the path laid by their father. An epitome of passed down generational wealth in the form of exceptional artistry, like her father himself. The other daughter, Ananya, although deprived of an artist's talents, did not fail to carve a mark for herself, and emerged as an esteemed and ambitious NeuroScientist. Although away from the limelight, it was said that she was deep into the research of a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we see science for good.

They were like mirror images—twins, yet something about them felt different, as though each held a secret the other could never truly understand.