Thank you each and every one for your patience and time, I'm really grateful for that ❤️

Here's the next chapter I hope you'll understand me.

Don't forget to comment 🎀

********************************************

The atmosphere at the Chauhan mansion was full of energy and excitement as engagement preparations had started. The entire house was decorated with flowers and colorful drapes.

Meera had been busy since the morning. She was running from one corner of the house to another, making sure every little detail was taken care of—after all, it's her daughter's engagement.

From the flower arrangements to the sweets being delivered, she was personally handling everything so that the day would go smoothly.

Ishaani was busy helping the cooks and servants. Virendra had asked her not to show up in front of guests, so she had been in the kitchen since morning. She was checking the snacks and making sure everything was prepared on time for the guests.

Virendra was welcoming guests as they arrived. With folded hands and a warm smile, he exchanged greetings with relatives and old friends. No one could tell that he's the same person who despises his daughter’s presence.

Aashvika looked completely out of place. There was no excitement or happiness on her face. Her expression was blank, almost like she was lost in her own world.

She saw everyone preparing for her with so much excitement, but there was a blankness etched on her face.

Anyone looking at her would never guess that this was her special day, or that she's the bride.

The house was shining with lights, laughter echoed from every corner, and everyone was busy making sure the engagement looked perfect.

But in the middle of all that celebration and noise, Aashvika stood like a shadow. Her silence, her distant eyes, and her response to anything made it clear that her heart wasn’t in the celebration.

Just then, another car stopped at the entrance. Their bua, Anuradha, had arrived.

She was Virendra’s sister—sharp-tongued and always a little too interested in drama. She held some old, deep grudge against her brother and his family.

No one exactly knew why, but the bitterness was obvious in her eyes. With her came her entire family, including her two daughters, Vidya and Shivani.

The moment they entered, the air shifted a little. They were exactly like their mother—judgmental and cold—especially when it came to Ishani.

Vidya and Shivani now stood around Aashvika like nosy onlookers.

Instead of offering love or warmth, they threw taunts.

“Arre waah, dulhan toh bilkul pyari lag rahi hai,” Vidya said with a fake smile.

Shivani added, “Par thoda excitement dikhana toh chahiye na Aashi? Aise chehra banake baithi hai jaise teri shaadi zabardasti ho rahi hai.”

Their words were light, but their intentions weren’t.

Aashvika forced a smile, but anyone who really knew her would’ve seen the irritation in her eyes.

Already frustrated, she tried her best to stay calm. But her clenched fists and forced smile showed that she was struggling.

Her eyes clearly reflected the discomfort she felt both from the situation and the people around her.

Aashvika’s mind was elsewhere.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, and after a quick glance at the screen, her entire demeanor changed. Without wasting a second, she stepped into her room and came out in an office suit.

Her hands were shaking slightly from the urgency of the moment. Her face—calm yet determined—reflected the chaos she was trying to contain within.

Just then, Ishaani entered the room carrying some clothes to be arranged for the evening function.

She stopped in her tracks, stunned to see Aashvika dressed for work on her engagement day.

"Aashi, kaha ja rahi hai aaj?" she asked, confused and a little worried.

Without meeting her eyes, Aashvika continued getting ready and responded with urgency,

"Di, please... office me emergency hai. Jana padega. I promise main time se wapas aa jaungi."

Ishaani was still unable to process what was happening. She moved closer and looked at her with concern, but seeing the rush and tension on her face, she didn’t argue.

She simply softened her tone and said,

"Aashi, jaldi aana thik hai... aur please Papa se bachke jana."

Hearing those words, Aashvika suddenly stopped. She turned and hugged Ishaani tightly. That brief moment was full of unspoken emotions.

Then she whispered,

"Thank you, Di… main peechhe wale gate se jaa rahi hu. Aap please Maa ko bata dena."

Ishaani nodded, still worried but trusting her.

“Thik hai... par jaldi aana.”

“Arey ruk, ye gaadi ki chaabhi to leti ja. Ab ja jaldi se,” she said, handing her the car keys.

Aashvika took the keys with a small, grateful smile, and hurried out of the room, disappearing towards the back gate of the mansion.

Behind her, Ishaani stood still for a moment, praying silently that everything would be alright… and that her sister would return before anyone noticed her absence.

Later, Meera walked into the room where Ishaani was arranging things.

She looked around and asked,

“Ishani, Aashi kaha hai beta?”

Ishaani, already anxious, turned toward her mother with concern and replied,

“Kya hua Maa?”

Meera explained calmly,

“Woh makeup artist aayi hai Aashi ko tayaar karne, use bula do.”

At that moment, Ishaani’s face paled.

She looked toward her mother, unsure of how to respond. Her eyes darted away as guilt filled her chest.

After a pause, she softly said,

“Maa... woh Aashi ghar pe nahi hai.”

Meera stood frozen, her expression shifting from confusion to disbelief.

She stared hard at Ishaani and asked,

“Ghar pe nahi hai matlab? Kahan gayi hai woh?”

Seeing her mother’s worry, Ishaani finally decided to tell the truth. She sighed and explained everything—that Aashi had received an urgent office call and had promised to return on time.

Meera’s worry quickly turned into anger. Her voice rose as she snapped,

“Usne kaha aur tune maan liya?”

Then looking straight at her daughter, she added sharply,

“Ishani, kya karege hum agar kisi ko pata chal gaya to?”

Ishaani opened her mouth to say something, trying to calm her mother down, but just then a loud voice echoed from downstairs Anuradha Bua, who had overheard the conversation.

“Hey Bhagwan! Meri bhatiji apni sagai wale din bhi office gayi hai!”

She stood in the middle of the living room, announcing the news loudly for everyone to hear. Her voice drew attention, and many heads turned—including that of Virendra Chauhan, who was also present there.

The tension, which was limited to one room, now began to spread through the house like wildfire, threatening to disturb the carefully constructed peaceful environment.

As soon as Bua ji’s loud declaration reached everyone’s ears, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The cheerful buzz of celebration was replaced by murmurs and questioning glances. Guests began whispering among themselves, exchanging looks of disbelief and curiosity.

At the center of it all stood Virendra Chauhan.

His expression hardened as he turned slowly toward Meera and Ishaani. His eyes, usually calm but commanding, now burned with visible anger.

In that moment, it felt as if his wrath could consume anyone who dared speak out of turn. Silence gripped the room.

He looked directly at Ishaani, disappointment and anger radiating from his stare. Then, in a voice low but firm, he spoke—each word heavy with meaning and authority.

“Bola tha na ki tumhari wajah se koi bhi pareshani nahi honi chahiye.”

Ishaani’s throat went dry, and her hands clenched at her sides.

She had no answer… only a rising fear of what would follow next.

Meera stood beside her, equally tense, unsure whether to defend her daughter or absorb the scolding in silence.

“Papa woh…” Ishaani’s voice trembled as she tried to speak up, to explain, to protect.

But Virendra Chauhan wasn’t in a mood to listen.

He raised his hand, cutting her off sharply with cold words,

“Tumse to kuchh umeed rakhna hi bekaar hai.”

His voice was filled with humiliation, echoing across the hall like a judgment.

Before the silence could settle again, Shivani came forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Maama ji, chinta mat kariye. Aashi aa jaayegi. Jarur Ishani di ne thoda jyada encourage kiya hoga Aashi ko…par Aashi samjhdar hai aa jayegi.”

Meera instinctively stepped forward to speak, but one glare from Virendra was enough to silence her.

Then Anuradha ji spoke again, completing her daughter’s taunt.

“Aashi samajhdar ladki hai. Chhoti hai, isliye behek jaati hai dusro ki baaton mein,” she said with a knowing smile, then turned toward Ishaani.

“Hain na Ishani beta? Sahi keh rahi hoon na main?”

Ishaani, holding back her tears, still tried to defend her sister.

“Papa woh… office gayi hai bas… usne kaha hai ki woh time par aa—”

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

A sudden sting lit up her cheek.

Virendra’s palm had landed hard across her face.

The pain was sharp, but what hurt more was the humiliation.

The slap echoed louder than any sound in that moment.

“Har baar... har baar tumhari wajah se pareshaniyan khadi hoti hai! Pehle bhi tumhari wajah se humein sharminda hona pada tha, aur aaj phir…”

Virendra’s anger knew no bounds.

His hands shook with the force of emotion, no longer restrained his years of despise now spilled out without mercy.

And then, a voice pierced through the thick tension.

“Mr. Virendra Chauhan.”

All heads turned.

There, at the entrance of the hall, stood Aashvika.

Dressed in her office suit.

Her eyes blazing with defiance.

Without waiting, she marched across the hall and stopped beside Ishani, whose face still bore the fresh red mark of her father’s rage.

Ishani quickly reached out, trying to hold her back, her trembling fingers silently begging her not to escalate things.

But Aashvika wasn’t someone who stayed quiet especially not when it came to Ishani.

She turned to her father, her voice slicing through the air like a blade.

“Aapki himmat kaise hui meri Di par haath uthane ki?”

The silence shattered. The hall trembled under the weight of her fury.

“Kahan thi tum? Aur aaj sagai ke din kyun gayi thi?”

Virendra Chauhan’s voice thundered back, his rage now redirected.

“Office gayi thi. Emergency thi. Maine Di ko bataya tha to aapko batana jaroori nahi samjhti”

Her reply came swift, sharp, and without guilt only fire.

“aap hote kaun hai meri Di par haath uthane wale?”

A collective gasp echoed across the room.

Her rebellion was loud.

“Aashi! Mamaji se kaise baat kar rahi ho tum? Woh bade hain tumse!”

Vidya tried to intervene, her tone laced with false politeness, desperate to restore order.

But Aashvika’s irritation was clear as she snapped,

“Oh please, mamaji ki chamchi just shut your crap mouth.”

A murmur spread like wildfire. The room buzzed with shock. Virendra stepped forward, fuming.

“Baap hoon main tum logon ka!” he roared, as if his title gave him the right to strike, to control, to command.

But Aashvika didn’t flinch.

Her next words hit harder than any slap.

“Ohh… toh aapko yaad hai ki aap humare papa hain?”

Her sarcasm was sharp, her tone heavy with long-suppressed pain.

“Kyunki itne saalon se toh nahi dekha aapko. Sirf hukm sunate dekha hai.

Pyaar? Zimmedari? Uska naam tak nahi suna aapke muh se. Waise bhi humare liye aap sirf humari maa ke Pati hai.”

Meera covered her mouth in shock.

Ishani, still beside her sister, clutched her hand tighter. Her eyes welled up, but this time not from pain from the strength standing beside her.

“Aashvika—” Virendra growled.

But she raised her hand and voice both. Controlled.

“Mr. Virendra Chauhan.”

She said each word slowly, deliberately.

“Agli baar meri Di par haath uthaya…ya unki insult kari aapne toh yeh shaadi bhi tootegi…aur aapki business deal bhi.”

Each word landed like a blow.

She wasn’t pleading as a daughter.

She was warning as a daughter who refused to be silenced.

Everyone knew it this marriage was not just a celebration; it was a buisness deal.

And Aashvika had just hit a nerve.

Virendra’s face turned crimson. His fists clenched but he had no reply. With his Wounded pride and Shattered authority and a final glare, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall, leaving behind silence, whispers, and the undeniable echo of his defeat.

Just as Aashvika turned to leave, a sharp, mocking voice sliced through the thick silence.

“Arey beta, kya karna hai job karke? Kaun sa tumhari kamai se ghar chalega? Kyu faltu me behes karti ho.”

The woman laughed loudly, making sure everyone around heard her taunt. A few others chuckled, clearly entertained.

But Aashvika didn’t ignore it.

She stopped. Turned slowly. And looked the woman straight in the eyes.

Her expression was calm But her gaze was sharp.

“Aunty ji,” she began, her voice coated in sugar,

“kitna sochti hain aap mere baare mein… nahi?”

There was a soft smile on her lips, but the sarcasm underneath.

The room tensed. Conversations paused. All eyes were now on her again.

She took a slow step forward, still smiling politely.

“Ab dekhiye, aap logon mein hi toh talent ki kami nahi hai… dusron ke ghar jaa kar judgment pass karna aasan baat thodi hoti hai.”

She tilted her head slightly.

“Par please, apna yeh talent apne paas hi rakhiye… haan?”

Her voice didn’t rise but it carried the weight of a thousand unsaid truths.

And then she dropped the final blow.

Not with her hands. But with her words.

“Kaash itna hi dhyaan apne ghar pe diya hota… toh aapki behan ka aur aapke pati ka… affair na hota.”

Gasps. Everywhere. A hush swept through the hall like a storm before destruction.

Aashvika took one last step. Gently patted the woman’s cheek, her touch mocking and soft.

“Take care, aunty ji.”

And with that, she turned on her heels and walked away—shoulders high, pride intact, silence echoing behind her.

The woman stood frozen, face burning red with embarrassment, her lips trembling for a response that never came.

No one dared to laugh now.

Aashvika walked into her room, her footsteps heavy, She didn’t said a word, but her silence was louder than anything else in that noisy mansion.

Ishani followed quietly, concern written all over her face.

She closed the door gently behind her and walked slowly toward where her sister sat at the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the floor as if it was the only thing she could trust right now.

Ishani sat down beside her and softly cupped her cheeks, turning her face up to meet her eyes.

“Kya hua hai, Aashi?” her voice gentle, filled with worry.

“Kyun itna gussa kar rahi thi sabke saamne? I know something is wrong.”

Aashvika’s eyes flickered their usual wall almost cracking but she pulled it back together and shook her head.

“Kuch nahi, di... bas aapki insult bardasht nahi hoti mujhse,” she said flatly, her voice laced with quiet anger.

Ishani frowned. That didn’t sound like the full truth. She’d seen her sister bottle up things before pretend everything was okay when it clearly wasn’t. Leaning in a little closer, her brows furrowed with concern, she spoke softly but firmly.

“Aashi... I know you’re lying. Sach sach batao, kya baat hai?”

Aashvika suddenly stood up, folding her arms tightly as if building a wall between them.

“Offo di!” she scoffed, trying to sound casual, but her voice trembled slightly.

“Sach mein kuch nahi hai. Agar kuch hota toh maine kabhi aapse chhupati kya?”

Ishani looked at her for a long moment. Her eyes betrayed her words. There was something hiding beneath that fake irritation and casual tone.

Still, Ishani didn’t push. She gave a small, hesitant nod and turned to leave.

Aashvika already pretending to be busy with something on her dressing table

but her eyes, reflected in the mirror, looked lost.

Virendra and Meera began greeting the arriving guests.

Just then, Rathore family entered the porch, Ranveer Rathore, with his calm presence beside him, with equal grace, stood Vaidehi Rathore. Her eyes reflected love and warmth.

Samaira, She wore a green anarkali and her jhumkas swayed as she turned her head, her smile wide as she looked around, the decorated beauty of the Chauhan mansion.

Right behind her walked Dhruv, in a kurta, his expression calm, a contrast to the happiness around him. He gave a nod of greeting to everyone but didnt speak much.

At the entrance, Virendra and Meera Chauhan stood together for welcoming them. Samaira and Dhruv bent to touch their feet, and Meera lovingly caressed her head.

Virendra, embraced Ranveer lightly and nodded at Dhruv.

After a few moments of light conversation, Virendra looked around and then asked curiously,

“Ranveer, Garv kahaan hai?”

Before Ranveer could reply, Vaidehi answered with a gentle laugh,

“Bas aa raha hai bhaisahab… Ruhi ki demand thi ki uske papa uske saath alag se aayein. Aur aap jaante hi hain hamari ruhi ki baaton ko mana karna kitna mushkil hai.”

Meera chuckled softly while Virendra’s expression shifted into an forced smile.

Garv parked the car near the Chauhan mansion and stepped out, adjusting the sleeves of his kurta. As he moved to the passenger side, the door flung open and a tiny, excited figure jumped out dressed in a lavender lehenga with floral embroidery.

He crouched down to her level.

"Ruhi, aapko yaad hai na… no shaitani?"

he said in a calm yet slightly stern tone.

Ruhi tilted her head and gave him her doe eyed expression.

"I know Papa… ab main big girl ho gayi hu, isliye no shaitani,"

she replied, like she was making the biggest promise of her life.

Garv couldn’t help but smile, his tough exterior softening as he looked at her.

He scooped her up into his arms effortlessly and kissed her forehead.

"I know meri angel good girl hai," he said lovingly. "Par please, andar sirf Papa ya Bua ke saath hi rahoge. Okay?"

Ruhi nodded seriously, then leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"Promise," she whispered, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

As soon as Garv placed Ruhi down on the ground, she darted into the Chauhan mansion with tiny, excited steps. Her ghungroos chimed with every move as her lehenga swayed.

"Angel!" Garv called out behind her, his voice filled with both amusement and worry.

"Sambhal ke jaana, warna chot lag jayegi!"

But Ruhi was already on a mission. She spotted Samaira, who was standing near Dhruv, and ran straight to her.

"Bua, main pretty lag rahi hu na?" she asked, twirling, her big eyes shimmering with hope.

Samaira smiled wide, bending down to Ruhi's level and gently patting her soft cheeks.

"Humari Ruhi to sabse zyada pyari lag rahi hai," she said warmly.

Ruhi then turned to Dhruv, tugging gently at the corner of his kurta. He looked down, surprised, and bent a little.

"Kya hua, angel?" he asked, softening his voice for her.

Without saying a word, Ruhi raised her arms the universal signal. Dhruv chuckled and picked her up easily. As soon as she wrapped her arms around his neck, she leaned in and asked sweetly,

"Chachu, aap gussa ho kya?"

Dhruv blinked, slightly taken aback by her question.

"Nahi baccha, aap aisa kyu puchh rahe ho?"K before returning her gaze to Dhruv.

"Bua... Chachu ki smile kahan hai?"

Dhruv stared at her for a second, then broke into a genuine smile. Her tiny fingersgestured him to smile.

He hugged her a little tighter, his voice soft as he kissed her cheek.

"Meri angel aa gayi na, ab smile bhi aa gayi"

Ruhi giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.

Before stepping into the Chauhan mansion, Garv paused near the entrance. He took a deep breath, as if trying to prepare himself not just for the formalities ahead, but for something more complicated.

On the outside, he looked composed but inside, it was chaos. His mind, it wasn’t still.

No matter how much he tried, one face refused to leave his thoughts — Ishani.

Ever since the first time he saw her, there was a strange pull. A connection he didn’t understand, but felt deeply. He had told himself it was nothing. That it was just a moment.

He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since.

Garv opened his eyes, pushing away the storm for now. He adjusted his sleeves, straightened his posture, and walked in but deep inside, the name echoed louder than ever.

Garv stepped inside the mansion, his expression polite. As soon as he entered, Virendra and Meera came forward to greet him. Garv touched their feet respectfully, but his eyes scanned the crowd searching, almost involuntarily. For someone but he couldn't figure out why she's into his mind.

On the stage, Dhruv was already seated, looking around, half-bored and half-nervous. Just then, the attention in the room shifted.

Shivani and Vidya walked in, with Aashvika, The bride-to-be had finally arrived.

She wore a beautiful peach-colored lehenga, paired with matching jewelry and a touch of minimal makeup that enhanced her beauty. Her hair was softly curled and pinned. By all means, she looked like the perfect bride….graceful and elegant.

But her eyes told a different story.

They weren’t glowing with excitement. They held no sparkle of a new beginning. Instead, they seemed distant — tired, maybe even lost. As if her body was here, dressed in celebration, but her soul… far away from this moment.

Everyone noticed her beauty, but none noticed her silence.

Garv’s thought again wandered around Ishani's absence.

She was meant to walk in with Aashvika. The two sisters were inseparable everyone knew that. But today, Aashvika had entered alone.

Virendra had firmly warned Ishani not to accompany her sister during this public moment.

Garv stood among the cheerful crowd, trying to smile, to play his part in this grand celebration. But his mind kept drifting… towards someone who wasn’t even there.

He glanced at the stage, at the couple But his thoughts weren’t with them. His eyes subtly scanned the room again, almost hoping to catch a glimpse.

"Unki behen ki engagement hai… aur woh khud yahaan nahi hai?"

Garv frowned slightly.

It didn’t make sense.

They had met only once….just once. A brief interaction, a passing moment and now, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“Kyu? Kyu baar-baar unka khayal aa raha hai? Mujhe unke baare mein sochna bhi nahi chahiye…”

He had told himself this again and again. She’s just someone he met. A stranger, practically.

And yet…

Here he was, surrounded by people.

And all he could think was — Why isn't she here?

Garv took a deep breath and looked away, trying to focus elsewhere.

Momentsllater, everyone gathered near the stage, Laughter, music, camera flashes, everything filled the grand hall.

And then…

She came.

Ishani.

Descending the staircase slowly, carefully with two rings delicately balanced on a silver tray.

She was in a soft lavender saree, the color complementing her beauty. Her hair flowed down in soft curls.

Garv’s breath stopped for a second.

His eyes, unknowingly, locked onto her.

And then… they just stayed.

She was beautiful, not the kind of beauty that screamed for attention, but the kind that held calmness.

But what caught him off guard wasn’t her simple yet elegant look but It was that smile.

That gentle forced smile on her lips.

That didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"Why's her smile don't feel real…." he realized.

And before he could stop himself, a thought slipped from his heart and escaped as a whisper

"Kaash inke chehre par muskurahat ki wajah main ban saku..."

His gaze softened, but the next second —

he was pulled back to reality.

Tiny fingers tugged at his kurta.

Ruhi.

"Papa," she said in her tiny voice.

Garv blinked.

His hand was resting on his chest, exactly where his heart had fluttered seconds ago.

He looked down at Ruhi, her eyes full of curiosity. And that’s when he realized what he had just done…

And what he had just felt.

Embarrassed, he knelt to Ruhi’s level and kissed her forehead, trying to brush it off.

“Papa, aap Pari aunty ko itni der se kyun dekh rahe the?”

Ruhi’s innocent question hit Garv, he himself thought why did he cared.

“Pari aunty?” he blinked,confused.

“Haan woh Pari aunty,” Ruhi pointed toward the stage where Ishani was standing holding onto the tray of rings, unaware of the little storm her presence was causing in someone’s heart.

Garv followed her finger…

And at that exact moment, Ishani looked his way.

Their eyes met.

Just for a second.

But that one second was long enough to stir something.

She looked away quickly, as if nothing happened.

But Garv felt it.

Something had happened.

Trying to act casual, he asked,

“Aap pehle bhi mili ho unse, Ruhi?”

Ruhi nodded, her curls bouncing.

“Haan, jab main Dadu-Dadi ke saath aayi thi na… Pari aunty ne mujhe dher saari chocolates di thi. Aur pyaar bhi kiya tha.”

Garv looked at his daughter and smiled softly.

So even Ruhi remembered her.

"Pari aunty..."

That’s what she called her.

He glanced at Ishani again, her face glowing under the lights, but the glow never reaching her eyes.

Later, after the ring ceremony…Music played softly in the background, and everyone came forward to congratulate Aashvika and Dhruv.

But among those cheerful faces, two stood out, The bride and the groom themselves.

Both were wearing forced smiles, nodding at guests, posing for pictures, but their eyes told another story.

They looked at each other like they were planning a murder, not a marriage.

Tension crackled silently between them like a wire too tightly pulled.

Meanwhile, little Ruhi was busy running around with excitement.

Her laughter echoed through the hall, until

She stumbled on the corner of a carpet.

But before she could fall, a pair of comforting arms caught her.

"Sambhal ke beta, aapko lagi toh nahi?"

Ishani's worried voice brought warmth in her little heart.

Ruhi looked up, puffed her cheeks confidently.

"Nahi Pari aunty, main big girl hoon na. Mujhe dard nahi hota!"

Ishani couldn’t help but laugh, her tired face lighting up for the first time that evening.

"Achha ji! Toh meri big girl ne kuchh khaya?"

Ruhi shook her head like a tiny puppy.

Ishani held her hand gently,

"Aaiye ma’am, hum aapki khatirdari karte hain," she said, with mock-formality.

Both giggled, walking toward the food counter.

But from a distance…

Four eyes quietly watched them.

Garv, his eyes locked on Ishani, heart strangely full seeing her smile, truly smile.

And Vaidehi, observing the silent bond between ruhi and Ishani.

She didn’t say anything.

The guests had all left. The music had stopped. Now only the close family members remained in the grand hall, their voices low, the air a little more relaxed.

Garv stood near a pillar, quietly sipping water, when he felt stare.

His brows furrowed.

He turned slightly, scanning the room… and his eyes landed on Vidya.

She was staring at him without even trying to hide it.

His jaw clenched instinctively.

Her gaze made him… uncomfortable.

Within moments, she made her way toward him, a confident smile on her face.

“Hello Garv,” she said sweetly, tilting her head, her tone playful.

“I heard you’re a professor?”

Garv gave a curtly short nod.

“Yes, you heard right.”

His tone was firm but polite.

Vidya leaned in slightly, reducing the space between them.

“Can you please guide me… I mean, I’ve been thinking about following the same path. Maybe you could guide me?”

Her voice dipped softer at the end.

Garv immediately stepped back.

The shift in his body language was loud enough.

He replied with a cold smile,

“You should ask someone with more experience in your field. I’m not the right person.”

Vidya didn’t back off, still trying to impress

but Garv wasn’t interested.

He replied curtly, his voice sharp and clear—

“Aap thoda door rehkar bhi baat kar sakti hain.”

Vidya blinked, clearly taken aback. The smile on her face faded for a moment, replaced by a hint of embarrassment. Without saying anything else, she turned and walked away.

Garv exhaled, trying to shake off the discomfort.

He scanned the room casually, but his eyes narrowed quickly.

Ruhi…

She was nowhere to be seen.

Panic raised in his chest.

He walked up to Vaidehi who was seated nearby, speaking to Meera.

"Maa, Ruhi kaha hai?" he asked, trying to sound calm but failing.

Vaidehi smiled, not sensing the urgency in his voice.

"Yahi hogi beta, kahin aas paas hi…."

"Nahi maa, nahi hai."

Garv’s voice was firmer now. His eyes were searching every corner.

She wasn’t hiding behind the curtains.

Not near the food counter.

Not even with Ishani.

And suddenly…

his calm mask shattered.

Everyone in the room froze as Garv’s words echoed. Vaidehi stood up in shock. Samaira and Meera started calling Ruhi’s name loudly. Panic spread like wildfire.

“Ruhi! Beta!”

“Angel, kahaan ho tum?”

Everyone began looking for her. Servants checked the garden, Samaira checked behind the sofa and tables, Dhruv even checked under the dining table.

Garv rushed upstairs, panic clouding his calm demeanor. Ishani followed behind, equally worried. She had seen Ruhi earlier. Her mind was racing.

At the balcony, Garv called out with a trembling voice, trying to stay composed:

"Ruhi… angel… baccha, papa ke saath mazak mat karo, please... Ruhi!"

There was no answer.

Garv clenched the railing, trying to steady himself. The fear of losing her tightened around his throat.

Just then Ishani's eyes widened with realization.

Without waiting for a response, she rushed toward her room.

The room was empty, neat. But something felt odd.

She bent down to check under the bed.

Then Ishani walked to the cupboard with trembling hands, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

She opened the cupboard doors slowly…

And there she was

Ruhi was sitting inside the cupboard.

As soon as Ishani opened the cupboard, Ruhi clung tightly to her, crying softly. Her tiny arms wrapped around Ishani’s neck, her face buried in her shoulder.

Ishani gently held her, rubbing her back in a soothing motion.

“Shaant baccha, it's okay… kuch nahi hua,” Ishani whispered, kissing the side of her head.

“Mujhe laga main aapko surprise dungi, Pari Aunty…”

Ruhi sniffled, trying to explain between sobs, “sorry… please…”

Ishani’s heart melted.

“Shhh… it's okay, Ruhi. Par dobara aisa kuch bhi mat karna, sab kitna dar gaye the aapke liye.”

Ruhi looked up at her with teary eyes and nodded.

Still shaken, Ruhi clung tighter, not ready to let go. Ishani hugged her back, holding her.

she gently carried her downstairs.

Everyone was anxiously gathered in the living room, their eyes instantly darting toward the staircase the moment they heard footsteps.

And then relief washed over them like a wave.

Samaira gasped. “Ruhi!”

Garv froze in place, staring at his daughter in Ishani’s arms.

Ishani came down slowly, holding Ruhi close. The little girl had her face hidden in Ishani’s neck.

“Mil gayi,” Ishani said softly, “actually she was hiding in the cupboard. She wanted to give me a surprise.”

Before anyone could speak, Garv rushed to them and gently took Ruhi from Ishani's arms. His hands trembled as he held her close, kissing her forehead again and again.

“

Angel… kabhi dobara aisa mat karna. Papa sach mein darr gaye the.”

Ruhi looked up with guilty eyes. “Sorry papa…”

Garv nodded, eyes brimming with emotion. “Koi baat nahi… bas kabhi gayab mat hona…aise”

Vaidehi looked at Ishani a minute longer than usual.

********************************************

What do you think why's vaidehi watching both of them?

How's the chapter? 😊

Follow @girllwrites

on Instagram for spoiler and updates 🎀