Misha was heading out of her room to join the family for dinner when her phone buzzed with a message. She hesitated for a moment before picking it up, her heart sinking at the sight of Aadhiranâs name on the screen. A chill of unease crawled down her spine, but the moment she read the message, her breath hitched.
"Meet me at Ever Café in the morning, Wind.
-Aadhiran."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the words. Anger simmered beneath her confusion, bubbling into a steady boil. With a sharp breath, Misha threw her phone onto the bed and stormed out of the room. Her mind was too clouded to focus on anything, and she desperately needed a moment of clarity. She descended the stairs, the sound of her footsteps muted by the soft carpet, and entered the dining hall where most of the family was already gathe d.
Misha paused at the entrance, frowning when she noticed Arthiâs absence. It was unusual; Arthi never missed dinner. Letting out a small sigh, she forced herself to set aside her worries and took her seat.
"How are you feeling now, beta?" Dadi Ma asked warmly, her kind eyes studying Mishaâs face.
Misha managed a smile, hiding her inner turmoil. "Iâm feeling alright, Dadi Ma," she replied softly.
Just then, Abhimanyu entered the room after wrapping up a discussion with Arnav about work. He slid into his usual spot at the table, his calm presence a stark contrast to Mishaâs restless thoughts. She busied herself chatting with Isha, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
As dinner was served, the clinking of plates and cheerful chatter filled the air. Misha had just taken a small bite when she noticed Abhimanyu tearing a piece of roti and placing it onto her plate. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at him, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected gesture.
The rest of the family exchanged knowing smiles, their expressions brimming with teasing amusement. Abhimanyu, however, didnât even glance up, his tone firm as he addressed her.
"What? Eat it all. Donât forget you were unconscious from fatigue just a few days ago," he said sternly, though there was an unmistakable hint of care beneath his words.
Misha lowered her gaze, her face heating up as she obediently picked up the roti. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude she didnât know how to process.
"Eat up, Bhabhi! How sweetly my Bhai is looking after you," Isha quipped, her voice dripping with mock innocence and playful teasing. "You really shouldnât say no to him. Eat!"
Misha gave a faint smile, her head still bowed, as the family chuckled at Ishaâs antics. Abhimanyu finally looked up, shooting his sister a pointed glance.
"What now?" Isha exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "Iâm just saying how great a husband you are. Truly, Bhai, you deserve an award!"
Aavyan smirked from across the table, clearly enjoying the banter. "If thatâs the case, Adithya should probably get a medal for surviving every day with you in the future. âCongrats, you made it through another one!â"
The room erupted in laughter as Isha glared daggers at Aavyan, who grinned back triumphantly. Hrudhay, seated nearby, quietly observed the scene with a soft smile, choosing to stay out of the family dynamics and focus on his meal.
For a moment, the warmth of family chatter and laughter distracted Misha from the storm brewing inside her. Yet, deep down, the message from Aadhiran lingered, casting a shadow over the cozy dinner.
Ekansh stood in the grand hall of the lavish party, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd with faint disinterest. The party had been hosted by one of his business acquaintances, and though he had no inclination to attend, certain obligations left him with little choice. Leaning casually against a pillar in the corner, he exhaled slowly, feeling completely detached from the extravagant festivities around him. The once-enthusiastic Ekansh, who had reveled in such soirées, felt like a distant memory. These gatherings, which had once been his playground, now seemed nothing more than hollow spectacles.
He checked his phone, noticing several missed calls from Aavyan. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he guessed the reason-a fallout from the chaos he had stirred during their perfume launch. Ekansh felt no guilt, not even an ounce. The thought amused him. In just two days, his sister's engagement would take place-a fact that lingered on his mind. The question was, would he attend? His mind remained clouded with uncertainty.
"Sir, itâs time to leave," Demetrioâs voice interrupted his thoughts, bringing him back to the present. Ekansh let out a long breath and flicked ash from his cigarette, nodding in acknowledgment.
"But sir, thereâs an art gallery open for the chief guests. Would you like to take a look?" Demetrio suggested, his tone careful yet persuasive.
Ekansh paused mid-step and turned slightly, his dark eyes narrowing at his assistant. For a moment, he said nothing, then silently walked toward the gallery. From a young age, Ekansh had harbored a quiet admiration for art-it was one of the few things that still held his attention.
The gallery was quiet, with only a handful of guests milling about. The soft lighting cast a golden glow over the walls adorned with paintings. Ekansh walked slowly, his gaze moving from one piece to another, each brushstroke telling a story.
But then, something made him stop abruptly. A particular painting caught his eye, and he tilted his head slightly to study it. His breath hitched as he took in the details-the dreamy pair of eyes depicted on the canvas.
"It looks like her," Ekansh murmured under his breath, his tone barely audible. The painting had an uncanny resemblance to Roohiâs eyes. Even though he had observed her for only a short time, her features were etched deeply into his memory. Those eyes, full of wonder and quiet strength, were impossible to forget.
For a fleeting moment, he felt the familiar pang he had been trying to suppress, but he quickly pushed it away, straightening his posture. This was foolish. Surely, it was just his imagination playing tricks on him.
He brought the cigarette to his lips, his movements deliberate, but something held him back. His hand stilled, and his gaze returned to the painting, those hauntingly familiar eyes holding him captive.
"Demetrio," he said coldly, his voice laced with authority. "Weâre buying this."
Demetrio nodded without hesitation, understanding the finality in his tone.
Ekanshâs eyes lingered on the painting for a moment longer before he turned and walked out of the gallery, his steps measured, his expression unreadable.
As he exited the party, a storm brewed within him. His sharp mind shifted gears to focus on his next task-a crucial one. There was someone whose downfall he had meticulously planned, and tonight was only the beginning. The faint glow of the city lights reflected in his piercing gaze, revealing a man driven by purpose, haunted by memories, and unwavering in his determination to ruin someoneâs world.
Aavyan stood outside his company, his phone pressed to his ear as he tried, for the fifth time, to call his brother, Ekansh. But the idiot wasnât picking up. He sighed in frustration, pacing back and forth. His brotherâs sudden departure to France had been a mystery, but Aavyan could bet on two reasons.
One: Ekansh was handling some pressing business matter.
Two-and the more dangerous one: he was going after the person who had wreaked havoc on his life.
Aavyan knew Ekansh well enough to understand that the second reason would lead to disaster. "I wish he wasnât so reckless," he muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. Turning to leave, he froze mid-step.
Standing a few feet away was Tara, her arms crossed and an unimpressed expression etched on her face.
"You scared me, little miss," Aavyan said, masking his surprise with a casual, mocking tone.
Tara rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Not my problem," she replied flatly, her tone dripping with indifference.
Aavyan smirked, leaning slightly toward her. "Good for you. So, what brings the oh-so-busy Tara Roy to my company? Let me guess-"He paused for effect. "To see me?" Aavyan rised his eyebrows.
Tara snorted, crossing her arms tighter. "You really should stop building castles in the clouds, Aavyan. Why on earth would I want to see you of all people?" she shot back, her eyebrows arched in challenge.
"I donât build castles in the clouds," Aavyan said, his voice dropping low, his smirk deepening. "I build entire worlds." He smirked as Tara looked at him with slight rised heart beat.
Tara blinked at his audacity, giving him a judgmental look. "With me?" she asked, her tone hesitant, almost mocking.
Aavyan laughed, a deep, rich sound that only irritated her further. "Why would I waste my energy building a world for you?" he said smugly. "Of course not." He chuckled a mocking one.
Tara inhaled sharply, biting back the retort bubbling on her tongue. She refused to let him get under her skin, even if his smugness was infuriating. "Anyway," she said, her irritation evident, "did you sign some kind of contract to always be in my way?" She said her expression was so done.
Aavyan chuckled, clearly enjoying her annoyance. "If I did, Iâd rather lose my entire business than sign something like that," he replied smoothly.
"I said it because youâre literally standing in my way!" Tara snapped, gesturing toward the door. "How am I supposed to leave if youâre blocking the exit, Mr. Know-it-All?" Her expression one of irritation.
Aavyan leaned casually against the doorframe, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with her. "Itâs my company," he said, his voice calm but firm, "and Iâll stand wherever I want, Miss Short-Tempered." Aavyan said casual tone.
Tara narrowed her eyes, her irritation bubbling over. She stepped forward, brushing past him deliberately, her shoulder bumping against his as she stormed off.
Aavyan watched her retreat with amusement, his smirk growing wider. "Definitely Miss Short-Tempered," he muttered under his breath, chuckling.
"Tara!" he called out after her, his voice ringing with mock cheer. "Why did you come here, anyway?" He stood with frown.
Tara turned slightly, still walking toward her car. "Certainly not to see you, Mr. Know-it-All," she shot back, her tone sharp. "I came for business."Â Walked as she flipped her hair back.
With that, she turned on her heel, got into her car, and drove off without a second glance.
Aavyan stood there for a moment, the smirk never leaving his face. "Interesting," he murmured, pushing his hands into his pockets as he walked back into the building, a knowing glint in his eyes.
All of you
I apologize for the delay in updating, but I hope you all understand that Iâve been busy preparing for my competitive exam, which has been quite a lot to manage.
I think you all had great time with this fresh year.
I wish everyone that may this year bring lot of joy to you all and also with great moment.
About
Aranv and Arthi will be in next chapter
Mr Oblivious.....
I won
Once again
I apologise
Have a great day