In the dimly lit study room, an air of mystery filled the space as Aarvi, Darshil, and Avinash, stood around a polished wooden desk. Aarvi held a faded envelope, her hands trembling slightly as she looked down at her fatherâs handwriting on the front. The moment was surreal, and the silence was thick with unspoken words.
These are the last words from him, when he was in the hospital as he knew he was going to die. Avinash said
How... how is this possible? I was told he died on the spot after the accident. Aarvi said
I understand, Aarvi. And you werenât told the whole truth back then. You were in critical condition yourself, admitted to the ICU. But... your father did survive for four days after the accident. Avinash said
Four days? He was alive... and I never knew? Aarvi said
Your adoptive parents didnât want to burden you. They thought it would be better not to tell you... especially given your own condition. But he asked me to keep this letter for you. He made me promise to deliver it when the time was right. Avinash said
Darshil, standing quietly beside Aarvi, watched her reaction, feeling her pain but choosing not to intervene. He knew what this letter held, or at least part of it, but he had let Avinash be the one to reveal it. His usual stoic expression softened, his heart clenching as he observed Aarviâs shock and sorrow.
With a trembling hand, Aarvi tore open the envelope, her breath shaky as she unfolded the letter. Her eyes scanned the page, and her fatherâs words seemed to jump out, bringing tears to her eyes.
"My dearest Aarvi, if youâre reading this, it means I couldnât stay with you longer. But know that Iâll always be watching over you. There are things I wish I couldâve told you in person, things I didnât want you to find out alone...."
Aarviâs hands shook harder, tears slipping down her cheeks. Darshil stepped forward, instinctively reaching out, but she shook her head, silently asking him to let her be for a moment.
I...I am fine Darshil. Aarvi whispered
Darshilâs eyes were on Aarvi, his heart aching as he saw her tears. He clenched his fists, feeling helpless yet knowing this was a moment she needed to face alone. But when he noticed her struggling to hold back her sobs, he gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Hazel ⦠I know this is hard. But you donât have to go through this alone. Iâm here. Darshil said
Aarvi looked up at him, her face etched with a mixture of grief and gratitude. The strength he offered was steady, unwavering, and it gave her the courage to keep reading. Her fatherâs words continued, explaining his wishes, and a certain piece of information sheâd never known. She looked down at the letter again
"Thereâs one more thing, Aarvi. Something that I had planned to tell you when you were older, when I thought youâd be ready. I know this might come as a shock, but youâre my rightful heir to everything Iâve built. Avinash Mukherjee is our family lawyer and he will let you know this information once you will be 22. Every business, every asset... they are yours to protect and carry forward"
Aarviâs eyes widened as she read, and she looked at Avinash, seeking confirmation.
He⦠he left everything to me? Aarvi asked in surprise
Yes. He believed you were strong enough to handle it all. It was his last wish for you to continue his legacy. Avinash said
Avinash stepped forward and placed the file on the desk.
This, contains the last will and testament of your biological father. Avinash said, gesturing to the file
Darshilâs lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. He remained silent, observing her reaction.
Yes, Aarvi. Your adoptive father, Mr. Rathod, has been managing the company and properties left by your real father. But as per Mr. Chauhan's will, everything transfers to you the moment you turn 22. Avinash said
Why wasnât I told about this earlier? Why didnât he tell me? Aarvi whispered
You were a child, Aarvi. Knowing this wouldâve only burdened you. Mr. Rathod was a close friend of your father. When tragedy struck and your parents passed away, he promised to protect you and manage the inheritance responsibly. Also, the will specified that if anything happen to you before you turned 22, the entire fortune would be donated to an orphanage. Avinash said
Aarvi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
An orphanage? My parents entrusted him with everything... but if I didnât survive, theyâd give it all away? Aarvi asked
Your father believed in humanity. He didnât want his wealth to fall into the wrong hands. He trusted Mr. Rathod to raise you, not as a beneficiary, but as a daughter. And now, Aarvi, everything he builtâ Chauhan Industries, the properties, the legacyâbelongs to you. Avinash said
Aarvi looked at the letter , her hands trembling.
I had a right to know....Aarvi said, her voice barely a whisper
Darshil stood and walked around the desk, placing a hand on her shoulder.
You do now. Thatâs all that matters. And Iâll ensure no one takes this from you. Not even Mr. Rathod, if he dares to think otherwise. Darshil said
To be fair, Mr. Rathod upheld his promise. He never misused the power or wealth. Aarvi, this isnât about mistrustâitâs about your fatherâs faith in you. Avinash said
Avinash adjusted his tie, sensing the emotional storm in the room.
Iâve shared everything you need to know for now Aarvi. Take your time. Once you're ready, Iâll prepare the necessary legal documents to finalize the transition. There's no rush. Avinash said
Darshil, who had been standing by Aarvi's side, nodded curtly.
Thank you, Avinash. Iâll contact you when sheâs ready. Darshil said, his tone left no room for argument.
Thank you, Avinash. Aarvi murmured and Avinash left.
Aarvi was silent for a moment, the weight of her fatherâs expectations settling on her shoulders. Her mind was a storm of emotionsâsorrow, shock, and a strange, profound sense of responsibility.
Are you okay Hazel? Darshil said
Aarvi's hands gripped the edges of the paper tighter. The words blurred as her mind raced.
You knew it Darshil? Aarvi asked
Darshil sighed, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
I found out a before our wedding. I wanted to know everything about you and somehow, I got to know that your real parent's had died. Then I had a conversation with Avinashâs assistant. He told me everythingâabout your real parents, their will, the properties, and the company. Darshil said
You knew and didnât tell me? Aarvi asked
I couldn't. Mr. Rathod and Avinash's assistant insisted that the truth should come to you at the right time. He wanted you to hear it when you were ready, Aarvi. And when he told me this⦠you hated me. Darshil said
Aarvi swallowed hard, her chest tightening.
So you decided to play along? To keep me in the dark? Aarvi asked
Darshil stood, his tall frame towering over her, but his tone remained gentle.
Do you think it was easy for me? To know this truth and not tell you? Hazel, I wanted to tell you every single day. But I respected your fatherâs wishes. Darshil said
Tears welled in Aarviâs eyes, but she blinked them back.
Darshil, this isnât just about my legacy. This is about my life! My real parents⦠theyâ Aarvi said, her voice faltered
I know itâs a lot to take in, Aarvi. But I swear, I didnât keep this from you to hurt you. I did it because I love you. Darshil said
Aarvi looked into his eyes, searching for any trace of deceit, but all she found was sincerity. Darshil then took her to their bedroom and made her sit comfortably on the couch.
Aarvi sat by the large bay window, staring out at the moonlit garden. The letter from her father lay open in her lap, its words still echoing in her mind. Her emotions churnedâhurt, betrayal, confusion, and an aching longing to confront the people she had called her parents for so long.
I need to meet them. Aarvi said
Darshil walked closer, his movements deliberate, and leaned against the edge of the couch.
Them? Darshil asked
Mr. and Mrs. Rathod. I need to talk to them, Darshil. Aarvi said her tone firm but laced with pain.
Darshilâs jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in.
Hazel, youâve barely recovered. Your body may be healing, but emotionally, youâre still fragile. Is this confrontation something youâre ready for? Darshil said
Theyâve given me everythingâlove, care, a home. They kept their promise they did to my father and fulfilled their responsibility. I need to tell them how much I love them... like they are my real parents. Everything feels so complicated, but this... this feels right. Aarvi said
Darshil's expression softened, though there was an edge of concern in his voice.
Hazel, youâve not healed properly. Youâve been through so much, this can wait. You donât have to do this right now. Darshil said , his gaze softening as he looked at her
No, Darshil. I have to do this. They deserve to hear it from me. Aarvi said
Darshil reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face with tenderness.
I understand. But you have to promise me one thing. Darshil said
What? Aarvi asked, her eyes locked on his.
Promise me that youâll be calm. Itâs been a difficult time for you, and I donât want you to push yourself too hard. Darshil said, his voice low but firm.
I promise, Darshil. Iâll be careful. I just want to show them how much they mean to me. Aarvi said
Darshil let out a quiet breath, clearly still worried but unable to deny her wish.
Fine. But Iâm coming with you, and Iâm not leaving your side. Darshil said
Aarvi nodded, grateful for his support, and together they left the bedroom. They walked out of the mansion, Darshil comfortable made Aarvi sit in the car and he took the driving seat.
As the car pulled up to the Rathod residence, Aarvi felt her heart racing. The grand mansion that once felt like home now felt distant, unfamiliar. The gate opened, and Darshil parked the car near the front porch. He glanced at Aarvi, his gaze searching hers.
Aarviâs heart pounded as she stepped inside the grand entrance of the Rathod mansion. The elegance of the place, once a symbol of warmth and security, now felt suffocating, foreign. She had expected to be embraced, welcomed, but something in the air felt differentâheavy. As Darshil took a step inside the mansion, he got a call from Avinash, which he quickly picks up.
Hello! Darshil said
Mr. Rajvanshi, I need to speak to you for a moment. It's really important. Avinash said
Is everything alright? Darshil asked and Aarvi looked at him.
I don't think so, I wanted to talk about this in Aarvi's absence. Can you be aside from Aarvi for this? Avinash asked
Darshil looked at Aarvi.
Hazel, you go inside, I'll come in just a minute, okay? Darshil said
Aarvi nodded and approached the large, grand door of Rathod Mansion, the air shifted. It felt thick, uncomfortable, as if something was about to shatter.
When the door swung open, there was no warmth in Vivek ji's eyes, no motherly embrace from Anjali ji. Instead, their faces were hard, cold as they eyed Aarvi with suspicion and disdain.
Well, well, Look whoâs decided to grace us with her presence. Vivek ji said, his voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.
Aarvi faltered, her mouth opening and closing, unsure of how to respond to the hostility she hadnât expected.
Mummy , Papa...I... I just wanted to talk to you both. Aarvi said
Don't you dare call us that. Vivek ji said
Anjali ji, standing beside her husband, crossed her arms, her gaze icy.
Youâve come, I suppose, to gloat? To talk about the property youâve suddenly inherited? Is that why you're here? Anjali ji asked
No, thatâs not it. I... I came to tell you how much I love you both, how much I appreciate everything youâve done for me. Aarvi said
Love us? You come here, pretending to be all innocent, when youâve ruined everythingâeverything we've worked for. Anjali ji said
But what have I done? I have just loved all of us. Aarvi said
You made Siya go behind bars. You did that to us. To her. Vivek ji said, his voice was filled with venom now.
Aarviâs stomach twisted in agony.
Siya tried to kill me. You know that. I was just protecting myself. Darshil was almost dead because of her and you expect me to ignore everything and let her try again to do the same. Aarvi said
Protecting yourself? Or lying to us all? You think we donât know the truth? Siya would neverâ Anjali ji said but Aarvi interrupts
She did! She pushed me and Darshil into a dangerous situation twice. You canât deny that! Aarvi said
Youâre a liar, Aarvi. My daughter, our daughter, would never do that. And youâve destroyed everything we built by making us believe that nonsense. Vivek ji said
Aarvi was stunned. Every word from them felt like a knife. She had hoped for a moment of understanding, for them to see her side of things. But it was clear nowâthey hated her.
Youâve always been a disappointment. Weâve given you everything, and you repay us by tearing apart our family. And now, you come here, probably to talk about the inheritance thatâs rightfully yours. Well, congratulations. Youâre the new owner. Don't worry about people like us. Youâre above us now. Anjali ji snapped, her eyes burning with resentment.
Aarvi recoiled, the sarcasm cutting deeper than she expected. Her voice was shaky, barely above a whisper.
I didnât want this inheritance. I just wanted to be part of a family. A real family. Aarvi said
Vivek jiâs lips curled into a bitter smile.
A real family? Youâre dead to us, Aarvi. Donât ever come back here. Vivek ji said
The door to the mansion opened again, and Darshil stepped inside, his gaze immediately locking onto the Rathods. His face was a mask of calm fury, his eyes dark and sharp, filled with a silent warning.
I suggest you watch your tone when you speak to my wife. Darshil said, his voice was dangerously low, his presence commanding every ounce of authority in the room.
Vivek ji immediately stiffened, recognizing the power in Darshilâs words. He looked over at Anjali, his voice trembling slightly.
Darshil... we didnâtâ Vivek ji said
Darshil interrupted coldly, stepping forward, his eyes never leaving their faces.
I don't care what you didn't do. Iâll give you one chance to apologize to Aarvi. If sheâs hurt in any wayâphysically, emotionally, I wonât let it slide. Darshil said
Anjali jiâs face paled, and Vivek jiâs lips pressed into a thin line. They both knew what Darshil was capable of when enraged. He had single-handedly taken down men much worse than them, and they understood that he could make their lives a living nightmare if he wanted to.
But still, their hatred for Aarvi ran deep, and they couldnât quite swallow the bitterness.
Donât speak to us like that. We have nothing to apologize for. Vivek ji said, though his voice had faltered, fear creeping in.
Darshilâs hand clenched at his side, his muscles tensing. His eyes burned with a threat that left no room for doubt.
Youâll apologize, or Iâll make sure you never forget this day. Darshil said but Aarvi grabs his fist.
Darshil.... it's okay. We don't have anything else to say now. I don't need any apologies. Aarvi said and without any other word, she walked out of that place.
Darshil stood their for a moment and turned to Vivek ji and Anjali ji , his eyes flashed with rage and anger.
If I see even a single tear in her eyes because of you two, trust me, I'll burn this whole place down with you in it. Darshil said , his voice extremely dangerous.
Vivek ji and Anjali ji both were scared of him deep down and were trying their best to hide their fear. Darshil turned back and stepped to the direction of Aarvi.
Aarvi stood in front of the mansion, her back to the large gates, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if trying to hold herself together. Her body shook with silent sobs, her chest heaving. The wind felt cold, but it was nothing compared to the chill in her soul.
Darshil found her standing alone, his eyes softening at the sight of her in so much pain. He stepped toward her, his steps heavy but determined. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Aarviâs sobs were muffled against his chest as she clung to him, her hands gripping his shirt.
I thought they loved me, Darshil. I thought they were my family. But they hate me... they said I ruined everything.... Aarvi said
Hazel, calm down please....You know I can't see tears in your eyes. You can never ruin anything , and you're so precious to be hated. You hear me? Darshil said, his voice was a low growl as he spoke, filled with both rage and sorrow.
I just wanted to be loved, Darshil. I wanted them to be proud of me... to see me as their daughter. Aarvi said
You were their daughter, Hazel. But if they canât see that, then theyâre the ones who are blind. Darshil said
Aarvi nodded against his chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
I donât know what to believe anymore. They were all I had. I thought they would care about me. Aarvi said
Darshil cupped her face gently, pulling her back slightly so he could look into her eyes. His expression softened with the kind of intensity only he could give.
You have me. And youâll always have me. I donât care about what they say. Youâre my wife. My heart belongs to you, Hazel. And I will make sure no one, not even them, will ever hurt you again. Darshil said
Aarviâs tear-filled eyes met his, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a sense of peace in the chaos. She placed her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, steady and strong.
I love you. I donât know what Iâd do without you. Aarvi whispered, her voice cracking.
Darshilâs gaze softened, his hands caressing her face with the tenderness only he could show her.
And you never will have to. Iâm not letting go, Aarvi. Never again. Darshil said
Darshil pulled her back into his embrace, holding her close, vowing silently that anyone who dared to hurt her again would have to face himâand he would make sure they never could.
Outside, Vivek ji and Anjali ji watched, their faces hardening as they stood silently in the doorway. The silence between them was heavy, but it was Darshilâs final words that hung in the air.
Darshil Rajvanshi should never know the truth. Anjali ji said in a low voice
He won't sit queit if the truth comes out. Vivek ji said and Anjali ji looked at him, a fear in her eyes.
**********
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