Atharva sat in his chamber when Bhairav entered, holding out an envelope with a bow. "My prince, this contains details on the girls who attended Prince Vikrant's wedding and Princess Gauravi's ring ceremony."

Atharva took the envelope, his fingers brushing the sealed flap as curiosity sharpened his gaze. He broke the wax seal and scanned the list inside names, ages, family lineages of every girl who had graced Prince Vikrant's wedding and Princess Gauravi's ring ceremony.

One entry caught his eye: a description of a fiery beauty with kohl-lined eyes and a slap that still stung in memory. His lips curved into a hunter's smile.

Atharva sent Bhairav away with a quick nod.He took out her picture from the envelope those dark eyes lined with kohl.He threw the other papers in the corner and read only her details.

Atharva's gaze locked onto her picture, a rush of raw desire flooding his veins like wildfire, mingled with pure, triumphant joy he had unearthed the treasure he'd craved in secret dreams, the one whose fiery slap had branded his soul.

His heart pounded with fierce possession, fingers tracing the curve of her kohl-lined eyes, her defiant lips,she was no mere image, but destiny's gift,fragile yet unbreakable,his to claim at last. In that electric hush of his chamber,he swore a silent oath to the gods and stars she would be his queen,bound to him in body and fire,no force on earth could deny it.

He devoured her details line by line, breath catching in shock,Sanskriti, daughter of a loyal servant under his father the king, her world woven into his own palace shadows, closer than he'd dared imagine.

A thrill of dark delight surged through him; fate mocked his patience with wicked perfection. "Sanskriti," he murmured her name like a lover's vow, laced with hunger and ownership, letting it roll off his tongue as he sank onto the bed, clutching the portrait to his chest.Her face burned against his skin, fueling visions of her in his arms, yielding yet unbroken, while sleep evaded him in sweet torment.

Sanskriti 's Mansion,

Nearly a month had slipped by since Sanskriti last stepped into Mona's boutique, whispering her heartache into trusted ears.Each day dragged on in quiet torment with no word from Ved, no sign her desperate letter had reached him, leaving her trapped in a haze of doubt and fading hope.

At times, she soothed her aching heart by imagining troubles holding him back: a sudden mission, family woes, or roads blocked by fate.Those small comforts kept despair from swallowing her whole.She filled her hours with simple routines like tending the small garden patch, sketching faded flowers on scrap paper, and staring out windows at lives moving on without her.

Her mother, Saudamini, had kept parties and prospects at bay for that entire month, a rare mercy perhaps born of pity, letting her daughter mourn the sharp sting of first love in solitude. Yet shadows gathered unseen.

Saudamini's health got worse day by day.Pains grew stronger in secret.Her strength faded like sand slipping away.Neither her husband nor daughter saw her pale face or quiet winces. Each was caught up in their own struggles.

Few days later,

It was the month of Deepawali, and the streets of Rajgarh glowed with festive cheer.

Saudamini visited the doctor after days of feeling unwell. He advised her to rest, take better care of herself, and avoid all worry.

On her way home, her thoughts grew heavier. She had always been strict with her daughter. Perhaps her ways were harsh, perhaps her words too firm, but every decision she made was rooted in a mother’s anxious love. She wanted nothing less than the best for her child, a life of security and respect.

Her mind drifted to her daughter’s love for a man she barely knew.The thought unsettled her.She did not want her daughter bound to an uncertain future, yet she had still given her a chance.A chance to love, to choose, to prove her heart right.

After the doctor’s visit, she grew resolute.She had given her daughter enough time.Now, she felt, it was necessary to find a suitable groom, and soon.Her health was failing, and she sensed it deeply.She knew she did not have much time left, and the thought urged her to secure her daughter’s future while she still could.

That evening, she called Sanskriti to her room and informed her that two days later a grand Diwali party would be held at the Rajgarh Palace, and she was expected to be ready for it.

Sanskriti merely nodded and replied that she would be ready.Yet, in her heart, she was not. She returned to her room in silence and lay down on her bed, her thoughts drifting toward the life that awaited her, uncertain and heavy with unspoken fears.

The next day, as Sanskriti was leaving for college, her mother instructed her to visit a friend’s boutique afterward and buy a beautiful dress for herself.

Sanskriti felt a sudden surge of happiness not because of the dress or the party, but because it meant she could meet Mona. She nodded quietly and left.

After college, she went straight to Mona’s boutique.The moment they saw each other, they hugged tightly, as if holding onto unspoken emotions.Almost immediately, Sanskriti asked about Ved, her impatience barely concealed.

Mona hesitated, torn between truth and tenderness.

Finally, she spoke.

“Don’t be upset, Sanskriti, after whatever I’m about to tell you.Ved got engaged.That’s why he never replied to your letters.

I found out a few days ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you.I was too upset, and I knew it would break your heart.”

Sanskriti froze.The words struck her numb. Mona pulled her into a tight embrace,holding her as the reality sank in.Sanskriti broke down, sobbing into her shoulder.Mona gently patted her back, trying to steady her.

“Focus on your life, Sanskriti,” she said softly. “Maybe you weren’t meant for each other. Maybe we failed to recognize who Ved truly was. Don’t cry for a man who lied to you about everything.Perhaps even his kindness toward those slum people was just a show to win your heart.”

Sanskriti clung to her, crying harder.

Mona continued, her voice firm now. “He isn’t even poor.His father is a wealthy merchant from Pratapgarh.He must have lied about everything. So forget that liar.Don’t shed a single tear for him.”

Slowly, Sanskriti broke the embrace and looked at Mona, wiping her tears, her eyes hollow yet searching for strength she did not yet feel.

Mona held her by the shoulders and looked straight into her eyes.

“Promise me something, Sanskriti,” she said firmly.

“From today onward, you won’t shed a single tear for him. Not one.”

Sanskriti’s lips trembled, but she nodded.

“I promise,” she whispered, though her heart felt unbearably heavy.

“Good,” Mona said, forcing a smile. “Now that’s enough sadness for one day.”

She took Sanskriti by the hand and pulled her toward the dress section.

She took Sanskriti by the hand and pulled her toward the dress section.

“Come on, Madam Heartbreak.Let’s find you something that reminds you who you are.”

Sanskriti managed a faint smile as Mona began selecting dresses.

“This one,” Mona said, holding up a rich-colored outfit, “because you deserve to look like royalty.”

“And this?” Sanskriti asked softly.

“For the Diwali party,” Mona replied with a wink. “Let the world see you shine, even if your heart is still learning how to.”

Sanskriti finally selected a dress.After that, she hugged Mona tightly.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Mona smiled and held her for a moment longer.

“Remember your promise,”she reminded her gently.

Sanskriti nodded, managing a faint smile,then waved goodbye and stepped out of the boutique,carrying the dress and a heart trying to be brave.

On the other hand, Atharva was filled with enthusiasm about the Diwali party.Excited and restless, he went out to meet his friends personally, eager to invite them and make the celebration even more lively.

First, he picked up Shaurya, and later he collected Yuvansh and Devika from their movie sets, as they were now busy artists.Soon, they reached Paradise, and all of them went inside together.

Atharva spoke with a grin, “Tomorrow is the Diwali party at my palace, and all of you are coming.”

Yuvansh turned toward Devika with his usual easy charm, a playful glint in his eyes.

“So, Devika,” he said lightly, “should I consider this party a reason to dress well, or will you steal all the attention anyway?”

Devika laughed, shaking her head. “Focus on yourself, Yuvansh.”

He smiled wider. “Impossible, when you’re around.”

Shaurya merely raised an eyebrow at Yuvansh’s antics, said nothing,and walked off with Atharva toward the bar to have a drink,leaving the playful exchange behind.

A few minutes later, Devika excused herself, saying she was exhausted from the shoot and wanted to head home to rest.

Yuvansh immediately sprang to his feet, not one to miss an opportunity. He glanced at the others and gave them a playful wink.

“Well, I should leave too,” he said dramatically. “A gentleman must fulfill his duties toward his woman. I’ll drop her both of you don’t worry about her at all.”

Devika sighed, trying to hide her smile, while the room echoed with quiet laughter.

Devika shot him a playful look and smirked.

“Your woman?” she said lightly. “In your dreams, Yuvansh. You’re just the driver tonight don’t get ahead of yourself.”

She got up and started walking toward the exit. Yuvansh followed her quickly and said with a grin,

“Dreams have a habit of coming true, Devika. Until then, let me at least do the driving.”

Shaurya called out after them with a smirk,

“Drive carefully, hero.Tomorrow we expect her in the party in one piece and also you as well.”

Yuvansh turned back, grinned, and blew Shaurya a flying kiss before hurrying after Devika.

Shaurya and Atharva sat near the small bar area, drinks in hand.Soft music filled the space.

Atharva took a sip and said, “The girl I mentioned earlier,her name is Sanskriti.She is the daughter of Royal treasurer, Yashwant Ranas.”

Shaurya paused,clearly surprised.

“Sanskriti? Yashwant Rana’s daughter?”

Atharva nodded.

“I know her,” Shaurya replied slowly. “Not closely, but I’ve seen her around.I never realized she was that girl you've mentioned.”

Atharva smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Shaurya looked at Atharva for a moment, his expression turning serious.

“Did you tell her?” he asked quietly. “About how you feel?”

Atharva’s grip on the glass tightened slightly, but he didn’t look up.

“Not yet officially,” he replied.

Shaurya studied Atharva for a moment, his concern deepening.

“Atharva,” he said slowly, “have you thought this through?”

Atharva glanced at him, surprised by the seriousness in his tone.

Shaurya watched Atharva in silence for a moment, then spoke with quiet concern.

“Atharva, have you considered how this might look to her?”

Atharva turned toward him, sensing the weight in his voice.

“You know your reputation,” Shaurya continued, choosing his words carefully. “People don’t see you as someone who stays. To them, you’re charming, careless, too easy with hearts.They call you a Casanova, someone who treats feelings lightly.”

He paused, then added more gently, “If you haven’t told her what you truly feel, she might only see that image of you. And that… could hurt her more than you realize.”

Atharva said nothing, his gaze fixed on the glass in his hand, as Shaurya finished quietly,

“Just make sure your silence doesn’t become another reason for someone to doubt your sincerity.”

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