Samyuktika stepped out of the hospital room, her heart heavy with worry. Dr. Kusum handed her a form and a stern expression.
"Submit the payment of 20 lakhs by tomorrow. Fill this form carefully."
Samyuktika took the form, her hands trembling. As she filled it out, tears streamed down her face. Overwhelmed, she crumpled against the wall, sobbing uncontrollably.
Just as despair consumed her, a gentle voice whispered, "I'll help you, daughter."
Startled, Samyuktika turned to face the speaker. Mahindra Rai, the businessman whose wallet she'd retrieved yesterday, stood before her.
"How...how did you know?" Samyuktika stammered.
Mahindra's expression softened. "Dr. Kusum informed me. I've been looking for ways to repay your kindness."
Samyuktika's eyes widened, hope flickering.
"You'll help me with Dadi's treatment?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Mahindra nodded. "I'll cover the expenses, but..."
Samyuktika's heart skipped a beat.
"...but?" she repeated.
Mahindra's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing.
Mahindra's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing.
"I'll cover your Dadi's medical expenses," he said, his voice low and measured, "but in return, you must agree to marry my son, Ekansh."
Samyuktika's breath caught in her throat. Shock and confusion warred within her.
"Marry Ekansh?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Mahindra nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes. It's the only condition."
Images of Ekansh, the reclusive and enigmatic son, flashed through her mind.
"Why?" she asked, desperation creeping into her voice.
Mahindra's gaze didn't waver. "Ekansh needs stability, and you...you need financial security for your Dadi's treatment."
The weight of his words sank in, forcing her to consider the impossible.
Samyuktika's eyes widened in horror as Mahindra's words sunk in.
He said,"So if you're ready then the wedding will happen tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "But that's so sudden..."
Mahindra's expression remained unyielding. "Time is of the essence. My son needs a stable life, and your Dadi needs treatment. This arrangement benefits both parties."
Samyuktika felt her world spinning out of control.
"And what about my job, my friends?" she asked, desperation creeping into her voice.
Mahindra's gaze turned cold. "You'll leave everything behind. Ekansh's life is in Mumbai, and that's where you'll settle. No looking back."
Tears streamed down her face as the weight of sacrifice crushed her.
"I...I have to give up everything?" she stammered.
Mahindra nodded curtly. "That's the condition. Take it or leave it."
Samyuktika's heart shattered, but Dadi's frail face flashed in her mind.
For Dadi's sake, she had to agree.
"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Mahindra's expression softened slightly. "I'll send someone to collect you tomorrow morning. Be ready."
With those chilling words, Samyuktika's fate was sealed.
Present time
Samyuktika's eyes searched Ekansh's face, seeking answers.
"Why did you marry me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ekansh's gaze dropped, his jaw clenched.
"My father," he began, his tone laced with resentment. "He forced me."
Samyuktika's brow furrowed. "Forced you? Why?"
Ekansh's eyes flashed with anger.
"He threatened to transfer my mother's legacy - Nalini niwas - to Nisha, his mistress's daughter, if I didn't marry you."
Samyuktika's gasp filled the air.
"Nalini niwas?" she repeated.
Ekansh nodded. "My mother's property given by my dadaji. Father would give it away to Nisha, just to spite me."
Samyuktika's mind reeled.
"So, you married me to save your mother's legacy?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
Ekansh's gaze met hers, his eyes filled with regret.
"Yes," he admitted. "I had no choice."
The weight of his words settled between them, a reminder of the sacrifices made.
Samyuktika's thoughts turned to Mahindra.
"Your father," she said, her voice laced with determination. "He's ruthless."
Ekansh's expression darkened.
"You have no idea," he muttered.
Samyuktika's gaze softened, understanding washing over her. Ekansh's eyes, too, lost their hardness, replaced by a hint of vulnerability.
In that moment, they saw each other in a new light. No longer just puppets bound by Mahindra's strings, but two individuals trapped by circumstance.
"I'm sorry," Ekansh said, his voice genuine. "I never wanted to trap you in this life."
Samyuktika's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I'm sorry too. I didn't know about your mother's legacy."
Their words hung in the air, a fragile bridge connecting them.
Ekansh took a step closer, his eyes locked on hers. "We're in this together now."
Samyuktika nodded, a sense of solidarity forming between them.
Together, they began to see the threads of fate that bound them - Mahindra's manipulation, Dadi's illness, Nalini niwas future.
Their shared understanding sparked a glimmer of hope.
Ekansh's expression softened further as Samyuktika's words poured out.
"Sorry," she said, her voice laced with concern. "I came to the restricted corridor without your permission. I was worried about you."
Ekansh's gaze searched hers, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Worried about me?" he repeated, his tone gentle.
Samyuktika nodded. "Yes. You've been distant, and I sensed something was wrong. I didn't mean to intrude."
Ekansh's face relaxed, his shoulders easing.
"It's not intrusion," he said. "I'm glad you came. I needed someone to talk to."
Their eyes locked, a connection forming.
"I'm here for you, Ekansh," Samyuktika said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Ekansh's gaze lingered on hers, his expression vulnerable.
"No one's been here for me in a long time," he whispered.
Samyuktika's heart skipped a beat.
Ekansh's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he guided Samyuktika through the restricted corridor. Portraits of a beautiful woman adorned the walls, her warm smile captivating.
"This is my mother, Nalini," Ekansh said, his voice filled with reverence.
Samyuktika's gaze lingered on the portraits, sensing the love and adoration.
"The corridor is dedicated to her memory," Ekansh continued. "Every item, every picture, holds a story of her life."
As they strolled, Ekansh shared anecdotes about Nalini's philanthropy, her passion for art, and her unwavering compassion.
Samyuktika listened intently, feeling a deep connection to this remarkable woman.
They stopped before a stunning painting of Nalini amidst a vibrant garden.
"This was her favorite spot," Ekansh said, his eyes misty. "She'd sit here, surrounded by nature, and find solace."
Samyuktika's heart swelled with empathy.
"I can see why you'd want to preserve her legacy," she said gently.
Ekansh's gaze met hers, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"You understand," he whispered. "No one has truly understood until now."
Their shared moment was interrupted by the soft chime of a music box. Ekansh opened a nearby glass case, revealing a delicate, antique box.
"This was her favorite lullaby," he said, winding the box.
Melodious notes filled the air, transporting Samyuktika to a bygone era.