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700+ votes and 500 comments to unlock new chapter.

I had to put the target as I noticed that you all are not voting in chapters otherwise.

And 1 chapter already have 800+ votes so I think this isn't a high target na??

Enjoy reading 🎀

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Meanwhile, Amrit returned home from college, her body feeling heavy with exhaustion. She threw her bag onto a chair and collapsed onto the sofa, kicking off her sandals with a sigh. One sandal landed in the corner of the room, while the other skidded under the coffee table.

"Dekho iss ladki ko! Kitni baar kaha hai pehle cheezen sambhal ke rakhna seekh. Pehle idhar - udhar phek do sab aur phir agle din sare ghar me dhundti firti hai phir." Komal scolded as she picked up Amrit's sandals and put them back in their place.

["See this girl! How many times I have to tell l to keep your things in place. Next day you will search them in whole house."]

"Aap ho na mera saman sambhalne ke liye." Amrit said with a cheeky grin, stretching out on the sofa.

["You are here to keep my things on place."]

"Mai puri zindagi sath nahi rehne vali. It's better you learn to take care of your things now," Komal replied, her tone both gentle and firm.

Amrit quickly sat up, a sense of unease washing over her. "What are you talking about, Maa?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern.

"A..wo..haan I was saying ki teri shadi ho jani hai , tab toh mai nahi rahungi na." Komal said, hesitating but trying to sound casual.

Amrit's heart clenched at the thought. She jumped up and hugged her mother tightly from behind. "Don't talk like that, Maa! I'm not leaving you."

Komal patted her daughter's hands, a smile tugging at her lips despite the lump in her throat. "Shadi ke baad toh jana hi padega."

"Why should I go? He can come and live with us," Amrit said defiantly, her grip tightening.

"Pagal!" Komal laughed, turning around to face Amrit. "Now go and freshen up. Mai khana laga deti hun."

"Mumma, you need to rest. I'll get the food myself." Amrit said, concern evident in her voice. As she moved to the kitchen, a thought suddenly struck her.

"Mumma, did your reports come from the hospital?" Amrit asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

Komal's smile faded, a shadow passing over her face. "A... abhi nahi," she replied, her tone hesitant.

"Arre! How careless can they be? Why are they taking so much time?" Amrit exclaimed, her frustration clear.

"Arre, leave it," Komal tried to deflect, her voice steady but a bit strained.

"Kya leave it? This is about your health, Mumma. I was so scared when you fainted," Amrit said, her voice rising with emotion.

"Amru beta, reports aa jayenge na. Now tell me, how was your day?" Komal asked, trying to change the subject and lighten the mood.

"Haan Mumma... I'll change and then tell you everything," Amrit said excitedly, her worries momentarily forgotten as she dashed into her room.

Komal watched her go, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. She waited until she heard the sound of Amrit's door closing before she headed to her own room. She opened her cupboard, her hands shaking slightly as she pulled out a thick envelope. Inside were her medical reports, which she had hidden from her daughter.

With a heavy heart, she walked to the kitchen. She turned on the gas burner, the blue flames flickering to life. Komal looked at the reports one last time, tears brimming in her eyes. She held the papers over the flame, watching as the edges began to curl and blacken. The paper quickly caught fire, the flames consuming the reports until they were nothing but ashes.

Komal turned off the burner and wiped her eyes, composing herself before heading back to the living room. She plastered a smile on her face just as Amrit bounded out of her room, her face lit up with excitement.

While eating dinner, Amrit animatedly recounted the chaotic events of her day at college. "...and then, Mumma, the whole misunderstanding blew up because of that one slip-up!"

Komal listened patiently, her eyes reflecting both concern and affection. "It was your fault, na beta. How could you tell someone else about something like that without thinking?" she said gently but firmly.

"Haan, Maa, I know. I even apologised to him," Amrit replied, her tone repentant.

Komal nodded approvingly. "Accha, now make sure to lock the door from inside properly. I have to go to work," she said, starting to clear the dishes.

"Work? What work? Did you get a job? Why didn't you tell me?" Amrit asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Oh, yeah. Yesterday morning, I got a job at Singhania Mansion. I've been hired as the head chef. They loved my cooking so much, everyone was licking their fingers clean," Komal said, a proud smile spreading across her face.

"See, I told you! Who can resist your food, Mumma?" Amrit said, beaming with pride for her mother.

Komal chuckled softly. "Accha, I'll be back by night. Don't stay up too late waiting for me," she said, putting on her shoes.

"Haan, take care, Mumma," Amrit said, hugging her mother tightly before she left.

Komal smiled warmly and left for her job, while Amrit locked the door behind her.

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

Meanwhile, Akshat entered the mansion, his footsteps echoing through the grand hallway. He halted abruptly, seeing a female presence beside Vishakha. His fists clenched at the sight, and he was about to walk away, but then he caught sight of Vishakha's concerned expression. That wasn't what she had taught him.

Taking a deep breath, he walked over and bent down to touch the feet of the other woman, who gently caressed his hair. He straightened up, his face a mask of controlled anger, and started to walk away.

"Akshat beta..." the lady called, stepping forward to hold his hand, but he jerked it away roughly.

"Don't call me that," Akshat said, his voice cold and filled with disdain.

"Please, Akshat...how long are you going to react like this? I am your mother," the lady pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Paida kar dene se koi maa baap nahi ban jata hai, Miss Shalini Mehta," Akshat said loudly, gritting his teeth. He turned to Vishakha, seeking solace in her presence.

["Just by giving me birth you can't be a mother."]

"She is my mother, and he is my father," Akshat continued, pointing to Vishakha and her husband. "They are the ones who made me what I am today. They consoled me whenever I cried for you both. They were there for me at every achievement and every failure. Where were you? When I needed a mother's embrace, where were you?"

Shalini's eyes welled up, but Akshat wasn't finished. His anger boiled over as he continued, "You left me! You abandoned me without a second thought. Vishakha aunty and Rakshit uncle picked up the pieces of the mess you left behind. They loved me, nurtured me, supported me through every high and low. They are the reason I stand here today. Not you!"

"Akshat, it wasn't like that. We had our reasons," Shalini tried to explain, but Akshat cut her off with a sharp gesture.

"Reasons? What reasons could possibly justify abandoning your child? What reason could justify not being there when I needed you the most? Do you know what it's like to feel unwanted? To feel like you don't matter?" he shouted, his voice cracking with the intensity of his emotions.

"You don't understand..." Shalini began, but Akshat's anger only intensified.

"No, you don't understand! Do you know what I went through? What happened to me? No, you don't. So keep your mother-love shit to yourself and get lost!" Akshat roared, his voice filled with raw pain.

Shalini turned her attention to Vishakha, her eyes blazing with anger. "What have you taught my son? How much did you instigate him against me that he hates me this much?" she shouted, grabbing Vishakha by the shoulders.

But Vishakha firmly removed Shalini's hands from her shoulders and stood her ground. "Stay in your limits, bhabhi! Mai umar ka lihaj kar rahi hun but that doesn't mean I will take all this from you. And didn't you hear my son? He doesn't want you near him. So kindly leave," she said, her voice unwavering.

"You bitch!" Shalini screamed, raising her hand to slap Vishakha. Before she could strike, Akshat swiftly stepped between them, catching Shalini's hand in mid-air.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Akshat growled, his eyes filled with fury. "Meri maa ke khilaf mai ek shabd nahi sununga. Do you even know about her sacrifices, and you're calling her selfish? Please get lost isse pehle mai mere maa ke diye huye sanskar bhul jaun. And forget about me and my brother's existence, just like you and your ex-husband did a few years back."

Shalini stood there, stunned and defeated. She wiped her tears and left the mansion without another word.

"Calm down, beta," Vishakha said gently, caressing his shoulder.

"Are you okay, Maa?" Akshat asked, his voice softening with concern.

"Haan... I'm fine. Sit down, and I'll get dinner ready for you," Vishakha replied, her smile returning as she reassured her son.

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

Akshat sat on the bed of his room, holding a book but completely lost in his thoughts. The memories of the past played like a movie in his mind, taking him back to a time when life seemed simpler yet confusing.

Flashback

As a small child, he would cower in his room, the sounds of shouting and breaking objects echoing through the house. Rakshit hadn't been married then, so Vishakha wasn't there to provide the comfort he so desperately needed. Despite having parents, he was utterly alone. His only solace came when his younger brother Vihaan was born. He spent most of his time caring for Vihaan, as their parents were too busy with their battles and extramarital affairs. He often saw his mother and father come home with different partners, but he was too young to understand the implications.

One particularly terrible night stood out in his memory. He was seven years old, and his parents' fight had escalated to new heights. Akshat stood at the door of their room, his small heart thumping in fear as he watched them scream and throw things at each other like mad people.

"You're a worthless excuse for a husband, Uday!" Shalini screamed, hurling a vase across the room.

"And you're no better, Shalini! Always nagging, always complaining!" Uday roared back, flipping over a table.

Amidst the chaos, they started dragging their children into the argument. "You know why we have these kids? They're just mistakes, both of them! Shalini spat, her face twisted with rage.

Uday sneered, "You're right, they are mistakes. Just like this pathetic excuse of a marriage!"

Akshat's heart broke as he heard those words. He watched in horror as his mother picked up a 5 years old Vihaan who was crying sitting at the bed. "If you don't divorce me right now, I'll throw him out the window!" she threatened, her eyes wild.

Uday's face contorted with indifference. "Do it. I don't care.

Tears streamed down Akshat's face as he screamed, "No! Please, don't hurt him!" He rushed forward, snatching Vihaan from his mother's arms and running to his room with his brother. He locked the door and collapsed on the floor, hugging his baby brother tightly while Vihaan was just sobbing in his chest , his body was trembling. Their parents' cruel words echoed in his mind, cutting deep. "Mistakes," he whispered through his tears, his heart aching.

The next morning, Akshat watched helplessly as his mother packed her bags. "Maa, please don't go! Don't leave us!" he begged, clutching her saree.

Shalini pushed him away, her face hard. "I'm leaving, Akshat. You and your brother are just reminders of this miserable life. She walked out the door, leaving him crying on the floor.

A few months later, his father, who had always ignored his presence, also left. Uday moved to the USA, leaving Akshat and Vihaan behind. They were taken in by Rakshit, Uday's younger brother. Despite his busy schedule, Rakshit tried his best to take care of them. Akshat took on a lot of the responsibility for Vihaan, becoming more of a parent than a sibling.

When Rakshit married Vishakha, things slowly began to improve. At first, Akshat was wary of her, but Vishakha's unwavering love and care for him and Vihaan gradually won his heart. She treated them as her own, and Rakshit and Vishakha decided not to have their own children to ensure that Akshat and Vihaan were never neglected.

As he grew up and chose his profession as professor and writer , Vishakha and Rakshit had begun searching for a suitable bride for him. They wanted to see him settled and happy, but Akshat had no faith in marriages and relationships. His parents' failed marriage had left deep scars on him, making it difficult to believe in love or commitment. One evening, Vishakha decided to have a heartfelt conversation with him.

Akshat sat on the floor, leaning against the bed as Vishakha gently massaged his head. She spoke softly, her voice filled with love and wisdom. "Beta, I know you have your doubts about marriage, and I understand why. You've seen the worst examples with your parents. But marriage can be beautiful too."

He remained silent, listening to her soothing words. "Look at me and Rakshit. We've had our share of ups and downs, but our love and respect for each other have only grown stronger over the years. Or take Preeti and Vikram, they're such a wonderful couple, aren't they?"

Akshat looked up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "But Maa, what if it doesn't work out? What if I end up hurting someone or getting hurt?"

Vishakha smiled, her fingers continuing their gentle massage. "That's a risk we all take, Akshat. Life is about taking chances, and love is worth the risk. It's about understanding, patience, and growing together. You have to believe that you deserve happiness and that there are good people out there who can share that happiness with you."

He sighed, her words slowly sinking in. "I'll think about it, Maa."

Eventually, he agreed to meet a girl Vishakha and Rakshit had found for him, Kritika Maheshwari. She seemed perfect in every way, and even though Akshat was introverted and hesitant, Kritika took the first steps in their relationship. She called him, sent messages, and they met whenever they could. Akshat tried his best to give their relationship a chance, even though he still felt unsure and unready.

Their wedding was arranged quickly due to Kritika's father's wishes. On their wedding night, Akshat took a deep breath and entered the decorated room. Kritika sat on the bed, adorned in her bridal attire, and he managed a small, nervous smile.

Akshat took a deep breath and entered the decorated room, his heart pounding in his chest. The room was filled with the sweet scent of roses, and soft candlelight cast a warm glow. Kritika sat on the bed, looking every bit the beautiful bride. He managed a small, nervous smile.

"Y-you should change. Heavy hoga ye sab," he said softly, his voice shaky.

Kritika stood up and walked towards him, her movements graceful and deliberate. She ran her fingers gently down his face, moving closer until her breath was warm against his ear. "Why don't you help me then?" she whispered.

Akshat's heartbeats quickened, and he clutched his kurta tightly. She placed a soft kiss on his cheek and removed her chunari, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Kritika... I want to say..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Shhh! Today is no time for talking," she interrupted, her voice low and seductive. She started to unbutton his kurta, her touch sending waves of panic through him. His body trembled, and his hands were shaking uncontrollably.

Quickly, he stepped back and removed her hands from his shirt, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. "Kritika," he said, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady himself. He picked up the dupatta and gently wrapped it around her.

Kritika's expression changed from confusion to anger. "What the hell, Akshat? Don't you want me?"

He took another deep breath, trying to calm both her and himself. "Kritika, it's not that. We need to understand each other first and build an emotional connection before we move to the physical. I want this to be right for both of us."

She looked at him, her anger simmering. After a tense moment, she sighed. "Fine. I understand. We will work on it." She turned and walked to the washroom, her steps heavy with frustration.

Akshat watched her go, his own body still trembling. He sat down on the bed, his hands and legs shaking. He buttoned up his sherwani and stretched it out, trying to regain some sense of normalcy. He poured himself a glass of water and drank it quickly, hoping to calm his racing heart. His vision blurred with tears, and he wiped them away with his trembling hands.

He walked to the balcony and stepped outside, the cool night air hitting his face. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to find some semblance of peace. The night was quiet, and the stars twinkled above, indifferent to the turmoil inside him. Akshat leaned against the railing, his mind swirling with thoughts of the past and the uncertain future.

Determined to make his marriage work, he resolved to be a good husband to Kritika. He made efforts to spend quality time with her, taking her out whenever he could. However, she always seemed more interested in initiating a physical relationship, and after only a week of their wedding, she began blaming him for their lack of intimacy.

One evening, Akshat entered their room to find Kritika sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone. He approached her and sat down beside her.

"Oh, tum aa gaye," she said, putting down her phone and hugging him. He stiffened, his hands trembling, but he hugged her back lightly, trying to overcome his discomfort.

"I brought something for you," he said, attempting a smile.

"What? Really? Show me," she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

He reached into his bag and pulled out a small box. "I got these for you," he said, opening it to reveal a set of colourful glass bangles.

Her smile faded instantly. She stared at the bangles, her face hardening with disdain. "You brought... bangles?" she asked, her voice dripping with disappointment.

"I thought you'd like them," he said, his voice unsure.

Kritika's expression turned angry. "Who wants these stupid things?" she snapped, pushing the box away. "At least buy gold bangles if you want to give me something. What do you think I am, some middle-class girl or a teenager who'll be happy with cheap glass bangles?"

Akshat's face fell. "I'm sorry. I just thought..."

She cut him off, laughing bitterly. "What could I expect from you anyway? Your younger brother is the CEO of this big company, and you... you chose this pathetic profession. This could have all been yours if you had any ambition."

He looked down, her words hitting him hard. Seeing his sad face, she rolled her eyes. "Next time, keep that in mind. If you want to impress me, don't bring such worthless gifts."

Akshat didn't say anything. He walked to the closet, his heart heavy. As he opened the door, he saw the small box lying in the dustbin. The sight of his gift discarded so carelessly made his chest ache. He stood there for a moment, swallowing his pain, before closing the closet door and turning back to Kritika.

She had already picked up her phone again, completely indifferent to the hurt she had caused. Akshat quietly sat on the edge of the bed, trying to hold back his tears. The weight of her words, the harshness of her rejection, felt like a physical blow. He wondered how he would ever bridge the gap between them, how he could make this relationship work.

Akshat's efforts to rebuild his relationship with Kritika had been considerable. He bought her expensive gifts, planned outings, and made sincere efforts to understand her needs. Despite these efforts, the chasm between them seemed to widen. One evening, they attended a high-profile party hosted by their business partner, Abhimanyu Chopra. Akshat was enjoying the company of his close friends, Vihaan and Krishiv, but as the night wore on, he grew increasingly concerned about Kritika.

"Where is Kritika?" Akshat asked his friends, trying to keep his voice calm despite the growing worry in his chest. "She's not answering my calls."

Krishiv glanced around, trying to be reassuring. "She must be mingling with her friends. There are so many people here, Akshat. She's probably caught up in conversation."

Akshat nodded, but the concern didn't leave his face. He excused himself from the group, stepping into the corridor to make another call. The noise from the party was deafening, but his thoughts were preoccupied with Kritika's whereabouts.

As he stood by a large, transparent window, his gaze was drawn to the dimly lit room beyond. What he saw shattered him completely. Kritika was on a bed with Abhimanyu Chopra. The scene was intimate and explicit, and it was clear that Kritika was not where she was supposed to be. Akshat's heart pounded, his vision blurring with unshed tears. He staggered back, unable to breathe, and his mind raced with the betrayal he was witnessing.

He hurried out of the corridor, avoiding eye contact with anyone who called out to him. His steps were unsteady as he made his way home, each stride feeling like a mile. The betrayal he felt was suffocating, and he couldn't process the agony he was experiencing.

The next morning, Akshat confronted Kritika in their home. He was rigid with anger, his eyes cold and unfeeling. Kritika was packing her belongings, a smirk on her face as she prepared to leave.

Kritika's expression twisted into one of disdain. "You know what, Akshat? This is your fault. You're so pathetic. You can't give me what I need. You never could. Abhimanyu can provide for me in ways you never will. I'll be much happier with him."

Her words were like daggers, each one driving deeper into Akshat's heart. His face remained stoic, but the pain was evident in his eyes. Kritika's contempt was palpable as she continued, her voice dripping with venom.

"You think buying me gifts and pretending to care will make up for your inadequacies? You're just a poor substitute for what I really want. Abhimanyu has everything you lack. He makes me feel alive, unlike you."

Kritika scoffed and finished gathering her things. As she headed for the door, she tossed one last scornful look at Akshat, her eyes filled with a mix of triumph and disdain.

Akshat remained silent, his heart breaking with every word she spoke. As the door slammed shut behind her, he sank to the floor, overwhelmed by the weight of betrayal. His entire world felt like it had crumbled, leaving him alone in the emptiness of their once-shared home.

Sitting on the floor, Akshat's hands trembled uncontrollably. His mind was filled with the echoes of Kritika's insults and the sight of her with Abhimanyu. His trust in relationships, already fragile, was now completely shattered. He felt utterly broken, the betrayal of someone he had tried so hard to love weighing heavily on his heart. He sat there, numbed by grief, tears streaming down his face as he grappled with the stark reality of his situation.

Present.

As Akshat sat on the edge of his bed, lost in the turmoil of his thoughts, a gentle knock on the door broke his reverie. He glanced up, his face still etched with the pain of the past, and saw Anika standing there, holding a bowl.

"Anika... aao na," Akshat said, attempting a welcoming smile.

Anika entered with a soft, hesitant smile, her eyes filled with a mixture of warmth and concern. "Bhaiya, jab mai yahan aayi thi toh maa ne kaha tha ki yeh meri apni family hai aur mujhe sabko apnana chahiye. Lekin aaj lagta hai ki maine toh sabko accept kar liya, lekin aapne mujhe apni family ke roop mein abhi tak nahi accept kiya."

Akshat looked taken aback, feeling a pang of guilt. "A... it's not like that."

"Toh phir kyun aapne mere banaye halwe ko nahi khaya? Sabne khaya, sirf aapne nahi," Anika said, her face reflecting genuine hurt.

Akshat felt a twinge of regret, realizing he had unintentionally upset her. "Arre, mujhe meetha khane ka man nahi tha... I'm really sorry if I made you feel that way. I had no intention."

Anika's face brightened as she giggled softly. "Bhaiya, aap itne serious kyun ho gaye? Main toh bas mazaak kar rahi thi. Aap ye halwa khao."

Akshat took the bowl from her hands with a grateful smile. As he tasted the halwa, his expression softened, a genuine smile spreading across his face. The sweetness of the halwa seemed to cut through the shadows of his recent memories, offering a fleeting respite from his pain.

"Halwa is actually so good," Akshat said, finishing the bowl with evident satisfaction.

Anika's eyes lit up as she spotted the video game console tucked away in the corner of Akshat's room. "Wow, aap bhi khelte ho ye?" she asked, her excitement evident in her wide grin.

"Huh? Nahin actually, Vihaan hai na, he loves these games toh uske saath hi," Akshat replied, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed her enthusiasm.

"You know, I am a champion in this game," Anika declared proudly, a twinkle of challenge in her eyes.

"Really?" Akshat asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Haan... will you play with me?" she asked, her grin widening even further.

Akshat chuckled, "Sure."

They settled down on the floor, controllers in hand, and started playing. The room soon filled with the sounds of laughter and playful banter as Anika showed off her gaming skills. Vihaan, who had just arrived home, stopped in his tracks at the doorway, surprised by the scene unfolding before him. He saw Anika laughing wholeheartedly, and to his astonishment, Akshat was smiling too. He admired Anika for a moment, realising that she had never laughed so openly in front of him. Well, they had barely talked much until now.

Vihaan knocked on the door, drawing their attention. "Bhaiya? Mere peeth peeche you are cheating on me?" he said, pouting dramatically.

Both Akshat and Anika looked up, pausing the game. "Kya keh raha hai?" Akshat asked, bemused.

"Sach keh raha hoon... I thought I was your video game partner. But ek din mein late kya hua, you already found a new partner. I am hurt... mere dil ko kitna chubha hai ye," Vihaan said, clutching his chest theatrically.

Akshat laughed, "Shut up, drama queen. Accha, I have work now. Hum baad mein game continue karenge, hmm?" He patted Anika's head affectionately, and she smiled and nodded.

As Akshat left the room, Vihaan walked towards Anika. She met his gaze and started to walk away, but her steps halted when he gently held her wrist. She turned to look at him, her eyes questioning.

"Thank you," Vihaan said, smiling warmly.

"For what?" Anika asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I got to know that she came here today and Bhaiya was upset. That's why I came here, but tumne unka mood pehle hi theek kar diya," Vihaan explained.

"Thank you kyun? Ye meri bhi family hai na?" Anika said with a gentle smile, and Vihaan nodded in agreement.

She tried to leave, thinking he would release her hand, but he didn't. She looked at him, her face flushing red, and tried to free her hand. Instead, Vihaan gently pulled her closer, causing butterflies to erupt in her stomach.

She finally freed her hand, smiling shyly before running towards the door. In her haste, she collided with the doorframe, and Vihaan quickly rushed to her side. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Embarrassed, she nodded and ran out of the room, her face still a shade of crimson. Vihaan watched her retreating figure and chuckled softly, a fond smile playing on his lips.

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

Next morning, Amrit stood outside the grand Singhania Mansion, clutching her mother's forgotten mobile. "Address toh yahin ka bataya tha maa ne," she muttered to herself, double-checking the slip of paper in her hand. Her mother had forgotten her phone at home, so Amrit decided to bring it over before heading to college.

She walked up to the gate, but the guards halted her. "Who are you?" one of the guards asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Wo... my mother works here. I want to meet her," Amrit replied nervously.

"Who is your mother?" the guard asked.

"Komal Tripathi," she said. The guard made a quick phone call, then nodded.

"Ok, you can go," he said, and Amrit smiled, entering the mansion grounds.

Her eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sprawling estate. "Ye ghar hai ya sheher!! Iss ghar me log kho nahi jate honge? I think yahan toh ek dusre se milne bhi auto lekar jana padta hoga," she thought, giggling at her own joke.

["Is this a house or a city? I think people used to take auto to meet each other."]

As she walked further in, a beautiful painting on the upstairs landing caught her eye. "Wow... that is so beautiful," she whispered, mesmerized.

"Should I go there? What if someone sees me? So what, mai chori karne thodi aayi hun," she reassured herself and climbed the stairs to get a closer look at the painting. The vibrant colors and intricate details captivated her.

"Vaise inme se ek vase bhi chura ke bech dungi toh mera toh iss month ka kharcha nikal jayega," she muttered, admiring the elegant vases lining the corridor.

["If i stole one vase and sell it , my one month will pass easily."]

Curiosity got the better of her when she noticed an open door leading to a spacious room. Her jaw dropped. "Bhaii ye toh mere Bareilly wale ghar se bhi bada hai... itne mein hamare yahan 3 ghar aa jayenge," she said, stepping inside to explore.

["This room is bigger than my home in Bareilly. I think three home can fit here."]

The room was decorated with simple black lights, casting a soft, ambient glow. The furnishings were sleek and modern, with a minimalist black-and-white color scheme. A large, comfortable-looking bed dominated the room, flanked by two stylish nightstands. The walls were adorned with abstract art pieces that added a touch of sophistication to the otherwise understated decor.

"But kitna feeka color hai... itne sundar room ko bhut bangla bana ke rakh diya hai bande ne," she muttered, unimpressed by the monochromatic palette.

Just then, she heard someone's voice nearby, and her eyes went wide. Panic set in as she realised she was trespassing. She quickly scanned the room for a hiding spot but found none. The footsteps grew louder, and she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation.

"Hey Bhagwan!! Amrit ki bacchi...aise kisi ke room mein aata hai kya koi? What should I do!!" Amrit muttered, panicking. Just then, she saw a door and rushed inside.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the luxurious washroom before her. The marble countertops, golden fixtures, and pristine tiles gleamed under the soft lighting. Amrit was so taken aback by the sheer opulence of the room that she momentarily forgot her predicament.

"Mere room se saaf toh inka washroom hai," she said, momentarily distracted by its pristine condition.

"Amrit...this is not a time to admire the washroom," she reminded herself, peeping out from the door. Her eyes widened as she saw Akshat talking on the phone outside.

"Akshat sir...yahan...Akshat Singhania, and this is Singhania Mansion... ohh shit!! That means this is his house and this is his room. Bhagwan ji accha fasa diya aapne mujhe. Sare paapon ka hisaab aaj hi lene ka plan hai kya?" She muttered. Her eyes went wide when she saw Akshat disconnect the phone call, remove his shirt, and walk towards the washroom.

She quickly scrambled to find a hiding spot, her eyes darting around the room until they landed on the bathtub. Without a second thought, she slipped behind it and crouched down, trying to stifle her breathing.

As Akshat entered the washroom and locked the door behind him, Amrit's anxiety spiked. He stood near the shower, casually removing his belt.

"Chiiiiii!! Please nahiii!!" Amrit shouted by mistake, closing her eyes and covering her face with her palms. She immediately regretted Akshat's eyes widened in shock as he heard the voice.

He turned abruptly, his face a mask of confusion and concern. Kneeling beside the bathtub, he peered around it and his gaze fell upon the girl huddled there, her face hidden behind her hands. He blinked in disbelief, trying to process the sight before him.

Amrit cautiously opened her eyes a sliver, meeting his stunned gaze. She slowly lowered her hands, revealing her flushed face. Her eyes darted to his chiselled physique, marvelling at the sculpted muscles she had only read about in novels. The sight was both unexpected and distracting.

"What the hell are you doing here??" Akshat demanded, his voice a mixture of anger and bewilderment. His expression was a mix of shock and irritation.

"I... I am hot sir," Amrit blurted out, her eyes wide as they roamed over his abs. She was lost in admiration for a brief moment, her mind clearly

overwhelmed.

"Huh?" Akshat responded, his confusion evident as he tried to make sense of her words.

"I... I am sorry sir... aap please pehle shirt peheniye," she stammered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She squeezed her eyes shut, mentally berating herself for her blunder.

["Please wear a shirt."]

Understanding dawned upon Akshat as he registered her discomfort. His face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and urgency. Without a word, he rushed outside to retrieve his shirt from where he had discarded it and hurriedly put it on.

"Bahar aaiye, Miss Tripathi," he commanded, his voice firm but not unkind. Amrit's hands trembled as she rose to her feet, her nerves on edge as she stepped out from behind the bathtub.

"Will you explain what you were doing in my home, my room, and inside my washroom? Yahaan bhi sabko batane aayi hain ki mai suicide kar raha tha?" Akshat asked, folding his arms across his chest, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Sir...I didn't know this is your house. Actually, my mother works here, aur unka mobile ghar pe reh gaya tha. Toh I came to return this," Amrit said, looking down and showing him the mobile.

"Your mother works here? Kya karti hain?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She is head chef here. Komal Tripathi," she said, and he remembered Vishakha talking about her and nodded.

"In my room?" he asked again, his tone incredulous.

"No, sir...wo, I saw that painting there...toh wo mujhe itni pasand aayi toh I thought to click a picture. And then I saw your room was open...aur maine na kabhi itna bada room dekha nahi tha, so I was so lost toh I didn't realise when I entered inside. And then I heard your voice, toh mai dar gayi thi aur kuch samajh nahi aaya, toh washroom mein bhag gayi," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"You were admiring my room?" he asked, shocked, as no one had ever admired his room before.

"No, sir... I mean yes, sir...aapka room accha toh hai, but iska colour aur lighting ekdum pheeki pheeki hai. I think you should try bright colours. Aur ye room mein lighting bhi bright honi chahiye... wo jo painting hai, wo yahan hona chahiye aur wahan aapki ek picture honi chahiye. Ye sofa iss direction mein hona chahiye, aur bed uss direction mein," she said, observing the room, while Akshat looked at her, bewildered.

[Your room is nice but colouring isn't good. That painting should be here and that sofa should be here and bed should be there."]

"Any more advice, ma'am?" he asked with a sarcastic smile.

"No, sir...itna kafi hai," she said, nodding her head looking around.

Akshat leaned back, his face tightening with annoyance. "So kind of you Mis Tripathi. You broke into my room, hid in my washroom, and now you're redecorating? Now are you starting an interior design business here? Toh bataiye kab se aap kaam shuru karengi mera room decoration ka?"

Amrit's nervousness grew, but she tried to remain calm. "I'm sorry sir."

Akshat's face softened a fraction, but his tone remained stern. "Get lost," he said, waving his hand dismissively.

Amrit nodded quickly and ran outside as fast as she could, she felt a sense of relief that the she escaped from situation.

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How was the chapter??

So now is past is revealed.

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