chapter 47

Pari gasped and stopped brushing her hair." She did what?"Vikrant turned his body to a side, rested his head on the palm supported by the elbow." Beat the producer."Pari stood up from the stool and faced him, " and what did you do?"" Ranvi did."Pari frowned, " what?"Vikrant sat up, " he had already found out Rajeshwari's disgusting plans and later extracted information about the Producer. The man must be in jail."" He did good," Pari said and continued brushing her hair again." He did wrong. He should have killed him."" Calm down, hero," she chuckled and moved closer to him after putting the comb on the dressing table.She sat down opposite him and fixed his messy hair." Are you happy?"Vikrant hummed, wrapping his arms around her waist." So much."She smiled and hooked her arms around his neck. He let out a soft sigh and leaned closer to her, letting her engulf him in her protective arms.He pushed her until her back touched the mattress and laid his head on the high of her chest. He exhaled softly and she stroked his hair gently.He closed his eyes.Pari felt the heaviness in his body as he rested on her, not just physical, but emotional, too. She wrapped her arms more tightly around him, as if trying to shield him from the past that still lingered behind his tired sighs.Vikrant didn't say a word. He just breathed. For once, he allowed himself to be vulnerable. No weight of decisions, no need to be the pillar, just a man, exhausted and finally at peace, resting against the one person who had stood beside him through it all.Pari's fingers threaded gently through his hair, massaging his scalp in slow, soothing circles." I've got you," she whispered, placing a light kiss on the crown of his head.A small sound escaped him, not quite a sob, not quite a sigh, something in between. It broke her heart and healed it at the same time."All this time," he murmured after a pause, his voice thick, "I kept thinking if I fall, everything else will fall with me."Pari stroked his back and he continued," It hurt seeing my sister surrounded by animals, seeing my brother... crying and trying to run away from me. Why couldn't life be better and easier?. No drama. No involvement of people."She felt tears dropping on her chest." Whatever happens, happens for good. See, even after learning the truth, your brother is with you. Your sister has found you. Maa has got her daughter. Life has started getting beautiful."He nodded slowly, his cheek brushing against her chest as if grounding himself in her heartbeat.Then he became silent. But, a minute later Pari found his shameless hand slipping under the slit of her suit and slowly travelling upward.She said nothing and just kept analysing his movement. A gasp escaped her mouth and she quickly slapped his back when he tried touching her breast, over the bra." No more emotional?"She tried pushing him but he stubbornly kept laying there, " no."He murmured and snuggled his face in the crook of her neck.Vikrant hummed, clearly unfazed, his lips brushing against her collarbone. "You make me feel safe... and a little wild."Pari tried to glare at him, but her heart betrayed her, it fluttered at his words. She shifted under him, trying to regain her composure. "Wild can wait. Right now, you need rest."" I'm resting," he mumbled into her skin, his hands now respectfully settled at her waist, though his fingers still tapped lazily.Pari gently held his face and made him look at her. " You're not as tired as you acted two minutes ago."He smirked. "I recover quickly. Especially around you."She narrowed her eyes. "Touch me like that again and I'll throw you off the bed."He chuckled, clearly not threatened and getting away from her." Jaisi ki itni se jaan tum hamara kuch bigad sakti ho," he mocked her and got down from the bed.( As if you can even do anything to me with this strength.)She sat up, " mauka to dijiye."( Give me one chance.)She tried showing herself powerful.He wore his slippers, " aaj raat ko denge."( Tonight.)Her cheeks flushed as she herself made out double meaning out of his sentence." Tsk tsk tsk. Kitna ganda ganda sochti ho tum."( God! You think dirty.)Her mouth hung opened and she got up with an intention to hit his arm but he quickly ran away from there. She scoffed and followed his way.Pari rushed down the stairs behind Vikrant, still fuming from his teasing.They reached downstairs and stared at the early morning scene.Prena was standing with her arms folded tightly, her brows drawn together and a pout on her lips. Akansha sat on the couch beside Ranvijay, gently applying ointment on the bruise on his jaw. Ranvijay winced slightly, but the mischievous glint in his eyes didn't go unnoticed."I mean, seriously," Prena muttered, loud enough for all to hear. "One little bruise and he's crying like a wounded man."Akansha looked up in amusement, "Prena..."But Prena was on a roll now. "No, no, let me speak. I should be the one getting this treatment but this man gets a royal treatment for a tiny blue mark.""Tiny? It still hurts, okay? Look at it! The whole jaw.. shattered! Bhai's strong."Vikrant rolled his eyes.Prena scoffed, " don't act."Ranvijay clutched his chest. "Ouch. Now that hurts more than the bruise."Prena gritted her teeth and moved towards them." Maa, push him away. How can you do this to me?"Pari raised her eyebrows amusingly. Her best friend or sister-in-law was a jealous type." Maa, please apply here as well."Ranvijay put his finger on his cheekbone as well where there was no bruise." Ranvi-"Before Akansha could speak, Prena interrupted her and threatened Ranvijay." Are you leaving my mother or not?"Ranvijay shook his head negatively, " I won't.""You-"" Enough."Vikrant stepped in the scene and walked forward." Get up, Ranvijay. Let her sit there."Ranvijay groaned under his breath and stood up, letting Prena sit there. She passed a victorious grin and hugged her mother from the side before kissing her cheek.Akansha chuckled and Prena lay down on the couch, keeping her head on Akansha's lap.Pari, too, came and sat down beside her husband." So?"Prena looked at her and Pari smiled mischievously." I am your bhabhi now?"" God! I forgot," Prena grumbled, feeling her cheeks turning pink. The new relations were hard to digest for now." Slept properly?"Vikrant asked his sister who hummed and turned her back at them, hugging Akansha's waist.Everyone frowned." Why is she suddenly shy?"Ranvijay asked curiously and Prena hid her face against her mother's waist.Akansha chuckled, " she's moody. Last time she was crying. Then she was laughing. Then she slept. Just a minute ago, she was throwing tantrums and now she's shy."" So, we have to handle this moody store forever?"Ranvijay teased her and Prena withdrew her head only to pass a glare at Ranvijay. Everyone burst into laughter and she again hid her face against her mother's belly.Akansha stroked her daughter's hair lovingly. "Let her be. She's still absorbing everything."Pari smiled gently, watching the bond between mother and daughter. "You're allowed to be overwhelmed, Prena. But I am still waiting for you to call me bhabhi."Prena let out a groan and lifted her head slightly, "Can we skip the bhabhi-nanad rituals please?""Nope," Ranvijay chimed in with a grin. " We want to see you take her blessings with folded hands.""Shut up!" she shouted and threw a cushion at him.Ranvijay caught it easily and gasped dramatically. "Maa, see? No respect."Laughter again echoed in the hall and Prena felt tears bimmering in her eyes.Akansha leaned down and kissed her head." Forgive her, for now. She has just found her family."Ranvijay smiled and sat near Prena's legs, leaning his back against the couch.For the first time in years, Akansha's world felt complete, her daughter was in her arms, her sons by her side, and the emptiness that had plagued her heart for more than a decade had finally lifted. The family, fractured once, now sat whole again under one roof, united by pain, truth, and unshakeable love.But even amid this perfect picture, Vikrant's mind hadn't rested. His arms wrapped around Pari as he smiled with the others, but his eyes carried the weight of unfinished duties. This reunion was just the beginning. His sister might have found her place in their hearts, but the world still needed to know who Prena truly was, the rightful daughter of Angad Agnihotri. And Vikrant wouldn't stop until she held her name, her rights, and her honour in the empire that was hers by blood." Okay!"Vikrant stood up and everyone looked at him." Be ready everyone. Tonight's going to be a party."Prena sat up, " for?"Vikrant looked at her with a heartfelt smile, " hamari behan aayi hai, jashan to hona chahiye na?"( Celebration is mandatory for my sister's arrival.)Prena's cheeks turned red, overwhelmed by all the pampering done by her brother since last night. She was not used to such care.Vikrant chuckled and patted her cheeks." Your room will be ready by evening, okay?"Prena nodded and Vikrant walked away from there with Ranvijay.Evening sun poured golden warmth into Pari's room as soft hues bounced off the mirror where the two girls stood, one fixing her bangles, the other fidgeting with the pleats of her lehenga, her face sulking."I hate him," Prena scoffed, trying to keep her voice nonchalant, but the edge of frustration was unmistakable.Pari looked at her reflection and raised a brow, amused. "Why? Vijay bhaiya's not bad."Prena sighed, then grumbled, "He was supposed to stay with his real mother... but no, I got exchanged. Dad gave me to Rajeshwari and gave him to Maa, like some messed-up barter deal."Pari instantly paused, confused. She turned toward her slowly, one hand still adjusting her bangles. "Hold on. Hold on. Who even told you this silly story?"" Dad... did?" Prena blinked.Pari dropped her hands and walked toward her, her voice losing its teasing tone and slipping into something softer, something that sounded like truth. She gently turned Prena around, tying the back strings of her blouse while she spoke," Prena, think for once. Did they ever do a single thing for you out of love? Did they ever make you feel wanted? Protected? Did they ever choose you without expecting something in return?"Prena stayed still, her brows furrowing.Pari continued, "And yet here you are, surrounded by people who would burn the world to protect you. Ranvijay bhaiya would beat a man black and blue for you. Vikrant won't rest until your name is engraved into every corner of the Agnihotri empire. Maa hasn't let you leave her side since morning. So who should you believe? The people who lied to you your whole life, or the ones who are standing by you when you have nothing to offer but yourself? Ranvijay bhaiya is innocent, Prena. He was very small when his real mother abandoned him and maa accepted him."Silence fell. Prena stared at herself in the mirror, lips slightly parted. Maybe she had let her emotions cloud everything. Maybe she was jealous. Maybe it wasn't hatred or anger but a raw, unspoken longing she could never confess before. She didn't want vengeance, or justice, or even truth. She just wanted a family, laughter in the hallway, a mother's lap, teasing brothers, protective arms. She only ever wanted to belong.Prena slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, her fingers fidgeting with the soft fabric of her lehenga, eyes staring blankly at the floor. The heaviness in her chest wasn't anger, it was ache. An ache so old and familiar that it had settled like dust on her heart."I was so scared," she whispered.Pari stared at her as she continued," I always wondered why Dad could never attend my PTM. He was a busy man so I believed he had no time. I was happy spending even an hour with him because.. that woman," she chuckled bitterly and wiped tears from the corner of her eyes." That woman felt almost invisible to my wife. As I grew up, my questions increased. I wanted to know why my parents couldn't just attach their information in school and university. I wanted to say their real name to my friends but I wasn't allowed to. I wanted to know why my parents were not married yet. You know,"She looked up at Pari and added," One day I ran away with my friends. I was at the airport but Mom- that woman caught me. Dad could do nothing when she announced a punishment for me. She isolated me in my own house for 2 years, that is why my university skipped. Those 2 years felt like hell."Pari took a shaky step forward and sat beside Prena, her bangles clinking softly in the thick silence. Her fingers reached out, hesitating, before gently resting on Prena's shoulder. The girl beside of her wasn't just a sister-in-law now, she was a broken child who had worn strength like armour for far too long.Prena looked straight ahead, her voice barely a whisper. "Every wall in that house had eyes. Every door had ears. I wasn't allowed to cry too loud, or speak too softly. I wasn't allowed to want anything. Not affection, not freedom, not even answers."She blinked hard and shook her head slowly, "But I never stopped hoping. That maybe one day, Dad would pick me up and say we're leaving. That he'd take me somewhere safe... or that someone would find me. But something very good happened."Prena smiled, " one day I heard a conversation between my mom and dad. She unknowingly mentioned that she shouldn't have exchanged me. After that I started looking for the truth and for that, I became a perfect daughter for my so-called mother."Prena's smile was hollow, but determined. " I studied her. Learned what made her happy, what made her proud. I gave up my own likes, my own dreams, just so she'd never suspect that I knew. I wore the clothes she picked, walked and talked like she wanted. I played the role so well... even I started forgetting who I really was."She exhaled shakily, her voice softening. "But behind that perfect act, I was digging. Reading old documents, eavesdropping, cross-checking dates and places. I even blackmailed her driver once to tell me what happened the day I was born. It wasn't enough... but it led me here. When I found out Bhai was my brother, I wanted to meet him but it was difficult. Dad wouldn't take me to his own house. Bhai used to stay mostly out from his house. Meeting him in his company was hard because that woman had spies following me every time I went out. So, I just waited.. then I found you."Prena smiled and Pari's eyes welled up. She reached forward and cupped Prena's cheek gently."You were born with the truth... and you fought for it."Prena's voice trembled, "I didn't want revenge, Pari. I just wanted to belong. To be part of something that didn't feel like a lie."Pari pulled her into a tight embrace. "You do belong."Prena smiled and broke the hug." Okay. Enough. My makeup will mess up."Pari chuckled and Prena wiped her tears.The knock on the door disturbed them. Both of them faced it and Gautam showed himself.He let out a whistle and walked inside." You are looking gorgeous, bhabhi."Pari smiled and he looked at Prena then narrowed his eyes only to say," Trust me, you are looking like a witch in this black dress."Prena gasped and tried hitting him. Pari laughed while Gautam quickly stepped back." Trust me, I'll ask bhai to fire you! I hate you!"" Well, you hate everyone," Gautam countered back.Pari giggled while putting on her earrings. "She's sensitive today, Gautam. Don't tease her too much."Gautam shrugged. "Fine, fine. I'm just here to inform you both, Mr. Vikrant Agnihotri is calling everyone to the garden for a family announcement."" Announcement?" Pari asked."No idea," Gautam grinned. "But it's formal. The press has been invited too. Better be on your best royal behaviour, Princess."Prena exchanged a look with Pari, who had suddenly gone quiet."Press?" Pari asked. "What kind of announcement involves the press?"Gautam stood and adjusted his coat. "Come find out. Your husband's in full 'business tycoon' mode. Let's not keep him waiting."" Let's go then," Pari said.Prena nodded slowly, her fingers unconsciously brushing the edge of her black dress. For the first time in years, she wasn't walking into uncertainty, she was walking toward a truth waiting to be declared in front of the world.The garden of the Agnihotri estate had been transformed into a regal space — golden drapes flowing from the tall trees, fairy lights twinkling like stars overhead, and a sleek platform set up at the center with an elegant podium. Members of the press had gathered in one corner, flashing cameras already clicking in anticipation.The entire Agnihotri family was present. Everyone turned their gaze to the new member of the family.Prena Agnihotri.Youngest daughter of Agnihotri family.Akansha stood to one side in a deep emerald saree, her eyes soft with emotion. Ranvijay, looking sharp in a black sherwani, stood beside her, hands clasped behind his back. Gautam, relaxed yet alert, stood with a lopsided smile. Pari was graceful in a soft pink lehenga, standing beside her husband.And Prena..She stood on the other side of Vikrant.Whispers started. Flashes focused. Everyone noticed her.Vikrant stepped onto the podium, clearing his throat."Thank you for being here on such short notice," he began, voice deep and commanding. "This isn't a business announcement. Today is personal."The murmuring quieted. Vikrant took a pause, glancing at Prena before continuing."Many of you know the Agnihotris as a powerful name in industry. But we're also a family. And for years, one of our own was taken from us, separated by lies, deceit, and greed. Today, we will correct that."He pointed at Prena, " my sister, daughter of Akansha and Angad Agnihotri."Gasps echoed around.A journalist raised his mic, voice sharp and eager."Mr. Vikrant, can you tell us who was behind this conspiracy? Who separated your sister from the family for so many years?"A heavy silence fell. The question sliced through the warm air like a blade.Akansha's smile faltered. Her eyes flickered to the man standing behind the family, Angad Agnihotri. The hatred in her gaze was quiet but cutting, and those standing close enough felt the air shift around her.Vikrant, without even looking at Angad, gave a tight-lipped smile."The past will stay where it belongs," he said, voice calm but final. "Tonight is about family."Before the press could probe further, he slid his arm around Prena's shoulder and pulled her close. She looked up at him in surprise, only to find fierce pride glowing in his eyes.A storm of flashes lit up the stage as Vikrant smiled for the cameras, holding Prena protectively. Prena didn't speak. She just stared at him, eyes shimmering.Ranvijay stepped forward with a smile, taking the mic from Vikrant's hand."We appreciate your presence, but the evening is for our family. Kindly enjoy dinner before leaving. The cake cutting ceremony will follow, and we'd like to celebrate it privately."The PR team began ushering the press politely toward the banquet tables lined across the lawn, and the garden buzzed with motion again. The press, though reluctant, complied.The cake was wheeled in on a silver trolley, delicate white icing layered with golden swirls and fresh roses. "Happy 23rd, Prena" was scripted elegantly in the center. Guests clapped, music played low in the background, and fairy lights danced above the Agnihotri garden like tiny stars.Prena stood before the cake, stunned and silent. Beside her, Akansha gently placed a hand on her back, while Vikrant leaned in and whispered, "Blow the candles, Princess. You've waited long enough for this moment."Ranvijay grinned, holding out the knife with a dramatic bow. "Let's hope your wish doesn't involve pushing me off a cliff."Prena laughed softly, something she hadn't done in years without a mask. With her new family encircling her, she closed her eyes for a brief second, made a silent wish, and blew out the candles.Cheers erupted, and she cut the first slice. She fed it to Akansha first, her mother, finally. Akansha's hands trembled slightly as she took the bite and pressed a kiss to Prena's forehead, murmuring, "Happy birthday, baby."Then Vikrant, who ruffled her hair before pulling her into a quick side hug.Ranvijay accepted his slice and applied a bit on the tip of her nose.Gautam stole a slice from Prena's hand when she was not paying attention.Pari stepped forward, holding her slice.The laughter continued, light and full of healing.But not far away, hidden among the elegant guests and clinking glasses, Angad stood stiff, a wine glass in his hand and bitterness in his throat. His eyes rested on Prena, his daughter, her smile so genuine it almost ached. That smile used to be for him, once. Before the lies, before the choices that chained her childhood.And then his eyes found Pari.He took a slow sip, the glass hiding the twist in his mouth.All of this... because of her.If Pari hadn't entered their lives, none of this would have unraveled. The truth would have remained buried. Prena would still be within reach. And now, even Ranvijay looked at him with distrust. Vikrant? More distant. And Prena... Prena wouldn't even meet his eyes.All three of his children...They hated him.And all because of her.Pari.He swallowed the last of his drink, but the bitterness stayed.Vikrant, grabbing the opportunity, pulled his wife to the corner of the garden where no eyes could see them." What?"Pari stared at him confusedly as he pushed her gently against the tree. She ignored the flutter in her stomach and blinked. He looked at the small piece of cake in her hand and leaned in to eat it.His tongue brushed against her fingers and she felt her cheeks turning away." You pulled me here for this?"He shook his head negatively and grabbed her wrist. Before she could understand his intentions, he took her two fingers in his mouth to suck the cream from it.She pressed her lips together, feeling her stomach feeling butterflies again. His tongue swayed over her fingers as he licked the cream clean from her fingers." Vikrant," she whispered, placing her hand on his chest to push him but he didn't budge.He took her fingers out and cupped her cheeks." One kiss. I want it so bad."She gasped and covered his mouth when he tried kissing her." No. Not here. Are you mad?"Vikrant smirked against her palm, his warm breath tickling her skin. His eyes gleamed with mischief and desire as he slowly removed her hand from his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles instead." Totally," he whispered huskily.Pari's heart thudded wildly in her chest. The music and laughter from the party felt like a distant echo now, drowned beneath the thrum of silence between them.He leaned in for a kiss but she turned her head to the other side." We have a bedroom, Vikrant. What if someone catches us?"Vikrant's eyebrows knitted together as he withdrew his head and Pari realised what she had blabbered." So, you are inviting me."" No," she turned her head in front." I-"" Well, the bedroom is more convenient. Got it."" Vikrant-"He kissed her cheek before she could complete herself and walked away from there, leaving her arguing with her inner-self for even uttering those words.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continued.Full book is available in scrollstack.