surprise

Business and Family Talks—Two Different Worlds

At Veer's Office, he walked into the boardroom with his usual confident stride. Rajesh Thakur and his son, Yash Thakur, were already seated, discussing details of their upcoming project.

Veer shook hands with both of them and, after a productive meeting, leaned back in his chair.

"By the way, my reception is tonight. I expect you both to be there."

Rajesh Thakur smiled. "Of course, Veer. It's an important event, and we wouldn't miss it."

Yash, however, smirked slightly. "Heard you got married quite suddenly. Didn't expect the great Veer Arora to settle down so soon."

Veer just chuckled, masking the truth behind his marriage. "Life is full of surprises, Yash. Some deals happen outside the boardroom too."

With that, the meeting ended, and Veer went back to work, pushing aside the thoughts of the 'deal' marriage for now.

Meanwhile, at the Rajawat Mansion...

Ridhima arrived home after office, not expecting the sudden questioning from her mother, Kusum Rajawat.

"Where is your husband? Why didn't he come with you?" Kusum asked while arranging some gifts for the evening function.

Ridhima hesitated for a second but kept her expression neutral. "Veer didn't know I was coming home. I just decided last minute."

Kusum nodded, but before she could ask anything further, Aarini and Meera swooped in, dragging Ridhima to their room.

"Okay, spill it!" Aarini smirked, sitting on the bed.

Meera joined in, "How was your first night? Did Veer behave? Or... did something interesting happen?" she wiggled her eyebrows.

Ridhima rolled her eyes, trying to act normal. "Nothing happened. Everything is good."

"Oh, come on!" Aarini nudged her. "You expect us to believe that? You two are literally the most good-looking couple. Something must have happened!"

Ridhima just smiled faintly, hiding the truth behind their so-called marriage.

Because only she and Veer knew the real deal.

And no one else could ever find out.

As Aarini and Meera continued teasing Ridhima, the door suddenly creaked open, and Devika walked in. Her expression was different—serious, almost hesitant.

"Ridhima, can we talk?" Devika asked, her voice softer than usual.

Aarini groaned. "Ugh, why does everyone want private talks today? Are we not family?"

Meera smirked. "Maybe she finally wants to give Ridhima some real marriage advice."

Ridhima shot them both a look before standing up. "Okay, where do you want to talk?"

"The balcony," Devika said, already walking towards it.

On the Balcony—A Sister's Worry

As soon as they stepped outside, the cool breeze brushed against their skin. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but Devika's face remained serious.

Ridhima folded her arms. "What's wrong? You're acting weird."

Devika hesitated before finally speaking. "Are you okay, Ridhima? I mean... truly okay?"

Ridhima frowned. "Of course. Why are you asking this?"

Devika sighed, looking directly into Ridhima's eyes. "Because something feels off. You got married so suddenly. No one even knew you and Veer were that close. And now, you're acting... distant."

Ridhima's heart skipped a beat. Did Devika suspect something?

She quickly masked her emotions and forced a small smile. "I know it happened fast, but that's just how things worked out. You don't have to worry about me."

Devika didn't seem convinced. "I don't know, Ridhima. I feel like there's something you're not telling me. And if you ever need to talk, you know I'm always here, right?"

For a moment, Ridhima wanted to tell her everything. The deal. The four-month timeline. The truth. But she couldn't.

Instead, she just nodded. "I know, Devika. And I promise, I'm fine."

Devika studied her for a few seconds before finally sighing. "Okay... if you say so."

But deep down, Ridhima knew her sister wasn't convinced.

And that worried her.

Ridhima's eyes widened in pure shock. "The Rathore family is coming to the reception? How is that even possible?"

Devika crossed her arms. "Because it's a business event, and all major business partners are invited. And like it or not, the Rathores are part of that circle."

Ridhima shook her head in disbelief. "But Devika, the Rathores have always been enemies of both the Aroras and my family! How can we just let them walk into our reception like nothing happened?"

Ridhima watched as Devika's face darkened at the mention of Karan Rathore. It wasn't just annoyance—it was pure hatred.

"Ugh, I can't stand that man," Devika muttered, crossing her arms tightly. "Karan Rathore is the most arrogant, manipulative, and frustrating person I've ever met."

Ridhima sighed, trying to stay neutral. "I know he causes trouble in business, but why do you hate him so much, Devika?"

Devika's jaw clenched. "Because he always tries to mess up our projects. He has this habit of interfering, and every time I think we're ahead, he finds a way to ruin things. And the way he acts—like he owns the whole damn world—it drives me crazy!"

Ridhima could see how much Devika despised Karan, but personally, she didn't feel the same. Yes, Karan was annoying and definitely a troublemaker, but Ridhima had never interacted with him enough to hate him the way Devika did.

"Well, let's just hope he behaves tonight," Ridhima said calmly.

Devika scoffed. "Him? Behave? That man doesn't know the meaning of the word."

Ridhima shook her head, knowing that if Devika and Karan crossed paths at the reception, there would definitely be sparks—just not the good kind.

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