Chapter 7: 4.

𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧'𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙫

The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the sprawling estate of the Rajvanshi family. Advika Rajvanshi, a successful businesswoman in her own right, walked briskly into the drawing room where her father, Rudransh, sat behind a large oak desk. Their relationship had always been strained, and today's conversation promised to test its limits even further.

Rudransh Rajvanshi looked up from his paperwork, his eyes narrowing as he saw Advika. "Sit down, Advika," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.

Advika remained standing, her arms crossed. "What do you want, Mr. Rajvanshi?"

Rudransh leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "I have a proposition for you. I want you to marry Mr. Rathore's son, Vidyut. His business connections could be very beneficial for our company."

Advika's eyes flashed with anger. "I won't marry someone just to further your business interests."

Rudransh's expression darkened. "You will do as I say, Advika. This marriage is important for our future."

"Our future?" Advika scoffed. "Or your profit margins?"

Rudransh's voice dropped to a dangerous low. "You will marry Vidyut, or there will be consequences."

Advika stood her ground. "What consequences? You can't force me into a marriage I don't want."

A sinister smile spread across Rudransh's face. "You have a younger brother, don't you? Aditya. He wants to pursue a career in science, doesn't he?"

Advika's heart sank. She knew where this was going. "What about Aditya?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Rudransh's smile widened. "What if I refuse to fund his education? What if I tell him he can't follow his dreams?"

Advika's eyes filled with tears. "You wouldn't. Aditya's future means everything to him."

Rudransh leaned forward, his gaze cold and unyielding. "You know I would. I can manipulate him into giving up his dreams. Do you want that on your conscience?"

Advika clenched her fists, fury bubbling inside her. "I can pay for his education myself. You know I have the means."

Rudransh shook his head, chuckling darkly. "It's not about the money, Advika. It's about control. What if I convince him that science is not the right path for him? What if I make him believe he should join the family business instead?"

Advika's tears began to fall freely. "You can't do this. Aditya deserves to follow his own path."

Rudransh's eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction. "I can and I will if you don't comply with my wishes."

Advika's resolve wavered, but she refused to back down. "You're a monster."

Rudransh shrugged, unaffected by her words. "You think you have power, Advika, but remember, the world outside doesn't know who the real number one businesswoman is. What if I expose you? What if I ruin your reputation?"

Advika's anger reached a boiling point. "You wouldn't dare."

Rudransh stood up, towering over her. "Try me."

The room was filled with a tense silence as Advika struggled to regain her composure. She knew her father was capable of anything to get what he wanted.

Finally, with a heavy heart, she spoke. "Fine. I'll meet him. But this isn't over, Mr. Rajvanshi. You'll regret this."

Rudransh smirked, satisfied with his victory. "Good. Now go get ready. You're meeting him tomorrow evening. And yes, behave like a daughter of the Rajvanshi family, not like a businesswoman. They believe you to be innocent and fragile; act like it. I don't want them to know that the Rajvanshi's daughter has her own company because of my reputation!"

Advika stormed out of the room, tears streaming down her face. She had no choice but to agree, but she vowed to find a way out of this nightmare.

---

Advika sat by her window, gazing at the moonlight night. The breeze whispered through the curtains, bringing with it a rush of memories. She was alone in her room, the weight of her impending forced marriage heavy on her heart. As the night deepened, she found herself drifting into a memory

𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬

The trio was sitting in their favorite spot by the lake, the sun setting in a blaze of colors. Kartik was sprawled out on the grass, 𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 was skipping stones across the water, and Advika was perched on a rock, her legs dangling over the edge.

Kartik grinned mischievously. "So, who's getting hitched first? Maan, you or Advika?"

Maan laughed, shaking his head. "Definitely not me. I can't even find a girl who can tolerate my lame jokes, let alone marry me."

Advika chuckled. "Oh please, 𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯. It's not your jokes; it's your terrible dance moves that scare them away."

Kartik joined in. "Yeah, remember at the last wedding? I thought the floor was going to crack open and swallow you whole."

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 feigned hurt. "Hey, my dance moves are legendary! They're just ahead of their time."

Advika rolled her eyes playfully. "Right, and I'm the queen of England."

Kartik sat up, smirking. "What about you, Advika? Any prince charming on the horizon?"

Advika sighed, shaking her head. "Nope, no prince charming. Besides, I'm not in any rush. Marriage seems so... permanent."

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 stopped skipping stones and turned to her. "Come on, Advika. You don't have to worry about that. We'll make sure you find someone amazing. Right, Kartik?"

Kartik nodded. "Absolutely. But until then, we're your knights in shining armor."

Advika smiled, feeling a warm sense of security. "Thanks, guys. But seriously, no rush. I'm happy with you two idiots for now."

Kartik's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You know, Advika, if neither of us finds anyone, I might just have to marry you."

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 immediately straightened up, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Hold on a second! If anyone's marrying Advika, it's going to be me. At least I don't snore like a freight train."

Advika burst into laughter. "Oh, please! I wouldn't marry either of you! I'd rather stay single forever."

Kartik laughed. "Yeah, right. Like anyone would marry you with that face!"

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 smirked. "Look who's talking, Kartik. Your face could scare off a pack of wolves."

Advika clapped her hands, giggling. "Boys, boys, let's be honest here. None of us are winning any beauty contests."

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 put an arm around her shoulder. "And we'll protect you from any unwanted suitors. If anyone tries to force you into anything, they'll have to go through us first."

Kartik puffed out his chest. "Yeah, we're a formidable team. No one messes with our Advika."

Advika laughed, feeling light-hearted. "I guess I'm lucky to have you both."

𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯 looked at her, his expression serious for a moment. "Promise me something, Advika. If you ever feel like you're being pushed into something you don't want, you'll come to us. We'll figure it out together."

Advika nodded. "I promise."

𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴~

The memory faded, and Advika was back in her room, tears streaming down her face. Maan was gone, taken from them too soon, and Kartik was miles away, unaware of her plight. But Maan's words echoed in her mind, giving her strength.

She whispered to the night, "I remember, Maan. You promised to protect me. And I'll find a way out of this, with or without you."

As the moonlight bathed her in its glow, Advika felt a sense of calm. Maan's promise lingered in her heart, a beacon of hope in her darkest hour.

---

The 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 day, Advika found herself at a café, waiting nervously. Vidyut sat across from her, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table. He had resisted his mother's insistence for months, but today he had finally given in. Advika's face was a mask of composure, but inside, she was a whirlwind of anxiety. Her father's threats echoed in her mind, making her stomach churn.

"So, you're Advika," Vidyut said, breaking the silence. His eyes scanned her face, noting the delicate features and the calm exterior.

"Yes," she replied softly, meeting his gaze with a determined look. "And you're Vidyut."

He nodded, studying her. There was something about her that intrigued him, something that made him reconsider his staunch opposition to marriage. "I wasn't keen on this meeting. My mother's been on my case for ages," he admitted, his tone lightening.

Advika gave a small smile. "I understand. My father... he's quite persuasive."

Vidyut chuckled. "Persuasive is an understatement when it comes to my mother. But, now that I've met you, I'm not entirely opposed to the idea."

Advika's eyes widened in surprise. "You're saying... you'd marry me?"

"Why not? You seem like a decent person. We could make this work."

Advika took a deep breath, stealing herself. "I can't marry you, Vidyut. You need to say no."

He frowned, confusion clouding his eyes. "Why? Is it something about me?"

"No, it's not you," she said quickly. "It's me. There are... reasons."

"What reasons?" Vidyut pressed, leaning forward. "I deserve to know."

Advika hesitated, but she knew she had to be honest. "My father threatened my brother's future if I didn't agree to meet you. He knows things about me that could ruin my life."

Vidyut's expression hardened. "What things?"

"Personal things," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Things that could destroy my reputation and my future."

Vidyut's eyes darkened, a storm brewing within them. "Your father sounds like a piece of work. But that's not a reason to refuse me."

Advika shook her head. "You don't understand. If I marry you, I'll be living a lie. I can't do that."

"You don't have a choice," Vidyut said, his voice turning cold. "I've decided. We're getting married."

Advika stared at him in shock. "What? No! You can't force me."

"I can and I will," he said, his tone menacing. "You don't know me, Advika. When I want something, I get it. And right now, I want you."

"You can't be serious," she said, her voice trembling.

"I'm dead serious. Either you agree to marry me, or I'll make sure you have no choice. Your father's threats will be nothing compared to what I can do."

Advika felt a chill run down her spine. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because my pride won't allow me to be rejected," Vidyut said, his eyes blazing. "You'll be my wife, Advika. One way or another."

Tears welled up in Advika's eyes, but she blinked them away. "You're a monster."

"Call me what you want," Vidyut replied, his voice unwavering. "But you will be mine."

---

Advika returned home, her mind racing. She felt trapped, caught between her father's threats and Vidyut's determination. She needed a plan, a way to escape this nightmare.

That night, she sat by her window again, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over her room. She thought of Maan's promise and Kartik's distant but unwavering support. Her friends had always been her rock, and she needed their strength now more than ever.

The next day, she made a call. "Kartik, I need your help," she said, her voice steady despite her fear.

Kartik's voice on the other end was warm and reassuring. "What's wrong, Advika? Tell me everything."

As she poured out her heart, Kartik listened intently. "I'll be there soon," he promised. "We'll figure this out together

Advika stood in her room, fierce determination in her eyes as she hurled knife after knife at Vidyut's photo on the wall. Each throw landed with a thud, embedding deep into the wood surrounding his image. She clenched her teeth, her voice filled with anger and resolve.

"Get ready to pay for what you have done," she muttered, her voice echoing with the intensity of her emotions.

The door creaked open behind her, and Kartik stepped in. He watched her for a moment, concern and curiosity etched on his face.

"Abhi se hone wale pati ko maar ke vidhva banna hai?" Kartik's voice was a mixture of sarcasm and genuine worry.

("Do you want to become a widow by killing your soon-to-be husband?")

Advika spun around, glaring at him. "You have no idea what he's done, Kartik. No idea at all."

Kartik sighed, walking further into the room. "Advika, I understand your anger. But this isn't the way. We need to think smart, not just act on impulse."

Advika's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of her anger mixing with frustration. "Smart? How do you propose we do that?"

Kartik approached the desk cluttered with papers and photographs, picking up a family portrait of Vidyut. "We start by understanding our enemy. Know his weaknesses, his strengths. His family history can reveal a lot."

Advika nodded, her resolve firm. "Fine. Let's see what we can dig up."

As they poured over the documents, an old diary caught Kartik's attention. He flipped through its pages until a name caught his eye.

"Look at this," he said, pointing to a page. "Mishva Rathore. Vidyut's sister."

Advika's eyes widened. "Mishva Rathore... Maan used to call someone Mishi. Could it be the same person?"

Kartik's mind raced. "If Maan's Mishi is Vidyut's sister, it means we're dealing with a family connection. This could be crucial."

Advika nodded, a plan forming in her mind. "We need to look into this further. If Maan was close to Mishi, we might be able to find a way to use that relationship to our advantage."

Advika paused, the weight of Maan's memory lingering in the room like a ghost. She gently touched the edge of the old diary, where Maan's handwriting was still visible on some pages.

"Maan... He gave his life to save Mishi," Advika murmured, her voice tinged with sorrow and reverence.

Kartik nodded solemnly, his gaze distant as he remembered their friend. "He loved her deeply. Remember how he always talked about her, about their future together?"

Advika smiled softly, a tear glistening in her eye. "Yeah... He used to light up whenever he mentioned her. It's tragic how it ended for him."

"It was heroic," Kartik said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "He sacrificed himself to protect her, without a second thought."

Advika wiped away a tear, her expression determined. "And now, we owe it to Maan to uncover the truth. Mishi, or Mishva Rathore, whoever she is, holds a key to this puzzle."

Kartik nodded in agreement. "We'll find out what happened to Maan, and we'll use whatever we uncover to bring justice for him and for all those affected by Vidyut."

They stood in silence for a moment, the room filled with memories of their lost friend and the determination to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death.

"Maan's sacrifice won't be in vain," Advika said firmly, her voice breaking the silence. "We'll make sure of that."

With renewed determination, they returned to their investigation, each piece of information bringing them closer to the truth and to justice for Maan and his beloved Mishi.

𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙠𝙖'𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙫

Standing before the mirror, adjusting my saree, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. Today was meant to be a joyous occasion, a traditional roka ceremony marking a new beginning. Instead, it felt like a sentence-an unwanted commitment forced upon me.



Vidyut had entered my life like a storm. His bold demand for marriage left me furious and bewildered. Despite my initial refusal, I found myself cornered into agreeing, pressured by circumstances beyond my control.

My father, always the patriarch, had decided my fate. He insisted this alliance with Vidyut was best for our family's legacy. But beneath his words, I sensed a deeper motive-an ambition to wield influence through an alliance with a man feared and respected.

I adorned myself with jewelry that felt like chains of obligation. Anger boiled within me-a fury at Vidyut for his arrogance, for pushing me into a marriage I did not want. Yet, beneath the anger simmered a darker desire-for revenge, to make him suffer as he had made me suffer.

Vidyut and I were alike in some ways-both driven by ambition, both hiding secrets that threatened to consume us. But where he wielded power ruthlessly, I would use mine for vengeance-to hurt him deeply, to show him I could not be controlled.

The roka ceremony, with its solemn rituals and festive facade, reminded me of the role I was forced to play. Smiling through gritted teeth, I greeted guests who praised our union, unaware of the turmoil beneath my composed exterior. They saw only the facade-a dutiful daughter securing her family's future, a powerful businesswoman playing her part.

But behind closed doors, away from the public eye, I nursed my anger. Every smile and gesture of compliance masked a vow-a promise to dismantle Vidyut, step by agonizing step.

As the ceremony neared its end, I met Vidyut's gaze-a silent exchange charged with tension and unspoken challenges. In his eyes, I detected a hint of uncertainty-a crack in his confident facade. It fueled me, reigniting my determination.

Today marked the beginning of a dangerous game-a dance of power and revenge. Vidyut had underestimated me. He would regret the day he crossed paths with Advika Rajvanshi. I vowed to make him suffer for daring to challenge me, to reclaim the power he thought he could take.

---

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙖 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙮

The roka ceremony of Vidyut and Advika was a spectacle of color and joy, blending tradition with modern celebration. Advika, adorned in a resplendent saree that shimmered in the soft glow of fairy lights, greeted guests with grace and excitement, her heart beating with anticipation for the life-changing moment ahead.

Amidst the buzz of congratulations and lively conversations, a tall, distinguished figure caught Advika's eye. Agastya Singh Rajvansh, Vidyut's best friend, entered the venue with an air of confident elegance. His presence was both striking and welcoming, and Advika felt a surge of curiosity as he approached her.

Agastya offered a charming smile as he reached out his hand. "Hello, you must be Advika. I'm Abhigyan, a friend of Vidyut's. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Advika reciprocated his smile, feeling warmth in his demeanor. "Yes, I'm Advika. Nice to meet you, Agastya. Thank you for coming."

Agastya glanced around the beautifully decorated hall, his eyes taking in the festive ambiance. "Vidyut wasn't kidding when he said this ceremony would be grand. It's quite the celebration."

Agastya nodded, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Yes, he wanted everything to be perfect."

Agastya leaned in slightly, his tone light and friendly. "So, how are you feeling? Nervous about the big day?"

Advika chuckled softly, adjusting a stray strand of hair with a touch of self-consciousness. "A bit nervous, honestly. It's all so surreal."

Agastya nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. But trust me, you look absolutely stunning. Vidyut is a lucky man."

Just then, Kartik appeared beside them with his usual flair, a serious expression on his face. "Hey, Abhigyan Rajvansh, right? I've heard about you a lot in the business world. Hope you're the same here as well."

Agastya chuckled, "Why are you so tense and serious, bro? I know it's your best friend's ceremony, but it's my best friend's ceremony too. Take a chill pill and enjoy, buddy," giving Kartik a manly hug.

Kartik, always the jovial spirit, leaned in playfully. "Abhigyan, my friend, let me introduce you to the highlight of today's event-the food spread."

Agastya laughed good-naturedly, following Kartik's lead as they made their way towards the sumptuous buffet. Throughout the evening, amidst the celebrations and heartfelt congratulations, Abhigyan and Advika found themselves drawn into easy conversation and light-hearted banter whenever their paths crossed.

As they shared anecdotes about Vidyut and exchanged playful teasing about the ceremony's festivities, Abhigyan couldn't help but admire Advika's charm and wit. Her ability to effortlessly blend elegance with a down-to-earth demeanor intrigued him, and he found himself genuinely enjoying their newfound camaraderie.

By the end of the roka ceremony, as Vidyut and Advika exchanged rings amidst cheers and applause, Abhigyan felt grateful for the serendipitous encounter that had brought him closer to Advika and Kartik. It was a reminder of how life's unexpected twists could lead to meaningful connections and moments of genuine happiness, even amidst the excitement of a wedding celebration.

The roka ceremony concluded with smiles and congratulations, but beneath it all, a storm brewed-a storm of anger, determination, and a thirst for vengeance that would shape our destinies from that moment on.

𝙑𝙞𝙙𝙮𝙪𝙩'𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙫

From the moment I laid eyes on Advika, I sensed there was more to her than met the eye. At a high-profile event buzzing with power and ambition, she stood out not just for her beauty but for an air of hidden turmoil beneath her composed demeanor.

Advika appeared sweet and innocent, the perfect daughter of the respected Rajvanshi family. But as I observed her from across the room, I could feel a storm brewing beneath her calm exterior. Her eyes held a fire that hinted at emotions simmering just beneath the surface.

Our first encounter was brief yet impactful. When our eyes locked, there was a strange recognition-a magnetic pull that drew me towards her. Approaching her with a confidence honed by years of command, I probed her with questions, testing her composure. Despite her polite demeanor, I sensed her discomfort, her unease with my presence.

In a moment of reckless impulse, driven by both desire and wounded pride, I made a bold move. I threatened her, demanding that she marry me. It was a rash decision, one that I would later regret but felt compelled to make to assert my dominance and soothe the bruised ego her indifference had stirred.

Her response surprised me-defiant yet composed. She refused my demand, sparking a conflict of emotions within me-frustration at her rejection, yet also a begrudging admiration for her strength. Beneath the anger, I glimpsed vulnerability that resonated with my own-a vulnerability I wasn't prepared to confront.

Personal reasons, ones I couldn't disclose, drove me to act with such aggression. My own insecurities and the pressures of my hidden life pushed me to seize control, to grasp at something I couldn't fully understand. Yet, amidst the tension, I sensed a mutual recognition-a silent acknowledgment of the complexities that bound us, however briefly.

After that encounter, thoughts of Advika haunted me. Her quiet defiance, the intensity in her gaze, and her unwavering stance against me lingered in my mind. She became an enigma-a woman who occupied my thoughts, driving me to seek answers in the shadows that enveloped us both.

But as much as I desired her, I knew our connection was fraught with peril. The shadows of our pasts loomed large, threatening to engulf us in darkness from which escape seemed impossible. Yet, despite the risks, I found myself unable to resist the allure of Advika-a woman who challenged me, awakened me, and stirred emotions I thought long dormant.

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𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘪 , 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰

𝘡𝘢𝘬𝘩𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘩𝘳𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘪 , 𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰

𝘈𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘪 ,

𝘐𝘯𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰...

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𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪:)

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