In a beautiful, aesthetic room adorned with a soft, enchanting blend of white and lavender, a gentle ray of sunlight peeked through the pastel curtains, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. The light filtered in delicately, falling upon a petite figure sleeping soundly on the bed—her face calm, lips pursed into a soft pout, and arms wrapped around a plush teddy. Her legs were lazily entangled in the bedsheet, as if even in sleep, she sought comfort from the world.
A few strands of her hair fell onto her face, causing her to groan softly in her slumber. The serenity didn’t last long; her alarm blared through the peaceful silence of the room, jolting her awake. She flinched, her brows furrowing in irritation as she groggily rubbed her face with one hand and switched off the irritating sound with the other.
After completing her morning routine, she slipped into her weekend comfort attire—an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Her wet hair cascaded down her back like a silky waterfall. Stretching slightly, she made her way downstairs.
Her footsteps echoed softly through the enormous mansion. The contrast between the dark hues of the hall and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee was familiar, comforting even. But today, something felt different—off. The quiet mansion was now bustling with hurried footsteps and hushed whispers. Workers scurried around, their faces pale with a kind of unspoken fear, as though they’d seen a ghost.
As she stepped off the last stair, her eyes landed on a striking woman in her mid-twenties, casually sipping coffee, surrounded by several men in black suits. The woman turned around slowly, her warm brown eyes locking with Shashi’s stunned black ones.
“Kaisi hai?” (How are you?) the woman asked, placing a gentle hand on Shashi’s cheek.
Shashi, frozen in place, touched her hand with disbelief. “Are you real?”
The woman—Laksha—smirked. “I asked, how are you?”
Shashi chuckled in disbelief. “You remember me?”
“Will you answer my question?” Laksha teased.
“I’m fine… and alive,” Shashi replied, still overwhelmed.
“You must be hungry, na? Alisa, bring coffee for her,” Laksha called out to the maid.
“No, no. I’ll make my own breakfast,” Shashi protested, but Laksha waved her off.
“Today’s an off. Chill.”
“How can I chill when I’ve been alone all these years?” Shashi mumbled, taking a deep breath. “Anyway, tell me—how are you suddenly here after six years? Did the sun rise from the west today?”
She asked with a playful glint in her eyes, only to receive a light smack on the head. They both laughed, and in that moment, the ice melted. The morning slipped away as they caught up on everything they'd missed in each other's lives over the past six years.
By lunchtime, the air was lighter, filled with stories, laughter, and long-overdue warmth. As they sat down to eat, Laksha cleared her throat.
“There are some guests coming to the mansion tonight.”
Shashi, ever the introvert, rolled her eyes. “Why?”
“Because it’s important,” Laksha insisted. “Just meet them, okay?”
Reluctantly, Shashi agreed, though the thought of socializing made her anxious. She had always feared being judged, so she chose solitude instead.
As evening approached, the sound of tires screeching echoed from outside the Oberoi mansion. The guests were welcomed warmly by Laksha, her poised demeanor matched with handshakes and gracious smiles.
Meanwhile, in her room, Shashi struggled to choose an outfit. “I have nothing to wear!” she called out.
Laksha entered, holding up a casual sweatshirt and a pair of baggy jeans. “Wear this. Simple and cool.”
Shashi nodded and got ready quickly. Together, they entered the grand hall.
Warm smiles and kind eyes greeted her. She sat down, slightly nervous, as Laksha began introductions.
“So, baccha, he is Mr. Rajput—our very close business partner and friend,” Laksha said.
“Hello,” Shashi greeted politely.
Laksha continued, “She is the CEO of Kapoor Industries, Mrs. Rajput… and our very own Aparna ma’am—you know, the one I told you about from our last event?”
“Of course! Hello, ma’am. I’m glad to finally meet you.”
“And finally, meet our little Rajput.”
Aarav smiled and greeted her with a friendly “Hi.”
Dinner was accompanied by light chatter, laughter, and subtle glances. As the night came to an end, Laksha turned to Mr. Rajput with a request.
“I hope your brother can join us next time?”
Sarthak Rajput replied, “He was going to, but had to leave due to an emergency.”
Laksha smiled knowingly. “It’s fine. Doctors are always busy—who would know that better than my sister?”
Shashi nodded. “Right, it’s fine.”
Once the guests left, the house grew quiet again. Laksha and Shashi lounged together, sipping tea.
“So… any boyfriends?” Laksha asked playfully.
Shashi rolled her eyes. “Who’d date me?”
Laksha smirked. “Do you want to get married?”
“Why?” Shashi narrowed her eyes.
“You always dreamed of a guy who’s your type, right?”
“Wait… did you find someone?”
Laksha nodded, and Shashi looked stunned. “What the—”
“Breathe,” Laksha laughed. “I’m just saying…”
“But who is it?”
“Aakash Singh Rajput.”
Shashi’s eyes widened. “Umm… what?!”
“He’s Sarthak Singh Rajput’s brother.”
“Wow. So is this alliance a proposal or a command?”
Laksha softened. “Baby, I’m asking you. I just want you to agree because this family—this boy—is everything you ever wanted. Everything you ever craved.”
She took Shashi’s hand, her voice gentle. “Look, baccha. I know you’re looking for love in a world that often gives betrayal. But this man… he’s a keeper. I promise, he’ll never give you a reason to be sad.”
Shashi looked at her sister, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I don’t doubt your decision—I never have. But… what if he likes someone else?”
Laksha chuckled. “Don’t worry. I know everything about him. He’s not that type of guy.”
After a moment of silence, Shashi whispered, “I agree to this alliance.”
Laksha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?! You—” She suddenly pulled Shashi into a tight hug, overcome with emotion. “Thank you. Thank you so much, baby. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Shashi replied, smiling softly.
They both laughed.
“So… those people I met an hour ago were my soon-to-be in-laws?” Shashi asked.
They giggled together, their bond deeper than ever.
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Author’s Note:
Hey lovelies!
Thank you so much for reading this chapter. Your support means the world to me.
Please dont judge the entire book by reading the first chapter
The spoiler of this story will be uploaded here
And you can ask about the updates through my insta
🖤🩶🤍
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