Aakash’s POV

Finally, at 8 a.m., I headed home after finishing a long, exhausting surgery. All I wanted was to collapse into bed and lose myself in the dreams of her—my love, my reason to live. It feels like my fortune has betrayed me, that I cannot find her, but one thing I know for sure: one day, she will be mine. And when that day comes, I’ll keep her happy and never let her go.

• Flashback •

I was rushing down the hospital corridor when I accidentally collided with a petite figure. Her head hit my chest, and as her black orbs stared into mine, the world froze.

I noticed everything—the delicate features, her jet-black hair framing her face, her soft pink lips like petals, those innocent small eyes, long fluttering lashes, rosy cheeks, fair skin, and that faint vanilla fragrance wrapping around me. And then came her voice—sweet, honeyed, innocent.

She wore scrubs like any other doctor, her white coat hanging casually on her arm, a stethoscope around her neck.

“I–I’m so sorry, sir! Sorry, extremely sorry!” she stammered before hurrying off, leaving me breathless.

I stood frozen, untangled in my thoughts. What just happened? Did my soul just leave my body? My heart raced like it was running a marathon. I pressed my palm against my chest, trying to calm it, but it only beat harder.

• Flashback Ends •

It’s been four months. Yes—four long, frustrating months since I first saw her. And yet, with my terrible luck, I haven’t been able to catch a single glimpse of her again.

I even tried checking the CCTV footage, hoping to find her face—but nothing. It was as if she’d appeared only for a fleeting moment… like an angel… and disappeared.

I reached home, parked my car, and dragged myself upstairs to my room. A cold shower soothed my exhaustion, and soon I slipped into sweatpants and laid down. These days, I love sleeping—it’s the only place where I see her face in my dreams. Peacefully, I closed my eyes and drifted away.

♡

Next Morning ,

My alarm rang, dragging me back to reality. After freshening up, I headed to the gym where bhai and bhabhi were already working out.

“Good morning,” I greeted.

They asked where I was the previous night, and I explained about the emergency surgery. Then they casually mentioned visiting the Oberoi mansion, where they met Miss Oberoi.

I knew a little about her—she lived in Japan, but had returned to India after being honored with the award for “Most Successful Businesswoman of the Decade.” Honestly, I had no interest. Not to sound rude, but these things don’t excite me.

After my workout, I went downstairs. Everyone was already at the table when I heard a sweet voice yelling loudly—

“Chachuuuu!” (Uncleee!)

It was Aarav, who came running and hugged my legs. Smiling, I picked him up.

“Hello, chachu ke bandar!” (Hello, chachu’s little monkey!) I teased.

Bhabhi’s stern voice rang across the hall:

“Aarav Singh Rajput! If you don’t finish this, then don’t come to my room to sleep from now on!”

Aarav quickly buried his face in my neck, mumbling,

“She threatens me with this every time.”

Before I could respond, a loud voice cut across the room.

“I would love that!”

Everyone turned to see my elder brother, Sarthak Singh Rajput, smirking at bhabhi.

“Yeah, I would love it if he didn’t come to sleep with us, Ritu,” he teased.

Bhabhi smacked him lightly, making him grin wider.

Then bhai turned to me. “Aakash, aren’t you going to the hospital?”

I sighed. “Bhai, I came home at 3 a.m. Obviously, I need a leave today.”

We all settled for breakfast. As I placed Aarav’s glass of milk on the table, I noticed my family exchanging glances—like school kids trying to talk through their eyes in class.

“What?” I asked, suspicious.

Mom cleared her throat. My brothers pushed her forward, clearly making her the spokesperson.

“Aakash… we’ve found a girl for you.”

I froze. “What?”

I stood up instantly, shocked, my mind refusing to process the words. “No! I don’t want this. Please, don’t even think about it.”

But their calm voices kept trying to convince me. I couldn’t hear them. All I could see in my mind was her face.

Finally, the truth slipped out.

“She is the sister of the Queen of the Dark World… and she wants you to marry her.”

I refused immediately. “No way. I don’t want this.”

But they asked me to think about it, to give it some time.

Yes, I trust my family. I know they want the best for me. But what about my heart? What about the girl I love? I can’t accept anyone else—not when I know she’s out there.

Confused and restless, I left home and went straight to Harsh’s place. His girlfriend Ishika was also there, and together with Lisha, we sat down. I poured my heart out.

They already knew about the girl I loved. Ishika was the first to speak.

“Then just be honest with her. Tell her about your love.”

Harsh frowned. “But have you even seen this Laksha Oberoi’s sister?”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t know her at all.”

Ishika spoke gently, “We know your family won’t listen unless you show them the girl you love. But in your case… you don’t even know who she is.”

Harsh leaned back, thoughtful. “Then let’s do this. Send a letter to Miss Oberoi herself—not her sister. Tell her you’re in love with someone else.”

He paused, then added, “Don’t worry, I’ll write the letter and make sure it reaches her.”

I nodded weakly. Ishika placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find her.”

I wanted to believe her.

--

Shashi’s POV

After a short holiday, I returned to work today. Oh, how I wish weekends lasted forever! Somehow, I managed to keep my sister’s words out of my mind… but every now and then, I couldn’t help wondering: What does he look like? What kind of guy is he?

Lost in thought, I busied myself in the kitchen, baking brownies to celebrate my little happiness. Music played in the background, and I hummed softly along.

Suddenly, a gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me back. A servant stood there, holding an envelope and a single flower.

“Keep it on the counter,” I said absentmindedly, my attention still half on the brownies. But later, as I picked up my chocolate shake and the tray of brownies, I also grabbed the envelope and flower.

It was a black rose. My brows furrowed. Why black?

Curious, I opened the envelope once inside my room.

As my eyes scanned the letter, tears stung my eyes. I blinked them back furiously. No. I won’t cry over this.

But the words kept replaying in my mind. So many questions. Why would he do this? Why me? Why now?

Anger surged within me, but beneath it was confusion. It wasn’t his fault entirely, was it? Yet, the sting remained.

I placed the letter carefully inside my drawer, my mind tangled in emotions I couldn’t untangle.

_________________________________________

Author’s Note:-

Hello lovelies! 💖

I hope you’re enjoying this story so far. I know so many questions must be running through your minds, but don’t worry—you can ask me, and I’ll answer!

Thank you so much for giving this author a chance. I promise, I won’t disappoint you. 🌹