The next morning at Raheja Mansion,

The breakfast table was filled with nothing but the soft clinking of spoons and cutlery. A heavy silence lingered in the air—until it was finally broken.

Shaurya Raizada cleared his throat, his voice calm but calculated.

“Elections are coming. We need to outplay the opposition party… and that will only happen if we do something big. Something that grabs people’s attention.”

Everyone listened carefully.

Kartavya Raizada leaned back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.

“So what’s the delay?” he said casually. “Do something big… something only you can do.”

Before Shaurya could respond, Kritika Raizada looked between them, slightly suspicious.

“What ‘big thing’ are you both talking about?” she asked.

Shaurya’s expression turned sharp.

“Oh, it’s something related to Kartavya,” he said smoothly. “Since elections are near, why not get him married before that? It’ll become the biggest news. Free publicity. No need for rallies.”

For a moment, silence fell again—then it exploded.

Aksheta Raizada gasped, her eyes lighting up.

“Really?! So there’s finally going to be a wedding in this house? Oh my God, I’m so excited! Wait—what do you mean election? Your elections are in three months… that means we only have three months?! Oh God! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?! Who will design the engagement, mehendi, haldi—and most importantly, the wedding dress? And then reception outfits too—so little time for me!”

She turned dramatically.

“Mom! What is he even saying?!”

Kartavya shook his head, clearly irritated.

“Stop, stop, bhabhi—

aapka bas chala to aage ke muh dikhai, anniversary, godbharai sab yahin karva dengi.

(If it were up to you, you’d plan even the post-wedding rituals, anniversaries, and baby shower right now itself.)”

He raised an eyebrow, voice firm.

“Aur kisne kaha ki main shaadi kar raha hoon?

(And who said that I’m getting married?)”

Kritika’s expression hardened instantly.

“Kisne kaha matlab? Shaadi toh tujhe karni padegi. Jaldi. Tu 26 ka ho jayega—usse pehle shaadi hogi teri. Aisa kaha tha kulguru ne. Mujhe lagta hai woh isi din ki baat kar rahe the. Infact, maine aur tumhare papa ne ladki bhi choose kar rakhi hai.

(What do you mean ‘who said’? You have to get married. Soon. You’re about to turn 26—your marriage must happen before that. That’s what the family priest said. I think this is exactly what he meant. In fact, your father and I have already chosen a girl for you.)”

Her tone turned sharper, almost possessive.

“Aur humein pata hai—agar tere paas koi aa gayi na, toh tu use kisi ke paas jaane ke layak nahi chodega.

(And we know—if someone comes into your life, you won’t let her go near anyone else.)”

Kartavya’s jaw tightened.

“What do you mean ‘ladki dhoondh rakhi hai’? Aur ek minute—meri shaadi ki baat ho hi kyun rahi hai? Maine kaha na, main aisa kuch nahi karne wala. Bhaiya bas hawa mein baatein kar rahe hain, aur aap unhe seriously le rahi hain.

(What do you mean you’ve already chosen a girl? And why is my marriage even being discussed? I already said—I’m not going to do anything like that. Brother is just throwing ideas in the air, and you’re taking them seriously.)”

Before the argument could escalate further, Pratik Raizada spoke in a measured tone.

“Before elections, doing something like this is necessary. If we go ahead with it, people’s trust will increase… and so will the money.That’s when Kartavya Raizada spoke, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“So if you really want to attract people, then tell bhai to work harder and make me chachu one more time. That will attract more attention. Why are you dragging me into this?”

The moment his words sank in, Akshata Raizada froze.

A deep blush spread across her face.

She quickly cleared her throat, avoiding everyone’s gaze, and hurried into the kitchen.

“I’ll just… get some water,” she muttered.

Ironically, a full jug of water was already right in front of her—but she needed an escape from the sudden awkwardness.

Kritika Raizada chuckled softly, clearly amused.

“Yeh bhi achha hai, beta… mujhe ek aur baar dadi bana do.

(That’s also good, son… make me a grandmother once again.)”

She patted his shoulder with a playful smile before adding—

“Ya phir tum hi mujhe dadi bana do, aur ghar mein bahu le aao. Tab toh double celebration hoga.

(Or you make me a grandmother by bringing a daughter-in-law home. That would be a double celebration.)”

Her words were light, but the meaning behind them carried weight.

And just like that, the teasing tone once again circled back to pressure.

That’s when Shaurya Raizada said dramatically—

“Haan, yahan maine aapke saamne ungli di madad karne ko, aur aapne poora ka poora haath pakad kar kheench liya, maa!

(Yes, I just offered you a finger to help, and you pulled my entire hand, mom!)”

Before anyone could respond, he turned toward Kartavya with a teasing smirk.

“Aur tu kya ‘chachu’ banne ki baat kar raha hai? Ek baar chachu bana diya na—use pehle sambhal, phir dekhenge! Bada aaya doosri baar chachu banne wala! Arey, koi meri biwi ko bulao—bechari ne nashta bhi karne nahi diya!

(And you’re talking about becoming an uncle again? First handle the one time you already became an uncle—then we’ll see! Acting like you’re ready for a second time! Someone call my wife—poor thing didn’t even let me finish my breakfast!)”

His tone was playful, lightening the mood for a moment.

Then Pratik Raizada spoke calmly, bringing the focus back.

“The girl’s name is Dipali. She is the daughter of Ajay Singhania, from a well-known business family.”

Shaurya raised his brows, intrigued.

“Wait… are you talking about Atul Singhania’s brother’s daughter? The one who is the CEO of Singhania Corporation?”

The air shifted again.

Kartavya’s expression hardened instantly. His playful demeanor vanished.

“Dad, why are you even talking about my marriage?” he said, his voice cold and firm.

“I don’t want to get married right now. And that’s final.”

Without waiting for a reply, Kartavya Raizada stood up from the dining table and walked toward the kitchen, picking up the plate his bhabhi had left behind.

As he left, a quiet sigh escaped from the rest of the family.

Kritika Raizada muttered softly—

“Pata nahi mere jeete ji mujhe apni chhoti bahu dekhne ko milegi bhi ya nahi…

(I don’t even know if I’ll get to see my younger daughter-in-law while I’m still alive…)”

Shaurya chuckled lightly.

“Mere time pe bhi aapne yahi dialogue maara tha… lekin dekhiye, abhi tak jee rahi hain.

(You said the same thing during my time too… but look, you’re still alive.)”

Kritika shot him a look and shrugged her shoulders.

“Haan toh, agar mujhe pata hota ki tune pehle hi meri bahu pasand kar rakhi hai, toh main itna drama nahi karti.

(Well, if I had known you had already chosen my daughter-in-law beforehand, I wouldn’t have created so much drama.)”

With that, she walked away from the table.

Shaurya and Pratik exchanged a glance and shook their heads in amusement.

Kartavya Raizada walked into the kitchen and asked the staff about Akshata Raizada.

“She’s in the garden, sir,” one of them replied.

He nodded and made his way outside.

The garden was blooming with fresh flowers of different colors, their fragrance filling the air. A soft breeze carried the scent, making the atmosphere calm and soothing. On a bench nearby, Akshata sat quietly. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling gently on her face as she watched the flowers sway, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Kartavya approached and sat beside her.

She glanced at him, then at the plate in his hand.

Without a word, he forwarded the plate and placed a glass of water next to her.

She took it silently and began eating.

After a moment, she spoke—

“I think… you should consider the marriage.”

Her tone was calm, almost casual, as she took another bite, her eyes still following the flowers dancing in the wind.

Kartavya leaned back slightly, his gaze shifting to the same flowers.

“You know why I said no?” he asked quietly.

She turned to look at him.

“Do you really think,” she said softly, “that if Shaurya has brought up this topic, it will fade away easily? You know he never points at something unless it’s necessary. He was so serious while talking about it… What do you think?”

Kartavya exhaled slowly.

“He was serious,” he admitted. “But more than him… Anubhav bhai is serious.”

Akshata’s hand froze mid-air.

She stopped eating and looked at him, confusion creeping into her expression.

“What do you mean?”

Kartavya’s face darkened slightly.

“That girl—Dipali… her brother has connections. Connections that support illegal drug networks. If we use those links, we can get deeper results.”

He paused, his voice turning colder.

“That’s why Anubhav bhaiya is desperate.”

The calm garden suddenly didn’t feel so peaceful anymore.

“So you’ll marry just like that?” Akshata Raizada asked softly. “And what about your dream girl? Will you just let her go?”

Kartavya Raizada lowered his gaze for a moment before replying quietly—

“No… I won’t let her go. But for now… maybe there’s no other option.”

Akshata frowned slightly.

“Give me a clear answer, Kartavya. Don’t speak to me in riddles.”

A faint bitter smile appeared on his lips.

“What do you think, bhabhi?” he asked, staring at the flowers ahead. “Can someone like me ever get a true soulmate… someone with whom things would actually work out?”

His voice was calm, but there was heaviness hidden beneath it.

“You know me well.”

Akshata remained silent, listening carefully.

“Maybe that dream girl is meant to remain only a dream,” he continued. “And honestly… I don’t even pray to meet her.”

He paused briefly, his eyes darkening.

“Because if she ever comes into my life… she’ll be destroyed too. Just like me.”

A cold breeze passed through the garden.

“So I will never drag her into my dark life.”

Akshata looked at him for a long moment, her expression softening with sadness and understanding.

“Maybe there’s another possibility,” she said gently while taking the last bite of her food.

“Maybe she could become the only jugnu in your darkness… the one who shows you the path in that dark life.”

Kartavya looked at her silently for a few seconds.

Then he turned his gaze back toward the flowers swaying in the wind.

Akshata stood up slowly, picking up the plate and glass.

Before leaving, she looked at him once again and said softly—

“Try bringing a jugnu into your life… not a deal.”

And with that, she walked back inside the mansion.

Kartavya leaned back against the bench, his eyes fixed on the sky above.

“There will never be a jugnu in this dark life…” he muttered bitterly.

“There’s only me… and my darkness.”

“Darkness was never meant to stay forever; even the longest night bows before the first light of dawn.”

“A single jugnu can challenge an entire night.”

“So don’t you dare say that you’re afraid of the darkness. Did you get that?” Dharini said firmly.

“And so what if that bastard left you? You should thank God for it. You deserve far better, Mhika. And here you are, crying over that cheater.”

Mhika wiped her tears slowly and let out a small laugh.

“You’re right… why should I cry for that cheater?” she said, taking a deep breath. “You know what? Let’s celebrate.”

Hearing that, both Netra and Dharini smiled at each other.

“Of course we’ll celebrate,” Dharini replied warmly. “But first, we need to go to the office. You take some rest. We’ll celebrate once we come back.”

Mhika nodded with a faint smile.

Soon, Dharini and Netra picked up their bags and walked toward their scooty.

After some time, they reached the office, where they met Nishant.

The two girls greeted him warmly.

Dharini, Netra, and Nishant were colleagues, while Mhika, Netra, and Dharini were roommates.

Author’s POV

It was one of the most important days for the office, as the CEO was going to come to Netaxis after almost 8–9 months. It was an important project led by Mrs. Zaaida, and Netra, Dharini, and Nishant were also part of that project. Mrs. Zaaida was a lady in her forties, kind by nature, but in work she was one of the strictest. As she led the project, she guided most of the team members like an experienced mentor. She was happy enough with Dharini’s work because, as a new fresher, she had maintained her job very well. Dharini worked in the security department and handled most of the company’s data.

There was a conference held by the CEO for the project, and everyone was present in the conference room. Just then, the door opened, and Kartavya Singh Raizada walked in with his heavy and dark aura. Along with him, his security head, Shesh, was also present there.

As he motioned to start the presentation, Mrs. Zaaida stood up and explained everything about the project—its strategies, implementation, and all the future plans of work along with the project’s security database. After she explained everything, Kartavya asked about the outer layer of the security plan and asked them to explain that in detail.

As he said this, Mrs. Zaaida replied that the outer layer of security would be explained by Ms. Shekhawat, as she had personally prepared it.

Dharini’s POV

As soon as she said this, all the confidence that was present in me disappeared.

Why me?

I had already explained it to her before, so why me again?

As she said this, everyone started looking toward me, and Mrs. Zaaida motioned for me to come and explain. Sweat beads formed on my forehead—not because it was my presentation, but because it was my first time presenting in front of this Mr. CEO, who was looking at me like a hawk watching its prey.

I gulped nervously and stood up from my seat to go to the front.

As I reached there, my hands were shaking a little too much, but somehow I managed myself and started explaining the outer layer of security.

But then I felt that the CEO was looking at me.

No… no, he was not just looking.

He was boring holes into my eyes while staring at me without blinking.

Maybe it was just my imagination. Maybe he was simply trying to understand what I was saying, I thought.

But then, while explaining further, I again felt his gaze.

Not just gazing at me, but looking at me from top to bottom and then bottom to top, like he was judging me silently.

As he did this, I unconsciously moved a little backward.

And the moment I did that, he again started gazing at me, like he sensed why I had stepped back.

As the presentation ended, the CEO’s PA explained the remaining details and gave the deadline. Then the presentation was over.

But even while moving out of the conference room…

he was still gazing at me.