Well!! Cliffhangers are something thrilling but not that much if you are a reader waiting for the next part to be published!!

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Maybe you could get double update!!
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Depends on your comments!!!

"Damn! It can't be for real, right? Me and that Kankhajura? Hell no!" I almost shouted at Ava di, my voice laced with incredulity. She flinched, looking up from her file, and blinked in surprise at my outburst. I didn't care if my tone was harsh; she wasn't one to mind it anyway.

"Whoa, girl, calm down! And who is this Kankhajura?" she asked, her brow furrowed in
question.

I slumped into my favorite chair, opposite her, and sulked. "The one whose project you've asked me to take over. And where is Atulya di, anyway? When will she be coming back?" I pouted, feeling a bit resentful.

Ever since Ava di had returned, she'd been handling many tasks, and I'd finally gotten some time to relax. Not that I had much free time, but compared to before, it was a welcome respite.

"Ohh, Vidharth!" Ava di exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation.

"Yeah, whatever his name is, I don't care," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

Ava di narrowed her gaze accusingly. "Well, listen, Riva, you have to take this project. Since I returned, you've literally dropped so many files on my table. And now, with my wedding date approaching, I'm walking on eggshells with all these projects and wedding preparations. I'm not taking on any more; I've already got enough projects lined up for the next two months! God!"

I knew she was right, but those projects would likely take at least six months to complete. However, this was Ava di we were talking about - anything was possible with her.

"But give me any other project, and you handle his," I pleaded.

Ava di's expression turned firm. "I've already started most of the projects, my dates have been scheduled, and I'm already invested in the work. The tasks I assigned to Atulya are taking much longer than usual, and we've extended the timeline multiple times. That man will kill me for sure if I don't respond positively this time! Please, sweetheart!" She flashed me her charming smile, trying to win me over.

"Huff! What can I say now?" I muttered to myself, resigned. "Fine, I'll take care of that!"

I stormed into my cabin and collapsed onto the plush velvety sofa chair, letting out a deep sigh. After a few minutes of sulking, I called Amisha into my cabin. As she entered, I instructed her, "Inform Vidharth's secretary that we need to schedule a meeting for tomorrow."

Amisha's expression was priceless - her mouth agape, eyes wide with shock, and lines etched on her forehead. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice trembling, as if she'd collapse if she hadn't been clinging to the door handle.

I nodded firmly. "Yes, inform them. We need to discuss the project." I let out a frustrated huff, feeling my professionalism slipping away. How could I maintain a calm demeanor when all I wanted to do was stangle that man? God, save him from me, just until this project is over. If I lost my cool, I'd face the wrath of Ava di and Atulya di, and that was a prospect I couldn't handle.

"Believe me, Mr. Kankhajura, I'm not thrilled about working with you either, but we have no choice," I grunted, trying to contain my frustration. This man had been getting under my skin for the past five minutes, and I was struggling to keep my cool.

"Ha! Miss Chilli Flakes thinks I'm interested? Hell no!" he retorted, scrunching his nose in disgust. I bristled at the ridiculous nickname.

Just then, Ava di entered the conference room, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can you two manage a proper conversation like civilized people here for a business deal?"

Vidharth immediately began protesting, "No way! How could you ask her to work on this project?"

Ava di cut him off, her arms crossed and eyes blazing. "Suck it up! I don't care about the crap you two have for each other. If you want to work, you'll work together."

Her words hit me like a thunderbolt, leaving me stunned and reeling. It felt like the office roof had blasted open, and the thunderbolt had struck me directly.

"Di, did I do something wrong? How can you say such things to me? Am I just an employee to you? Nothing more?" I wailed, fabricating tears. "Oh God, take me away! My di doesn't need me anymore!"

Vidharth looked like he'd been struck by lightning, while Ava di rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Shut up and get back to work, both of you!" she barked, storming off.

I quickly composed myself, ensuring my juniors, who had entered just after Ava di's departure, didn't witness my faux breakdown. I swallowed her harsh words like a bitter pill, but I was determined to report her behavior to Atulya di – or rather, complain bitterly.

The rest of the meeting passed without incident, with no one suspecting that I was the same girl who had been at odds with Vidharth just moments before.

"I didn't expect you to be so talented! How did you manage to stay silent for so long?" Vidharth smirked, pushing his luck.

I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to lash out. Ava di's warning echoed in my mind - she was watching my every move, and any misstep would land me in Africa, mining! The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

I forced a professional smile. "Alright, Mr. Bansal, I'll ensure I do my best for this project. Although I'm not an expert in this field, I'll guarantee top-notch marketing. I hope the product quality matches the excellent samples we've seen."

I extended my hand, and Vidharth reciprocated, shaking it firmly. "Don't worry, Miss Khanna, you'll receive the best quality products from our company."

The tension was palpable, but I maintained my composure.

                        ⏳⏳⏳⏳

Caleb handed me a popular magazine, its front page featuring a photo of Ava di's back as she entered a restaurant with Adwait jiju, where a business associates' party had been held the previous week.

The headline read:

"Just a business date or a real date?"

Rumors had been spreading quickly, and I couldn't determine if it was a good or bad thing, as it hadn't yet affected our company's market value - everything remained steady. However, I suspected they would announce their wedding soon, and I wondered what impact it would have.

I decided to confront Ava di about the rumors. "Ava di!" I exclaimed, bursting into her cabin.

"Hello, Miss Khanna!" Adwait jiju said, sitting across from Ava di.

I responded with a cheerful "Hello, jiju!" as I plopped down in the chair beside him. He looked at me with a mixture of surprise and amusement, as if I'd grown two heads.

I shrugged, clarifying, "What? I call Ava di, and as her husband, you're my jiju!" Adwait jiju chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I know, Sali Sahiba" he teased.

(Sister-in-law)

"Join us for dinner tonight, Riva!" he invited. Ava di added, "Yeah, only if you don't mind Vidharth being there!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "You should definitely come. It would be entertaining to see him get riled up!"

"Don't start!! That day was a blast! And I'm glad they don't need to meet every day, or I'd be busy mediating their fights. Even their secretaries are wary of their meetings and handle everything themselves, only calling them when absolutely necessary." Ava di shook her head, chuckling.

Adwait jiju asked again, "So, are you coming?"

I replied with a playful smile, "Aap bulaye hum na aaye! Aur jo jalta hai jalne do use!!"

(You invited me, I won't come! And let those who are burning, burn!)

He chuckled and said, "Okay then, we'll wait!"

I added, "By the way, you two will be on the front page soon. The media will announce you as a couple."

He exclaimed, "Hmm!! That's good then! It will be of good help for our marriage case."

Ava di nodded in agreement, "Yeah!!"

I turned to him and asked, "Tell me, how did you become friends with Vidharth Kankhajura?"

He feigned innocence, "Who?"

"Vidharth!" Ava di responded, and Adwait burst out laughing. "Seriously, Kankhajura! Tonight is going to be too much fun!"

His phone rang, and he excused himself, leaving Ava di and me alone.

"Why are you here, by the way?" Ava di inquired, raising her brows.

"I wanted to discuss the new offer we received," I replied. "There's a new pharmaceutical company, owned by a self-made millionaire, looking to expand their business. I thought maybe you'd be interested in investing?"

Ava di's eyes lit up with interest. "Sounds intriguing! But let's do a thorough background check first. I'll ask Aniket to handle it."

As the day drew to a close, I gazed up at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking away at 7 p.m. The hours had flown by in a blur of files and paperwork, but I didn't mind. This place was my sanctuary, my safe haven.

When Ava di asked me to help her build this empire, I was uncertain at first. But she saw something in me that no one else did – potential. She showed unwavering faith in me, and that faith ignited a fire within my soul. No one had ever believed in me like that before. She entrusted me with a position of value, one that others might not see as significant, but to me, it was everything.

For someone who had always felt worthless, who had never experienced the trust of others, this was a gift. And so, I dedicated myself to this company, pouring my heart and soul into it. Why not? This place had given me power, wealth, and genuine friendships. People who cared about me.

My mind wandered back to the day I met Ava di, eight years ago in Germany. I still remembered it vividly. I was sitting alone in a quaint café on the streets of Berlin, lost in my thoughts...

"Dammit! My phone is out of charge!" I exclaimed, slamming my phone on the table in frustration. This month was ending, and my savings were depleted from paying tuition fees and rent. The weight of my financial struggles was crushing me. I sighed, resting my head on the table, feeling hopeless.

Just then, I heard a gentle tap on the table. "Tap... tap!" The soft voice of the old lady reached my ears, followed by her sweet inquiry, "You were looking for me? Is there a problem?"

She occupied the vacant chair across from me, her warm eyes scanning my tired face. Dark circles had formed under my eyes, and my usual glow was gone. She gently cupped my hands in hers, and I looked into her honey-brown eyes, feeling an instant sense of comfort. She was an angel, a beacon of hope in this foreign land, far away from home. Her motherly affection was a balm to my weary soul.

"Aunty, I need some money," I confessed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and desperation. "I'll return it by working overtime, but I'm in dire need right now. I have to pay my rent, but I've already used up this month's savings."

The old lady's expression turned sympathetic. "Well, why don't you come and stay with me?" she offered, her eyes sparkling with kindness.

I shook my head vigorously, not wanting to impose on her. "No, no, Aunty! There's no need for that. Just give me some advance money, and I'll pay you back by working overtime at your café. I promise!"

But she persisted, her voice warm and gentle. "Oh, come on, dear! It's no problem at all! It would be lovely to have you at my house. This old lady is all alone, after all."

I hesitated, feeling a mix of gratitude and reluctance. Finally, I agreed, albeit unwillingly. "Okay..."

I had known Aunt Julia for over a year, since I started working at her café as a freshman in college. She was an elegant lady, always kind and helpful, often inviting me to visit her home. I had always declined, citing the distance from college as an excuse. But now, I regret not being more cautious.

As I entered her house, my unease grew. Something didn't feel right. And then, I discovered the horrifying truth. Behind her restaurant, Aunt Julia secretly ran a brothel. I was shocked and terrified, realizing I had made a grave mistake.

I tried to flee, but she had more men than I could handle. They overpowered me, and now I'm locked in this old attic, a prisoner.

Tears stream down my face as I think about how I trusted her, and she betrayed me. I feel like I've been stabbed in the back.

I'm trapped, with no escape in sight. Aunt Julia's kindness was just a facade, a trap to lure victims like me into her clutches. I'm at her mercy, and I fear for my future.

"No! I won't endure a life like this! I've been through too much already!" I exclaimed, determination rising within me. "I just need to think carefully and find a way to escape..."

As I looked around, I realized that the room was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from a small hole in the wall, allowing moonlight to seep in. The air was thick with negative energy, and every object seemed to be radiating an eerie vibe. Then, my gaze fell upon a pair of hazel-brown eyes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman, her white shirt stained with blood, glowing in the moonlight. She was chained to the floor, her black hair stuck to her face with crimson stains. I gasped in horror as I took in the numerous cuts on her wrists, arms, and her bruised lips.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I took in the girl's battered state. Why was she tortured? Did she try to escape or refuse to comply with their demands? The questions sent a chill down my spine.

"Is she dead?" I thought, fear gripping my heart. "Hey Bhagwan, mujhe ek lash ke sath rakha hai! Bacha lo please!" I prayed, terrified for my life.

(Hey God, I'm kept with a corpse! Please save me!)

So!! Who do you think this mysterious person is??

Any guesses??