My alarm blared at 5 AM, signaling the start of a hectic day. I had to prepare for the haldi ceremony and the wedding, all while obtaining the ring from that cunning woman.

If I wasn't undercover, she'd already be six feet under. I confirmed the ring's identity during the sangeet, but couldn't retrieve it.

Now, in a simple black kurta and red pants, I joined the management team on the terrace garden.

Rounak briefed me on our tasks, and we divided duties to tackle both events. By 10 AM, preparations were complete, and I did a final check before the chaos began.

After ensuring everything was in order, I headed to change for the function.

My phone buzzed, and I promptly answered Jarek's call.

"How's the situation unfolding?" he inquired.

"So far, everything is under our control," I replied.

"What's your next move? Have you strategized?" he queried.

"Don't worry, the bride adores me; I'll exchange the rings at the earliest opportunity." I responded with a hint of sarcasm,

"Hmm, okay... So, what's my role?" Jarek murmured

"Alex and James are on site, right? I've alerted them to be vigilant. They might prove useful. Have a car standing by, a short distance from the wedding venue. I'll take care of the rest," I directed, my tone crisp and authoritative.

"Okay, what's the timing?" he queried.

"After midnight, when no one will notice," I specified.

"Okay," he acknowledged.

"By the way, Marko sent a message through me, saying it's urgent and important. He couldn't reach you directly."

"Did he provide any details?" I asked.

"No, he mentioned he hadn't checked either; it's for your eyes only," Jarek replied.

"Okay," I acknowledged.

After ending the call, a notion struck me, and I suspected it might be connected to my family.

My hunch was confirmed as I delved into the information I had. Few people know the real reason I agreed to come here, but I did it not just for the ring, but also to uncover secrets about my family.

I have been searching for answers for a long time, but to no avail. That's why I accepted Jarek's proposal and chose to come personally, instead of sending someone else. My assumptions may not be entirely true, but they're not baseless either; I'm certain of that.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I rose from my seat, about to open it, but then realized I was still wrapped in a towel.

"Who is it?" I hesitated and called out from behind the door.

"It's Arushi, ma'am," the voice replied.

"Do you need something, Arushi?" I asked.

"I just wanted to check if you're ready yet?" she queried.

"I'll be there in a few minutes," I responded.

"Okay, but please hurry!" she urged before her footsteps faded away. I quickly got ready, my mind refocusing on the tasks ahead.

I draped a stunning pre-stitched yellow saree, its plain fabric elegantly complemented by a printed blue blouse adorned with pink accents and intricate floral patterns. I accessorized with matching jewelry and oxidized bangles, adding a touch of sophistication to my overall look. A delicate bindi graced my forehead, while a swoop of eyeliner, a coat of kajal, and a soft pink lipstick completed my radiant appearance.

My dress

Jewellery

Bangles

I hastened my pace after getting ready, my heels clicking against the floor.

I arrived at the stage and double-checked the arrangements with my team, ensuring everything was in order.

The decorations
(Same decoration but at two different stages to seat

As the guests began to fill the empty seats, I discreetly positioned myself in the farthest corner, trying to blend in.

Just then, the groom made his entrance, flanked by his trio and Vidharth was with them too.

He wore a vibrant yellow kurta, perfectly complemented by a matching vest adorned with intricate chikankari embroidery, adding a touch of elegance to his outfit. The crisp white pants completed his ensemble, creating a striking visual harmony.

(His attire)

My gaze was magnetically drawn to him, and the memory of his voice from that night echoed in my mind:

'Are naam toh batate jao Manjulika ji.'

A smile involuntarily curved my lips, and I shook my head to dispel the thoughts. Focus, Shubh, focus...

I admonished myself, but my eyes betrayed me, lingering on him.

He caught my gaze, and a knowing smirk played on his lips, sending a wave of déjà vu over me.

I hastily looked away, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Too flustered to meet his eyes again, I feigned interest in my surroundings, my heart racing with a mix of emotions.

Just as the bride arrived with her entourage and took her place, the proceedings unfolded with grace and precision.

(Bride's attire)

But then, out of nowhere, Vidharth appeared and mischievously smeared a streak of haldi on my cheeks, catching me off guard. Amidst the chaos of the celebrations, I seized the opportunity to slip away to the bathroom to compose myself.

As I returned to the ceremony, I was suddenly confronted with...

"Splash!"

Without warning, a bucket of icy water drenched me from head to toe, leaving me stunned and soaked. I was still reeling from the shock when the bride approached me, accompanied by a girl who was likely her cousin or friend. The sudden ambush had me dripping wet, my clothes clinging to my body.

"Whoa, girl, are you trying to mop the floor with your dress?" the girl sneered.

"Or are you attempting to lure someone in? I know your type, always fantasizing about snagging a rich husband and willing to go to any lengths for it..." Her words dripped with venom, and I clenched my fists, restraining myself from unleashing a scathing retort. If only she knew who I truly was, she wouldn't dare speak to me with such impertinence. She's fortunate I'm not revealing my true identity, or she'd have already lost her tongue for her impudence.

"Looks like you're one of them, that's why you know them so well. " I said, forcing a tight smile.

I turned to leave, but Saniya intercepted me, her eyes pleading. "Anisha, will you help me change? Anita has an urgent errand to run, and I need your assistance."

I hesitated, feeling like the universe was conspiring with me to retrieve the diamond.

"Sure, let me change first..." I relented, my words trailing off as I sensed the weight of fate's intervention.

"'No, no, please! As you can see, I'm drenched in haldi from head to toe. I need to change urgently..."Saniya begged, her puppy eyes tugging at my sympathies.

I rolled my eyes inwardly, thinking, 'Is she kidding me? Does she think I'm a fool?' But I sighed and relented, my mind racing with the possibilities. This was the perfect opportunity to redeem myself after the failed attempt after the mehndi ceremony, when I had tried to snatch the ring.

I wasn't about to let this chance slip away, especially after the humiliation I had endured. I would play along, pretend to be the obedient helper, all the while plotting my next move, biding my time until the perfect moment to strike.

"Okay, fine."I knew this was another one of her tantrums, but I also saw an opportunity.

I wouldn't let her bullying go unchallenged. I vowed to make her pay, to return her cruelty tenfold. 'I'll help you, but mark my words, you'll regret messing with me.

Her cousin departed, and I trailed behind Saniya to her room, my eyes fixed on her as she pointed to her bag.

"Anisha, could you please grab my clothes from my bag over there?" she requested, her voice dripping with entitlement.

I hummed a response, my eyes scanning her bag as I opened it.

"Which one do you want?" I asked, my tone neutral.

"Blue pants and white kurti" she replied from inside the bathroom.

I retrieved the garments, my hands brushing against the soft fabric.

"Thanks" she muttered, her voice muffled as she took the clothes from me through the half-open bathroom door.

"It's fine..." I trailed off, my gaze drifting to the ring on the table, my heart skipping a beat as I realized the opportunity that lay before me.

I rubbed my chilled skin, my hands stalling on my arms as my eyes locked onto the glinting diamond.

I approached the table, my heart racing with excitement, and confirmed that the ring was indeed the same.

I carefully opened it, retrieved the chip, and placed another chip in it, making sure everything was as it was before.

I slipped the chip into the side pocket of my dress, where I had hidden the other chip wrapped in plastic bag, and began to close the suitcase that I had opened before.

But then, my eyes landed on something that caught my attention - a beautiful necklace with a price tag still attached. I picked it up, admiring its intricate design, which seemed old yet elegant. As I turned it over, I noticed an inscription etched into the metal...

'Ek chotta sa nazrana humari Jaan k liye...' The words were etched on the necklace, a poignant message on display.

I gently placed it back in the suitcase, careful not to disturb anything else, and closed it just as Saniya emerged from the bathroom.

Her mother entered the room, her eyes scanning the space before settling on me as she took in my shivering form, drenched from head to toe.

"You can leave, Anisha," Saniya dismissed me, and I nodded silently, my teeth chattering from the cold.

I hurried out of the room, my drenched clothes clinging to my body.

As I walked down the hallway, I suddenly found myself face to face with a familiar pair of eyes in one of the corridors.

Adwait's gaze swept over me, his eyes lingering on my shivering form, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

"What happened?" Adwait asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in my shivering form, my teeth chattering uncontrollably.

"What?" I replied, my voice tight with annoyance, my teeth gritted.

"Who did this to you?" he pressed, his jaw clenched, his eyes darkening with frustration.

"What do you want, Mr. Adwait?" I shot back, my tone laced with sarcasm.

"Who did this?" he repeated, his patience wearing thin.

"I don't know!" I snapped, my annoyance boiling over.

"And if your interrogation is done, let me leave. I need to change out of these soaked clothes." I was already fed up with his fiance's antics I don't have any energy to entertain him now , my anger simmering just below the surface.

I was so focused on warming myself up that I didn't even notice how close Adwait had gotten until I felt his breath whispering against my forehead.

My gaze jerked up to meet his, and I was taken aback by how near he was - a mere inch away, his lips almost touching my skin.

His intense blue eyes locked onto mine, and without my conscious consent, my gaze became ensnared in his.

We stood there, frozen in a silent staring contest, neither of us willing to back down. The air between us was electric, charged with tension, as our eyes continued to clash in a wordless battle of wills.

Just as the tension between us was palpable, a sudden cough broke the spell, and I turned to see Vidharth standing there, feigning a cough.

Our awkwardness was palpable as we quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.

I fidgeted, my eyes darting around the room, while Adwait scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.

"Come when you're done... Uncle is calling you" Vidharth said, his smirk betraying his amusement at our discomfort.

I was mortified, and so was Adwait,
it seemed, as we both struggled to compose ourselves after being caught in such a compromising position.

We hadn't been doing anything improper, but the intimacy of the moment could have been misinterpreted by anyone who didn't know the context.

And, to make matters worse, He was the groom, and I was the wedding planner, in the eyes of his family and friends.

"Let's go" he muttered, already walking away, but then he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned back, and draped his coat over my shoulders, his fingers grazing my skin as he settled the fabric in place. The gesture was tender, and I felt a flutter in my chest, despite my embarrassment.

I gazed after him, my eyes fixed on his retreating figure, as he walked away with his friend, leaving me standing there, feeling a mix of emotions.

He had already changed into a crisp blue pant and white shirt, and his blue coat, now wrapped around my shoulders, felt like a warm embrace.

I clenched the edges of the coat, inhaling the scent of his cologne, and let out a sigh. I travelled back to my track while my mind was still reeling from the unexpected moment with him.

Just then, my phone rang, breaking the spell, and I answered it, my voice barely above a whisper.

"'I got it, ask James to collect it." I said brusquely, cutting off Jarek's potential questions, and hung up the phone without another word.

I hastily gathered some fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom to revitalize myself.

Emerging in a sleek black pants and satin red shirt, I felt revitalized and focused.

I settled onto the bed, opened my laptop, and inserted the chip, my heart racing with anticipation. As the contents loaded, I held my breath, and then exhaled a sigh of relief when I confirmed it was the correct data, untouched and intact. It was a small victory, but a crucial one.

I shut the laptop and wrapped myself in the blankets, my body still shivering from the cold.

I was destined to catch a cold, it seemed.

Just as I was trying to warm up, Jarek called again, and I briefed him on the situation, our conversation brief and to the point.

Later, Rounak called to confirm the wedding details, and I assured him I'd be there, despite my body screaming in protest.

My headache was intensifying, and I could feel the fever taking hold. 'Oh god, save me...' I muttered to myself, feeling utterly miserable.

I heard a knock on the door, and with a great effort, I dragged myself out of bed, sneezing repeatedly.

I opened the door to find one of the palace staff standing there, holding a tray.

"Kunwar sa asked me to bring this to you" he said, handing me the tray.

I took it from him, and he promptly departed.

I closed the door with one hand, balancing the tray with the other, and placed it on the coffee table. As I examined the contents, a smile spread across my face. There was a steaming bowl of soup, a rich hot chocolate, and some medication for my cold. My heart warmed at the thoughtful gesture.

'So sweet...' I thought, feeling grateful for His considerate nature.

As I savored the last spoonful of soup, drained the rich hot chocolate, and swallowed one of the tablets, my mind began to wander. I drifted into my own thoughts.

'Sanya is really lucky to have him,' I thought, feeling a sense of admiration for Adwait's kind nature.

But then, a nagging question crept into my mind: 'Did he intentionally put her in harm's way?' I had initially suspected him of being reckless with her life, but after meeting him, I knew that couldn't be true. He wasn't the type to harm anyone unless provoked.

'Should I help him in return?' I wondered, my mind racing with the possibilities. But does he even need my help?

And then, I recalled a snippet of conversation I had overheard while trying to retrieve the diamond...

.....Flashback....

I had been sent to Sanya's room in Malhotra Mansion to carry out her latest torment, but as I was leaving, I spotted an opportunity too good to pass up.

She had carelessly left her ring on the table, and I couldn't resist the chance to snatch it. I watched as she exited the room, ring-less, and then I snuck back in, my footsteps silent on the floor.

I searched every possible hiding spot - cupboards, drawers, side tables - but the ring was nowhere to be found. It was as if it had vanished into thin air.

Just as I was about to make my escape, I heard the sound of raised voices outside the room.

Panicked, I hastily tidied up the mess I had made, trying to leave no trace of my snooping. But before I could make a quick exit, the voices grew louder and closer. I darted to the balcony attached to her room and hid behind a large sofa.

"What do you mean, Dad?" I can hear Sanya's frustrated voice as door creaked open.

"Someone incredibly powerful is behind them, Sanya. God knows who Adwait has crossed, and I fear for your safety, darling." an male voice ranged maybe her father as she called him, his voice laced with concern. His tone softened, filled with paternal love.

"It doesn't matter to me, Dad! I love Adwait with all my heart! I want to be with him, no matter what dangers or challenges come our way!'"Sanya's response was immediate and passionate. Her voice trembled with conviction.

"Okay, my dear. But always remember, your dad is here for you, no matter what." He gently patted her head, his touch filled with warmth, and left the room.

She lay on the bed, lost in her emotions, while I remained hidden, bending to remain out of sight.

'Oh, please, God, intervene!' I silently pleaded. I slowly pulled out my phone and sent a message to James.

Four long hours passed before Sanya finally stirred and left her room.

Daylight has faded, and the darkness of night had descended.

The screen of my phone glowed in the dim light, revealing James' message.

I looked down to see him standing beside a ladder, which he had placed against the steel fence. I quickly crawled down.

James looked like he wanted to ask me questions, but one stern glance from me was enough to silence him.

.....Flashback ends....

"Aha! I can help him with that." I thought to myself, and quickly logged in to my email account.

I composed a message to Matteo, typing out a query about the situation.

Shaking off the haze of my thoughts, I rose from my reverie and made my way to the grand hall.

I scrutinized every detail, ensuring all was in order. Satisfied, I turned to leave when a young man approached me.

His honey-brown eyes were enigmatic, like an unreadable script, and his physique was impressive, radiating a quiet confidence. His chiseled features and strong jawline added to his rugged charm, making him a compelling presence.

"Hello, Miss Anisha..." he said, his voice low and smooth, accompanied by a sly smirk that.

"Well, hello to you too, gentleman" I replied.

"Rudra Malhotra, that's my name"he introduced himself, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

I flinched at the name, my mind racing with connections.

"Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Rudra"I said, recovering my composure and straightening my posture.

"How can I help you?" I asked, my tone polite but wary.

But instead of answering, he simply said, "No... it's just... be careful..."and with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feel unsettled.

I was shocked by his words. What did he mean? Was it a threat? And from whom did I need to be careful? Did he know about me? If so, why didn't he tell anyone else but me? Wait, did he tell someone? I was in a dilemma due to his words.

But I soon dismissed it and met with at the moment colleagues, and left from there as they advised me to take some rest.

I headed to my quarters, my headache throbbing unbearably.

As I walked down the hallway, I felt a sudden, sharp prick on my neck, like a mosquito bite.

I instinctively raised my hand to swat at it, only to discover a small needle embedded in my skin. My mind raced as I realized something was seriously amiss.

"Damn it!" I cursed, my heart racing.

I quickly called Jarek, the mysterious warning from Rudra echoing in my mind.

"What happened? Why are you calling me... You know..."Jarek's voice trailed off, but I cut him off, my urgency palpable.

"I think someone drugged me..." I slurred, my words trailing off as my vision began to blur.

"Holy shit! Where are you? I'll be there..." Jarek's voice was laced with panic, but I couldn't respond.

"No need... just track my location... I have a tracker hidden in my phone..." I mumbled, my words slurring together as my consciousness faded.

I was only half-aware, but I felt a pair of arms catch me as I collapsed, and a gentle lift as someone carried me. Darkness soon consumed me, and I lost all sense of reality.

Well something is definitely fishy there but what? Come to find in next chapter....

By the way don't you too think everything is fishy here...

.....................

That was all for today my dear friends I hope you liked it and stay tuned for further updates...

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Your dear author....

See you all with a new update soon
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