The next day, Aarav stepped into his office, a sense of anticipation buzzing in the air. As he entered his cabin, his eyes widened at the sight of an array of colourful bouquets lining his desk. A smile spread across his face as he approached them, his heart lifting at the cheerful blooms.

He picked up one of the bouquets, its vibrant colours brightening the otherwise formal atmosphere. Curiously, he opened the card attached to it, reading aloud, "Congratulations on the engagement!" His heart swelled with joy, a mix of pride and happiness coursing through him.

Just then, Manvi entered the cabin, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the flowers, each bouquet a burst of colour against the polished wooden desk. "Itne saare bouquets!" she exclaimed, her tone a blend of surprise and delight, the atmosphere immediately brightening with her presence.

"Haaan! Dekho na, kitni saari ladkiyon ne bheje hain. Yeh waala toh ek dum acha hai," Aarav replied, his teasing tone hinting at a playful jealousy as he flashed her a cheeky grin, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that made his eyes sparkle.

Manvi chuckled softly, her heart warmed by his lightheartedness. "So sweet," she remarked, her gaze dancing over the cheerful arrangements.

"Sweet? Tum jealous nahi ho rahi ho?" he pressed, a playful challenge in his tone, his eyes glimmering with mischief as he leaned in slightly, enjoying their banter.

"Main kyun jealous hun? Ab koi aapko bouquet bheje ya flirt kare... rahenge toh aap mere hi," Manvi replied confidently, a warm smile playing on her lips, the lightness of the moment wrapping around them like a soft embrace, easing the playful tension between them.

Aarav returned her smile, his heart swelling with affection, a warmth spreading through him as he basked in the shared joy. However, as Manvi's gaze drifted around the desk, it landed on a bouquet of black roses, their dark petals stark against the vibrant colors surrounding them. Intrigued and slightly unnerved, she felt a chill race down her spine.

The black roses were like a shadow amidst the light, their velvety texture, a stark contrast to the brightness of the other flowers. With a frown, she reached for it, her fingers brushing against the cool, silky petals, an unsettling feeling creeping into her heart. As she pulled the bouquet closer, she couldn't shake the sense that something was off, as if this bouquet carried a weight far beyond its physical presence.

Her smile faded, replaced by a flicker of concern as she tore her gaze from the roses to Aarav, wanting to shield him from whatever dark omen this bouquet represented. The joy of the moment felt fragile, as if it could shatter with a single word.

When Manvi opened the accompanying card, her heart sank, the weight of its words crashing over her like a wave of icy water. "Inki tarah tumhari zindagi bhi kaali hone waali hai! Congratulations, Aarav." The chilling message sent a shock of disbelief coursing through her veins, a sense of foreboding wrapping around her like a suffocating shroud.

In a swift, instinctual motion, she concealed the card and bouquet behind her back, her resolve hardening as she vowed to protect Aarav's happiness from this ominous note. The vibrant colours of the other flowers seemed to mock the darkness of the black roses, and she felt a cold dread settling in her stomach.

"Aaravji, main aati hun," she said, her voice steady and composed, though inside, her heart raced with concern, each beat a reminder of the unease clawing at her

Aarav nodded, his attention momentarily distracted, unaware of the storm brewing just beneath the surface. As soon as he turned his gaze elsewhere, Manvi slipped out of the cabin, urgency propelling her forward like a wildfire. She quickly found a peon nearby, her expression serious and focused.

"Please, just get rid of them," she urged, her voice low and tense, laced with an undercurrent of fear. The peon nodded, sensing the gravity of her request, and took the bouquet from her grasp. Manvi's heart raced as she tore the card into pieces, her mind spinning with questions. Who could have sent such a malicious message, and what did they want?

Meanwhile, in his cabin, Aarav dialled Khushi's number, his voice cheerful and full of excitement. "Khushi, aaj humhe dinner ke liye jaana hai! Tum ready rehna, main aur Manvi office se aate hue tumhe pick karenge." His tone was light, unaware of the dark cloud lingering just outside the door.

"Jee, Dadda," Khushi replied eagerly, her excitement bubbling through the phone as she envisioned the evening ahead, blissfully unaware of the turmoil unfolding around her. As she ended the call, the joy in her heart clashed against the growing anxiety that was creeping into Manvi's mind.

After the call, Khushi took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum echoing in a silent room. She hesitated, her fingers trembling as they hovered over the letter she had received from the stranger the night before. With a mix of anticipation and dread, she finally opened it, her voice quaking as she began to read aloud.

As the words sank in, a whirlwind of emotions surged within Khushi confusion, longing, and an unsettling fear. Her heart ached at the thought of Maya, the mother who had been absent for so long yet claimed to love her. Memories of the woman who had manipulated and controlled their lives flooded back, the bitterness of betrayal mingling with the tender, lingering hope of connection.

Khushi's mind raced, replaying the stories of her father's struggles, the pain inflicted by Maya's actions, and the hatred she had been taught to harbour against him. The heaviness of the letter pressed down on her, intertwining with the joy of the day ahead, leaving her in a tumultuous state.

In the office, the cheerful atmosphere felt distant and fragile. Manvi returned, her thoughts still spiralling from the ominous bouquet incident. She glanced at Aarav, who was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just beneath the surface, and felt a pang of urgency to protect him not just from the external threats but also from the shadows of the past that loomed over Khushi.

The day was meant to be filled with celebration, laughter, and love, but now a dark shadow loomed, threatening to disrupt their newfound happiness. Manvi could sense it, the undercurrents of unease swirling around them, and she silently vowed to shield her family from the encroaching darkness, whatever it took.

Later in the evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Aarav and Manvi settled into the car, anticipation buzzing in the air. The gentle hum of the engine accompanied their shared excitement as they headed to Malhotra Mansion to pick up Khushi.

When they arrived, Khushi was waiting, her expression a blend of excitement and something deeper—an unspoken concern that tugged at Aarav's heart. Once inside the car, they set off toward the restaurant, the streets illuminated by twinkling lights, each turn bringing them closer to a celebratory dinner.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, they were led to a cosy table adorned with flickering candles that cast a soft, intimate light over their faces. Aarav glanced at Khushi, noticing the shadow of worry lingering in her eyes. "Kya hua Khushi, pareshan kyun ho?" he asked gently, concern etching his features.

Khushi quickly shook her head, attempting to mask her turmoil. "Nahi Dadda, bas shaadi hone waali hai aapki toh bas tayari kaise hongi, wahi," she replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Aarav's gaze drifted to Manvi, who sat across from him, her brow slightly furrowed, and a hint of distress clouding her usually bright demeanour. "Aur tumhe kya hua?" he inquired, his concern deepening as he leaned closer, hoping to understand the source of her unease.

"Bas Aaravji, shaadi ko leke," she admitted, a subtle sigh escaping her lips as if the weight of the upcoming commitment pressed down on her.

Aarav chuckled lightly, attempting to dispel the tension that hung in the air like a heavy fog. "Kamal hai! Hum yahan enjoy karne aaye hain aur tum dono shaadi ki tension leke baithe ho," he teased, his tone playful yet warm, hoping to coax a smile from them.

At his words, Khushi and Manvi exchanged quick glances, the corners of their mouths lifting in shared amusement. The lightness in the moment was a balm for their earlier worries. "Toh order karte hain! Dadda, order karo," Khushi prompted, her voice brightening, eager to shift the focus from anxiety to enjoyment.

"Khushi, tum karo," Aarav insisted, gesturing toward the menu with a mock-seriousness, as if bestowing a great honour upon her.

In perfect unison, Khushi and Manvi replied, "Your choice matters!" Their laughter intertwined, filling the cosy space around them and mingling with the ambient sounds of clinking cutlery and murmured conversations.

As they settled back into their seats, the restaurant's warm lighting highlighted their smiles, casting a golden glow around their table. The aroma of spices wafted through the air, teasing their senses and promising deliciousness. In that moment, the weight of their earlier worries began to lift, replaced by the simple joy of shared companionship. They felt the joy of being together, a fragile but powerful reminder of the bonds that held them close, making the challenges ahead feel a little less daunting.

Meanwhile, Maya sat at a table a short distance away, shrouded in darkness like a storm cloud looming over the celebration. Her face was concealed by dark sunglasses and a patterned scarf that wrapped tightly around her neck, adding an air of mystery to her presence. The vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant buzzed with laughter and joy, but for Maya, it felt suffocating and oppressive.

Her eyes, hidden behind the lenses, narrowed as she watched Aarav and Manvi share lighthearted moments, their laughter ringing like a cruel melody in her ears. Khushi's radiant smile only deepened the pang of jealousy in her chest. Once, she had wielded control over Aarav's life like a puppeteer, manipulating every string to suit her desires. Now, seeing him so at ease with another woman ignited a fierce anger within her.

Maya's fingers drummed restlessly on the table, each tap echoing her frustration. The memories of their past of power and dominance swirled in her mind, starkly contrasted by the image of Aarav's newfound happiness. It felt like a betrayal, as if he had traded in the life they once shared for something she could never have imagined.

With each shared glance between Aarav and Khushi, Maya's heart hardened further. Her clenched jaw and furrowed brow revealed the turmoil brewing inside her, a tempest of resentment ready to explode. As the laughter around her continued, Maya plotted, her thoughts darkening like the scarf that cloaked her face, determined to reclaim the life she felt had been stolen from her.

A sinister smile curled on Maya's lips, a dangerous glint sparking in her eyes. "Aarav, ab waqt aa gaya hai ki tumhe Maya ki wapasi ka pata chale!" she murmured to herself, the words laced with malice. The thrill of revenge coursed through her veins, igniting a fire long dormant. "Mujhe jail bheja tha na tumne? Dekho, kaise tumse tumhari beti chinnti hun main!"

With a determined stride, she stood up from her table, the other patrons blissfully unaware of the storm brewing nearby. Maya moved toward the counter, her heels clicking rhythmically against the polished floor, each step echoing her resolve. She paid the bill, her hand steady and deliberate, then reached for a napkin. As she scribbled a message on its surface, her heart raced with anticipation, knowing the chaos that would soon follow.

Once her task was complete, she deliberately left the napkin behind, a hidden weapon waiting to be discovered. A final glance over her shoulder confirmed that Aarav and his family were still engrossed in their own world, oblivious to the tempest approaching. Satisfied, she walked out of the restaurant, her eyes fixed on Aarav, the shadows of her past intertwining with her plans for the future.

As Aarav approached the counter, thoughts of a long drive ahead filled his mind a serene escape with Manvi and Khushi, a chance to forget the chaos that had seeped into their lives. The waiter handed him the bill, and he reached for his debit card, his expression light and cheerful. But then, something caught his eye: a napkin, carelessly left on the counter, its presence both inexplicable and compelling.

His heart sank as he read the words scrawled in a hasty, almost frenzied hand: "Aarav sirf Maya ka hai," written in what looked like blood. The air around him thickened, a suffocating weight pressing down on his chest. A chill raced down his spine as the message pierced through his momentary happiness like a dagger, yanking him back into the dark recesses of his past. Memories of Maya's torment surged forward her relentless control, the harsh punishments that had left both physical and emotional scars on him.

Panic clawed at his insides, twisting his stomach into tight knots. It felt as if he were drowning, the familiar sensation of dread enveloping him like a shroud. His vision blurred as a tidal wave of memories threatened to pull him under, dragging him into a sea of despair he thought he had escaped.

Meanwhile, Manvi glanced over, her brow furrowing with concern as she sensed the shift in the atmosphere. "Khushi, bahut time ho gaya, aaye nahi Aaravji," she said, her voice trying to cut through the sudden heaviness that clung to the air.

"Haaan, Mumma, hum waha jaate hain unke paas," Khushi chirped, her youthful exuberance contrasting sharply with the tension enveloping her father.

But Aarav was lost in a tumultuous storm of his own thoughts, oblivious to the world around him. The napkin felt like a tether to the past, a stark reminder that no matter how far he had come, the shadows of Maya loomed large, poised to disrupt the fragile peace he had painstakingly built.

Just outside the restaurant, Maya lingered, her heart racing with exhilaration as she watched Aarav's panic unfold. A sly smirk crept across her face, the satisfaction of seeing him unravel, feeding her dark delight. "Aaj bhi Maya ka khauf zinda hai tumhare andar, Aarav!" she whispered to herself, her voice dripping with malice, revelling in the power she still held over him.

The shadows cast by the streetlights danced across her features, highlighting the glint in her eyes—a mix of triumph and vindication. She revelled in the thought that after all these years, she still had the power to instil fear in him, to make him quake with the memories of his past.

"I am just so happy," she murmured, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she turned away. With purposeful strides, she slipped into the night, leaving behind the chaos she had orchestrated. The thrill of her impending revenge surged within her, each step echoing her determination to reclaim the life she once controlled.

Khushi and Manvi rushed to the counter, their hearts racing at the sight of Aarav's distressed state. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere faded into a blur as concern gripped Khushi's heart. Her eyes widened, reflecting a mix of fear and urgency as she reached Aarav. "Aaravji, kya hua aapko?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry, each word laced with an urgency that made it quiver.

Aarav struggled to catch his breath, his usually warm eyes now clouded with panic. Khushi noticed the pallor on his face, the way his hands trembled slightly as they gripped the counter. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them, the joyous celebration of the evening shattered by the sudden intensity of his distress.

Without hesitation, she pulled a chair closer, urgency fueling her movements. "Dadda, baitho yahan," she urged, her voice a gentle command, hoping to anchor him in the moment. She placed her hands firmly on his shoulders, her touch steady and reassuring, as if to remind him he wasn't alone in this turmoil.

Manvi joined them, her brow furrowed in concern as she scanned the scene. "Kya hua?" she asked the waiter, her tone calm yet edged with anxiety, searching for answers in the chaos.

"Ma'am, pata nahi, sir mujhe card de rahe they, achanak hi inki yeh haalat ho gayi," the waiter replied, his own confusion evident, adding to the tension in the air.

Manvi's brow furrowed deeper as she absorbed the waiter's response, the weight of the situation pressing on her chest. She scanned the restaurant, her gaze flitting across the bustling crowd, searching for any hint of a threat but finding nothing out of the ordinary. Anxiety rippled through her as she felt the tension in the air, a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

Then, her eyes caught a glimpse of something on the floor—a crumpled napkin. As she picked it up, her heart sank at the message scrawled across it. The ominous words echoed in her mind, intertwining with the unsettling image of the black roses. Fear gripped her as she glanced back at Aarav, whose ashen face told her all she needed to know.

"Khushi, chalo hum ghar chalte hain," she said immediately, urgency lacing her tone. The playful evening they had envisioned had evaporated, leaving only a sense of foreboding in its wake.

"Haaan!" Khushi agreed, her voice steady despite the panic rising within her. With determination, she and Manvi helped Aarav to his feet, supporting him as they made their way outside. The night air felt heavy as they stepped into the parking lot, the hum of the city a distant echo compared to the tumult of their hearts.

Once in the car, Manvi helped Aarav into the back seat, and Khushi settled beside him, instinctively resting his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him, her touch gentle and soothing, as if trying to shield him from the turmoil that threatened to engulf them.

"Sab theek ho jayega, Dadda," she whispered, her voice a soft balm against the chaos.

Manvi gripped the steering wheel, her determination solidifying as she drove toward the Malhotra Mansion. The headlights sliced through the darkness, but the shadows of uncertainty loomed large in the confines of the vehicle. Each passing moment felt fraught with tension, and as they drove, the bond between them tightened, woven together by love, fear, and the unshakeable need to protect one another.

Will Manvi realise the return of Maya?

Will Khushi inform her parents about the letter from Maya?

Stay tuned ❤️