Archit's proposal, presented at the Khurana mansion, seemed enticing:

"A joint venture between Khurana Industries and Archit Enterprises," he explained. "Our companies will merge resources, expanding market share and profits."

Reyansh raised an eyebrow.

"What's the catch?"

Archit smiled.

"No catch, just mutual benefit. My expertise in real estate, combined with Khurana Industries' financial muscle, will revolutionize the sector."

"Archit, this sounds too good to be true," Pranati said, her voice laced with skepticism.

Archit chuckled.

"Trust me, Pranati. This is a win-win situation. Our families will benefit greatly."

Reyansh's eyes locked onto Archit's.

"We'll need to review the details," Reyansh said.

Archit smiled.

"Of course. I'll send over the documents. But let's just say... this partnership will secure Jugnu's future."

Pranati's heart skipped a beat.

"Jugnu's future?" she repeated.

Archit's gaze flickered to Jugnu, playing innocently nearby.

"Yes. This deal will ensure her well-being, no matter what."

Reyansh's jaw clenched.

"We'll consider it," he said.

As Archit departed, Pranati turned to Reyansh.

"What's he hiding?" she whispered.

Reyansh's expression darkened.

"We'll find out."

Jugnu's laughter echoed through the room, oblivious to the tension.

"Maaaa, look!" she exclaimed.
Pranati forced a smile.

"Beautiful, beta!"

Reyansh's eyes met Pranati's.

"We need to keep her safe," he whispered.

Pranati nodded.

"I won't let Archit harm her," Reyansh vowed.

"We'll protect our Little angel!" They intertwined their hands and nodded looking at each other.

Together, they watched Jugnu, their love and determination shielding her from the darkness lurking outside.

••••••

Pranati's world shattered as she rushed to Jugnu's school, her mind racing with terrifying thoughts. The principal's words echoed in her mind: "Jugnu Khurana missing."

She burst through the school gates, her eyes scanning the premises frantically. "Where's my child?" she demanded, her voice shrill.

The principal guided her to the office, explaining the events. "Recess time, Jugnu was playing outside...then she vanished."

Pranati's knees buckled. Reyansh caught her, holding her close.

"We'll find her," he whispered.

Just then, Pranati's phone rang.

"Pranati Khurana," she answered, her voice trembling.

"Pranati, dear," Archit's voice dripped with malice, "I have Jugnu."

Pranati's blood ran cold.

"You monster!" she spat.

"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight," Archit continued, unfazed. "Come alone."

The line went dead.

Pranati's eyes locked onto Reyansh's.

"Archit has her," she whispered.

Reyansh's jaw clenched.

"We'll get her back."

He pulled Pranati into a tight hug.

"We'll bring Jugnu home," he whispered.

Pranati's tears soaked his shirt.

"I can't lose her," she sobbed.

Reyansh held her, his warmth comforting.

"We won't," he vowed.

Together, they stood, united against Archit's evil.

As night fell, Pranati's anxiety grew.

"Reyansh, what if..."

"He won't harm her," Reyansh reassured. "She's leverage."

But Pranati knew Archit's true nature.

"He's capable of anything."

Reyansh's grip tightened.

"We'll protect her."

Pranati's eyes met his.

"Together."

Pranati's heart raced as she arrived at the abandoned warehouse, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows.

"Where's Jugnu?" she demanded.

Archit emerged from the darkness, his eyes gleaming with obsession.

"Ah, Pranati. You're as beautiful as ever."

"Archit, stop this. Where's my daughter?" Pranati's voice trembled.

Archit's smile twisted.

"You never loved me, Pranati. You chose Reyansh over me, in college, and again at our wedding."

"Archit i won't be able to love you or accept you the way I loved him and accepted him!"

Pranati's memories flooded back.

"Archit, that was years ago. Leave Jugnu out of this."

"Your mother arranged our marriage, but you humiliated me at the mandap," Archit's voice dripped venom.

"You left me for Reyansh, and that stupid child, Jugnu."

Pranati's fear grew.

"Archit, please. Return Jugnu."

Archit's laughter echoed.

"You'll do anything for Jugnu, won't you, Pranati?"

"Yes, anything."

"Then promise to leave Reyansh, be mine."

Pranati's resolve strengthened.

"Never, Archit. I'll never love you."

Archit's face contorted.

"Fine. Then Jugnu will suffer."

A faint cry echoed through the warehouse.

"Jugnu!" Pranati screamed she looked at archit as he slapped her daughter so hard, her heart ached.

"Archit don't." She warned

Archit's eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at Pranati.

"You were always meant to be mine," he whispered. "From our college days, I knew you were the one."

Pranati's fear grew.

"Archit, stop this. You're sick."

Archit's smile twisted.

"Sick? No, I'm passionate. Passionate about you, Pranati."

He began to pace, his words spilling out.

"I remember every moment we shared. Every laugh, every glance. You were my world."

Pranati's memories flooded back.

"Archit, we were friends, nothing more."

Archit's face contorted.

"Friends? No, Pranati. I loved you. And you loved me, too. You just didn't realize it."

He stopped pacing, his eyes locking onto hers.

"When your mother arranged our marriage, I thought fate had finally brought us together."

Pranati's voice trembled.

"Archit, I told you then, I didn't love you."

Archit's laughter echoed.

"You lied. You loved Reyansh, that's all. But I'll make you forget him."

Pranati's determination strengthened.

"Never, Archit. I'll never love you."

Archit's face darkened.

"Then Jugnu will pay the price."
Archit's smile returned.

"Ah, yes. Jugnu. My insurance policy."

Pranati's eyes locked onto Archit's, defiance burning within.

"I'll never give in," she spat.

Archit's smile widened.

"We'll see about that."

He snapped his fingers, and two men emerged from the shadows.

"Take Pranati to the room," Archit ordered.

Pranati struggled as they dragged her away.

"Jugnu!" she screamed.

Archit's laughter echoed.

"Soon, Pranati. Soon."

The men threw Pranati into a dimly lit room.

She frantically searched for Jugnu.

"Jugnu!"

A small voice whispered.

"Maaaa.."

Pranati's heart soared.

"Jugnu!"

She rushed toward the sound, embracing her daughter tightly.

"I'm here, baby."

But their reunion was short-lived.

Archit's voice boomed through the intercom.

"Pranati, you have one hour."