-• always so greedy •-

Madhav Sehgal, the eldest son of Uttam Sehgal and Asha Sehgal, was born into a wealthy family with a golden spoon in his mouth. He never knew the meaning of perseverance, hence never understood the concept of patience. A man with high ambitions but little to no determination. Marrying Avani Rajawat at a young age was perhaps the only sane decision he made, wouldn't be in vain to say even then he didn't realise the roads she had opened for him and the opportunities she brought along with herself.

His grandfather, Lalit Sehgal had two sons. Bharat Sehgal and Uttam Sehgal. Bharat being the oldest was given the priority and importance of being the older son. He was also smart and capable, hence, unsurprisingly at the age of twenty four, he became the CEO of the Sehgal Hotels. Uttam was given the position of General Manager, a position he didn't deserve, and yet never appreciated. For years, he festered the envy cradled in his heart, allowed it to grow into hatred, and when his son was born, he knew there was no way he would let the Sehgal Hotels end up in the lineage of his eldest brother's bloodline.

Thus began the pursuit of power through the gains of an heir.

Upon marrying Avani Rajawat, Madhav wanted only one thing from their marriage. An heir. A son. Within the period of their two year short marriage, Avani Rajawat was pregnant with their first child. Unfortunately, neither she, nor her child lived long enough to see each other in flesh.

Madhav Sehgal moved on fast. In less than two years, he married Vaidehi Ratnakar, the only daughter of Delhi's prominent diamond merchant. With her came multiple connections, countless opportunities. He made money. Crores of it. Remained with the only desire, he pestered her for a child, only to regret marrying her when she was diagnosed with PCOS and a weak uterus incapable of bearing a healthy child. But unlike Avani Rajawat, Vaidehi was the precious daughter of the Ratnakar family, he couldn't get rid of her that easily. So he waited, learning patience, while his mother, through her wicked planning and plotting made sure Bharat Sehgal's daughter-in-law never bore a child. Things worked in their favours when Ronit Sehgal, Bharat's son brought an illegitimate son into their family, furthermore reducing his chances at inheriting the family business. Disappointed greatly at his first grandson's unfilial actions, Lalit Sehgal chose his second grandson, Madhav as the new CEO of the Sehgal Hotels.

Six years ago, by the miracles of science in the medical field, Vaidehi finally delivered a healthy baby boy. They named him Vishal, as they considered him to be of the grand prominence.

Things were finally falling in place for Madhav Sehgal.

But too bad, it isn't going to last long.

Sara's reflection on the glass of their perfect family picture smiles callously.

"Sara,"

She looks over her shoulder, beaming at Vaidehi who brings over a glass of water for her. "Thank you," she accepts the glass and takes a sip, looking back at the huge family portrait hanging on the wall above the fireplace. "Your family looks perfect." She compliments.

Vaidehi clutches the tray to her chest, mirthless eyes gazing at the frame with a shallow smile. "Does it?"

Sara nods.

"Pictures often lie," Vaidehi mumbles.

Sara dims her smile and looks at the woman worriedly. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I-" her gaze stops at the two boys playing outside the house in the backyard. "The last time you said he looks a lot like Madhav."

Sara chuckles. "I also said I may have mistaken."

"Were you really?" Vaidehi looks up at the young woman.

"What's wrong, Vaidehi?"

Vaidehi sighs and shakes her head. "Nothing."

"If there's something you want to share with me, I'm willing to listen."

"How did your sister die?"

Sara freezes. The question leaves her incapable of a forming a verbal reply. Her vulnerability shows. She quickly looks away, taking deep breaths to compose herself. She cannot shut down at the mention of her sister. If she wants to be someone Vaidehi can trust with her secrets, she needs to become the person who'll trust her own secrets with Vaidehi. Lies need to be told with honesty for them to be perceived as truth.

"It was in the news. I'm sure you know."

"And I don't believe it."

Sara exhales a deep breath. "It was a daughter."

Vaidehi frowns. "What do you-"

"The child in her womb. It was a daughter." Sara looks at Vaidehi. "Mr. Sehgal wanted a son. She was afraid hearing the truth he'll divorce her and marry someone else, or worse, not treat their daughter the way she deserves. She was afraid of him finding someone else, a mistress, and bringing an illegitimate son in their home, forcing her to care for it as her own, then snatch the rights of her daughter and give it to that bastard son. She was afraid of so many things that she couldn't live with that fear."

Vaidehi gasps. "But- But Bade Papa would have never accepted an illegitimate son. He's no more now, but I'm sure if she had gone to him for help-"

"Are you not aware of your own in-laws' nature?"

That shuts her up. "They're cruel. If I wasn't the only daughter of Ratnakar family, they'd have discarded me way back."

Sara smiles sadly.

"I'm so sorry for your sister," Vaidehi takes her hand in her own, squeezing it gently.

Sara shakes her head softly, patting the back of her palm in reassurance. "It's okay. Her own fears led to her demise. It's no one's fault."

"To be honest, Sara," Vaidehi swallows, sparing a quick, cautious glance outside the house, at the backyard where her son is playing with the maid's grandson. "Ever since Madhav brought Advait-"

The sound of horns cut her off. Sara closes her eyes in annoyance. She was about to say it. She was about to help Sara take her plan forward.

"Madhav should be at the office at this time," Vaidehi pulls away, glancing towards the wall clock to read the time. It was twelve in the afternoon. "C'mon, let's see who it is." Sara follows. "Madhav invites guests so frequently as if I run a catering business here!"

Sara laughs, stepping out of the room and looking up, stopping abruptly at the sight of the man that walks in from the opposite end. She prepares to leave when Madhav makes it clear he wants her out of the house. But to her surprise, Vaidehi refuses to let her go, stating she's staying for lunch as well. Sara knows that wouldn't be possible unless Yuvraaj himself says he's okay with it. And there's only one way to convince him. Reverse psychology.

It works. She would've been surprised if it didn't work. They were only married for less than a year but that was enough to know the man inside out.

Reluctantly, Madhav moves his guests towards the dining hall. Yuvraaj follows the man, his eyes flitting over his shoulders to glance at Karan who stops behind to talk to Sara. He forces himself to look forward and focus on what Madhav is speaking.

As soon as he sits down at the table, the bane of his existence walks in alongside Mrs. Sehgal, occupying the chair right across from him. Their eyes meet above the candle stand and she leans in, moving it so it completely blocks their sight of each other.

Yuvraaj clenches his jaw. "Can you put this away?" He gestures towards the table decor. "I don't like my eating space to be crowded."

"Sure, Your Majesty," Madhav quickly commands the household staff to clear the decor items from the dining table.

His dark eyes meet her gilded aureate ones. She grows uncomfortable and looks down at her plate. Yuvraaj leans back relaxed in his chair.

As the men talk business, the ladies remain quiet, whispering among themselves while the food is served. Sara picks up her spoon and twirls it in the yoghurt, eating a spoonful of it first.

Yuvraaj takes note of her unchanged habit. She still eats yoghurt first.

"You still eat yoghurt first." Karan comments with an amused chuckle.

Sara looks up and sends him a shy smile.

Yuvraaj clenches his fork.

"I'm buying a plot in Thailand."

He focuses on the man. "Phuket?"

Madhav nods. "I'd like you to visit the place with me. I'm extremely satisfied with the results your company delivered for the Ooty Resort. I was hoping for the next project we join hands again."

"Sure, Zoya will let you know when I'm free to travel this month. If you're willing to adjust your schedule -"

"Of course, I've no issue. Take your time." Madhav smiles.

Yuvraaj nods in response. "And Sara, how are things at the office?" He looks at the woman sitting in front of him.

The table embraces silence.

Sara lowers her spoon, in surprise that he is talking to her. She hides it skillfully and pats the corner of her mouth with the napkin. "Apart from a failed magazine company using their connections to unethically acquire our clients, everything else is fine."

He scoffs out a chuckle. "Now c'mon, don't be petty. It's business after all. Everything's fair in business."

"I'm not petty. That's someone else's forte." She replies. "I was simply answering your question."

He drops the conversation.

Karan picks it up. "And what's happening in your personal life? Single?"

Yuvraaj throws the man a look of grimace. He might as well advertise his desperation on a billboard.

Sara clears her throat. "Yeah, still single."

"Women of your character usually end up staying single." Madhav comments.

Yuvraaj chuckles, nodding subtly in agreement.

Sara stiffens, taking a sip from her glass, avoiding to answer back.

"At least she's living her life on her own terms." Vaidehi mutters. "Don't you agree, Ms. Ahmed?"

Zoya looks up. "I'm almost the same age as her. I'd be a hypocrite to not agree." She says playfully, a smirk on her face.

Sara meets her gaze, a mutual understanding in their eyes for each other as women.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, Ms. Ahmed. I meant it as a joke." Madhav says immediately.

Zoya shakes her head, dismissing the apology with a wave of her hand. "If women were to take men's opinion at face value, we'd still be in the kitchen washing dishes."

"I won't lie, I still am." Sara adds. "I just have a dishwasher now and," she glances towards Yuvraaj. "No man to order me around." She smiles lopsided.

The three ladies laugh gracefully.

As the lunch comes to end, Yuvraaj shifts to the main living room with his secretary and the Sehgal men, while Sara and Vaidehi move to the second living room to enjoy a cup of coffee.

During his short trip to the bathroom, Yuvraaj spots Sara heading upstairs to the first floor and out of curiosity, follows her quietly. She enters the last room in the hallway. It turns out to be a kid's room. He finds her near the dressing table.

"What are you doing here?"

Sara stiffens, clutching the ziplock bag in her palm. She swiftly stuffs it in her purse before turning around to face the man.

"Kaise aadmi ho yar tum, (You're sort of weird, man)" she chastises. "Khud picha karte ho creep ki tarah, aur phir khud poochte ho what are you doing here? (First you follow me like a creep and then ask me what I am doing here?)" She rolls her eyes. "Khilona lene aayi thi bacche ke liye, (I came to grab the kid's toy)" grabbing the random toy car from the floor, she walks up to the door, blocked by his domineering figure occupying the entire threshold. "Ab hato! (Now move!)"

He steps aside, grabbing her wrist when she makes a move to leave. "What?"

"You forgot the remote control." He points at the desk.

She turns around and walks back inside, taking the remote control along with herself this time. He watches her descend the staircase hurriedly, then she suddenly looks over her shoulder and their eyes meet again, before she's disappearing around the foyer. He closes the door of the room, heading downstairs as well.

Sara exhales a relieved breath. She was almost caught. Yuvraaj is starting to get on her nerves now. She tolerated his insufferable behaviour in Ooty but that's because she was at fault for barging into their trip uninvited. He has no job meddling in her affairs, and no matter how many times she tells him that, he simply never listens.

Sara returns to office in the late afternoon. She's immediately called to the Chief Editor's cabin. Putting her bag on the desk, she hangs her coat on the hanger before heading to the Chief Editor's office. She knocks once and opens the door a slit. Mrs. Krishnamurthy allows her in with a nod.

"Sit,"

Sara pulls herself a chair and settles down. "Usually, I only oversee the progress and check the final drafts. But this time, Sara, I had to be involved personally, only because you made a mistake of booking a client and not completing formalities on time. It's very embarrassing for us as a global brand that a client cancelled on us at the last moment and signed with someone else, I hope you understand that."

Sara nods in agreement. It's her fault. She trusted Rudra as her cousin, and forgot his loyalty lies most with his brother-in-law. She should have signed a contract with him as soon as they confirmed the deal.

"We've mutually settled this issue with Icon. So there's no point dragging their or the client's name through mud. That'd be solely unprofessional on our end. Make sure your team knows that."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You only have a week left. Figure out something. I want the results on my desk at the end of this month."

"Yes, ma'am."

The older woman sighs. "You can go now."

Sara gets up and leaves. Her team waits for her cluttered around their desks, their faces hopeful. "We've lost our client to Icon," she admits, sounding ashamed. Multiple faces drop, some release long, troubled sighs. "Shweta, fix the meeting room. We'll have a meeting in ten. Pull up your socks, we don't have time to waste." She stalks back to her office, the door swings shut after she enters.

Her phone on the desk starts to vibrate. Sara goes to turn it off. She needs to focus on her work right now, but Vaidehi's name on the screen makes her hesitant. She answers the call and presses the screen to her ear.

"Yes, Vaidehi?"

"I need you to answer a question honestly,"

Sara rubs her temples. If she heard another bullshit regarding the woman's book, she's going to jump into a God damn volcano. "What is it?" Patience in her voice, unlike the snappy fingers that drum over the edge of her desk.

"Advait," Vaidehi murmurs. Sara stands straight. "What about the kid is similar to Madhav?"

Sara holds her breath. "Vaidehi, it's nothing -"

"Please, Sara. You don't know but I've had my doubts since forever." Sara nods, she already knew. "Before I was pregnant with Vishal, Madhav used to spend multiple nights out. Then he suddenly stopped when I told him the news of our pregnancy. And when I was six months into pregnancy, that maid brought her grandchild home. I was surprised when Madhav accepted her request of letting the child stay with her in the house. He's also strangely very nice towards the boy. He studies in the same school as my Vishal! Can you believe that!? After Jeth Ji tried to fool his wife the same way, I just can't trust these brothers anymore! Especially when I've a child of my own now!"

"What are you trying to say?"

"I've had doubts. And I was afraid to confirm them. I was trying not to think about them, but the day you assumed Advait to be Vishal, they started to bother me again."

"What do you want? It's most possibly not true."

"His elder brother did it, who's to say he wouldn't?"

"Is there a way you can clear your doubt? Maybe ask him directly." Sara suggests.

"Oh God no, as if you don't know what kind of man he is."

"Then," Sara trails, pretending to think, pretending to be unsure, "DNA test?"

Vaidehi swallows the uneasiness brimming in her chest. "Yes. I just want to get over with it. I want to make sure my child's future is secure. I want no competition for him. Sehgal Hotels belongs to him, and when he grows up, then to his kids. Nobody else. Certainly not a bastard child."

Sara smiles.

A mother's heart.

Always so greedy.

But that's how easily she gets the opportunity to replace her ziplock bag with the one Vaidehi brings at the clinic the next day.

Because a mother's heart.

Always so paranoid.