The golden hues of the setting sun painted the walls of the room as Samaira sat on the edge of the bed, her recovery evident in the flush of her cheeks and the spark of determination in her eyes. It had been a few days since she was discharged from the hospital, and Advait had remained an ever-watchful presence by her side, ensuring her every need was met.

Advait's care had been meticulous, bordering on obsessive. He had taken to sleeping on the couch in her room, a silent sentinel who stirred at the slightest sound. His presence was comforting, though Samaira would never admit it aloud.

That evening, as the soft melody of wind chimes echoed from the balcony, Advait walked in with a glass of freshly squeezed juice. He handed it to her without a word, his usual composed demeanor firmly in place. Samaira accepted it, her eyes drifting to the horizon, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Advait noticed her pensive mood, his brow furrowing slightly. "What is it?" he asked, his voice low but probing.

Samaira turned to him suddenly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Gotcha," she said, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

Advait blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean, gotcha?" he asked, a mix of suspicion and amusement creeping into his tone.

Setting the glass down on the bedside table, Samaira leaned forward slightly. "I’ve devised a plan," she said confidently, her voice tinged with excitement.

Advait crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "A plan for what exactly?"

"To catch your enemy," she said simply, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

He raised an eyebrow, his intrigue piqued. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"

Samaira straightened, her expression turning serious. "We can’t keep sitting here making assumptions, Advait. That’s not going to get us anywhere. If we want answers, we need to step out of our comfort zone. We need to step into their territory."

Advait’s eyes narrowed. "Their territory?" he repeated cautiously.

"Your family," she clarified, her tone unwavering. "We go to your family house. I’ll assess everyone there. Watch them closely. It won’t take long for me to figure out who’s involved. Once I do, we can take them down."

Advait’s lips pressed into a thin line, his mind racing. The idea was bold, ingenious even. But it was also fraught with danger. "You’re suggesting we walk right into the lion’s den?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Samaira tilted her head and gave him a pointed look. "It’s your house, Advait. Don’t call it that," she said with mild reproach.

His gaze darkened slightly, and he exhaled heavily. "The people there are not only what they appear to be on the surface, Samaira. Each one holds a different face, a different motive. It won’t be easy to figure out who’s really pulling the strings." He paused, his tone growing even more serious. "And if I’m there, it’ll be harder. Whoever is behind this will grow more cautious."

"Because they fear you," Samaira said, her tone matter-of-fact. "But not me. For them, I’m harmless. I can use that to our advantage. And don’t forget—you’re one of them, Advait." She smirked lightly, then added, "Plus, Ma is also there. It’s been a while since I’ve talked to her. She’d be happy to see her son and daughter-in-law together."

Advait’s jaw tightened at the mention of his mother. He hesitated, his voice lowering. "It’s been years since I stepped into that house after my father’s death. It would seem... strange."

Samaira cut him off before he could continue. "You could just tell them that I’m the daughter-in-law of the Shekhawats. No matter how much you hate it, it’s necessary to introduce me to your family. It’s their right, isn’t it?" She shrugged casually. "You can deliver it in your cold, calculated demeanor. They’ll take it without question."

For a moment, Advait stared at her, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering in his eyes. She had thought of everything. Despite her playful tone, he could see the determination beneath her words. Finally, he shook his head with a faint smile. "You’re impossible," he murmured.

"I prefer the term determined," she quipped, her smile widening.

Advait’s gaze remained fixed on her as she outlined her plan with precision and unwavering confidence. Despite her casual tone, there was an intensity in her words that he couldn’t ignore. The idea of stepping into his family home—a place he had avoided for years—made his stomach tighten. 

Samaira leaned back against the headboard, her arms crossing. "So, it’s settled then," she declared, her tone final. "We’ll leave for Jaipur tomorrow." 

Advait straightened, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You’ve decided that already?" he asked, a faint trace of amusement in his voice. 

"Of course," she said breezily, as though the decision had been made long ago. "You can’t come up with a better plan, and we don’t have time to waste. And don't like to be stuck with you anymore.So, Jaipur it is." 

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You’re unbelievable, Samaira." 

"Thank you," she replied with a smirk. 

Advait’s amusement faded slightly as his mind turned to the realities of her plan. He exhaled deeply, his tone serious. "You’re walking into a dangerous game. Are you sure you’re ready for this?" 

Samaira tilted her head, her expression softening just a bit. "I’ve been ready since the day I married you, Advait. Now it’s time to end this once and for all." 

He leaned forward slightly, adjusting her pillow with a careful hand. "You’re strong enough to help me, I know that," he said, his voice quieter now. "But for now, all you need to focus on is recovering quickly." 

Samaira smiled faintly, but her eyes sparkled with determination. "Don’t worry about me. Just make sure you’re ready for what’s coming. Because I won’t hold back once we’re there." 

Advait chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You’re going to be the death of me, Samaira." 

Her playful grin returned, lighting up the room. "Well, someone has to keep you on your toes." 

Their banter eased some of the tension hanging in the air, but the weight of tomorrow’s journey lingered unspoken between them. The game was about to change, and both of them knew there would be no turning back.