Hello, wonderful readers! 🌟 I've just posted a fresh update, and things are getting intense! Dive in, and let me know what you think-I'm so excited to hear your reactions! Happy reading!
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Mita's room, (Mita's POV)

I leaned back, a smirk tugging at my lips as I twirled the phone cord around my finger. "Oh, please. Aashika thinks she's piecing things together, but she's just a clueless little mouse running through my maze," I murmured confidently. "Every trail she follows, every clue she clings to-I'm already three steps ahead, erasing every trace like it was never there."

My voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "And those lawyers? Gone. Already handled. There's not a single shred left for her to find."

A chuckle escaped me as I imagined her frustration, the dead ends she'd hit. "She has no idea who she's dealing with. By the time she even catches on, I'll have every loose end tied up so tightly, she won't know what hit her." I hung up with a satisfied click, leaning back with a smile. Let her chase shadows; she'll never catch me.

Another member in our team, (Author's POV)

Aashika leaned back in her chair, a small, composed smile playing on her lips as she looked at Rishika. "Rishika, I've reviewed the proposal thoroughly, and while it has some merit, I'm not entirely convinced. Why should I agree to this deal when I have other proposals lined up that offer far better returns and require much less... effort?"

Rishika straightened in her seat, her expression shifting to one of determination. "Aashika, I assure you that the partnership we're offering is not just about the numbers. It's a chance to combine our resources and expertise, which can open doors to new markets and increase our reach significantly. We could leverage each other's strengths for a more impactful outcome."

Aashika raised an eyebrow, her tone measured yet pointed. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you know how crucial focus is for me. If I'm going to consider this, I need assurance that I won't have to navigate unnecessary complications. I've worked too hard to let distractions derail my plans."

Rishika leaned forward, trying to gauge Aashika's true intentions. "What do you mean by 'complications'? Are you suggesting that there are factors beyond the deal itself that I should be aware of?"

Aashika gave a slight shrug, her demeanor relaxed but her eyes sharp. "Not necessarily. But I do find that aligning with the right partners can make or break a deal. Sometimes, it's about knowing who you're really working with and what drives their decisions. I'd like to think you're someone who values loyalty and integrity above all. Can you distract Mita and keep her tangled in family chaos for a few days?"

Rishika looked slightly taken aback, not entirely grasping the veiled reference. "Sorry, but I can't betray my family relationships for anything..."

Aashika's smile was smooth, but there was a hint of challenge in her gaze. "Is she really a part of your family?"
The question shook Rishika to the core...

Rishika hesitated, her expression clouded with thought. "I see your point, but you're asking me to consider things that I don't think are relevant to our professional relationship."

Aashika leaned in slightly, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "Sometimes, it's the unspoken things that matter the most. Consider this: if you can keep certain individuals preoccupied with their own challenges, it may just create a smoother path for both of us. Just a thought, of course."

Rishika's brow furrowed as she contemplated Aashika's words, clearly wrestling with her thoughts. "I'll need some time to consider everything. This is a lot to unpack."

Aashika nodded, her smile unwavering. "Take all the time you need, Rishika. I trust you'll come to the right decision. Just remember that opportunities like this don't last forever. Choose wisely."

As Rishika left, Aashika felt a flicker of satisfaction. She knew she had planted the seeds of doubt, and it was only a matter of time before they took root. She was completely sure that Mita hadn't built any kind of relationship with the family, it's just that she has stained the existing ones!

Whirlwind of Thoughts (Rishika's POV)

Rishika stepped into the house, the familiar creak of the wooden floorboards under her feet sending a rush of memories flooding back. Each step resonated with echoes of laughter and love, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that now enveloped the space. She paused for a moment at the entrance, letting her eyes wander over the once-vibrant living room, now subdued and heavy with unspoken tension.

In her mind, she could still hear the sounds of the brothers teasing each other, their playful banter filling the air like music. Memories of them racing through the halls, the joyous chaos of family gatherings, and the warmth of togetherness replayed vividly in her thoughts. But now, those memories felt like fragments of a dream-sweet yet painfully distant. The chirping happiness that once defined this home had dimmed to a mere flicker, overshadowed by the shadow Mita had cast over their lives.

Rohit sat at the far end of the living room, absorbed in his thoughts, a stark contrast to the vibrant brother she had known. He kept his distance from everyone, a fortress built around his heart. Ruhan and Ajay, on the other hand, were huddled together, their expressions a mix of determination and weariness as they discussed plans to rebuild their family's empire. Rivan, the youngest, had matured far beyond his years, shouldering battles that he wished he didn't have to face alone.

With a heavy heart, Rishika took it all in. This wasn't just a family fractured by misunderstandings; it was a family shattered by one person's deceit and manipulation-Mita. The realization struck her hard. Mita's presence loomed large, a dark cloud over their lives, creating rifts that felt insurmountable.

Rishika knew that Aashika's ultimate goal was to expose Mita, to crack open the facade that surrounded her, and she felt the weight of that decision pressing upon her.

"I won't betray my family, " she murmured to herself, the resolve hardening in her chest. "But Mita isn't a part of this family!" She would find a way to support Aashika-not for the deal, but to protect her family from Mita's grip. Rishika took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead, determined to navigate this tangled web of emotions and loyalties with care. The flicker of happiness might be dim, but she was ready to fight for the light that remained.

New Morning, New Chaos, (Author's POV)

The sun spilled golden light into the kitchen as Rishika whipped up breakfast, humming to herself. Today was special-she had invited Dadi and Bua Ji over, and she couldn't wait to see the chaos that would ensue.

Ajay and Ruhan entered the kitchen, still rubbing sleep from their eyes. "What's going on? Why are you in such a good mood?" Ruhan asked, eyeing the array of coffee mugs and breakfast spread.

"Oh, just a little family gathering," Rishika replied, suppressing a smile. "You know how Bua Ji loves to pry into everyone's life. It'll be fun!"

"Fun?" Ajay raised an eyebrow. "More like a total disaster."

"Exactly! That's why it'll be entertaining!" Rishika laughed, pouring coffee into mugs.

Just then, the door swung open, and Siya strolled in, her expression curious. "What's this fuss about?"

Rishika grinned. "I've invited Dadi and Bua Ji over. It's going to be chaos!"

"Are you serious?" Siya chuckled. "Good luck with that."

As they set the table, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Dadi and Bua Ji. Rishika could hardly contain her excitement. "They're here!"

When Bua Ji burst in, her eyes sparkled with mischief. "What's all this? I can smell the gossip brewing already!"

Amid the chaos of greetings and laughter, Rishika's heart raced with anticipation. Mita, oblivious to the brewing storm, had no idea what was coming. With everyone gathered, she would have to deal with the family drama-and that would leave her little time for her own plans.

As Rishika watched Mita's surprised expression, she couldn't help but think, This is going to be priceless.

Fishy... Fishy (Author's POV)

The somber atmosphere of the funeral was heavy with grief, but Aashika, Rose, and Abhishek entered with an urgency that overshadowed the mourning. Aashika's heart raced as she scanned the gathering, her determination outweighing the sorrowful expressions surrounding her. They approached the lawyer's widow, a woman clearly still reeling from the loss.

"Excuse us, ma'am," Aashika said, her voice steady but urgent. "We need to talk to you. It's important."

The woman looked up, confusion and anger mixing in her eyes. "This is not the time or place-"

"I understand," Aashika said, softening her tone. "But we believe there might be something in your husband's belongings that could help us. Please, just let us check."

The widow's face tightened, grief clouding her features. "What could possibly be worth disturbing a funeral?"

Rose stepped closer, her expression empathetic. "We're not here to disrespect. We're investigating a case that involves your husband. We believe he may have had information that could help."

After a tense moment, the widow's resolve faltered. She glanced around, seeing the mourners and the weight of her loss pressing down on her. Aashika could almost see the struggle in her eyes, the desire to protect her husband's memory clashing with the urgency of their request.

"I... I just don't know," the widow whispered, her voice trembling. "It's too much right now."

Abhishek gently interjected, "We understand this is hard. We really do. But if there's a chance this could bring justice to your husband's memory, wouldn't you want to take it?"

The widow's shoulders slumped as the reality of her situation settled in. After a long pause, she sighed deeply, wiping away tears. "Fine. You can check, but please be quick. I don't want to linger here longer than I have to."

Aashika felt a rush of gratitude. "Thank you. We'll be in and out, I promise."

They followed her into a small room at the back of the funeral home, where the lawyer's belongings were stored. Aashika's heart raced as she rummaged through the items until she spotted a leather-bound diary.

"This might be it," she whispered, flipping it open. As she read, her breath caught in her throat. Mita's flowing handwriting filled the pages, detailing her obsession with Rohit, her friend turned love interest.

"After our marriage, I won Rohit forever..." one entry read, "but when I went to talk with him in the lobby, he was so furious as if he won't ever accept me but I know he will!"

Aashika's fingers trembled as she turned the page, but to her frustration, the next few pages were torn. "No, no, no!" she hissed, her frustration boiling over.

"What does it say?" Rose asked, peering over her shoulder.

"It's all jumbled! But it's clear Mita was scheming to win him back!" Aashika's mind raced. She needed more. She needed to understand the full extent of Mita's plans.

After reading the entries, she looked up, her determination refueled. "We have to check the court's CCTV footage. We might find out exactly what she said"

Abhishek nodded, his expression grave but resolute. "Let's go. We can't let Mita get away with this."

With a final glance at the diary, Aashika tucked it under her arm, her resolve firm. This was just the beginning, and she was ready to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

The chaos!! (Author's POV)

Mita stood in the cramped kitchen, surrounded by the clattering of dishes and the aroma of last night's curry. The chaos of the family gathering echoed around her, but it felt like an entirely different world, one where she was completely trapped. Bua Ji hovered nearby, barking orders as she handed Mita another pile of dirty dishes.

"Mita, you call this washing? Get a move on! The whole family's waiting for their food," Bua Ji snapped, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Mita's every move.

Mita gritted her teeth, scrubbing the greasy pots with a ferocity that surprised even herself. "I didn't sign up to be the maid," she muttered under her breath, but it was no use. Bua Ji's relentless demands made her feel like a caged animal.

Rohit sat at the dining table, his gaze locked on his phone, completely indifferent to the storm brewing around him. He was unbothered by the chaos or Mita's simmering frustration, his grumpy demeanor as impenetrable as ever. A part of her wanted to scream at him, to demand that he help her, but another part-a part she hated-longed for his attention, even if it was just a flicker of interest in her direction.

"Rohit!" Mita called out, her voice tinged with desperation. "Could you at least help me with these?"

He glanced up briefly, his expression unchanging, then returned to scrolling. "I'm busy," he replied, his tone flat and dismissive.

Mita felt her heart sink further. All this effort, all this chaos, and for what? Acknowledgment? Recognition? She slammed down the dish she was washing and turned away from the sink, feeling the heat of anger rising in her chest.

It wasn't fair. Not at all. When it was Aashika, he had poured every ounce of love and passion into her. The way he looked at Aashika, the tenderness in his voice, it was like a completely different man. Now, with Mita, it was as if she didn't exist in his world.

"Why am I even doing this?" she said aloud, frustration spilling over. "I've given everything, and for what? I'm just a maid in this house while he acts like he's never even met me!"

The tears that threatened to spill were met with fury as she threw down the dishcloth and turned to face Rohit. "You know what? I deserve more than this! I deserve to be seen, to be loved! But you're so caught up in your own world that you can't even look up!"

Rohit's expression didn't change. He didn't even blink. He said with an expressionless face, "You yourself chose this!" He answered simply absolutely unbothered.

Mita felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. She was screaming into the void, and all she wanted was for him to care, to notice the effort she put into everything. But he was still just the same grumpy, aloof figure, wrapped up in his own feelings, leaving her feeling invisible and utterly defeated.

Bua Ji's voice rang through the kitchen again, reminding her that she had a job to do, but Mita stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed.

"Why can't he just look at me like he did with her?" she whispered to herself, heart aching with the weight of it all. In that moment, she realized that the more she tried to fight this family mess, the more trapped she felt.

Court Scene (Aashika's POV)

As I stepped into the dimly lit courthouse, a sense of foreboding washed over me. The grandeur of the building was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. I could feel the weight of the decisions that had brought me here, the stakes higher than ever. Abhishek walked beside me, and I could sense his tension mirrored my own.

Once we reached the waiting area, the silence felt almost suffocating. I took a moment to glance around, observing the other families gathered here, each with their own stories and struggles.

Abhishek came and sat beside me, "Just a few more moments for the truth to be unfolded!"

I looked up at him. "Thank God!" I exclaimed...

"Why?" He looked up at me being amused by my sudden remark.

"Bhagwan ne tujhe dharti pe bhej diya meri seva ke liye!" 😁 I retorted back. He muttered something under his breath, I couldn't hear but I know what he could've said.
(God sent you on this earth for you to serve me!)

I don't know why I thought the moment was smooth enough to talk about it. So, I looked up at him, "Abhishek," I said softly, trying to keep my tone steady, "you can't keep living like this, chained to a memory. Nayantara... she's moved on. She's married to Ehsaas and has a son. She's found a way forward in her life, and you need to do the same."

His gaze dropped, and his jaw clenched. "It's not that easy, Aashika," he said, his voice taut with an emotion I couldn't quite place. He let out a breath, the pain heavy in every word. "Nayantara confessed that she loves me. She didn't want to marry Ehsaas, but she did it for her family's business. She had no choice." He shook his head, his voice breaking slightly. "Now, there's no going back."

His confession hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me struggling to find words. I knew he cared deeply for her, but hearing this-knowing he was holding onto something that might never be-was like watching him anchor himself to a sinking ship.

"Abhishek," I began, feeling an urgency I hadn't felt before, "if she really told you that, then she's still trapped. If she's locked away in this life, then maybe the only way to free her is to bring down the Ranawat Empire piece by piece."

For a moment, he was silent, and then a dark, almost bitter smile crossed his lips. "The plan's set" he said, his voice steely. "The first arrow... it's aimed at Arjun Ranawat. Ehsaas's elder brother, the fortress of their empire."

The realization of how far he was willing to go hit me badly.
Ruining an empire isn't easy, you have to ruin yourself for that!

I took a step closer, placing a hand on his arm, trying to ground him-to bring him back to the Abhishek I knew. "Abhishek," I said gently, "are you sure this is the way? Destroying their empire... it could consume you, change you in ways you can't undo. Don't lose yourself in this revenge."

He looked at me then, his eyes softening just a fraction, and I saw a glimpse of the man I cared about, hidden beneath the armor he'd built. "No, Aashi, now I want to lose myself, each and every fragment of my own self for the one I've loved!" he said quietly, "Arjun Ranawat will fall first, and when he does, the rest of them will know their time is coming. The Ranawat Empire has taken too much. It's the time someone will end it."

Just then a court official cane, nodding towards us. "You can come in now. The footage is ready."

We exchanged a glance before walking into the room, our footsteps echoing in the quiet space. I sat down, Abhishek sat beside me, his presence was a silent comfort as we waited for the footage to load. My heart raced, filled with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

What would I discover? What truths lay hidden in the shadows of that video?

Finally, the screen flickered to life, illuminating the dim, private corner where Rohit and Mita stood. My breath hitched as I took in Rohit's expression-hollow, lost, and filled with an unbearable weight. His hands were tense at his sides, as if he was fighting an internal battle.

But why? I don't know but seeing him with Mita felt awkward, but seeing him vulnerable was tearing me apart!

"Mita, why?" His voice trembled, and I could feel the ache in his words deep within my chest. "You were my best friend. I trusted you more than anyone. How... how could you trap me like this?"

What trap?

I watched Mita getting an inch closer, her eyes glinting with a manipulative determination. "Rohit, don't act like you don't understand. We were meant to be. Aashika was just in the way... holding you back."

Holding back?

The words stung, igniting a flare of anger inside me, but I quickly silenced it. I had to focus. I needed to know what was happening, to understand Rohit, his pain, his feelings.

"Aashika was my everything," he whispered, the raw pain in his voice twisting my insides. I leaned forward, hanging onto every syllable, every breath. "I loved her. I still love her."

My heart shattered all over again, and tears filled my eyes as I witnessed the truth of his feelings laid bare.
I don't know why I am feeling this crushing pain in my heart... It's just that observing him from the past few days, seeing him vulnerable for something he craved, I've started feeling a sting in my chest, but why?

Mita, undeterred, moved closer, her tone deceptively soft. "You'll forget her, Rohit. I'll make you forget. You only need to give me a chance."

He stepped back, a look of disbelief and anguish washing over his features. "Forget her?" The heartbreak in his voice sliced through the air. "I'll never forget Aashika. She's... she's the love of my life, Mita. No one will ever take her place."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I listened, the weight of his words crashing over me. I always knew he did! I always knew Rooh you loved me! But I was so messed up to understand how our life and fate got tangled with these misunderstandings.

Tears began to flow freely down my cheeks, each one a testament to the love and pain we shared.

Rohit's voice broke as he continued, "I thought I had found my forever in her. I wanted a lifetime... with her laughter, her warmth, her embrace." He paused, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "And now, when I'm about to lose her forever, I'll clear one thing to you that I'll never stop loving her till my last breath!"

Each word he spoke felt like a knife to my heart, exposing all the raw, vulnerable pieces of my soul. I could see how much he was hurting, how deeply Mita's betrayal had cut him. These tears are not the pain I feel, they are different. With each one dripping my cheeks, I don't know but I'm feeling his embrace in them, I don't want it to stop.

As the video ended, silence enveloped me, heavy and oppressive. I was left grappling with a whirlwind of emotions-pain, love, and a flicker of hope. Rohit loved me. He had loved me all along, and despite everything that had happened, that love still burned bright within him.

But in that moment, all I could feel was the crushing weight of uncertainty. Mita had manipulated him? Seriously! It's the worst I can expect. And Rohit, he bore it all alone? Why? I don't know if I needed him but he needed me... And I was so dumb I could never decipher it! But now, I won't step back until and unless this truth is unfolded and the just actions are taken!

Abhishek who was observing it all signalled me to come out. As we came to the corridor, silence prevailed but still it could be heard.

"Aashi, I don't know what the verbal truth is but his eyes said it all, what we needed," He continued, "But I don't want you to see your vulnerable state again."

I was not interested in conversing with anyone so I got straight to the point, "What should I do then?"

"Make him confess it." His words left me in an utter shock!?

"How will I do...." Before I could continue, he said, "He is the only one who wouldn't lie to you."

Yes he was right. Rohit would never lie to me.

Without anymore words we departed, he had to meet his parents today, so he went to his house whereas I decided to go to the Marine Drive. The place was calm enough to engulf all my worries.

Yes, I love him, (Aashika's POV)

The midnight air wrapped around me as I strolled along Marine Drive, the rhythmic crashing of the waves mirroring the chaos within me. This was the spot where my love story with Rohit had begun-a place filled with laughter, hope, and the moment I had poured my heart out in a proposal that felt like magic. But tonight, all I could think about was the pain of betrayal.

As I walked, the echo of Rohit's words haunted me: "I'll never forget Aashika. She's the love of my life." Each syllable felt like a lifeline thrown into my turbulent sea of doubt, reminding me of the depth of his feelings.

The memory of his face-hollow, lost, and filled with anguish-flashed before my eyes. The way he had confronted Mita, his voice trembled as he asked, "How could you trap me like this?" His vulnerability had torn at my heart, exposing the raw pain beneath the surface.

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I recalled the moment he had declared, "I'll never stop loving her till my last breath!" Those words rang true, a powerful affirmation that even amidst the chaos, his love for me was unwavering.

In the solitude of the night, I felt a renewed determination ignite within me. I had spent too long in a whirlwind of doubts and misunderstandings. Yes, I love him fiercely, and I was done hiding from that truth. I wouldn't let fear hold me back any longer.

I gazed at the shimmering water, the moonlight reflecting off its surface like a promise. This chaos shouldn't define us; I would fight to reclaim what he deserved, what I deserved. It was time to confront it!

With every step, I felt stronger, more resolute. The love we shared was worth fighting for! I don't know if we would ever be able to share the same again or will our destinies again meet? But I was sure of one thing, he will be the only one I would ever love!

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(<4.45k words)
What's next?
-Will their destinies ever meet? And if yes, how?
-Will Abhishek ever be able to conquer what belonged to him?
-Will Aashika be able to unfold the whole truth?

The answers are a mystery... Read the upcoming chapters to find out! And don't think the thrills end here, I can assure that it's just the first phase of the story, struggles have just started, there are a lot more enemies and rivalries yet to be encountered!⚡

Follow me for the latest updates and keep on sharing the story! ❤

With regards,
Wings_Of_Passion
💕💕