कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।"

The city awakened slowly, its rhythm marked by the hum of traffic and the chatter of pedestrians rushing to catch their morning trains or buses. Streetlights flickered off as the sun rose, casting a golden glow over towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from cafes, enticing passersby to start their day with a warm cup. Newspaper vendors called out the headlines, while street food stalls sizzled with breakfast delights.

As the morning progressed, the city's energy intensified, with office workers hurrying to their destinations and markets coming alive with vibrant colors and sounds. The sounds of car horns, construction, and lively chatter blended into a symphony that defined the city's morning pulse.

"Jugnu!!!! Prati!!!!! Wake up" a girl in her early 20s shouted while hurriedly moving here and there to do the morning household chores

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of sizzling spices and the soft clinking of utensils as she, dressed in a delicate baby pink salwar suit, moved with purpose. Her long, dark hair was neatly braided, swaying gently with each step. The anklet on her foot chimed softly with every movement, adding a musical touch to the morning routine.

As she expertly stirred the simmering curry, her eyes darted towards the clock on the wall. 7 o'clock. She let out a gentle sigh, her brow furrowing slightly with concern. "Jugnu, Prati! Get up, it's already 7! " she called out, her voice laced with a mix of urgency and affection.

The warmth of the kitchen and the sound of her anklet seemed to contrast with the rush of the morning, but her movements remained swift and efficient. She was used to managing the household and getting everyone ready for the day. As she continued to cook, her eyes occasionally flicked towards the clock, ensuring everything was perfectly timed for her family's busy morning.

As breakfast was settled on the table, a girl around the same age, dressed in a crisp white kurti and jeans, walked into the room accompanied by a little girl, approximately four years old, who was dressed in her school uniform. The little girl looked adorable, her tiny backpack strapped to her shoulders, her hair tied up in neat pigtails, and a big smile on her face.

"Mummaaa" chimed the small girl as she ran towards her mother making the girl chuckle before scooping her up her her arms as she snuggled into her embrace

"Goooddddd morningggg keshu" The girl Pratiksha exclaimed making Keshavi roll her eyes making Pratiksha grin before they settled down for the breakfast

The little girl was eating her paratha not even looking at the glass of milk infront of her making her mother raise her eyebrow "Saanjh Sharma I want you to complete this or else.." before she could continue The little girl pouted before picking up the glass drinking it making disgusting faces

"Prati you take jugnu to school I've to go to cafe early as some important guests are coming for meeting also if you're free then pick her up also and yes not forget to visit the temple there take blessings from God" Keshavi exclaimed making Pratiksha smile

"I'll don't worry firefly complete your breakfast then we'll go to temple and have prasad wala laddoo there" she said making the little girl grin while eating the breakfast making Keshavi chuckled at them

"Mumma maachi aaz na meleko palk leke chalna na pleaze" the little girl chimed looking at two with puppy eyes

Keshavi smiled "ohk fine no need to do this much drama" she said caressing her head

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The man sat hunched over his laptop, his chiseled features illuminated by the soft glow of the screen. His dark hair was tousled, and a faint stubble lined his strong jawline. As the CEO of a successful company, he was known for his sharp mind and driven personality. His eyes, a deep shade of brown, sparkled with intensity as he typed away, his fingers flying across the keyboard with a speed and precision that belied his calm demeanor.

Just then, his mother entered the room, her eyes scanning the space with a mix of concern and exasperation. She sighed softly as she took in the sight of her son, buried in work once again. "This boy is again overworking himself," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "What's the point of being CEO of a company when all the work is done by him only?"

She walked over to him, her footsteps light on the floor. "Beta, you've been working non-stop for hours. Don't you ever take a break?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. The man looked up, his eyes squinting slightly as he took in his mother's concerned expression. He smiled wryly, rubbing the fatigue from his eyes. "Just a bit more work, Ma. I promise I'll take a break soon." His mother's gaze lingered on him, her eyes filled with a deep affection and concern for her son's well-being.

"Noo leave that and come downstairs to have breakfast" she said in a warning tone making the boy sigh

"Maa you know very well we're taking over Rathore corporation this week so there're many pending work" he exclaimed but his words were royally ignored by his mother who turned towards the door not before muttering " I'm giving you 10 minutes" she said and left leaving him stunned nonetheless he chuckled before turning off the screen and moving towards the washroom to freshen up before going downstairs
He couldn't ignore his mother command

As he descended the stairs, the soft glow of the morning light danced across his features, accentuating his chiseled face and sharp jawline. The black coat, crisp white shirt, and tailored pants created a striking contrast that exuded confidence and authority. The watch on his wrist gleamed subtly, a testament to his impeccable taste.

With each step, his presence seemed to fill the space, commanding attention without effort. His eyes, bright and alert, sparkled with a sense of purpose, as if the day ahead was already mapped out in his mind.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he paused for a moment, adjusting his cufflinks with a practiced ease.

As his eyes landed on the table where his family was gathered, a warm smile spread across his face. He took his seat, and his bhabhi, Dr. Bhavika Sehgal, promptly served him breakfast. He acknowledged her with a polite smile, his eyes scanning the table to take in the familiar faces.

To his left sat his father, Devansh Sehgal, a renowned businessman, engrossed in the newspaper, his brow furrowed in concentration. Beside him, his mother, Rukmini Sehgal, was busy feeding his nephew, Abhimanyu, who sat on her lap, giggling and making a mess with his breakfast. The little boy's eyes sparkled with mischief, and his grandmother's face radiated warmth and affection as she tried to coax him to eat.

On the other side of the table, his elder brother, Dr. Adhitya Sehgal, sat silently eating his breakfast, his eyes focused on his food. Beside him, Dr. Bhavika Sehgal glanced lovingly at her son, Abhimanyu, who was enjoying the attention from his grandmother.

Next to them, Advocate Ekansh Sehgal sat with his eyes fixed on his phone, scrolling through messages or emails while mechanically eating his breakfast. The atmosphere was filled with the gentle hum of morning routine, punctuated by the occasional clinking of utensils and Abhimanyu's happy chatter.

As he began to eat, the warmth and comfort of the family breakfast enveloped him, a sense of belonging and love that he cherished deeply. Despite the chaos and demands of their individual careers, the Sehgal family made it a point to share breakfast together, savoring the quiet moments before the day's hustle and bustle took over.

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Pratiksha, dressed in a crisp white kurti and jeans, brought her bike to a gentle halt in front of the temple of Maa Durga. The vibrant colors and intricate carvings of the temple seemed to radiate an aura of spirituality, especially during the auspicious time of Chaitra Navratri.

As she carefully helped her little niece, Saanjh, off the bike, the little girl's eyes sparkled with excitement. Dressed in her adorable school uniform, Saanjh looked like a tiny bundle of energy. Pratiksha smiled warmly as Saanjh jumped into her arms, wrapping her tiny hands around Pratiksha's neck.

Together, they began to ascend the stairs of the temple, the sound of chanting and the fragrance of incense sticks filling the air. Pratiksha's eyes shone with devotion as she carried Saanjh, who was gazing curiously at the temple's grandeur. The atmosphere was filled with an air of reverence and joy, as devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Maa Durga during the sacred Navratri days.

"Maachi meleko woh led wala plasad chahiye" Saanjh chimed excitedly to which Pratiksha smiled and kissed her puffy cheeks "awwwieee shoo cute Mann karta h inn pyaare cheeks ko khaa jau" she said kissing her cheeks making her giggle cutely

As they entered the temple, Pratiksha and Saanjh were enveloped in a sense of serenity. They stood before the idol of Maa Durga, her powerful presence radiating strength and protection. Pratiksha's eyes closed in reverence as she folded her hands in prayer, her voice whispering a heartfelt invocation to the Goddess.

Saanjh, sensing the solemnity of the moment, looked up at Pratiksha and then at the idol, her small hands clasped together in imitation. Pratiksha smiled gently, her eyes opening to gaze at her niece's innocent face.

Together, they bowed their heads before the Goddess, seeking blessings and guidance. The temple's atmosphere was filled with devotion, the scent of flowers and incense wafting through the air as devotees chanted prayers and hymns. In this moment, Pratiksha felt a deep sense of connection to her faith and her family, Saanjh's small form a reminder of the importance of passing on traditions and values to the next generation.

Pandit ji approached them with a warm smile, carrying a beautifully decorated thaali filled with the essentials for the aarti ceremony. Pratiksha and Saanjh respectfully touched his feet, seeking his blessings. Pandit ji's hands bestowed a gentle benediction upon them, his eyes twinkling with kindness.

"May Maa Durga's blessings be upon you both," he said, offering them prasad. Pratiksha and Saanjh received the prasad with reverence, their faces aglow with devotion. The sweet fragrance of the prasad and the sacred flame of the aarti filled the air, infusing the moment with spiritual significance.

Saanjh's eyes sparkled as she looked around the temple, her little legs moving quickly as she jumped and laughed, her joy infectious. Pratiksha gently cautioned her, "Saanjh, don't go too far, beta."

As Saanjh settled down a bit, Pratiksha turned to Pandit ji with a respectful smile. "Pandit ji, Keshavi and I would like to organize a pooja for Saanjh's birthday. We were thinking of having a Satyanarayan Bhagwan Katha performed. Could you please help us with the arrangements?"

Pandit ji's face lit up with a warm smile. "Of course, I'll be happy to help. I'll send you the details over a call. Please join your hands," he said, his voice filled with kindness.

Pratiksha joined her hands together in gratitude, her eyes filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Pandit ji. We would be grateful for your guidance."

Saanjh was exploring her surroundings with wide eyes, her little feet moving quickly as she took in the sights and sounds of the temple. She moved around like a curious bunny, her ponytail bouncing with each step.

But in her enthusiasm, Saanjh didn't notice a lady standing nearby, carrying a pooja thaal. She bumped into the lady, and the thaal began to tilt, threatening to spill its contents. However, the lady's quick reflexes saved the day, and she managed to steady the thaal, preventing it from hitting Saanjh.

The lady was dressed in a simple yet elegant organza saree, her face calm and composed despite the sudden incident. Saanjh, on the other hand, looked down at the floor, realizing what had happened, and then up at the lady with a sad pout, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Sholly auntie" she said looking at her with teary eyes which make the lady heart melt she bend to her height and wiped her tears

"Baacha aap thik ho na or roo kyu rhe dekho kuch nhi hua na" she said caressing her head affectionately making saanjh smile at her cutely

"Aacha aapka naam kya h" the lady asked

Saanjh look at her with her bambi eyes then thought something making the lady confused "kya hua baacha"

"Mumma ne bola tha stranglers se baat nhi karte" she said looking at her innocently making the lady chuckle

"Mumma ne bilkul sahi bola h but mein toh aapki friend hu na aacha chalo pehle mein apna naam batati hu" she said making the little girl nod in return " Myself Juhi Mittal" she continued

"My....shelf uff mela naam Saanjh h" she said clearly annoyed for not able to pronounce the words correctly

"Awww bahut pyaara naam h aapka but aap yaha akele kya karrhe mummy papa kaha h" she said making the little girl look at her confusingly

"Mumma ghal pe h papa pata nhi" she said innocently making Juhi look at her with confusion

"Toh aap yaha kiske saath...." before she could complete they heard a voice

"Jugnu chalo warna school ke liye late ho jayega" shouted Pratiksha Saanjh pointed at her " maachi ke saath bye auntie" she said hurriedly and ran to the girl making the lady smile as she went to do her pooja

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Pratiksha stepped into the office, and the atmosphere hit her like a wave. The usual hum of productivity was replaced by an air of tension and worry. She looked around, taking in the somber faces of her colleagues, and felt a sense of confusion. "What's going on?" she asked one of her fellow employees, noticing the looks of distress on everyone's face.

"Madam, it's about Mrs. Rathore," he replied, his voice low. "She's selling the company to Sehgal Corporation."

Pratiksha's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

The colleague sighed. "You know how her husband ran into financial trouble? He took money from investors and disappeared. Now, with Mrs. Rathore being pregnant and all the financial burdens on her shoulders, she's decided to sell the company and move to London with her parents."

Pratiksha's expression softened as she processed the information. She could understand the weight of responsibilities and personal struggles that Mrs. Rathore must be facing. The news brought a mix of emotions - surprise, concern, and a hint of sadness for the company's future.

Pratiksha's eyes widened with concern as she asked, "What about us? What will happen to all of us?"

Another lady, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up, her voice laced with worry. "The Sehgal's have assured that only deserving employees will be retained. They're going to review everyone's performance and decide who stays and who goes."

The air was thick with uncertainty as Pratiksha and the others exchanged anxious glances. The thought of being evaluated and potentially losing their jobs hung over them like a dark cloud.

"What does 'deserving' even mean?" someone asked, voicing the concern that was on everyone's mind.

The lady who had spoken earlier shook her head. "I don't know, but it's clear that the new management will be making some tough decisions. We just have to wait and see."

Pratiksha's mind was racing with thoughts of her own performance and whether she would be considered "deserving" enough to stay. She felt a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach as she wondered what the future held.

Pratiksha's anxiety spiked as she thought about the possibility of losing her job. The weight of responsibility, particularly towards Keshavi, pressed down on her. She couldn't let all the burden fall on Keshavi's shoulders.

Sensing her distress, the lady beside her offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Pratiksha. We all know you deserve to be here. You've worked hard and consistently delivered great results."

Some colleagues nodded in agreement, their expressions supportive. However, a few others exchanged skeptical glances or offered mocking smiles, their eyes seeming to say, "We'll see about that."

Pratiksha's eyes met theirs, and for a moment, she felt a surge of doubt. But she took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She knew her worth and the value she brought to the company. She hoped that would be enough to secure her place in the uncertain future ahead.

As Pratiksha and her colleagues returned to their workstations, the office buzzed with the usual morning activity. Pratiksha settled into her chair, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she focused on her tasks.

Just then, she overheard a group of girls chatting nearby. "I've heard the CEO of Sehgal Corporation is very handsome and dashing," one of them said, her voice filled with excitement. "I'm sure he'll fall for me. Why wouldn't he? You're so beautiful, any guy would fall for a girl like you."

The others giggled and chimed in, their conversation turning into a fantasy about Isha, one of their colleagues, becoming the lady boss of the company. "Imagine us being close to the top management," one of them said with a sly smile. "Don't forget about us then. We'll also have some favor then, unlike some people who only know how to make people their fans with their sweet words."

As they spoke, their eyes darted towards Pratiksha, their glances laced with mockery. Pratiksha, aware that they were talking about her, chose to ignore the jab. She kept her focus on her work, her expression neutral.

Despite the subtle dig, Pratiksha's professionalism didn't waver. She typed away, her concentration unwavering, as she worked diligently on her tasks. The office gossip might have been distracting, but Pratiksha's dedication to her job remained steadfast.

Pratiksha glanced at her watch, noticing it was almost 12. She needed to pick up Saanjh from school. She approached her supervisor, who nodded understandingly. "You can go, but please be back soon," she said.

Pratiksha nodded, grateful for the permission. She quickly gathered her belongings and hurried towards her bike. As she rode to Little Angel Elementary School, she felt a sense of excitement and love, looking forward to seeing Saanjh's bright smile.

Upon arriving at the school, Pratiksha parked her bike and walked to the designated pickup area. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air as children waited for their parents. As soon as Saanjh spotted Pratiksha, her face lit up with joy. She broke into a run, her little legs moving swiftly as she threw her arms around Pratiksha's legs, hugging her tightly.

Pratiksha's heart melted at the affectionate gesture. She smiled, bending down to hug Saanjh back. "How was your day, my Jugnu?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth and love. Saanjh looked up at her with sparkling eyes, eager to share stories of her day.

"You know maachi aaz teachel ne mujhe vely good bola" she said grinning

"Aacha kyu" she asked

"Maine saale answels aache se deh diye" Saanjh replied with a proud tone making Pratiksha chuckled before pulling her cheeks softly
"Chalo ab mumma wait karrhi hogi aapka" she helped Saanjh settled on the bike and they rode towards the cafe it was small and cozy cafe owned by Keshavi alongside a library
The name was Moonlight Cafe
It was popular among youngsters who came there to calm themselves have peaceful day

Pratiksha dropped Jugnu infront of cafe asking her go now she saw Jugnu going inside then hurriedly make her way towards the company

Saanjh stepped into the cafe, her little eyes scanning the room for her mother. As soon as she spotted Keshavi, she ran towards her, snuggling into her arms. Keshavi's face lit up with a warm smile as she wrapped her arms around Saanjh, patting her back gently.

"Jugnu have something, then you can sleep," Keshavi said softly, making Saanjh nod enthusiastically. She prepared a sandwich and orange juice for Saanjh, who ate contentedly, her eyelids growing heavy with each passing moment.

As Saanjh finished her snack, her head began to droop, and she snuggled deeper into Keshavi's arms. Keshavi chuckled, feeling her little one's weight becoming more substantial as she drifted off to sleep.

With tender care, Keshavi settled Saanjh on the sofa, securing her with pillows and draping a soft blanket over her. She adjusted the AC temperature to ensure Saanjh's comfort, her movements gentle and precise. As she looked at Saanjh's peaceful face, Keshavi's heart swelled with love and contentment, feeling grateful for these precious moments with her little one.

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Parth Sehgal sat in his spacious cabin, surrounded by sleek, modern furniture and large windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. His eyes were fixed intently on the laptop screen in front of him, his fingers typing away with a practiced ease. A cup of steaming hot coffee sat on his desk, emitting a rich aroma that filled the air.

As he worked, Parth's expression remained serious, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was a man who took his work very seriously, and his dedication was evident in the way he poured himself into every task. Despite his youthful appearance, there was an air of authority and confidence about him that commanded respect.

The soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of papers being shuffled were the only sounds that broke the silence of the cabin. Parth's focus was unwavering, his mind completely absorbed in the task at hand. He was a perfectionist, and his attention to detail was one of the reasons he had built a successful business empire.

As he sipped his coffee, the bitter flavor seemed to fuel his concentration, helping him to stay focused on the complex financial reports and business strategies that lay before him. His eyes scanned the screens, absorbing information and analyzing data with a speed and accuracy that was impressive.

The door opened, and his secretary, Mrs. Sharma, entered with a woman draped in a elegant saree, her swollen belly a testament to her advanced pregnancy. Mrs. Sharma helped the woman, Mrs. Rathore, settle into the chair opposite the desk, ensuring she was comfortable.

"Please, take your time," Mrs. Sharma said, before discreetly exiting the room.

Mrs. Rathore's eyes met Parth's, a mix of determination and vulnerability reflected in them. "I'm here to hand over these documents to you," she said, her voice steady despite the hint of sadness. "Day after tomorrow, I'm leaving for London. Tomorrow, my employees are organizing a farewell for me."

Parth's expression softened as he listened to her story. "I'm guilty that my husband chose to run away with the money instead of facing the situation. He acted like a coward," she said, her voice cracking slightly.

As a cousin, she felt Parth would be the ideal person to take over her company. "I don't think I can control the situation and investors anymore," she admitted, her eyes welling up. "I trust you'll do justice to the company, Parth."

The room fell silent, with only the sound of Mrs. Rathore's composed breathing breaking the stillness. Parth nodded sympathetically, his eyes locked onto hers. "Don't worry, I'll do my best," he assured her, his voice filled with conviction.

Parth's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled softly at Vagisha. "Vagisha dii, I know it's tough for you to manage everything and take all the blame. People can be cruel, but I know you're strong," he said, his voice filled with empathy.

Vagisha's eyes welled up, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. Parth's words touched her heart, and she felt a lump form in her throat. Parth stood up and walked around the desk, opening his arms for a hug.

Vagisha hesitated for a moment before leaning into him. As he wrapped his arms around her, she felt a wave of comfort wash over her. She sobbed softly, the tension and stress of the past few months finally catching up with her.

Parth held her gently, his voice soothing. "Don't cry, dii. Aapko strong aur happy rehna hai, apne babies ke liye," he whispered, his words a gentle reminder that she had to stay strong for her unborn children.

Vagisha nodded, her sobs slowly subsiding as she felt Parth's warmth and support envelop her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, grateful for the understanding and care that Parth was showing her.

With a final glance, Vagisha smiled weakly and said, "Thank you all for your support. I'll be leaving now." Her eyes met Parth's, and she added, "And don't forget to come to the company tomorrow for my farewell. I'll introduce you to the team as the new CEO."

With the help of his secretary, she slowly got up from the chair, her pregnant belly making her movements a bit cumbersome. Parth watched as they walked out of his office, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him.

He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenges ahead. Tomorrow would be a new beginning, not just for him, but for the company as well. He nodded to himself, determination etched on his face as he watched Vagisha disappear from view.

Parth walked towards the window of his cabin, gazing out at the bustling city below. The sounds of honking cars and chattering pedestrians filled the air as he stood there, lost in thought. A faint sigh escaped his lips as he reflected on the unpredictability of life.

"Sabki life mein problems hoti h, kisi ki bhi zindagi aasan nhi hoti," he thought to himself, his mind wandering back to the events of the past year. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips as he recalled the day that was supposed to be his wedding day.

Instead, his life had taken a drastic turn. He had gotten married, but the circumstances were far from conventional. The irony wasn't lost on him - he didn't even know who his bride was. The thought brought a mix of emotions: confusion, frustration, and a hint of resignation.

As he stood there, the city lights twinkling below, Parth's eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken stories. The glass pane reflected his silhouette, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within. He shook his head slightly, pushing the thoughts away, focusing on the present and the challenges that lay ahead.

Parth's gaze turned inward, his eyes locking onto his reflection in the windowpane. His thoughts swirled with a mix of emotions as he thought about the woman who had entered his life without his consent, only to leave just as abruptly, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

"You came into my life without my permission and even left without it, not even letting me know who you were," he thought, a sense of frustration and helplessness simmering beneath the surface. "You played with my emotions and my family's, alongside your sister's. I want to hate you, but I just can't."

His thoughts shifted to a more vulnerable place. "My wish is just to meet you, my bride. I've tried to find you, but you left without leaving any trace." A deep longing seemed to echo within him, a desire to understand the woman who had become his wife in name, yet remained a stranger in every other sense.

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