As Ishita reached for the water glass, her hand slipped, and it crashed to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces. She felt a sudden jolt of unease, a nagging sense of foreboding that settled in the pit of her stomach.

"What's wrong with me?" she wondered, trying to shake off the feeling. She began to pick up the broken glass, but her hands trembled slightly.

Just then, Raman walked into the kitchen, concern etched on his face. "Ishu, what are you doing? Leave that alone, you might hurt yourself. The maid will clean it up."

He gently took her arm, making her stand up, and examined her face. "Raman, where's Nandu?" Ishita asked, her voice laced with a hint of anxiety, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for her daughter.

Raman's expression turned worried. "She went to meet her friend," he replied, noticing the tension in Ishita's face. "What's wrong, Ishu? You look like something's bothering you."

Ishita's voice trembled as she spoke, her words spilling out in a rush. "I...I don't know, Raman. From morning, I've had this feeling...kuch hone wala hai...like something's going to happen. And Nandu...I don't want to lose her, Raman."

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, her body shaking with sobs. "What if...what if she knows the truth?" She shook her head, as if trying to clear the dark thoughts. "No, no, I shouldn't think like that. Raman, my baby will break if she knows that."

Ishita's words were laced with desperation and fear, her eyes pleading with Raman to reassure her that everything would be okay.

Raman's expression turned grim, his eyes clouding over with concern as he listened to Ishita's words. He, too, felt a chill run down his spine, the same fear that had been lurking in the shadows of their minds for so long.

The truth they had hidden from everyone, from their daughter, from the world, threatened to upend their happy family. The secret they had kept buried for so long could potentially shatter the very foundation of their lives, leaving their princess, their daughter, broken and shattered.

He pulled Ishita into a tight hug, holding her close as if he could shield her from the uncertainties that lay ahead "nothing will happen like that Ishu, it's been long time and our Nandu is with US. Now don't cry go wash your face"

Ishita hummed still in his arms feeling solace.

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Swara walked briskly down the dark street, her heels clicking on the pavement. She had lost track of time at the office, and now she was paying the price - no taxis in sight, and a long walk home ahead of her.

Just as she was starting to feel anxious, a car pulled up beside her, the passenger door swinging open. But Swara wasn't having it. She ignored the car and kept walking, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

That was when she saw them - a group of drunken men stumbling around in the middle of the road. Swara's heart sank, and she cursed her fate. She didn't have a choice now. she turned back and got into the car.

As she settled into the passenger seat, she caught a glimpse of the driver - a smirk played on Sanskar's lips, and his eyes gleamed with amusement. Swara's eyes narrowed, cursed him in mind.

Sanskar's smirk widened as he teased her, "So, the Jungli billi got scared?"

Swara's eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment, but before she could respond, the words tumbled out of her mouth, "No, I know you won't let anything happen to me."

The car's interior fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine. Sanskar's expression froze, his eyes locking onto Swara's face. For a moment, he was taken aback by her words, her unwavering trust in him evident in her tone.

A flicker of emotion danced in his eyes, a sense of responsibility and protectiveness washing over him. He felt a pang in his chest, his heart skipping a beat as he processed the depth of her trust.

Swara's eyes widened in shock as she realized what she had just said. She felt like she had been punched in the gut, her words hanging in the air like a challenge. She always hated Sanskar, or at least, she thought she did. But in that moment, something about her words felt true, felt authentic.

She couldn't explain it, but a part of her felt like she could trust Sanskar, like he would actually keep her safe. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly pushed it away, trying to regain her composure. But the damage was done, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just revealed a secret part of herself.

A small, rare smile crept onto Sanskar's face, a thin line tracing the curve of his lips. It was a subtle expression, but it spoke volumes about the happiness that had taken hold of him. He felt a sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that Swara, despite their tumultuous relationship, trusted him.

Their relationship had always been complicated. But now, after hearing her words, Sanskar felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't too far-fetched to think that Swara would one day accept him wholeheartedly.

The thought sent a warmth spreading through his chest, and he felt his heart swell with emotion. He didn't dare to hope too much, but he couldn't help the small spark of optimism that had ignited within him.

💞💞💞

Nandini burst through the front door, her eyes shining with excitement as she spotted her father sitting in the hall, surrounded by books. With a squeal of delight, she launched herself at Raman, jumping onto his lap like a little bunny.

"Pops, I missed you so much!" she chirped, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Raman couldn't help but laugh at her energetic antics, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he hugged her back.

Just then, Nandini's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she gazed up at Raman with an adorable pout. "I have kept your favourite cookies in the kitchen, my princess," Raman said with a knowing smile, aware that Nandini was trying to butter him up for something.

Nandini skipped into the kitchen, exclaiming, "You're the best Pops in the world!" as she made a beeline for the cookies. But before she could grab one, Ishita intervened, her hands on her hips.

"Not now, Nandini. First, have your dinner, then you can have cookies," Ishita said firmly, trying to hide a smile at her daughter's antics.

Ishita turned to Raman, a mock-scolding expression on her face. "How many times have I told you not to bring outside snacks for her during dinner time?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation.

Raman held up his hands in defense, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, sorry! I couldn't resist those big brown eyes of hers!"

Ishita playfully rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath as she served dinner onto the plates. "This father-daughter duo is going to drive me crazy one day."

But before she could finish her sentence, Raman and Nandini chimed in, their voices overlapping as they exclaimed, "We love you too!" They wrapped their arms around Ishita, pulling her into a warm, tight hug.

Ishita's mock-irritation melted away, replaced by a warm smile as she hugged them back. "I love you both too," she whispered, feeling grateful for the loving family she had.

But they don't know soon thier happiness is going to hit by storm named Sanskar Maheshwari.

💞💞💞

Arjun and Sanskar sit in the dimly lit room surrounded by document about Nandini and Shekhawats.

Arjun's voice was steady as he revealed the details of the Shekhawats' past. "Raman Shekhawat and Ishita Shekhawat initially resided in Rajasthan eighteen years ago. Mr. Shekhawat owned a field and worked as an accountant in a small factory."

Arjun paused, his gaze locking onto Sanskar's, who listened intently with an unreadable, cold expression.

"However, after adopting your sister Gamya, they relocated to Delhi, selling their fields in the process," Arjun continued, his eyes never leaving Sanskar's face, measuring his reaction to the new information.

Arjun's voice continued to weave the tale of the Shekhawats' life in Delhi. "In Delhi, they started a small sweet shop, which surprisingly gained popularity. They're not wealthy, but they've worked hard to provide a comfortable life for their daughter."

Sanskar's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying as he listened. His expression was a mask of calmness, but his eyes betrayed a hint of intrigue.

Arjun's words dripped with a hint of admiration. "They love her dearly, and named her Nandini. She's now pursuing fashion designing at one of Delhi's most prestigious colleges."

Sanskar's voice was firm and authoritative, leaving no room for debate or discussion. "We're leaving for Delhi tomorrow. Tell Devid to prepare the private jet."

Arjun nodded, his expression a mask of neutrality, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. He knew better than to question Sanskar's orders, and he quickly rose from his seat to carry out the instruction.

As Arjun exited the room, Sanskar's gaze remained fixed on some point in the distance.

Sanskar's eyes gazed lovingly at the photo of Nandini, his thoughts consumed by a mix of emotions.

"Soon, I'll bring you to your palace," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with conviction. "You belong here, in this life of luxury, not struggling to make ends meet."

His eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as he thought about the Shekhawats, who had raised Nandini as their own. "They may have given you many things," he continued, his voice low and husky, "but I can provide you with the best things. You deserve nothing but the best, and I'll make sure you get it."

Sanskar's jaw clenched, his determination evident in the set of his shoulders. He was ready to do whatever it took to bring his sister into his life, to give her the life she deserved, and to make her a part of his world.

💞💞💞

Swara paced back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts of Sanskar. She couldn't believe she had let her guard down around him, even if it was just for a moment. Her eyes flashed with disgust as she reminded herself of his past actions.

"How could I be so stupid?" she muttered to herself. "He blackmailed me into getting engaged, and now I'm starting to trust him? He's heartless, self centered, and emotionless."

Swara's expression twisted in revulsion as she thought about Sanskar's manipulative nature. She couldn't let herself forget the way he had coerced her into the engagement, using her own secrets against her.

"No, Swara, don't be fooled," she warned herself, her voice firm and resolute. "He's not capable of change. He's still the same ruthless, cunning person he's always been."

"But he doesn't seems to that bad" her heart stated

"Oh shut up, you are melting towards him. Don't forget what he did" her mind warned her.

It had been a year since Swara joined Sanskar Maheshwari's company as his secretary. Her days were filled with tasks such as scheduling his meetings, maintaining his cabin, and preparing his favorite black coffee. She was efficient and diligent in her work, earning Sanskar's appreciation.

However, everything changed one day when Sanskar proposed to her. Swara was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. She politely rejected his proposal, citing the vast differences between them.

Sanskar, the billionaire, was from a world of luxury and privilege, while Swara was just a simple secretary. Moreover, he was two years younger than her, which made their relationship seem even more improbable.

Despite Swara's clear rejection, Sanskar refused to accept her decision. Instead, he revealed a shocking ultimatum that left Swara reeling. He would only agree to fund her mother's critical eye surgery if Swara agreed to become engaged to him.

The weight of his words crushed Swara. She was trapped, with no other options. Her mother's health hung in the balance, and Swara couldn't bear the thought of losing her. With a heavy heart, she reluctantly accepted Sanskar's proposal, feeling like she was sacrificing her own happiness for her mother's well-being.

The engagement was a stark reminder of Sanskar's ruthless tactics, and Swara couldn't help but feel a deep-seated resentment towards him. She was now bound to him the thought itself is enough to make her hate him more.

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Hey readers! 👋

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