Rudra rose from his seat, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His presence was undeniable, a force that had guided Kesari Group to its heights, and now, as he prepared to step back, he did so with a weight of authority that none could ignore.
"The meeting is adjourned," Rudra announced, his voice steady and resolute. "But let me be clear—my connection to Kesari Group doesn’t end here. I may be stepping aside, but my watchful eye remains. If there are any urgent matters, know that I will be here, ready to address them. My service to Kesari will never diminish." His words carried an undercurrent of power, a veiled warning to those who might see this transition as an opportunity to undermine the company or his family. There was no mistaking the message: Rudra Raghuvanshi might be passing the reins, but his influence over Kesari Group was far from over. He wanted everyone to understand that as long as he lived, Kesari Group and hiThe murmurs in the room grew as a few of the more observant shareholders noticed Gowthami’s sudden departure. She had rushed out, her hand clamped over her mouth, her face pale and strained. It was clear to anyone paying attention that she was on the verge of being sick. As whispers began to circulate, one of the elder members, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned over to his neighbor and joked, "Looks like Mrs. Sakhi might be expecting, eh?" The comment, meant to be light-hearted, rippled through the room faster than he could have anticipated. Conversations hushed, and heads turned as the words sank in. The idea of the newly married CEO being pregnant spread like wildfire, igniting curiosity and speculation among the attendees. But not everyone was amused. Nirbhay, who had been seething with barely concealed rage since the start of the meeting, felt his anger flare into a roaring fire. His eyes snapped towards the elder man who h
As the car sped down the highway, the atmosphere was tense, laced with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Nand, always one to break the ice with humor, suddenly chuckled. "You know," he began with a teasing glint in his eye, "people back there in the hall were saying all sorts of things when you rushed out, Sakhi. Some even joked that you might be pregnant!" His laughter filled the car, light and easy, as if the very idea was preposterous. "I mean, how could that be possible? You two just got married! It’s been what, 20 days?” Rajeev, sitting beside Gowthami, initially smiled at Nand’s teasing, but the words quickly triggered a memory. His mind flashed back to that rainy night at his house—a night of passion and intimacy, the first time they had been together in that way. The memory was vivid, drenched in the warmth and connection they had shared, and suddenly, Nand’s lighthearted comment didn’t seem so far-fetched. He looked at Gowthami, disbelief and curiosit
In the dimly lit room, tension thickened the air between Nirbhay and Rudra as they sat across from one another. The facade that Nirbhay had maintained all day dropped instantly, his expression twisting with arrogance and barely concealed rage. He leaned forward, eyes narrowed, and asked with a venomous edge, “What is it that you wanted to talk about, Rudra? Are you not satisfied yet? You think you’ve won because you managed to separate Sakhi from me?” Rudra, unperturbed by Nirbhay’s outburst, let out a low, mocking laugh. His eyes glinted with a mixture of amusement and disdain as he regarded the man before him. “Separate you from Sakhi?” Rudra repeated, his voice dripping with condescension. “Nirbhay, you fool. It was never me who came between you and her. You did that all by yourself. You showed her who you really are, and she saw through you. She ran from your darkness and found the light in Rajeev. And you know what? I couldn’t be happier about it. Beca
Once back at home, the atmosphere in the house buzzed with an undercurrent of excitement and tension. Gnapika, unable to contain her thoughts, quickly sought out her mother, Ambika. As they settled into the living room, the warm glow of the lamps casting a soft light around them, Gnapika began recounting the day’s events at Kesari Group. “Mother, you won’t believe what happened today,” Gnapika started, her voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “Father—he announced his shares. Not just for us, but even for Ram! He’s given him a part of Kesari Group, just like that.” Ambika’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, her usually calm demeanor briefly shaken. “He did? That’s quite a move… but it’s good news for Ram. He deserves it.” Gnapika nodded, though her expression remained troubled. “Yes, I’m happy for Ram too, but… I still can’t shake the feeling that Father’s up to something. You know how he is, always with a plan in mind. I just don’t understa
Abhi and Sashi strolled into the hall, noticing Rajeev and Gowthami sitting together on the couch. Gowthami’s eyes were fixed on the entrance, her expression a mixture of hope and eagerness. Abhi, always the playful one, couldn’t resist the chance to tease her. “What’s got you so glued to the door, Gowthami? Expecting someone special?” Abhi asked with a mischievous grin, nudging Sashi as he spoke. Gowthami snapped out of her thoughts, her face flushing slightly as she turned to face Abhi. “Nothing… just waiting for Rudra dad to return,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide the excitement in her voice. Rajeev, sensing that this was the perfect moment to share the day’s events, leaned back on the couch with a smile. “Actually, a lot happened today at Kesari Group,” he began, his tone carrying a mix of pride and surprise. “You’ll be happy to hear that dad made some significant announcements.”
As the sound of the car pulling up to the mansion echoed through the house, Gnapika and Ambika hurriedly made their way to the hall. The entire family gathered together, sensing that something significant was about to unfold. They found Rudra sitting beside Gowthami, his hand gently holding hers, a gesture of comfort and support. Gowthami, her eyes wide with both anticipation and trepidation, looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Rudra took a deep breath, his gaze steady on Gowthami. The weight of what he was about to reveal hung in the air, thick with the tension of past sorrows and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. He knew that what he was about to say could either bring her closer to the truth she desperately sought or plunge her further into the confusion that had shrouded her life. "Gowthami," Rudra began, his voice gentle but firm, "you need to prepare yourself for what I'm about to tell you. There's a lot that happened in Athreya's past... th
Rajeev’s voice rang with unwavering determination as he stepped forward, his eyes blazing with resolve. “I will do everything in my power to find them, Gowthami. I will keep you safe, and I won’t rest until your family is reunited.” The weight of his words hung in the air, his promise as solid as the ground they stood on. Ram, who had been standing quietly beside him, felt a surge of protective instinct. He regarded Gowthami not just as his sister-in-law, but as a mother in his heart, someone he was bound to protect. With equal resolve, he declared, “If anyone tries to harm this family, they’ll have to go through me first. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us all safe.” Gowthami felt a deep well of emotion rise within her. Ram had always been more than just a brother-in-law; she had come to see him as her eldest son, a role he embraced with the same love and respect. Hearing him speak with such fierce loyalty brought tears to her eyes, but she quickly b
Gnapika, observing her mother in a way she had never seen before, felt a swell of joy. Ambika’s playful teasing with Rudra, a stark contrast to the somber woman she had grown accustomed to, was a heartwarming sight. The burdens of the past seemed to melt away as Ambika’s laughter and lightness returned, a sign of her rediscovered self. Gnapika realized that amidst their trials, the reunion with their family had rekindled her mother’s spirit. Rajeev, too, was filled with profound happiness. Watching his parents together, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. His gaze drifted to Gowthami, and he reflected on how her presence had brought about this transformation. It was through her that he had found his father, Rudra, and subsequently, the path to his own family. Their honeymoon trip, initially intended as a simple getaway, had led them to the martial arts school where he discovered his sister. This journey, sparked by Gowthami’s insistence on exploring her in
As they ascended the steps, Ambika’s gaze lingered on Gowthami, her worry evident in the way she furrowed her brow. She gently called out, “Gowthami, come with me, dear. You need to rest.” Her tone was full of maternal concern, a softness that only grew deeper as she watched her daughter-in-law’s tired face. Rajeev, already attuned to his wife’s needs, had his arm wrapped around Gowthami, offering her support as they made their way up the stairs. “I’ll help her, Amma,” he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. He had been watching Gowthami closely, noticing how she had grown weaker throughout the evening. He wasn’t going to let her push herself any further. Gnapika, still holding her mother’s hand, glanced back at Gowthami too, her earlier anger fading as concern took over. Though she had her own frustrations with the family, seeing her sister-in-law unwell softened her heart. She stepped aside to let Rajeev guide Gowthami closer t
As everyone settled into the hall, the air grew thick with tension. Gurdeep, who had been silently observing, finally turned his gaze toward Rudra, his voice steady but sharp. “Where have you been all these years, Rudra?” he asked, his tone carrying the weight of years of unanswered questions. “Did you ever stop to think about Rajeev? You had another child, but how could you leave your son behind? What kind of parents do that?” His words hung heavily in the room, and then Gurdeep’s focus shifted to Ambika. His eyes were filled with disbelief and hurt. “And you, Ambika,” he said, his voice tinged with accusation. “How could you leave Rajeev? What kind of mother abandons her own child? How could you have turned your back on him like that?” The room was silent, the weight of Gurdeep's words pressing on everyone. Before Ambika or Rudra could speak, Gnapika, who had been sitting quietly until then, suddenly stood up, her face flushed with anger.
Before Rudra could respond, Abhi stepped in again, sensing the tension in the air. "It’s a long story, Dad," he said gently but firmly. "Once we get inside, I promise we’ll explain everything. But right now, Gowthami needs some rest." The concern in Gurdeep’s eyes immediately shifted to Gowthami, who was still leaning heavily on Rajeev. The worry lines on his face deepened as he took in her pale complexion. His fatherly instincts kicked in, overriding all other emotions. "You’re right," he said, his voice softening. "She needs to rest." He turned to Uma, his expression one of urgency and care. "Take her inside, Uma," he instructed, his voice firm yet gentle. "Make sure she’s comfortable." Uma nodded, still teary-eyed but focused on the task at hand. She moved quickly to Gowthami’s side, taking her other arm to support her. "Come, dear," Uma said softly, guiding her toward the
Nand was still lost in his thoughts, distracted by Venya's unexpected reaction and the complex emotions swirling around him. He didn’t even notice Gurdeep and Uma standing nearby, their faces frozen in a mixture of shock and overwhelming joy. They had been rendered speechless by the sight of Rudra, a man they had thought dead for 15 long years. Their hearts raced with a thousand questions, desperate to know how he had survived, where he had been, and why he had stayed away for so long. Just as they were about to speak, another car pulled up to the mansion, drawing everyone's attention. Rajeev swiftly stepped out and rushed to open the door, helping Gowthami and Ambika out. The moment Uma and Gurdeep saw Ambika, their eyes widened in disbelief. It was as if time had stood still, freezing this moment in their memories forever. Tears welled up in their eyes and began to spill over as they struggled to comprehend what they were seeing. The woman they had mourned, be
As Gnapika stepped out of the car and caught sight of Venya, she leaned closer to Nand, her voice barely a whisper. "Is she the girl you mentioned? Is she Venya, your girlfriend?" Nand smiled softly, nodding. "Yes, that's Venya," he whispered back, his tone filled with affection. Gnapika smiled warmly, her eyes scanning Venya with genuine admiration. "She's beautiful," she remarked, her words carrying a sincere appreciation. But as Venya observed them from a distance, her happiness quickly morphed into suspicion and then to a simmering anger. The sight of Nand leaning in close to this unknown, beautiful girl, whispering and laughing together, gnawed at her. The way they seemed so familiar with each other felt like a betrayal, even though she didn’t know the context. Her heart ached, and her mind was flooded with irrational fears—fears that she might lose Nand to this mysterious girl who seemed so comfortable in his presence.
As the clock struck 7 PM, the Rajeev mansion sparkled in the glow of countless lights, its lavish decorations turning it into a palace of festivity. The air was filled with anticipation as three luxury cars pulled up to the grand entrance, each one gleaming under the soft evening lights. Abhi and Ram, standing near the gate, exchanged a satisfied glance. They knew their hard work had paid off, and the sight of the beautifully adorned mansion filled them with pride. Sashi, standing beside Abhi, smiled warmly at her husband. “You really did a great job, Abhi. Ambika and Gnapika will be thrilled when they see this.” Abhi, pleased with her praise, nodded. “Let’s hope they like the surprise. It’s all for them.” In the second car, Ambika cradled Gowthami in her arms, her eyes growing misty as she took in the sight of the home she had missed for so long. The mansion looked more beautiful than ever, and she felt a deep sense of
As they stepped into the hall, the scene before them was one of bustling activity. Veer was at the center of it all, energetically directing the workers as they adorned the mansion with an array of vibrant flowers, intricate lights, and elegant drapery. Every corner of the house seemed to come alive with color and warmth, transforming the space into a grand celebration. Uma and Gurdeep exchanged a look of bemusement, letting out deep breaths as they took in the flurry of preparations. It wasn’t hard to guess who was behind all this. With a small smile tugging at her lips, Uma remarked, “This has Abhi’s fingerprints all over it. What on earth is that boy planning now?” Gurdeep nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the extravagant decorations. “He only called us to say that the house needed to be decorated beautifully for when they return. And he mentioned something about a huge surprise waiting for us all.” There was a hint of curi
Gnapika, observing her mother in a way she had never seen before, felt a swell of joy. Ambika’s playful teasing with Rudra, a stark contrast to the somber woman she had grown accustomed to, was a heartwarming sight. The burdens of the past seemed to melt away as Ambika’s laughter and lightness returned, a sign of her rediscovered self. Gnapika realized that amidst their trials, the reunion with their family had rekindled her mother’s spirit. Rajeev, too, was filled with profound happiness. Watching his parents together, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. His gaze drifted to Gowthami, and he reflected on how her presence had brought about this transformation. It was through her that he had found his father, Rudra, and subsequently, the path to his own family. Their honeymoon trip, initially intended as a simple getaway, had led them to the martial arts school where he discovered his sister. This journey, sparked by Gowthami’s insistence on exploring her in
Rajeev’s voice rang with unwavering determination as he stepped forward, his eyes blazing with resolve. “I will do everything in my power to find them, Gowthami. I will keep you safe, and I won’t rest until your family is reunited.” The weight of his words hung in the air, his promise as solid as the ground they stood on. Ram, who had been standing quietly beside him, felt a surge of protective instinct. He regarded Gowthami not just as his sister-in-law, but as a mother in his heart, someone he was bound to protect. With equal resolve, he declared, “If anyone tries to harm this family, they’ll have to go through me first. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us all safe.” Gowthami felt a deep well of emotion rise within her. Ram had always been more than just a brother-in-law; she had come to see him as her eldest son, a role he embraced with the same love and respect. Hearing him speak with such fierce loyalty brought tears to her eyes, but she quickly b