Rajeev's disappointment was palpable as he looked at his father. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes were filled with a mix of hurt and confusion. "Dad," he began, his voice heavy with emotion, "why did you do a parental test on Gnapika? Did you not trust Mom? Did you think she wasn’t faithful?"
Rudra felt a pang of guilt seeing the pain in his son's eyes. He understood how Rajeev could misinterpret his actions, but the truth was far from what Rajeev imagined. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Rajeev, you’ve got it all wrong," he said, his tone earnest and reassuring. "I trust your mother more than anyone else in this world. The test wasn’t about questioning her faithfulness." Rajeev's brow furrowed as he tried to process his father's words. Rudra continued, "The reason I did the test was to prove to Gnapika that she is indeed my daughter. She's been shown a photo of another man, leading her to believe he might be her father. I knewRam immediately left Gowthami's office, his mind racing with urgency. Ram wasted no time. He strode purposefully through the halls of the company, his mind racing with the revelation he had just pieced together. Finding Nand in the tech office, hunched over his computer screens, Ram approached him with urgency.. "Nand," Ram called out, his voice low but insistent. "I need to talk to you. Now." Nand turned, and looked up, surprised by Ram's intensity. "What is it?" Nand asked, sensing the gravity of the situation. Ram took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I saw that person who tried to enter the company today. I've seen him before. At Rajeev's wedding, with a wounded hand. He took shelter in Baladitya's house, and we suspected he was responsible for the attack on Baladitya. You need to tell me the truth. Who is he? What's his connection to Gowthami?" Nand's face
The first light of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the landscape. Birds chirped melodiously, welcoming the new day with their cheerful tunes. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the subtle scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming flowers. The world seemed to be awakening slowly, with a gentle rustle of leaves in the trees and the distant hum of early morning activity. Gnapika woke up early, stretching her body and feeling the pleasant ache of a good night's sleep. She stood by the window for a moment, taking in the serene beauty of the morning before getting dressed for her jog. The cool morning air filled her lungs as she slipped into her running shoes and pulled on her jogging outfit. "Bye, Mom," she said softly, glancing at her mother, Meera, who was deeply immersed in her morning meditation. Meera nodded slightly, acknowledging her daughter's departure without breaking her meditative focus.
Gnapika, fresh from her morning routine, made her way to the breakfast table, her mind still occupied with the events of the morning jog. As she approached, she noticed her mother seated at the table, her gaze fixed on the kitchen with a curious, soft expression. But Gnapika was too focused on her rumbling stomach to give it much thought. The table was a sight to behold. Plates of steaming hot food were meticulously arranged, each dish exuding an inviting aroma that instantly awakened her senses. The golden-brown pancakes were stacked high, their edges crispy and centers fluffy, emanating a sweet, buttery scent that mingled with the rich, spicy aroma of freshly scrambled eggs, cooked to perfection with a hint of pepper and chives. Beside them, a bowl of vibrant fruit salad caught her eye, the colors of the ripe strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi slices gleaming under the soft morning light. The scent of fresh oranges and melons wa
Rajeev, sensing the delicate nature of the moment, chose to remain quiet after Gnapika's outburst. He watched her finish her breakfast, and to his surprise and delight, she briefly remarked, "The breakfast is good," before retreating to her room. A wave of happiness washed over Rajeev at her words. If she liked the food, he thought, he would gladly prepare breakfast for her every day. It was a small but meaningful way to show his love and dedication. Meera, having observed the interaction between her children, turned to Rajeev with a gentle smile. "Rajeev," she began, her voice soft and warm, "how is Gowthami? Is everything alright with her?" Rajeev nodded, his expression reassuring. "She's out of Manali for a small work-related task, but she'll be back soon," he explained. "She’s handling some important matters at her company." Meera sighed, a mixture of concern and relief in her eyes. "That's good to hear. But, Rajeev, I
Rajeev hesitated, his heart pounding as he chose his words carefully. Sensing his struggle, Gnapika said softly, "Ask your doubts, Rajeev." Taking a deep breath, Rajeev finally asked, "Why do you hate Rudra so much? Is it because you believe he might be behind your kidnapping?" Gnapika remained silent for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pain and anger. "I hate him because he left his family," she said finally. "He went on his way and never looked back for us. He abandoned us." Rajeev felt a pang of sorrow as he listened to her. "Yes, I lived my life without my mom and dad too," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I believed they were dead, but after 15 years, I found them. I found my mother, my father, and I discovered I have a sister too." The weight of those years apart pressed heavily on Rajeev's heart. He had missed so much—birthdays, family moments, the comfort of a mother's touch, the guidance of a father, and the bond with a sister. Every day of those 15
Gowthami, lost in her trance-like state, wandered through her bedroom, her fingers grazing the walls as if they held the secrets of her past. She stopped in front of a large, ornate mirror, and her hand instinctively reached behind it. She pressed a hidden latch, and with a soft click, the mirror slid to the side, revealing a narrow passageway. Without hesitation, she stepped through the opening, her movements guided by a muscle memory that transcended her lost memories. Nand and Ram, curious and slightly alarmed, followed her closely. nand had never seen this hidden room before. As he entered, he were struck by the dimly lit space, filled with dust-covered relics and the faint scent of old wood. In the center of the room, illuminated by a single shaft of light from a small window, hung a large family photograph. The photograph captured a moment of happiness frozen in time. Athreya stood proudly, his arms around his wife, whose gentle smile
Gowthami stared intently at the photograph of herself with Nirbhay, trying to summon any trace of memory connected to the boy beside her. The effort to remember was overwhelming, and her mind strained against the veil of forgotten years. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her head. She winced, her vision blurring, and before she could steady herself, her knees buckled. Ram, who had been standing nearby, saw her falter. He acted quickly, his reflexes sharp. As Gowthami began to collapse, he darted forward, catching her just in time. Her body was limp and unresponsive, her eyes closed as if she were lost in a dark, impenetrable void. "Ram, what happened?" Nand's voice was urgent, his eyes wide with concern. "I don't know. She just... she just collapsed," Ram replied, his voice strained as he gently lowered her to the floor, supporting her head and shoulders. Gowthami's breathing was shallow, and her f
Gnapika had finally accepted Rajeev as her brother, and the two had been inseparable ever since. They spent their days catching up on lost time, sharing stories, and building the bond that had been denied to them for so long. Meera watched them with a heart full of joy. She had longed to see her children together, united by love and understanding, and now that dream had finally come true. Initially, Gnapika had harbored doubts about Rajeev. She had believed the worst of him, convinced that he had some part in her kidnapping. But with the help of her friends, she had started to dig deeper into Rajeev’s past. What she found surprised her. Every piece of information, every testimony she uncovered, painted a picture of a kind, caring, and loyal brother who had been searching for his family just as desperately as she had. The previous night, Abhi had arrived at Gnapika’s house, bringing with him the key to the final pieces of the puzzle. Meera and Gnapika sat together, listening intent
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