I walked out of the meeting hall. "Vedant" I turned around and saw a person I would never want to meet. My fist clenched but somehow I managed to force a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you" I said, though he is the person I'd rather never see.

"What's the matter, Mr. Sumant? Do you need something from me?" I asked, sensing an tension in his face "Actually..." he stammered. "Come on, Mr. Sumant whatever it is, just say it" I looked around except him

"I...I want to hand over Rajvanshi Group to you" he finally said, leaving me stunned. I buttoned my blazer with a steady hand. "Meet me in my cabin" I said, walking into my cabin with him following behind. "Let's finish this discussion" I started once we were inside. "I know I always wanted my younger son Ritvik to lead my empire" he admitted, his voice shaking. "But he is not capable. Before Rajvanshi Group is destroyed right in front of my eyes because of my son, I want you to take it over." a flicker of pain in his eyes, but I tried hard to ignored it

"Don't worry, Mr. Sumant. I'll take over Rajvanshi Group and make it part of my company [Starlit Rise], but what is the deal, how much amount in return" I said firmly, and he didn't utter a word in response. "Vedant, not at least from your fath-"

I cut him off, my tone harsher. "That's enough, Mr. Sumant Rajvanshi. You may leave now" I said, standing up. "Vedant, listen to me Dadi-" he began again." I said, you may leave, Mr. Sumant Rajvanshi" I repeated, putting stress on each word and my best friend Shiv entered the room.

"Get my schedule, Shiv, and ask Mr. Sumant Rajvanshi to leave" I said Shiv turned to him. "Uncle, please come with me" he said, leading him out. As soon as he was gone, Shiv hurried back into the room, looking checking on me "Vedant, this isn't right" he walked towards me "He is your father"

"I know that Shiv, but it's better if we don't discuss this again" I replied, picking up a glass of water to calm myself. "Especially during office hours." I said "Get me every detail on Rajvanshi Group right now. We'll be taking control of it very soon." I shrugged off my blazer, tossing it onto the chair, and began typing an email.

"What? Are you really planning to take over?" Shiv asked, dragging a chair sitting on other side of my desk. "I would never touch his property. But this empire was built by my grandfather, and I won't let it collapse because of that fool, Ritvik" I replied, still typing on my laptop. "He is your brother, Vedant. Isn't it your responsibility to help him?" Shiv tone is low as if trying to convince me.

If anyone else had said that, my response would've been different, but Shiv was different. "No, he is not my brother. He is son of that woman, because of whom I lost my mother" my grip on pen tightening as I'm trying to control anger rising within me.

"What is the weakest branch of Rajvanshi Group?" I asked, shifting the focus. "Weakest can be collapsed first"
"Kolkata's branch" Shiv answered after going through a few files. After I had been separated from my mother, I spent part of my childhood in Kolkata with my Bua. Later, we moved to Europe for her job.

I never wanted to return to India, but Bua's last wish was to come back here after she found out about her cancer. I couldn't deny her, not when she was the only person who truly cared for me at that time after my mother was gone. But God wasn't fair, he took her from me too, five years ago. Now all I have is my Dadi who is in comma since last 24 years after that incident which changed my life.

"We are heading to Kolkata tomorrow morning at morning three. Book the flight tickets, and make sure you are on time" I said, standing up to leave. "What do you mean by 'we'? I'm not coming!" he protested, shaking his head.

I leaned forward, placing my hands on the table. "Why? Do you need to stay back and look after your husband and children?" I teased, smirking. "You are only my husband!" he snapped, but I just gave him a playful slap on the head. "Bro if someone listens our conversation, within light speed rumors will spread" he said and we both laughed. "Be there on time and don't forget to say bye to all your girlfriends" I added, heading towards the elevator not waiting for his response

🦋⃤

It was 10 PM by the time I reached the mansion. I entered through the side door, lost in thought, only to freeze at the a voice that pulled me back to the present. "Vedu...!"

I turned, unable to move, as my gaze settled on her. There she stood, arms crossed with that familiar strict expression. "Vedu, meri pallu tho chod do" she said, extending her hands, repeating same line she used to say to him in his childhood. Memories of my childhood echoed. Tears filled both our eyes, every inch of her presence is a miracle that feels like a dream.

Without a second thought, I rushed forward and embraced her tightly, feeling the tears slide down my face. "Dadi, you're fine... you're talking to me" I said in between sobs. "It's been 24 years, Dadi. You were on that bed, and I missed you so much." Overwhelmed, I collapsed at her feet, feeling like a child all over again.

She cupped my face and gently guided me to sit beside her on the couch. "Beta, I'm here now look at me" she said, her voice filled with warmth. I immediately moved closer, resting my head in her lap. "Now, you don't go anywhere, never. Mumma and Bua left me... but you, please don't go."

"How could I?" she chuckled, running her fingers through my hair. "I have so much left to do I still have to see your wedding, your children's weddings, and even their children's weddings." We both laughed, letting the years of distance and pain melt away in that moment. "I'm sorry, beta. All these years, I saw everything-your pain, your tears but I couldn't move or react" she whispered, resting her chin on my head.

Dr. Rohan walked towards us, and I rose to my feet, wiping away the tears. "Yes, Mr. Rajvanshi, she is absolutely fine" he confirmed with a smile. "Thank you so much, Doctor" I said, still overcome with emotion. "Just be careful. Don't give her stress, and she'll recover gradually with time" he advised. "There is a minor surgery we need to perform. It's due to the head injury she had years back, which led her into the coma. We couldn't operate then because of other complications, but now it's necessary."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words, and excused myself as my phone buzzed. "Shiv, Dadi's recovered she's talking" I said, my voice filled with relief. "I'll be there right away" he replied, hanging up even before I could say more.

I carefully helped Dadi into her room, and soon Shiv arrived. The expression on his face is same as my own shock and joy when I saw her. He stepped forward, his voice barely a whisper. "Dadi..." She looked at him, puzzled for a moment, not recognizing him immediately. Shiv knelt down, looking right into her eyes. He understood her "Darling, Vedant ne mere aloo paratha khaliya!" he said, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

With just that one line, Dadi's memory clicked, and she pulled him into a hug. Shiv had been my best friend since childhood, and my mother and Dadi had always treated him like family. "I've become a true Majnu without you darling" he teased, stretching out on Dadi's lap. "Accha, beta!" she said, giving him a playful slap on the cheek, making us all laugh together.

Leaving Shiv with Dadi, I headed to my room. I stepped into the shower, resting my hands against the cold tiles, letting the hot water pour over me. But then, suddenly, the water turned icy, sending a shiver through my spine. My eyes shut as memories flashed Mumma, please don't go... leave my mumma don't take her... Vedu, go inside, beta... Mumma...

My eyes shot open, and I turned off the water. Wrapping myself in a towel, I yelled for the servant. "What's wrong with the geyser in my room?" "Sir, there's no power, and ma'am instructed us to turn off the generator" he replied, looking nervous. "Which ma'am?" I asked, my anger flaring. "Devika ma'am" he answered, adding fuel to the fire.

Just then, Dadi came out of her room. "What happened, beta?" she asked, her presence calming my anger slightly.
"Nothing, Dadi" I forced a smile, hoping she wouldn't press further. Then I heard her voice sharp and cutting. "That's your grandson's daily habit, to shout" .She stepped into the hallway, her gaze challenging. "Manish!" I called out. "Who allowed her into my place?"
She interrupted, her tone filled with mock. "This is my husband's house"

Dadi's hand found mine, steadying me. "This is my husband's hard work" Dadi said almost in a raised tone, her voice firm "And in fact, years ago, I registered this property in my only daughter-in-law Vedika's name (Vedant's mother). That means this is Vedant's property" Dadi continued, her gaze unwavering. "He is the one letting you all stay in this mansion" she said, her tone left no room for argument. With that, she turned, leaving my father's wife stunned in her place.

🤍ྀི

"Vedant, the flight's at 3:20 AM sharp" Shiv reminded me, snapping me back to reality. A sudden realization hit me. "Oh shit, how can we both go to Kolkata, leaving Dadi here?" I muttered, worry seeping into my voice. Shiv waved it off saying "You should go, we don't have other option. Don't worry, I'll stay here with Dadi. If needed I will take her to my house"

I softened my eyes at his words. "Remember what you told me back in the office?" he asked, leaning back in his chair with a stretch. "What?" I asked, pretending disinterest. "You told me to say goodbye to my girlfriends. But this one... well, I can't say bye to her" he said with a mischievous grin. I gave his chair a playful shove, holding it steady so he couldn't spin away. His startled expression was priceless, and I burst into laughter.

"When is Rishabh returning?" Shiv asked
"I told him about Dadi. I guess he'll be here soon" I replied, my thoughts briefly drifting to Rishabh.

Rishabh is Ritvik's twin brother, but Rishabh is different. Unlike Ritvik and their mother, Rishabh always had a kind heart. He was the one who took care of Dadi in my absence, and I'll always be grateful to him for that.
He used to study in London, but the moment his mother realized he was getting close to me, she had him shifted to Germany. It still hurts to think how much he sacrificed just to keep the peace.

Unlike the rest of his family, Rishabh isn't involved in running the Rajvanshi Group. His passion lies elsewhere design and architecture. He chose to follow his dreams rather than get caught up in the family legacy. "I hope I'll see him soon" I said, almost absentmindedly, as I let the memories of him flood my mind. "He might be too excited after hearing about Dadi" Shiv said with a soft smile. "Same as you" I teased, snapping out of my thoughts. Shiv's grin widened

"Vedant-" he began, but was interrupted by his phone buzzing on the table. "A girl, huh? Girlfriend?" I teased, noting the name flashing on the screen. "Shut up" he said, giving me a flat look. "It's my brother's wife's sister."

"Too long man" I sighed and smirked at his embarrassment. Ignoring my words, he answered the call. "Anvi, yaar sorry, I won't be able to go to Kolkata this time. I'll plan something-" He said after a long conversation and his gaze shifted to me, and he stared at me. "What?" I asked, sensing he wanted to say something. Quickly, he ended the call saying "I'll call you later. Just send me the documents."

Then he looked at me with that too familiar smirk. "You know, you've got a golden opportunity to finally pay me back for all my 'services' over the years" he declared, his tone as dramatic as always. I rolled my eyes standing up. "What's the matter Shiv?" I asked, already bored with his drama.

He held onto my arm, pulling me back down. "Bhai bhai listen" he pleased forgetting all his drama "The girl who just called, she's heading to Kolkata in a week, and I need two favors from you" he said, looking uncharacteristically serious. I raised an eyebrow, listening. "First, let her stay in your Kolkata house. Second, drop off some documents at her office."

"Uh-huh?" I nodded, grabbing a spoonful of pasta. "Well, there's already a family renting the ground floor for three years, and I still have two years left on their contract. And I'll be staying upstairs. As for the documents, can't she handle it herself? I'm occupied this week." I stuffed the pasta into his mouth, watching him choke a bit.

"Vedant, manage it somehow and do me this , will you? Already her father is worried about her" he pleaded, coughing as he reached for water. "Yeah, yeah" I muttered, waving him off, barely listening as he handed over his phone. "Check if the message came from her number-the document photos" he said, heading to the refrigerator. "Her name is Anvika" he added.

I froze mid-bite. My heartbeat quickened as her name registered in my mind, this might be different girl but that name rang something inside me. I picked up his phone, scrolling with an attempt at casual indifference, but my hands betrayed me, trembling slightly as her document photos loaded. Her 12th-grade certificate stared back at me. I zoomed in on her photo, whispering her name like it was a ghost from my past. Anvika thakur

Clearing my throat, I glanced at Shiv, masking my reaction. "I have an idea. I'll ask her to stay at an office flat for a few days since she is going with few friends. As for the documents, I'll get her office details and see what I can arrange" Every word from him felt like a sudden urge to slam Shiv's head into the table for his plan.

"No problem. I'll handle it" I said, forcing a calmness I didn't feel as I took another bite of food. "You sure?" Shiv asked, peering at me curiously. "Yeah, I guess I can do that much for you" I replied, hoping my face didn't betray the storm churning inside. He foreword his brows "What happened in two minutes that you changed your decision" he asked and I tried my best to cover it. "Just want to help my best friend" I said casually, ignoring his suspicious looks.