"Ma’am, you can’t enter like this!" the security guard warned, stepping forward.

"Why not?" Gauri challenged, her eyes narrowing.

"There’s a business party happening inside. Strictly invitation-only."

Gauri paused. Then a thought struck her.

"Is the company’s owner present inside?"

"Yes, ma’am. He arrived a while ago."

A slow smile crept across Gauri's face.

Meanwhile, in the Shekhawat mansion, Maithili reclined on her plush velvet lounger as Kamla, her devoted housekeeper, carefully painted her nails in a deep crimson hue.

"Kamla, what do you think? Will my son finally say yes this time?"

Kamla, concentrating on the polish, smiled.

"Of course, ma’am. He’s your son. He has taste."

"But you know he’s rejected twenty girls so far,"

Maithili sighed.

"Mam, that’s because he’s like you and sir—he only chooses the best. Hriday sir is a man of rare preferences. He likes things… unique."

Maithili smiled, a little pride glinting in her eyes.

"Yes, you’re absolutely right."

Just then, her phone buzzed.

"Yes, Sanjana? How’s your trip going?"

"It’s cool, dude,"

came the breezy voice of her best friend.

"Being single is so chill."

"Oh, don’t tempt me. I’d join you if Shikhar wasn’t so against it."

"Is he forcing you to stay home? Maithili, come on! I’m a divorce specialist, remember?"

Maithili chuckled.

"No, no. Shikhar doesn’t even know what the word ‘force’ means. He’s gentle. Loving. I’m lucky to have him."

Kamla smiled knowingly as her mistress blushed like a schoolgirl.

"You’re missing out on partying in LA tonight,"

Sanjana teased.

"We’ll party when you’re back. That’s a promise, bestie."

"Deal! So… did Hriday agree to meet Disha?"

"Yes. They’re meeting at the party tonight. Fingers crossed."

"I had to beg my brother to let her go. You know how possessive he is with his daughter. She’s his little princess."

"Fathers and daughters,"

Maithili said wistfully.

"Even now, my father still argues with Shikhar about marrying me."

They both laughed, their decades-long friendship warm and unshaken.

Later that evening, Maithili watched Shikhar as he took his seat at the dining table.

"Kamla, give your sir an extra helping of kheer," she instructed sweetly.

"Yes, ma’am."

Kamla served two heaping spoonfuls before Shikhar raised a hand.

"Why so much sweetness all of a sudden?"

As Kamla left to give them privacy, Maithili leaned in. "Today Hriday is meeting Disha."

"Okay," Shikhar replied calmly, continuing to eat.

"She’s Sanjana’s niece."

"Oh."

"Shikhar… don’t you think it would be nice if our families became one?"

"I don’t think about it at all."

"Why not?"

"Because I’ve never liked your friend, and I won’t give her a free pass to come into our home and ruin what we’ve built."

"Shikhar! How can you speak that way about my best friend?"

"Because she’s not good for you, Maithili."

"She is! And I won’t tolerate you speaking against her."

"Then this is the last time we speak of her—or we don’t speak at all."

He rose from the table and walked toward his study.

"Shikhar! You haven’t finished your food—Shikhar!"

she called after him, eyes falling to the untouched bowl of his favorite dessert.

"Why does he always react like this?"

she whispered.

Meanwhile, across town, Vivek was speaking with a guest when his phone buzzed. He excused himself and answered.

"Yes, who is this?"

"It’s Gauri Podder. We met this morning at Mr. Subhash Saha’s house… do you remember?"

"Ah, yes. Of course."

"I want to meet you. Right now."

"Right now? Why?"

"It’s about the property. It’s important."

Vivek glanced at the bustling party around him. "Miss, it’s not a good time. We’re hosting a major event. I really can’t leave."

"You don’t need to. I’m already here. Just tell the guards to let me in."

Vivek blinked in surprise but did as she asked.

The office-turned-party hall buzzed with conversation and music. Guests mingled over champagne and appetizers while laughter echoed off the marble walls.

In a quiet waiting area, Gauri sat composed, her eyes scanning the space.

"Miss Gauri?" Vivek approached. She rose at once.

"No need to stand—please, have a seat," he said politely.

She sat again, quietly poised.

"I came to speak about the property. Mr. Subhash is a humble and kind man. He doesn't want to sell his home because it holds memories of his late wife. He’s alone, childless… and that house is his only companion now. Please… don’t take it away from him. Don’t take away someone’s last piece of hope."

Vivek was taken aback—not just by her words, but by her gentleness. That morning, she had slammed the door in his face. Now, she was composed and dignified, her voice carrying the weight of emotion.

"Miss, I appreciate what you're saying. But I’m not the decision-maker here. You’ll need to speak directly with my boss."

"Then I’d like to. Please arrange a meeting."

Vivek nodded. "I’ll ask for his permission and let you know."

"Boss, that girl wants to meet you,"

Vivek informed Hriday discreetly.

"Which girl?"

"The one who blocked our property acquisition."

Hriday’s eyes narrowed.

"What is she doing here?"

"She says she wants to speak to you about the property."

Before Hriday could respond, Disha suddenly appeared at his side, linking her arm with his.

"Hriday!"

she gushed, pressing close.

Vivek immediately took a step back, giving them space.

"Wait, Vivek,"

Hriday called.

"Yes, Boss?"

"Disha, I need to speak with Vivek for a moment. It’s important. Could you excuse us?"

"I-I… okay, Hriday."

She hesitated, then walked away reluctantly.

Hriday waited until she disappeared from sight.

"Where is the girl?"

"In the meeting room, sir."

"Take me to her."