The morning sun filtered softly through the balcony, casting a golden glow across Devanshi’s room. She stretched lazily, a gentle smile spreading across her face.

Today is a holiday—no work, just time with Papa, she thought, remembering their conversation the night before.

Rising, she moved to the bathroom to freshen up. Once dressed comfortably, she descended the stairs, eager to join her father.

Near the kitchen doorway, a servant was arranging fresh flowers into a pot.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” he greeted respectfully.

“Good morning. Where is Papa?” Devanshi asked.

“In the kitchen, Ma’am,” he replied with a nod.

Stepping into the kitchen, Devanshi found her father donned in an apron, expertly flipping an omelette—the way he always made it for her.

“Papa, good morning!” she chirped.

“Good morning, princess,” Devraj replied with a warm smile.

Devanshi grabbed an apron from the counter.

“Need some help?”

“It would be an honor to have your assistance, princess,” he said playfully.

“Papa, I know the basics—I’m not a novice,” she laughed.

“Like what, princess?” Devraj asked, slicing tomatoes for a salad.

“I can chop vegetables and make Maggi,” she teased.

Devraj raised an eyebrow. “You won’t survive on salad and Maggi alone, you know.”

“I’ll figure it out. For now, let me handle the toast,” she said, popping bread into the toaster.

Devraj grinned. “I need to find the perfect groom for you—someone who can cook like me.”

“Dad! What?”

“Princess, did you like anyone in Singapore?”

“Not my type. Mera wala to app ke jaise hoga—bilkul app jaisa, khana banane wala.”

(He will be just like you, like a good cook as you..)

Devraj smiled warmly, pouring batter onto a pan. “Okay, princess. Now, can you get the butter from the fridge?”

“Sure, Dad.” Devanshi retrieved the butter.

“Isn’t that butter chicken, Dad?”

“Hmm, your favorite,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Her eyes lit up at the sight. “Dad, this is heaven.”

“Thanks for the compliment, princess.”

“You should’ve opened a restaurant,” she said.

Devraj chuckled. “Your mother used to say the same. But being CEO of a big company wasn’t my dream—I did it for her, and for you.”

“Then, Dad, what was your dream?” Devanshi asked curiously.

“Nothing much, princess... Now, let me make gulab jamun—you still like them, right?”

“Dad, don’t change the subject!”

“I’m not, I swear. Oh, wait—I forgot, I have to send an email about our upcoming project in Rishikesh.”

“Rishikesh?” Devanshi’s interest piqued.

“Yes, the team suggested it for our new project site.”

“Okay, I’ll review the papers till evening. I’ll call Niharika to send the files here.”

“But princess, weren’t you on leave?” Devraj teased.

Blushing, Devanshi rubbed the back of her neck. He just smiled fondly at her.

Later, Devanshi sat at the dining table, sifting through stacks of documents. Her brow furrowed as she scanned the papers.

She picked up her phone and dialed briskly.

“Niharika, why aren’t these papers legal?”

“What do you mean, Ma’am? I’ve double-checked everything. They’re fine,” Niharika replied.

“Are you sure? Because these don’t look proper. Who sent them to you?”

“The owner himself, Ma’am.”

“Mr. Kakker?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“We’re heading to Rishikesh in two days.”

"Rudraksha!"

 "Rudraksha!"

 "Rudraksha!"

The voice echoed through the house with increasing urgency.

“What’s happening?” 

Meera stepped out of the kitchen, the lid still in her hands, her brows knitting with concern.

Her husband, Vedas, was pacing angrily, his face flushed.

“Rudraksha!” he shouted again.

“Vedas, what’s wrong? Why are you shouting? Did he do something again?” Meera asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

Vedas stopped abruptly, running a hand through his hair. 

“Today, your son broke all my patience!”

“What happened, Vedas ji?”

“He barged into my hospital and got into a fight with one of the doctors! He threatened him — that poor man was terrified.”

Meera gasped, eyes wide. “What?! Rudraksha did that?”

“Yes! I was so ashamed, I had to lower my head because of him.”

“Please calm down, Vedas ji. Have some water.”

Just then, Murti, a lanky teenage boy, appeared holding a glass of water.

“Chachi ji, what should I prepare for lunch?”

“Go cut the vegetables, I’ll get the dough ready!” Meera replied, sitting beside Vedas.

“Murti, have you seen Rudraksha Bhai?” Vedas asked, his voice softening slightly.

“N-no, Chacha ji,” Murti said, shrugging.

“Alright, go!”

Murti dashed back into the kitchen.

“Rudraksha must have gone to the temple. Don’t worry, I’ll give him a good scolding today. You go rest — you’ve been home only two days after those long surgeries. I’ll cook your favorite.”

“Hmm, Meera, don’t make it too oily. And no parathas for me today,” Vedas replied with a faint smile.

“Okay, Doctor sahab,” Meera teased, heading back inside.

“Chachi ji, everything’s clear now,” Murti said, peeking out from the kitchen window.

“Look outside like this, Murti. I’m calling Rudraksha. When your Chacha ji arrives, tell him, okay?”

Murti gave a thumbs-up.

Meera’s phone buzzed.

“Hello, Maa...”

“Where are you?”

“I came to the hospital.”

“Hospital? What happened?!”

“Ma, calm down. Nothing serious. You know my friend Mohan? He fell down the stairs and hurt his knee. I brought him here.”

“Is he okay? Was it bad?”

“No, Ma, the doctor said it’s just a small cut.”

“Alright, come home through the back door. Your father’s at home and he’s waiting — he’s very angry.”

"Thanks for the heads up, Ma. You’re my savior. Love you.”

“I love you too, my son. Come safely.”

Rudraksha ended the call and looked at Mohan, who was staring at him with a questioning gaze.

“Where’s my injury? Can you tell me?” Mohan asked.

“Look, Mohan, we’re doing a novel work, so a little white lie won’t hurt. Come on, let’s donate blood now.”

“Okay, but what do I tell Chachi ji when she asks about my injury?”

“I know her — she’s afraid of blood,” Rudraksha chuckled.

Meera served Vedas and Vijay, who were eating quietly.

“Bahu, where is Rudraksha?” Vijay asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

“He’s out, Baba. He’ll be back soon,” Meera answered softly.

“Bahu, he needs to take care of his health too. He hasn’t been home properly in days.”

“What? Meera, why didn’t you tell me? This boy seems to be growing up with too much freedom. He’s 26 and still hasn’t taken any responsibility for this family. I bear all the burdens!” 

Vedas said sharply.

Meera looked towards Vijay, silently asking for support.

Vijay stood and cleared his throat, preparing to intervene.

Vijay took a deep breath, his voice calm but firm.

 “Vedas , I understand your frustration, but Rudraksha is young and passionate. Sometimes, his ways may seem reckless, but he has a good heart. We must guide him, not just scold.”

Vedas grunted, unconvinced. 

“A good heart doesn’t break the family’s reputation, Baba you and Meera needed to understand that.”

Meera nodded, adding softly, “We all want what’s best for him, but anger won’t solve anything.”

Just then, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house.

Rudraksha stepped inside, his face tired but calm.

“Rudraksha!” Meera’s voice cracked as she rushed to him, worry etched deep in her eyes.

“Where have you been? I called you so many times!”

Rudraksha hesitated, then said quietly, “I was at the hospital with Mohan, Ma. He had a small injury.”

Meera’s eyes searched his face, and she saw the faint unease there. “You lied to me. You said it was a small cut, but I heard from your father you fought with a doctor?”

Rudraksha looked down, ashamed. “I… I lost control. But Ma, it was to protect my friend.”

Meera’s expression softened, but her voice was firm. “Rudraksha, anger won’t protect anyone. You have to be stronger, wiser. You must think before acting—for your own good and for ours.”

Rudraksha nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her words.

Vedas watched silently, his anger replaced by a heavy sigh.

“Rudraksha,” Vedas said, his tone heavy but controlled, “You’re 26 now. You’ve spent years wandering between temples and prayers, but what about your future? Your responsibilities? Being devoted to Mahadev is admirable, but it cannot be your only path.”

Rudraksha’s eyes lowered. “Papa, my devotion is my strength. I believe that faith will guide me to my purpose.”

Vedas shook his head, weariness in his gaze. “Faith without action is empty. I’ve built a life healing others — a doctor’s duty. I want you to find your own way, to contribute, to live with purpose beyond devotion.”

Meera reached out, placing a comforting hand on Rudraksha’s shoulder. “Beta, your father only wants what’s best for you. We want to see you succeed, not just in spirituality but in life.”

Rudraksha swallowed hard, torn between his father’s expectations and his own calling. “I understand, Papa. But my heart belongs to Mahadev. I will find my path, I promise.”

Vedas sighed deeply. “Then let that path be more than prayers and rituals. Show us your devotion through action.”

The room fell silent, the weight of unspoken hopes and dreams settling over them. Rudraksha’s journey was far from easy, but the resolve in his eyes hinted that his faith might yet forge a path all his own.

Sneak peek- Chapter 3

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Her father entered, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Everything alright, princess?” he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Devanshi gave a small, reassuring smile. “Just some unexpected complications with the Rishikesh project documents. I need to handle this carefully.”

Devraj nodded. “I trust your judgment. Remember, your Papa is here.”