The chandelier-lit dining hall of Riwaaz, the city’s most exclusive restaurant, shimmered with quiet opulence. Waiters moved smoothly between tables, and the long mahogany one reserved for the Chandravanshi, Aswar, and Goyenka families stood set with silver cutlery, crystal glasses, and carefully curated expectations.

Kasish checked her phone again.

Still nothing.

No text. No call. Just silence.

Her jaw tightened as she forced a polite smile for Pariniti Goyenka, who was sitting with her father and mother, dressed in an elegant pastel saree, as if she already belonged to their family.

“Where’s Tanishk?” Mr. Parth Aswar asked casually, sipping from his wine glass. “He should be here. This dinner’s important.”

Malini let out a light laugh, masking her frustration with practiced grace. “Oh,Bhai sahab he’s probably stuck in traffic. You know how unpredictable the roads can get.”

Kasish excused herself from the table, stepping outside to the corridor. Once there, she hit Tanishk’s number again.

Ringing.

Again.

Voicemail.

She exhaled sharply, trying to stay composed. Then texted:

Kasish: Where are you? Tonight is NOT the night to vanish, Tanishk. Everyone’s waiting. Papa is waiting. Don’t embarrass this family.Maa sa looked tense..!

Her thumb hovered for a second before she added:

Don’t forget who you are. Or who you’re supposed to be. In hated don’t forget your responsibility.

She hit send.

And yet, a part of her already knew—Tanishk wasn’t coming tonight.

Because wherever he was… it wasn’t with the Goyenkas.

Taniskh’s phone buzzed again.

Kasish.

The tenth missed call.

He stared at the screen, thumb hovering over the decline button. Then, without hesitation, he silenced it again.

He couldn’t talk to her right now. Not while the world Kasish represented—the curated life, the alliances, the dinners—felt like poison on his tongue.

But before the silence could settle, the screen lit up again.

This time: Maa sa.

Malini Chandravanshi.

Tanishk sighed and, reluctantly, answered.

“Maa sa”

“Where are you, Tanishk?” Her voice was cool, controlled. “Everyone’s waiting at Riwaaz. Your father is furious. You’re making a mockery of us in front of the Aswars and Goyenkas.”

“I got caught up in something,” he said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

“Something?” Malini Devi’s voice sharpened. “ Tonight was important. You know that.”

“I know what tonight was,” he said quietly.

There was a pause on the line. Then, her voice turned sharper—almost suspicious.

“Are you coming!?”

He didn’t answer.

“Tanishk—”

“Maa sa please i will not felt good going there, please don’t force me…!”

He hung up before she could respond.

For a moment, he sat still, breathing hard, staring into the night.

Sneak peak- Chapter 13

“I know what the name comes with,” Kashish whispered.

But the bitterness slipped through, and both Angad and Malini caught it.

Malini narrowed her eyes. “What did you say?”

Kashish turned to face her mother-in-law fully, her voice steadier now—measured but heavy. “I said I know what the name comes with. I’ve paid for it. Every day.”