Across the world, far from the crowded mall and the quiet tension inside that parked car—

The airport was buzzing with movement.

Announcements echoed through the massive glass terminal, suitcases rolled across polished floors, and travelers hurried toward their gates.

Near one of the departure lounges stood a young man, his phone still pressed to his ear.

The call kept ringing.

On the screen was the name he had saved long ago.

But then—

Call declined.

The line went silent.

He stared at the screen for a moment, disappointment settling quietly across his face.

Still, he tried again.

The phone rang.

And once again—

The call was cut.

This time he slowly lowered the phone, exhaling softly as if he had expected it.

Before he could think further, the airport speakers crackled to life.

"Attention passengers... the flight from London to India is now ready for boarding."

The words echoed through the terminal.

He lifted his head.

Around him people began gathering their belongings, moving toward the gate.

For a moment he looked at his phone again—the unanswered calls still glowing on the screen.

A faint sadness crossed his expression.

Then he slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Without another attempt, he picked up his bag and walked forward toward the boarding gate.

Step by step.

Toward India.

Morning rose over the palace like a celebration.

Marigold garlands draped across the grand arches, strings of fairy lights shimmered along the balconies, and workers moved hurriedly across the courtyards making final arrangements. The entire royal residence looked alive with color and music.

Today was the engagement of Inaya Saxena and Rahul Oberoi.

Guests would start arriving in just a few hours.

But inside one quiet bedroom in the palace, the atmosphere was completely different.

The curtains were half closed. The room was silent except for the faint sound of someone crying.

Inaya sat on the edge of her bed, her phone lying beside her, still connected to a call she had barely spoken on. Her fingers trembled as she held a small plastic stick in her hand.

A pregnancy test.

Two clear lines stared back at her.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

"No... no, no..." she whispered under her breath.

Tears kept sliding down her cheeks.

She pressed her palm against her forehead as if trying to wake herself from a nightmare.

"Please God... please," she murmured weakly, her voice shaking. "Let it go away... please let it be a miscarriage."

The words felt cruel even as she said them, but fear had swallowed everything else.

She was pregnant.

The truth echoed painfully inside her head.

For months she had been feeling strange—nausea, dizziness, sudden exhaustion. She thought it was stress from the engagement preparations, from family pressure.

But now the truth sat in her hand.

And she hated it.

She hated the tiny piece of plastic that had just destroyed the life she thought she understood.

"How many months...?" she whispered to herself in panic. "God... how many months?"

Her hands trembled harder.

What about the man responsible?

She knew him.

And she knew one more truth—he would never take responsibility.

Her mother would never accept this.

And Rahul...

Her breath caught.

Rahul Oberoi.

The man she was supposed to get engaged to today.

What would happen if he found out?

Would he hate her?

Would he walk away?

Would the entire family collapse under the scandal?

Inaya buried her face in her hands and cried harder.

Outside her room, laughter and wedding preparations filled the palace corridors.

Servants rushed around with trays, decorators climbed ladders to adjust flowers, musicians tested instruments.

But inside that room, Inaya Saxena sat alone on her bed, staring at the pregnancy test in her shaking hand.

Today she was supposed to celebrate her engagement.

Instead, she was praying for the impossible.

A soft knock broke the silence.

Inaya's heart jumped.

For a second she froze, the pregnancy test still clutched in her trembling hand. Panic rushed through her again.

Quickly she wiped her tears with the back of her hand. The test disappeared into the drawer of her bedside table, hidden beneath a stack of scarves. She splashed a little water on her face, took a deep breath, and forced herself to look normal.

Another knock came.

"Coming," she said, her voice slightly unsteady.

When she opened the door, she found Taniskh Chandravanshi standing outside.

Relief and surprise crossed her face at the same time.

"Mamu," she said softly, stepping aside, "please come inside."

Taniskh walked in, his presence calm and warm as always. In his hand was a small velvet box.

"Beta," he said gently, "today is your engagement. So this is a small gift from your mamu."

He placed the box in her hands.

Inaya opened it slowly.

Inside lay an elegant piece of jewelry—delicate, shimmering under the light.

Her eyes softened.

"Thank you, Mamu," she said quietly.

Taniskh placed his hand over her head in blessing. "May you always be happy."

But as he looked at her face more carefully, something felt... off.

He couldn't explain it.

Still, he asked softly, "Are you okay, beta?"

The question caught her off guard.

For a moment Inaya's breath stopped. Her mind raced.

Does he know? Did he notice something?

She quickly forced a small smile.

"Yes... I'm okay," she said, though her voice carried hesitation. "Just a little nervous before the engagement."

Taniskh studied her for a second longer, then smiled reassuringly.

"That's normal," he said kindly. "Every bride feels nervous before such a big moment."

He gently patted her shoulder.

"Don't worry. Everything will be okay."

His words were meant to comfort.

But as he spoke them, Inaya felt a sharp ache inside her chest.

Will it?

She nodded anyway.

"Yes, Mamu."

Outside the palace, music had already started playing, guests beginning to arrive for the celebration.

But inside Inaya's heart, fear was growing louder with every passing minute.

The afternoon sun stretched across the city as Kabir Rajput parked his car outside a modern apartment building.

He stepped out, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt, and walked toward the entrance like someone who had done this a hundred times before.

Because he had.

This was practically his second home.

The security guard nodded in recognition as Kabir entered and took the elevator up. A few moments later he reached the familiar door and knocked twice.

From inside came a voice.

"Door's open!"

Kabir pushed it and walked in.

The apartment looked exactly like its owner—neat and stylish. Sneakers thrown near the couch, a laptop open on the coffee table, and music playing softly from somewhere in the background.

On the couch sat Yuvaan, scrolling through his phone.

He looked up.

"Oh, the great model has arrived," he said lazily.

Kabir rolled his eyes and dropped onto the opposite chair. "Don't start."

Yuvaan studied him for a second. "You look serious. That's concerning."

Kabir leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"I need you to come somewhere with me tonight."

Yuvaan raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like trouble already."

Kabir sighed. "It's not trouble."

"Then?"

"Inaya Saxena's engagement."

Yuvaan blinked.

"Wait... the Royal palace engagement?"

Kabir nodded.

"Yes."

Yuvaan leaned back slowly, processing it.

"And why exactly am I required for this royal social event?"

Kabir shrugged. "Because I don't want to go alone."

Yuvaan stared at him like he was trying to decode a hidden meaning.

"Since when do you mind going anywhere alone?" he asked suspiciously.

Kabir looked away briefly, remembering something—or someone.

Just a glimpse of a girl standing in a mall aisle.

Sahera.

He quickly shook the thought away.

"It's just... networking," he said casually. "Big families will be there."

Yuvaan smirked.

"Ah. So the model wants to charm the rich crowd."

Kabir grabbed a cushion and threw it at him.

"Idiot."

Yuvaan caught it easily, still grinning.

"Fine," he said, standing up and stretching. "I'll come. But only because I want to see what kind of drama happens at royal engagements."

Kabir shook his head with a small smile.

"Get ready then."

Yuvaan grabbed his jacket from the chair.

"Trust me," he said, walking toward his room, "events like this always have drama."

Neither of them knew yet—

This engagement would have far more chaos than either of them expected.

The city lights had begun to glow as evening settled in.

Kabir Rajput started the car and pulled out from the parking lot while Yuvaan settled comfortably in the passenger seat.

Yuvaan immediately started talking—like always.

"Bro, listen," he said excitedly, scrolling through something on his phone. "The production team confirmed the meeting. When are you meeting Mr. Vall? If this movie works out, your career will literally jump to another level."

Kabir nodded vaguely. "Hmm."

Yuvaan continued, completely invested in the topic. "I mean seriously, a director like Vall doesn't just offer roles like that. You have to prepare properly. Acting workshops, body training, everything."

But Kabir wasn't really listening.

His hands were on the steering wheel, eyes on the road—but his mind was somewhere else.

Back in the mall.

Back in that toy store aisle.

Back to the moment when he had looked up and seen her.

Sahera.

The name echoed softly in his thoughts.

Flower girl.

He remembered how he had noticed the flowers first... and then her.

"Sahera..." he murmured under his breath.

A small smile crept onto his lips.

That name sounds beautiful.

The traffic light ahead turned red, and Kabir slowed the car to a stop.

But he didn't notice.

In his head, words started forming without effort.

If Sahera means the dawn,
then let my heart be the morning sky.
And maybe someday,
Sahera... become my 'mera'.

Kabir actually blushed at his own thought.

Inside the car, Yuvaan was still talking about film contracts and schedules—until suddenly he noticed something strange.

The cars in front had started moving.

The signal had turned green.

But Kabir's car hadn't moved an inch.

"Huh?"

Yuvaan looked at him.

Kabir was staring ahead like someone lost in a dream, a faint red tint spreading across his cheeks.

Yuvaan immediately slapped his shoulder.

"Bro! What the fuck?"

Kabir jumped slightly.

"Why did you stop the car?" Yuvaan pointed at the road. "Look at the signal! Other cars are moving!"

A car behind them honked loudly.

Kabir blinked and quickly pressed the accelerator.

"Oh—yeah, yeah."

Yuvaan squinted suspiciously. "And why are your cheeks red?"

Kabir cleared his throat, focusing on the road. "Cold."

Yuvaan stared at him like he had just heard the dumbest excuse on earth.

"Cold?" he repeated slowly.

Outside, thunder rumbled faintly as dark clouds gathered and light rain began tapping against the windshield.

Yuvaan pointed dramatically at the sky.

"On the night when it's literally about to rain... you're feeling cold?"

He leaned back in his seat and muttered dramatically—

"Fuck, Kabir."

The car finally turned into the long driveway leading to the palace.

Both Kabir Rajput and Yuvaan stepped out—and for a moment they simply stood there.

The palace looked breathtaking tonight.

Thousands of lights wrapped around the tall pillars and balconies, glowing like a golden waterfall against the night sky. Marigold garlands hung from every archway, and the entire courtyard buzzed with guests dressed in elegant suits and shimmering sarees. Soft music floated through the air while waiters moved gracefully between food stalls carrying trays of drinks.

Yuvaan's jaw literally dropped.

"Bro..." he whispered, looking around like a child in a candy store. "People live like this?"

His eyes drifted immediately toward the food stalls.

"Forget the palace, look at the food!"

He practically walked toward the buffet section already drooling.

Kabir, however, stood still for a moment.

The beauty of the place didn't distract him for long.

He remembered why he had come here.

Not just for the engagement.

Not just for networking.

He had come looking for someone.

Taniskh Chandravanshi.

Kabir quietly walked deeper into the gathering, scanning faces carefully. Guests chatted in groups, laughter echoed through the courtyard, but none of them were the man he was searching for.

Finally, he approached one of the guests politely.

"Excuse me," Kabir asked, "do you know where I can find Mr. Taniskh Chandravanshi?"

The man looked confused. "Sorry, I don't know."

Kabir nodded politely and moved on.

He asked another person.

Same answer.

After the second attempt, Kabir stopped himself.

This isn't smart.

If he kept asking about Taniskh openly, someone might start wondering why a stranger was searching for him at a private engagement.

Suspicion was the last thing he needed tonight.

So he quietly dropped the idea for now.

Turning around, he walked back toward the area where he had last seen Yuvaan.

Of course—

Yuvaan had already reached the bar section.

He was leaning comfortably against the counter, studying the drinks menu like it was the most important document in the world.

When he saw Kabir approaching, he grinned.

"Took you long enough."

Kabir folded his arms. "You came here for the food, didn't you?"

Yuvaan shrugged shamelessly. "Bro, look around. This is five-star level hospitality."

He pointed toward the buffet tables dramatically.

"If I leave this place hungry, it will be an insult to the host."

Kabir couldn't help but laugh slightly.

But even as he stood there beside his friend, his eyes still moved across the crowd.

Searching.

Somewhere in this palace tonight—

Taniskh Chandravanshi was here.

And Kabir intended to find him.

Inside the palace, the atmosphere felt entirely different from the lively courtyard outside.

Music floated through the hallways, guests laughed in distant rooms, and servants hurried with trays of drinks and flowers. But inside one quiet chamber—the bride's room—the air was calmer, almost delicate.

Inaya Saxena sat in front of a large mirror while two makeup artists gave the final touches to her look.

She wore a soft lavender lehenga embroidered with silver thread that shimmered gently under the warm lights. The delicate dupatta rested over her head like a veil, and the jewelry around her neck sparkled beautifully.

Anyone looking at her would say she looked like royalty.

Like a princess.

But the mirror revealed something else too.

There was no glow in her eyes.

No excitement.

Just a quiet exhaustion hidden behind the makeup.

The door opened softly.

Tarini walked inside.

For a moment she simply stood there, taking in the sight of her daughter.

Her expression softened.

"Sweety," she said gently, walking closer, "you are looking beautiful."

Inaya forced a small smile and turned slightly toward her.

"Mumma... you are looking beautiful too."

Tarini adjusted a loose strand of hair near her daughter's temple, her eyes filled with pride.

Just then, another figure appeared at the doorway.

Navdeep.

He stopped the moment he saw his daughter.

For a second he didn't say anything.

His little girl—who once ran through these halls with messy hair and scraped knees—was now sitting before him dressed like a bride.

His voice softened.

"Beta," he said quietly, walking inside, "you look like a princess."

Tarini smiled warmly at that.

"She is a princess," she replied proudly.

Inaya lowered her gaze slightly, her fingers tightening around the edge of her dupatta.

Outside, the palace buzzed with excitement for her engagement.

Inside, beneath the lavender silk and shining jewelry, her heart still carried the heavy secret she had hidden away in a drawer that morning.

In another room of the palace, the mood was completely different.

Laughter echoed softly as two girls hurried around, trying to get ready before someone came to rush them again.

Sahera stood in front of the mirror adjusting her dress while Tara struggled with her hair behind her.

"Tara," Sahera sighed, trying to twist slightly, "help me with this zip first. It's stuck. When we bought this dress it was working perfectly."

Tara walked over and carefully pulled the zipper up.

"There," she said dramatically, "done. Honestly, Sahera... this dress just makes you look more sexy."

She grinned mischievously the way close friends tease each other.

Sahera rolled her eyes immediately.

"Stop it, Tara."

Tara laughed loudly. "What? I'm just telling the truth!"

Then Sahera pointed at her teasingly and said,

"Twinkle twinkle little star."

Tara groaned loudly.

"Ugh! Not you too! That dumb Kevin already keeps calling me that."

Sahera burst into laughter.

"Well... maybe it suits you."

Tara grabbed a hairbrush and lightly threw it toward her.

"Very funny."

Sahera picked it up and handed it back.

"Okay, okay, drama queen. Now come here. Sit. I'll help with your hair."

Tara sat on the chair while Sahera started fixing her hair quickly.

Outside the room music and voices from guests were already filling the palace halls.

Tara glanced at the mirror and said,

"We should hurry. The engagement is going to start soon."

Sahera nodded while finishing the hairstyle.

"Yes. Let's get ready fast before someone comes to drag us downstairs."

And within minutes, both girls rushed to finish getting ready for the evening that was about to unfold. ✨

As they rushed down the long corridor toward the staircase, the sound of guests and music grew louder with every step.

Sahera and Tara were almost running when suddenly—

thud.

Sahera bumped straight into someone.

Strong hands held her shoulders to steady her before she could lose balance.

"Arre, aaram se, beta," came a calm voice.

She looked up and immediately relaxed.

It was her father, Taniskh.

Sahera exhaled. "Papa! We thought the engagement already started."

Taniskh smiled softly.

"It hasn't. Come slowly. No one is running away."

Tara laughed quietly beside her, slightly embarrassed from the near-collision.

Together they walked out of the palace hallway and toward the outer wing of the palace garden, where the engagement ceremony was being held. Lights glowed across the lawn, flowers decorated the arches, and guests filled the beautifully arranged space.

As they approached the main area, they spotted two familiar figures standing near the entrance.

Saransh and Kevin.

Both boys were dressed sharply in black suits.

Taniskh raised an eyebrow the moment he saw them.

"You two should have dressed traditionally," he said. "It's a family function."

Kevin immediately protested, adjusting his collar.

"Uncle, that is for marriage. For engagement—thoda desi, thoda modern."

His Hindi came out broken and dramatic, which made everyone laugh instantly.

After all, despite living abroad, they were still Indians at heart.

Sahera smiled teasingly.

"Kevin, your Hindi has improved."

Before Kevin could respond, Tara crossed her arms and added mischievously,

"Improved? No. It has become more de-improved."

Kevin looked offended.

"Whatever! I am still looking better than you."

Tara gasped dramatically. "Excuse me?!"

Within seconds the two of them started their usual playful argument.

"You wish!" Tara shot back.

"At least I know how to dress," Kevin replied.

"Oh please—"

"Enough, enough," Taniskh said with a light chuckle, raising his hand to stop them before their playful fight grew louder.

"Save this battle for later. Today is Inaya's engagement."

The group finally settled down, though Kevin and Tara were still quietly glaring at each other.

And together they walked toward the glowing stage where the evening's celebration was about to begin. ✨

Sneak peek- Chapter 25

"Comfortable?" he asked dryly.

Sahera jumped up instantly, her face turning red with embarrassment.

"Oh my God—I'm so sorry!" she said quickly. "I didn't see you sitting here."

Kabir leaned back slightly, still half-smiling.

"Yes, I noticed."

He looked up at her teasingly.

"But I must say... that's a very unique way of greeting someone." 😄