ISHA’S POV

The sunlight was harsh - scorching. The roads were empty, heat radiating everywhere. Hardly few cars, bikes passed although it was past the office rush. The electric poles were deserted by birds - proving that at tough times even the one who took advantage won't be available.

But the harshness didn’t blind me. I was used to the glare of people who were never meant to even look at my eyes directly. So, I put on the sunglasses and looked directly at the blazing sun. A message to all - I came prepared this time.

Pulling my dupatta over my head, my face always hidden, because no one was meant to recognize me until I let them, I walked out of the company building. 

Alone. Just in my sandals, which was doing nothing against the burn I felt from the rising asphalt road. Slowly I felt my sweat drops dripping down my temple, my throat drying up but my will was stronger than ever.

And as I promised, I didn't take any car to the temple. Because my deal was stronger today - so was my sacrifice. I didn't care if my feet were going to have blisters, I needed my prayer to be answered this time.

The holy flag of the Radhakrishna Temple waved high above, until the whole temple became visible. It was quiet - soothing. Very few devotees were here at this hour, the shops were half-closed, exhausted from the summer heat,  many resting inside the temple - which was relatively colder.

I bowed down, touching the first step of the stairs, taking the blessings before climbing up to the main shrine. And as I ascended, the divine statue of Radha Krishna came to my view, immediately making my eyes tear.

But I couldn't go closer to the Murti,  vowed to never be too close until......

I stood by a pillar - huge enough for nobody to pay attention to me. From far away, I folded my hands, whispering, " You made me come this far....don't let go now. The story has started now - hasn't it?"

I swiftly kneeled, my dupatta sliding further, covering my face, making me more vulnerable,  and finally I let my tears fall.

"You have seen me breaking, didn't you? You have seen me nearly dying, didn't you? You have thrown me off the cliff, didn't you? But...."

A hiccup left my throat, as I looked up, my eyes meeting the beautiful eyes of the creator of the universe.

"You kept me alive. Alive......and remember each and every word. And I believe - if you saved me....it was meant for only one thing...."

A menacing, cold whisper slid which was unrecognizable to even me, "Revenge."

Wiping my tears, I smiled. And that smile was nowhere sweet or gentle - it was meant for the agonising beginningbefore I stepped in the battlefield.

"And look at me.....years of abuse, death, and toxicity...and I'm standing on the ashes of those for whom I seek revenge. And my vow to them - that I'll give the most painful ending to the betrayers."

Hot, angry tears poured, heat radiating from my cheeks, ears turning red and eyes hardening, "And those voices that were raised....would be silenced forever.  Those back stabs......will be given back twice painful. Those betrayals......would become the very ground on which they are buried. Those hands that destroyed my life....will be cut off. And everyone will watch . Watch - Isha Sunaina Gupta rise again, from the very  smoke that was supposed to choke her. "

And so I kept sitting there, time passed, but I needed my prayers to be heard this time because I have waited long, years to reach here.

And as the sun dipped, it's time over, I rose to my feet. Walking to sit among the poor men and women. My eyes trained at the ground as the Temple trustee's staffs started distributing the prasad from the earlier puja.

I held my hand out - as a hot plate was placed on my palms, but with it slipped a paper - I smirked. Without looking up, I joined my hands, " Bless the mother, who feeds."

They walked away to serve the others. And I dived into tearing the puri and dipping it in payasam- and the first bite - took me exactly back to my childhood. The nostalgia, the hidden scars, the warmth overwhelming my senses.

Tears dripped down, mixing with the food I was chewing - and with that the motive of reckoning my position became stronger.

But was I going to be successful? Was I going to really win over my opponents? The same opponents that had caused the downfall of an entire empire. Was I really that smart and strong? Or were they going to kill me before I could bring justice?

But no doubt could stop me now. I have been raised to rise. Rise from the vows, tears, betrayals and finally reclaim her identity.

I slowly opened the paper - crumpled? Yes. Messy handwriting? Yes. Important? Maybe. But more than that it keeps the fire burning inside me.

But before I could safely tuck it, some kids pushed me harder - making me stumble, while the plate fell with a loud thud. Food scattering. Everyone's eyes on me. And the note...gone.

Panicked, I kneeled down, crawling on floor to find that note. Where could it go? But as desperate as I was, I didn't catch a tiny glimpse of the crumpled paper.

I didn't care if people were judging me, because right now that note couldn't slip.

But heartless, ignorant people didn't care, did they? Someone's feet stamped on my fingers, making me wince, my burnt hand flaring back pain. Eyes shutting on it's own, a groan escaping, as I tried to remove my hand. But they were so careless, they couldn't even notice where they were standing.

I desperately pushed the leg of that person, " Leave!!! Its hurting!!! "

Until, that person moved, but my hand throbbed.

When I noticed, everyone was staring at me. My other hand slowly moved up to my hair, finally noticing my dupatta was gone. And I felt- my heart stop for a moment.

And without any second thought - I scrambled on my feet, pressing my arms around myself, as I hurried downstairs the stairs.

Not once looking back, I frantically ran away from the temple.

They won't remember me, right? No one knows....it was years back. It was a long ago.....everybody forgets with time, didn't they?

And as my breath got shallower, I hurriedly took a rickshaw, uttering out my address.

My mind was frozen. Just my body pulsing on adrenaline. Because now....I had to be more cautious.

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DHRUV’S POV

I was about to sit down for breakfast - but as usual it was empty except my mother. I swept my eyes around the grand dining hall, lit by chandeliers - yet haunting. The silence screamed the curses of sacrifices, death, and unrequited feelings.

I looked up at my Mother, who was sitting on the seat opposite to the head table. That's where she had been sitting for decades - her way of showing her power of this household.

"Ma, where is Papa? He didn't arrive yet...." I noticed her stiff posture, eyes fixed on the plate, " I will ask the maid to call for him....."

Ma spoke not a single word, picking up the fork and knife, stabbing the bread.

I felt caught between two dangerous forces - yet I couldn't help but take care of both of them. Afterall if one is my mother, who carried me, fed me.....the other is my father, the one who loved me no matter what.

As I was about to rise to call for father, I heard footsteps - commanding, strict and still the same power he once claimed.

I stood up, bowing my head lower,  "Good morning, Papa."

And the man in his early 60s - shirt tucked perfectly not a single crease, hair still groomed, physique maintained not a single scratch of age visible. Except for that one bracelet - it stayed there on the wrist. No amount of success,  pain, persuasion could make him lose it.

My father nodded, sitting on the head of the table, placing the napkin properly, posture absolutely straight. But he didn't pick up his fork or spoon.

"Where is Ved?" His voice cut the silence.

From corner of my eyes, I felt my mother's fingers clenching on the knife, glaring at the shredded bread pieces.

I mumbled, " V-ved Bhai - he is getting ready, Papa."

My father shook his head, " I'll wait for him...rest can continue the breakfast."

My mother lifted her head up, " Your son - Ved Singh Chauhan- is never at time. And you make the rest wait....isn't that unfair Chauhan Sahab?"

My father without looking up, rested his elbows on the table, " I'm the father of Ved Singh Chauhan- and I know my duty well....I don't go around throwing tantrums and ignoring my children. And about waiting - I said clearly rest can carry forward the breakfast, Chitrangada ji."

I flinched hearing the cold tone, my eyes lowered on their own, I wished Ved bhai would come fast and handle the situation- but it's irony because he is the gasoline.

Papa turned towards me, his eyes softening, " Dhruv baccha, aap khana shuru kijiye. Aapko kam honge, bhooke mat rahiye."

I nodded, " Ji, Papa."

I had just taken the first bite when I felt a pat on my shoulder, making me choke on the food .

And immediately Maa came forward, patting my back, offering me water, until her glare darted at him.

Ved Singh Chauhan.

And he was unfazed, smirking at mother, mockingly touching her feet, "Aashirwad nhi karengi aapke ladle bete ko, Matashree?"

I held Ved Bhai’s hand, squeezing it, urging him to stop lighting the fire.

Ved bhai laughed , " Dhruv, drink the water. I'm sorry...didn't mean to choke you. " he walked past Ma, " But damn, I liked the fear on 'Chauhan ghar ki malkin's' face."

Ved bhai sat down on Ma's seat, opposite to Papa and looked at both of them with same cold, dangerous eyes. No doubt, he was the spitting image of Papa.

Ma fisted her saree, glaring at Ved, " I see- people don't learn manners easily. Maybe that's why -"

Before Maa could finish, there was a loud crash!

Maa's plate scattered onto the floor, broken into pieces, food staining the pristine floor, and Ved Bhai sat leaning back, a dangerous gleam,  " And some people can never learn their position."

Ved bhai stood up, the broken pieces crunching under his boots, shrugging, running his hand through hair, he turned towards me, " Shall I give you a ride, Chotu?"

I nodded, the urge to run far away from the steaming volcano too high.

I put my phone back in my pocket, nodding once at Papa, and then Maa, before jogging after Ved bhai.

And there Bhai was already behind the wheel, waiting for me to get inside. And I entered the passenger seat, and the car revved hard before leaving the driveway but I noticed how the cloud of dusts blew towards the direction of Maa and Papa - bhai’s way of rebellion.

I couldn't help but mutter, " They are our parents- no matter what, Bhai. " I looked at him, " Atleast we can stop -"

Ved bhai laughed, his control on the steering wheel surprising, " Where is the fun then? And parents? " he smirked, "Questionable. "

I sighed, " Alright." Then remembering something I turned towards bhai, " Drive to the temple nearby. It's the most powerful temple - all wishes are answered. I want to offer a prayer for tomorrow- it's a big day."

And for a moment, the control slipped from Bhai's hold, I thought I was imagining things but he pressed the brakes slightly, slowing down.

"For what? No prayers are needed to fulfill wishes. One needs to work harder to snatch it away. And God is not true- it's just a belief religion mongers put inside to control people. Because where nothing else works - the fear of unknown does." Ved bhai spoke, his voice steel hard, eyes fixed on the road.

I shook my head, " Maybe. But you can't deny- sometimes to win you need God at your side too. " I tilted my head, " Heard the story Mahabharat right? How did Kauravas after such huge army and allies still lose. Because the game changer - Shri Krishna was on the opposite ."

Ved bhai closed his eyes momentarily, " I will wait outside - but I'm not entering ."

I smiled softly, " That's ok. Krishna ji has eyes for everyone - and your biggest answer might be at his shrine."

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I walked outside the car, climbing up the stairs, and standing infront of the idol. After offering puja and prasad, I was about to walk towards the children at the stairs to offer the prasad.

But there was chaos.

And amidst the chaos was a peaceful beauty, but her rhythm disturbed. She was crouched lower, her knees scrapping the ground, but her trembling hands trying to search for something.

But her face - it was hidden by her long, jet black hair cascading and shielding her identity. Still, her eyes - the most intoxicating ones, ice and fire both sparkled in there. A strange pull - something mysterious,  hidden. But it didn't miss my eyes, her stance was confident yet tamed to be benevolent. Eyes deep enough to conceal secrets and the panic too desperate.

Until she hissed - somebody stepped on her bandaged hand, staining it with fresh blood.

I hurried to reach her - but the crowd pushed past me, till I tried to see her face once.

But she frantically looked around, clutching herself, covering her face as if she couldn't afford to lose her identity.

I ran upto her - but she was faster.

And in the end, I lost sight of her except the dupatta left behind.

Hers.

I picked it up, clutching it, my eyes trying to search for those pair of eyes.

"Who are you? So mysterious and so intoxicating?"

But before I could dwell much into my thoughts, my phone blared loudly breaking my trance.

Ved Bhai's call.

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VED'S POV

I was waiting , drumming my fingers on the steering wheel safely parked on the parking premises of the temple.

My hands itched to call Dhruv to ask him to hurry him up but I controlled. Not wanting to disturb his peace or beliefs.

My eyes swept over the surrounding,  alert and ready for any danger. But all I could see was swarm of devotees - blinded by religion.

I scoffed, " If God is real, then he would have not hurt the good people. Where did he go when innocent people were betrayed? "

I took off my sunglasses, checking my phone for any unreadable messages or emails.

But suddenly my car jerked forward, my phone slipping away, my head hitting the steering wheel not so hard - still.

I could see people running towards my direction. But my anger boiled over - who the hell was this careless person!

I put my sunglasses on, opening the door, stepping out of the car, my shoes hitting the asphalt road, straightening my blazer, my eyes fixed on the car behind mine, careless and no sense of parking.

I marched towards the car, and the sight of the huge dent on my car made my anger to explode.

I turned my glare towards the other car, tapping on the driver's side, " Open up the door, bastard! Do you know how much harm you did to me? Have you ever seen such a car in your lifetime?"

The door clicked open, and out slid a woman, hair in a ponytail, heels tapping and dressed elegantly.

But that doesn't matter - because I knew that face too well.

Naina Malhotra. Current CEO of Malhotra Enterprises.

How many nights have I spend searching this name? How many times I tried to reach her? Endless following, endless searching - and here she is knocking on my door on her own.

I couldn't help but smirk - one step locked.

And she was exactly how the reports said - reckless, careless and prideful.

So I schooled my expression, leaning on my car, " So? Are you aware of the damage you caused, Miss Naina Malhotra?"

She looked at me, in disbelief,  " You are aware of my name? "

I chuckled, " Aware? Be careful it might scare you away....of how much I prepared. " then surrendering, " Bet this accident wasn't my plan yet you tumbled into my circle. Maybe you like sinful play right?"

Her glare grew fierce,  " Shut up! You are a creep and what happened served you right?" Then she stood chin held high, "If you can ride such a car I guess you can repair it too. But it's ok if you can't- I can perform some charity."

And with that she threw a wad of cash at me.

My lips curled up in a dangerous smirk. Wrong move. Very wrong. People never dares to cross path with me but look at her audacity.

It will be fun to slowly break that arrogance. And one thing - Ved Singh Chauhan- loved most was toying with people until their arrogance turned into desperate begging.

I bend lower, picking each and every note. And from the corner of my eyes I saw her smiling thinking she won in humiliating me.

And I let her believe.

And once all the cash was collected I walked towards her car, and with my fist broke the front glass - glass pieces were reduced to dust and then I threw the cash on her car, " Will help you repair your car because as for you - your position of CEO seems to be in danger, isn't it?"

I chuckled, " Someone has dug too deep to shake your chair and soon it will crumble. Be prepared, Miss. Malhotra. "

And with that, I entered my car, calling Dhruv to hurry up fast.

And when Dhruv returned I saw him lost in thought and in his hand was a dupatta.

"Whose is it?" My eyes trained on it, voice hardening.

"A girl in temple, with dark, mysterious eyes and she ran away before I could reach her."

Hearing Dhruv's words, my hold on steering wheel tightened,  the speed slowly rising.

So the game has begun.

Early than I thought but well- I'm always prepared, ain't I?

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NAINA'S POV

I had just entered the the temple parking premises- because Isha di's GPS showed she was here.

In this hot, humid climate what was the need to come here alone without a car?

I sometimes really don't know what goes on her mind.

But just as I was about to park my car, my car jerked forward hitting the car infront.

And damn - it looked exquisite and definitely was owned by some rich family.

And now I wasn't in mood to deal with some rich bullshit.

But the humiliation I faced - it made me seethe with anger. My nails digged my palm, bleeding and my eyes glaring at the now empty space.

The entire parking space was dirty with the glass shards and my car looked awful and the cash toppled from the roof of car, inside the seat.

Humiliation so high, I vowed to make that man suffer.

People passed looks - some pity, some judgemental.

But how did that man know who I am? What did he meant he searched for me? What did he need me for?

My head was spinning from thoughts but the urge to run away from the demolished pride of mine overpowered.

I called my assistant,  " Send another car now."

And as I waited , my legs shook. Who would try to shake my position? No one that I knew would try to sabotage me. But tomorrow- it was an important day in my life. Was someone plotting against me?  But who would dare to make enemies with Malhotra Enterprises?

But nonetheless,  I checked Isha di's location and it pointed near our home. I sighed, if only I had not troubled to come here I wouldn't have to face this man - he looked dangerous.

But the real question was - who was he?

But my phone blared loudly and Papa's name flashed .

With trembling hands, I picked it up.

"Come fast to the office. No words. You are really reckless. You will cause damage to our company. "

And then silence.

I sat there on the stone, unmoving. What just happened?

But calls from Ma came repeatedly.

She had a strict tone, " Are you so irresponsible? Do you know how much it took for me to place you on that CEO position? Do you know the plans I hatched to secure our position? And you brat - destroyed everything in one glimpse. Couldn't you be a little alert? And Naina-" she whispered, " Don't believe a single soul.....because the biggest betrayal comes from the friend not the enemy."

And with that, I was left alone, all the words swirling in my headspace.

Friend? Enemy? I thought I knew it - but I didn't.  Was it that man? But what wrong did I do to him? Isha di? No. No, she isn't so powerful and she loves me as her sister right?

And suddenly I grew more conscious of my surrounding, all the eyes seemed like a to me as if everyone was plotting against me. As if everyone was waiting for my downfall.

And deep down I feared because everything that Maa build was on someone else's tears, curses.

And how could an empire stand still when it's build with a woman's cry?

And this time I couldn't let anyone suspicion to pass freely.

As the car arrived, I entered immediately demanding my tab. And opening it up the first thing I did was search for this man.

He might be a big shot in the business world or else how would someone know me?

And damn it - I searched each and every link, documents until I clicked on his profile.

Ved Singh Chauhan.

See, it wasn't that difficult to find you. And I would be damned if I didn't show you that you shouldn't play with Naina Malhota. Because she isn't a damsel in distress, she can hiss back and maybe snap your breath .

But I couldn't stop scrolling the information- documents after documents. But surprisingly  - all the documents were registered after he turned twenty- five. Before that, there is no digital footprint as if he didn't exist.

But why was it hidden? What was happening that no one knew? What laid behind the doors of Chauhan family?

But whatever it is, it looked like a threat to me - maybe he is the one preparing for shaking the grounds of Malhotra Enterprises. 

Got it. And now I had to keep eyes on him - his every movement had to be measured. No matter what- I can't let slip away. If he thought he could win over - he didn't know Naina Malhotra knows how to delicately weave trap that no one could escape.

And this time I was winning, wasn't I?

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