ISHA’S POV

Watching the cinema-like bashing from this exquisite balcony felt so surreal. Impressed, that was what I felt. Because some people deserve such humiliation in public eyes. And today marked the beginning of the downfall of the Malhotra Enterprise- the legacy whose foundation snatched everything I loved away from me.

Smirking, I looked down and snapped pictures of how a stone was hurled at Kaushalya Malhotra, her forehead bleeding. You dared to make me bleed, now look who is bleeding infront of media houses.

My eyes sweeped on my dear father, trying to get inside the car to save himself from the immense crowd, but his panic and stumbling made me chuckle. Karma always knocks on door, and this time he had no idea who was playing the strings.

As my eyes landed on Naina, I leaned back on the pillar, crossing my arms. She was just a pawn in the games of revenge and power but she would be sacrificed first. Because without her being removed, how will I reach for that CEO chair? Poor her! But she had too many options to save herself and tonight I won't forget she is the daughter of the woman I hate.

So I reached for my phone, dialing the secure number, " Next step. By tonight."

The call ended and I knew the next flicker of rebellion was planted. Soon everything will crumble. But will the Malhotra's be able to sleep nicely tonight?

I laughed loudly, the sound echoing into the hotel room I have booked right above the gala venue.

With that, I pulled the curtains of the grand window, walking towards the bed. The chandelier above my head glowed majestically, there was no place for even a single shadow, the sleek dressing table had a polished mirror, reflecting back my heartless face.

But in the mirror, I didn't see the me, wearing a saree or cold face with dead eyes. It was just a five year old, with two pigtails and a pink frock clutching a teddy bear, smiling widely.

But that smile slowly started to vanish replaced by fear and tears. I hurried towards the mirror, and tried to soothe the little girl but she vanished.

And as my eyes flicked back at my own reflection, I mumbled, " I couldn't protect myself back then.......but now I have grown into the woman, who fears none and has nothing to lose. Dangerous combination!"

I laid down on the soft mattress, something luxurious for me. Because I'm used to sleeping on hard bed without any mattress underneath. But sleep never came. Memories, screams, blood and the betrayal clawed my mind. And so, I plunged the room into darkness.

Darkness is what made me feel alive. In darkness, you can't trust anyone or anything. Danger might be lurking around the corner and your survival instincts will kick in. And this instinct, it kept human beings alive. And I have trained myself to survive in this dark world.

The ticking of the clock made me wait impatiently for that one call. It will come anytime soon. They have reached the house by now and a surprise waited there for them. And the victim is very dear to Kaushalya Malhotra, now she would taste how it feels to see loved ones beg to live while you are helpless.

And true to my word, the sharp ring of the phone cut through the night air. I took my precious time to pick the phone up, already expecting the words.

"Hello?"

"Isha di! You need to hurry here in the Raichand hospital. Fast!"

Naina's frantic voice came through the other side.

"Hmm." With that, I cut the call.

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As I reached the hospital, I saw the head of the Raichand hospital assuring father, making me chuckle. Obviously they will beg for some business from the Malhotras. But little did they know, the Malhotra business ship was going to sink soon, heavy with their own betrayal and fraud.

Walking little inside, I noticed Kaushalya Malhotra, sitting on a chair, head bandaged and silent tears falling. And that brought peace to my heavy chest. One day, you played the game and made me sit on one of these chair in a government hospital and cry for my loved one. Now the tables have turned, you will be helpless too but I won't let your suffering end so soon.

Naina came running towards me, hugging me tightly, as I gently patted her slowly, "Where were you, Isha di?"

I pulled back from her, " Was stuck in the venue when none of you even looked back once. "

Naina looked guilty, as she sat beside me, " I was not in my mind, Isha di. Or else I wouldn't have left you."

I nodded, " How is he?"

Naina sobbed harder, " Doctor says he is in critical condition. The poison have spread. He was lying on floor with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth when we found him."

I asked shocked, " Poison?"

Father came beside us, " Yes it was poison. And it might be from what he drank or ate. Me, Kaushalya, Naina and even you weren't there. So it might be someone in staff working for our rival and trying to harm my son."

I stood up, determined, " Whoever tried to harm our family should be punished, right Mrs. Kaushalya Malhotra?"

My eyes turned towards the woman, constantly weeping as her son was lying on death bed.

She nodded, walking upto father, grabbing his arm, " Satish.... we need to get the person who poisoned my son. "

I nodded, " No matter what, no one hurts our Aryan Malhotra. "

Naina stood up, " I'll try to coordinate the investigation, Papa. You and Maa look after Aryan and Isha di can accompany you two."

Naina went home, while the other two kept pacing, worrying for their son. Meanwhile I went to the cafeteria, ordering for a cup of coffee and a pastry. The pastry was something that might be offered to the children, but it tasted so good. The second victory. I scooped a little, moaning as the victory tasted so delicious that now I was addicted to it.

By midnight, a call came in father's phone, I walked a little closer to him as I overheard the conversation.

Naina had called, it was evident and the information she gave was well known to me.

I heard faintly, "Papa, it's Malti Kaki. She cooked Aryan's dinner and he ate it. The plates and dishes have been tested they have the particles suspected."

Father looked shock, " Malti? She can never do that. She helped me-"

He turned towards me, getting silent.

"It's Malti Kaki. She looked too eager to cook for Aryan. And she might be an old staff but not trustworthy. One who might have helped in past can backstab very easily." I spoke, my voice soft but firm.

Kaushalya Malhotra stood up, " I know it's her. She always kept quiet and Isha is right! She looked eager to feed Aryan! Satish, she knows too much. Remove her and we kill two birds at once. The past stays buried and Aryan gets his justice. "

And I stood there, innocently as if I didn't know what past they tried to bury. And as father ordered his men to end Malti Kaki, I turned around, a slow smirk creeping on my lips.

But my phone pinged with a message, "She was already taken away before we could take hold of her from your father's men."

And that send a chill down my spine. Who could take Malti kaki away? It was my plan to hold her and make her suffer, taking her away from father's men. Now who else wanted her?

As my brain tried to come up with another solution, another message popped.

An unknown number.

"Took your prey away, right under your claws. But don't worry, your prey will meet worse sufferings than you could have given. Just relax. Tomorrow is a big day.

~Your lover."

Lover? Who was playing such mind games now? No one knew the real me, I have always kept my face hidden from media, from any eyes. Who did this phone number belong to?

I immediately forwarded it to my security team, " Find this number immediately. No delay."

And this person knows what I have planned tomorrow. How can somebody, when I have secretly worked my things?

My eyes snapped up from the phone, frantically searching everywhere. Was there someone who was tracking me? Who was keeping a watch on me?

My chest heaved, I waited for so long to seek my revenge. Now if someone discovered my secret, my promises will be left unfulfilled.

No way. Isha Sunaina Gupta never loses, I'll find this person and end their game.

Nobody can make me fool.

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NAINA'S POV

Ouch!

My head hit the wall as I fell asleep while sitting. My laptop screen had dimmed long time ago, And the strain on my neck made it worse. How did I end up sleeping amidst so much work and tension?

The entire Malhotra Enterprise was unstable at this moment- very susceptible to the rivals. And leaving it like this, could lead to extreme loss and maybe we could suffer losses beyond recovery.

Straining my sore neck, I looked up at the clock, 5:00 a.m. it's already morning. I needed to keep a check on the house too. Danger lurked at any corner and it was time to break any threats from it's root.

Tying up my hair, I descended the stairs to walk to the garden. The maids and staffs of house were already awake, cleaning, cooking, and maintaining the rhythm of the household. But there was fear underneath, terror of meeting the same fate as Malti kaki made them work with head bowed. None of them made a noise or even look up at me when they noticed me.

I sighed, reminding me this was for the best. There was a difference between us and them in terms of power. And crossing that boundary, meant danger. Not to forget maybe one of them could be paid by the rivals.

As I reached the garden, I took off my slippers. An old staff immediately came forward, lifting up my slippers, " Madam ji, I'll take care of your shoe. And the lawn has been cleaned and checked. Rest assure that you can walk barefoot."

I nodded. Still my eyes remained trained, if any hidden harm was placed on the lush, green grass or not.

I was busy thinking about who could breach the company files alongwith pay Malti kaki to poison Aryan. No way Malti kaki poisoned Aryan herself. She must have been paid by someone else, someone who wanted to destroy our family. But who wants to ?

And as much as I tried to pin point it, the more complicated it seemed. It might be done by someone close to us, or how did they know that Malti kaki is a very old serving maid, trusted by us and took the chance to use it against us. Isha di......Malti kaki always used to lurk around when Isha di used to cook. Maybe Malti kaki herself placed the hair, so that Aryan had to eat food cooked by kaki.

And in all these dramas, Isha di faced the wrath of Maa. Poor her. She had cuts all over her shoulder and back, yet she hurried to see Aryan in hospital. She truly is a sweetheart, and a soft smile rested in my lips.

I moved towards the rose garden, as I was about to pick the roses, a scared gardener hurried to my side.

"Madam ji, whatever you need just tell us. The thorns can hurt you. And it's strictly ordered by Badi Madam ji, that there should be no scratch on you."

I gently smiled, dismissing him, " Maa won't know, and I'm going to pick it myself . It's specially for someone. "

With that, I carefully picked up the roses, when I was satisfied with the number, I walked to the lawn table and chair. Sitting down, I started to remove the leaves and thorns and beautifully tried to assemble the flowers.

A hiss left my lips, as one of the discarded thorn pricked my finger.

"Be careful. Thorns usually are meant to prick, it's our fault to think- if it's discarded it has forgotten it's purpose. And don't be so careless Naina. "

I turned around to see Isha di standing right behind me, in a serene white salwar, a dupatta always her companion.

"Don't worry di, it's just a prick. You are worrying too much." I reassured her.

"Today it's a prick, someday it might be a stab. What goes away if you stay alert? Like you didn't notice my footsteps." Isha di spoke in such a gentle whisper.

I smiled a little, " And if it's a stab, I know you will protect me, right?" I held her hand, " And maybe I was distracted to notice your footsteps."

She picked up one thorn, " You know I love thorns. They show even if you are not liked , people fear that you might hurt them. Dangerous things are feared, and that is why they are isolated from the beautiful things."

I furrowed my brows, " What has happened to you? You are talking in riddles."

"Nothing. Just feeling philosophical. " She dismissed.

"By the way, why are you in home? You were in hospital with Maa and Papa right?"

She took the rose bouquet from my hands, " It belongs to me. "

I nodded, " It was for you."

She smiled, " I know. And about the hospital visit. Your Papa asked me to accompany you to the company. You know right, the air is tense there? By now, every media outlet is showing yesterday's event in their headlines. "

I nodded gravely, " I don't know how to make everything perfect. "

Isha di, placed a hand in my shoulder, "Let's face the situation first then we will think about next steps."

I nodded, " Then I'll get ready now. You can get ready too."

With that I walked to my room, hurriedly getting ready, wearing the blue formals, it is underrated colour in the world of red and black. But it shows you are here, your presence isn't something to be dismissed just like the vast blue sky.

I walked outside, to see Isha di already inside the car, the rose bouquet resting on her lap, still in that simple white salwar and dupatta covering half of her face.

Sighing I settled beside her on the backseat, " You didn't change? Why always wear such simple clothes in a world full of dominating colours? "

"White resembles peace, Naina. And who says, it isn't powerful. It has all other colours hidden in it and see how deceptive that is. " Isha di said, while looking outside.

I shook my head, " No one can win against you in these word games. But now, I'll try to focus on handling the chaos."

"Better. You need focus today. " Isha di said with so much certainty it made me stop for a second.

Maybe she too was worried, no doubt Malhotra family was in headlines now. And infront of company today, there will be protests, papparazis, and our guards.

And true to my word, there was chaos infront of the building. So the guards of the company, made a VIP corridor, with them standing beside each other as our car passed. But the shouts, the papparazis trying to steal one picture of the car to feed their news channel, we're relentless. People with banners came to protest , screaming on top of their lungs.....

'Ban using Malhotra produced products!"

'Remove the CEO of the Malhotra Enterprise!'

'Shame on these owners to play with people's feelings!'

'Shame on them to scam everyone!'

The situation inside wasn't any better, meetings with HR, the financial manager, the different sector heads made me feel nauseous. The rage, the hate and the loss was growing every second.

Until, in a heated debate alongwith the HR and the investors, a question shook the ground beneath my feet.

"Remove Naina Malhotra from the CEO position. If you are for it , vote for it by signing on the file placed infront of you. If you are against it, refrain from signing."

My breath hitched, so this is how far the damage has been made. To remove me was the only solution. But in all those scams and illegal business I had no role in. Then why was I punished without any reason?

And somehow dread gripped my heart too tightly because most of them were signing the file.

No. No way, I worked hard to be the CEO. Now I can't lose it. But mostly all of them were our people, right? Papa had placed them so we never lose majority. Then how come even our people betray us?

But the bigger question swirled in my mind, did someone offer them a huge sum and bought their rights? And if this is true , then who was doing such things?

My eyes darted for Isha di, but she was nowhere. Was she safe? Was the raging people hurting her? No. I had securely made her wait in my cabin. So she must be safe. She is too innocent for this cruel world of power hungry monsters.

Please keep all of us safe.

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VED'S POV

The door opened widely, while I stood there shirt sleeves folded, blazer hanging from one shoulder, leaning by the wall. And a smile crept up my lips as I noticed the one who opened the door.

"Still awake? Waiting for your dear elder son?"

She looked coldly at me, " If you want to stay in Chauhan Haveli better start to learn how to comprehend a watch. Because apparently you have no sense of how late it is. Do you think maids will stay awake for your royal late coming?"

I walked past her, " Well they are paid. Isn't that enough?"

"Jaisa baap waisa beta. Do all the Chauhans think money gives you power to buy off a human being?" The matriarch of Chauhan house said with disgust.

I turned around, " Well money can buy human beings........it can keep a person alive and not be sacrificed off to death."

At this she flinched, but soon schooled her emotions.

"You are right. It can save lives and I learned it from Chauhans in hard way."

I scoffed, " Atleast you are alive and Dhruv hasn't become an orphan. You are there to save him.......always. And look at you-" my voice choked, " You became fearless when you became a mother."

Her face softened, " I had to become heartless and rule over this legacy that snatched away my innocence. And I couldn't let others ruin my Dhruv's happiness."

I looked at her, " But you left me to fetch for myself and tremble on the cold bed."

She looked guilty, " If you were in my position would you still question my intentions?"

It did make me stop. Because truth be told, she had paid the price of becoming the head of Chauhan family with her whole life.

Silence. Pin drop silence. Both of us standing opposite, facing each other, the grand walls of the Chauhan Haveli holding pain of ours and the chandeliers shining above us, not caring how our eyes glistened. It was just us - a boy, who once craved for mother's love and a woman, aged but pain took away sparks from her eyes too soon.

She walked closer to me, " I have no complain about you. No hatred towards you, Ved. But loving you as my son- I'm not that strong yet. "

I stiffened, finally nodding, " I know. I don't complain. But you hurt me too. "

My eyes lifted up, meeting her, glaring at the woman standing infront of me, " You took away my childhood. Played games with me. Used my innocence to secure Dhruv's life."

I sadly chuckled, " If you had just asked me to leave everything for Dhruv, I would have done it in a second. Because I love Dhruv and he is the best younger brother I could ever have."

She didn't look guilty, as she calmly looked back at my eyes directly, "Mujhe tumse koi shikayat nhi. Kyuki shikayat apno se ki jati hein. " she paused, " Tum koi nhi ho mera. "

I turned away, laughing harshly, " Then it's deal Mrs. Chitrangada Singh Chauhan, we both aren't going to interfere in our business."

She nodded, " You have my words, Ved."

She turned around, about to climb the staircase, before she turned around, "The blood stain on your sleeves are visible even if you have folded it. Be careful. "

I looked down at my sleeves and there was just a tiny splash of blood maybe from the earlier visit to the factory.

She climbed up the stairs, disappearing into the room. But I knew she would keep her mouth shut. Atleast I could trust her this much for now. But you don't believe a woman trying to grasp power, she can use it against me anytime she wants.

I lazily climbed up the stairs to my room, and without caring to light up the room, I walked towards the closet, and stood infront of mirror.

And I smiled, " Ishhh.....you look such a nuisance. You won't look presentable to your rose, Ved."

And with that, I unbuttoned my shirt and threw it away somewhere and relaxed myself in the already prepared bathtub.

The staff deserved a raise, perfectly arranged my bath......exactly how I like. The roses look so much fresher, and I could already feel her presence.

"Don't worry, Rose. I'm here to protect you. How can I let my Rose suffer alone? That would be so cruel on my part."

Once I let you walk into my life, there is no going back. You will be the queen of this devil. And never are you going to be empty handed, my Rose will everyday be offered with freshly plucked roses. That's why I bought a whole rose garden, and many more surprises.

You just need to take a step toward me. And stop hiding from the world.

I was just relaxing when my phone disturbed my peace. But I picked it up knowing very well it was super important.

"Sir, the work you had given us is done. Nobody can stop from the chaos. The fire is going to burn everything on your way to her. "

I smirked, " Right, you did a good job. Now erase the call logs immediately. This should vanish in thin air and leave no digital footprint."

"Yes Sir. Already working." With that the call ended.

Enjoy your victory, Rose. Your king has already helped you and be fast. Your kingdom is waiting for you, my Queen.

After a long bath, I picked up the fresh pair of clothes and walked infront of my mirror.

And with one pull, there was my secret- opened with a digital finger scanning sensory door. With ease,I opened up the door, and when I stepped in, it was exactly how I had left it. Because apparently even the wind wasn't permitted to enter without my permission.

And in the centre was a huge canvas, a portrait. A woman, too beautiful, too deceptive but hidden with immense power. But the portrait had just her eyes, only those two gleaming, innocent stars in my dark world. But it was the pivot around which my life revolved.

Soon, I'll paint the whole completed portrait of yours, Rose.

As I moved across to a side, there were pictures of different moments of Rose. In one, she was in her company, observing the employees. Another she was just walking in the garden just beside the rose garden. She still loves roses. How cute! There were so many other photos, and it had all the details because my eyes were always on her every moments trying to catch one glimpse eventhough she hid herself so well.

I took a seat on the nearest chair, crossing my legs as my hands rested on my knees. Observing each and every photo. The way her hair played with the gentlest of wind, how her eyes were lowered and when she looked up the entire world seemed to have stopped, just to see one glimpse. Her beauty was untouchable and I was always the lover of untouchables.

The night went by, but my eyelids never closed in sleep because in my mind she was ruling. And truthfully, I didn't want to stop thinking about her.

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DHRUV’S POV

Pacing around my room, I was waiting for Ved bhai. His award from the business gala rested on my desk. But he was nowhere. No matter how many times I called him, he never once answered.

The clock ticked loudly , implying it was midnight. Sighing, I waited in the corridor, overlooking the living room, so when Ved bhai rings the doorbell I can open it as fast as possible.

But when did anything go as planned by me. The devil met the matriarch herself leading to the extreme clash. Their words were laced years of hurt, frustration and survival.

As Maa walked upto the stair, I hid behind the pillar, yet I felt the air of resilience around her. Years of being wronged but still she loved me like no one could ever. If anything god gave me the best, it was this family. The best mother and elder brother.

I didn't stop Ved bhai as he went inside his room, he deserved the silence after such a heartfelt emotional conversation with Maa. Atleast he was home, that reassured me.

I walked inside my room, sitting on my desk as I proudly held the award, it might not mean much to Ved bhai, but it meant a lot for me and her.

I shifted a little, opening a drawer that's always locked. I took out an old, worn out picture and there was a beautiful lady. I smiled gently, wiping away the invisible dust, " Look mimi, Ved bhai won another award. He won the best businessman award in the business gala. I wish you were here to share this joy. I'll take care of him, Mimi. "

With that, I locked away the drawer hiding this little secret away from the world. Because this picture can crash the entire Chauhan house. Her name was forbidden inside Chauhan Haveli.

But the world always points their fingers at a woman, and never the man. A woman pays her mistake with her life, yet the man behind it lives his life. Only if we as society believed our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. But owning up to the mistake, wasn't a man's job, now was it? Their ego hurt the most.

That's why I kept mimi alive, even if in just a picture in the entire world. Because she deserved better, but everyone she loved failed her. But she was so sweet and responsible. Often this world tries to hurt the strong women, because they are threat to the men.

I took the award, placing it nicely in my shelf. Ved bhai's win were as important as mine. And even if no one else celebrated it, I would.

Yeah, tomorrow let me bake a cake for him. He loves sweets. I chuckled thinking how bhai has a sweet tooth. How he would wait for me in his old room for me to bring chocolate. How as little kids we would be happy just sharing a chocolate forgetting our reality.

Now it was a far thought. We grew up, the grave reality bowed down our shoulders. But I'm thankful our bond as brothers stayed.

Smiling lazily, I got up, setting the alarm for next day and laying on bed. The weight of entire day made me sleepy immediately as I hugged my pillow tightly and closed my eyes.

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Next day, a hand shook me as I half asleep sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"You look cute, chotu. " a chuckle.

I blinked few times, finding Ved bhai standing beside my bed.

"Why are you here? So early." My voice felt rough.

"It's not early, Dhruv. I turned your alarm off. "

I looked shocked, " Why turn it off? I will be late for work."

Ved bhai shrugged, " You needed that sleep. And work can wait but you need to slow down."

I flopped back on bed, " So I guess you are going to take care of my work?"

Ved bhai slapped my shoulder, " No. But you got another work. Someone wants you to attend the meeting of Malhotra Enterprises, the investors have decided to remove the CEO. You will go right?"

I groaned, but that name jolted me awake, " What did you say? Malhotra Enterprise........like that scandalous one from yesterday night?"

Ved bhai nodded, " And no matter what vote for keeping the CEO. Got it?"

I arched a brow, " What if the CEO doesn't deserve it?"

Ved bhai turned serious , " I thoroughly checked. She isn't the main culprit."

I chuckled, " You did so much research for just a mere company? Unbelievable. Does your sweetheart stay there?"

Ved bhai glared, " Don't talk too much."

I grinned widely, unable to hide my excitement, " Is it the CEO? Wait let me check who is it??!"

I took my phone, Ved bhai tried to snatch it making me more determined.

I searched it up quickly, she was in every headlines.

"Naina Malhotra...." I smirked, " Is she the to be bhabi? Ohhoooo......Ved bhai in lover boy era wasn't in my bucket list."

Ved bhai's face hardened, eyes growing colder, " Stop it, Dhruv."

I nodded, sulking as I was scolded. I was just teasing him.

"Stop sulking! And get up and go to work!" Ved bhai ordered.

"Ok, Mr. Grumpy. I was just teasing. But obviously the stone hearted man has problem with love itself."

Ved bhai walked to the door, " I don't have problem with love, Dhruv. But my name attached to someone else isn't in my wish list."

I stood up, placing my hand on his shoulder, " Bhai, is it because of mimi? Bhai please dont punish yourself . Mimi wouldn't want it too.........she wants your happiness."

Ved bhai turned around, ruffling my hair, " It isn't. I'm not hurting myself for your mimi. She taught me about life and love. Just....right now I'm not interested."

I nodded, but deep down I felt he was hiding the truth. I pray Bhai finds someone who would love him, care for him and most importantly nurture the little boy caged inside him.

Sighing I went to the closet to get ready for the day. And with that I revised what I was supposed to do at the meeting. If Ved bhai says to vote for the CEO, so be it.

Reaching the great infrastructure, protest banners, papparazis, the utter chaos as the guards tried to protect all the employees from how the rage was spreading.

My car was taken through the back entrance alongwith several other businessmen.

Literally, it felt too boring. The way each investor was shouting, the heated debate, some hating the mere fact that this company was run by a woman. In the centre, a pale, worried woman sat. She was the CEO, Naina Malhotra. Looking nothing like the glamorous woman, she looked scared infront of these crazy people.

Once the voting was done, I gently pushed a glass of water to her side, " It isn't poisoned. But I think you need this before you faint. "

She looked up, eyes a little hazy, "Uhmm....yeah...." She picked up the glass with both hands, trembling.

"Are you sure you are ok, Miss. Malhotra? Do I call someone?"

She frantically nodded, " Please call my elder sister. She must be here in white. "

As she said sister, my heart skipped a beat. It was Isha Malhotra right? Obviously I want to meet her. So without thinking, I hurried out. She is wearing white right?

And truly she was wearing white. A figure just by the large window at the end of hallway, her hair curling up at the end, her dupatta flowing gently and she was holding a rose bouquet.

"E-excuse me?" My voice sounded uncertain.

She didn't turn at first, pulling her dupatta over her head, she held it over her face and just like that those same intoxicating eyes were gazing back at me now.

"Yes?" She frowned, cutely.

I cleared my throat, " Yes? Uhmm.....yeah....it's.....your sister calling...."

She nodded, " Thanks."

As she was about to go, I called back, "Isha!"

She turned back, looking a little taken aback, " You know my name?"

I smiled gently, " What's there not to know your name?"

She shrugged, " People usually dont. Except headlines printed that a mysterious girl with Malhotras covering her face."

I shook my head, " Right eyes find the girl behind the dupatta, hiding her true self. " then embarrased, I rubbed my neck.

'And who are you?" She asked.

And I fumbled , " D-Dhruv......"

She looked like she recognized, "Ohh....the Chauhan family's youngest son?"

I nodded. Once I was proud to be a Chauhan. And internally I thanked Ved bhai for sending me here. Meeting Isha was the best thing that happened this entire day- no entire week.....no entire month!

She looked at me, " I'll go now."

I nodded, hesitant. Because I wanted to talk more to her, to know her, to look past that dupatta covering her face.

But the first step of liking someone is too be patient. And I was going to wait- bhagwanji will make us meet again if we are meant to be.

With that, I walked towards the elevator, feeling like I was dancing on cloud nine. And I didn't care about anything except the giddy feeling.

The image of her in that serene salwar, with that rose bouquet was something straight out of a novel. She is the type of person for whom shayaris are written.

Catching upto my thought, I schooled my smitten look as I got into car.

We will meet again, Isha.

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