Chapter — Udaipur Rajasthan, Zameeder palace

Chapter — Udaipur Rajasthan, Zameeder palace

The morning sun was peaking in the eastern sky when the Singhaniya’s black sleek entered Udaipur — the Indians romantic “city of lakes” . The large Aravalli hills rose high in the distance like an ancient empire standing guard , seeming to like offering a majestic welcome, as if acknowledging the return of their own .

Sanyogita's eyes awestruck the moment the glimpse of zamindar Haveli came into view . Its opulence top gleamed under the sunlight, carrying the weight of centuries. The Haveli was situated on the outskirts of the old city , as regal as unyielding. Its ivory sandstone walls spoke history , as if a silent observer suddenly started narrating tales of centuries— power, lineage, and tradition.

As the car was heading ahead , a massive arched gateway carved intricately with floral and Rajputana motifs opened into a vast courtyard. The pillars wrapped with vibrant flowers, their colour shimmering against the pale stone . Sanyogita knew Singhaniya weren't Rajput by Dynasty but generations ago , they had been the Zamindar of that land — and the haveli still carried the authority with quiet pride .

“ Woh dekho! Both Dadaji and grandma are waiting for us !” Pranav, who was sitting in the back seat , rolled down the window, grinning like a child as the familiar faces cleared.

The scorching heat of early August burned his face , but he didn't care . However he didn’t care, as his eyes were as bright as the afternoon sun rays . His eyes shone as if brighter than the sunlight itself.

Sanyogita's heart skipped a beat , seeing the arrangements.

Prithvi’s grandparents were standing near the entrance , surrounded by house-staff , all dressed in crisp traditional Rajasthani attire. From inside the courtyard, she could also spot the presence of other family members—Sanjeev Singhaniya's brothers and their wives , all standing straight, faces glowing with anticipation.

With a soft humming sound , the car slowed down , and then the driver halted the car just before the beautiful artificial fountains that murmured softly , in front of the palace, as if whispering secrets of the past.

One by one , cars rolled to a halt inside the grand courtyard of the Singhaniya Zameedar haveli. The air carrier, the weight of longing mingled with blooming mogra , there was a faint echo of the temple bell lingered in the background.

As people stepped out, instinctively moving forward to seek blessings from the elders — a timeless gesture woven into the fabric of respect.

Prithvi emerged ,slipping on his sunglasses with effortless precision — his posture was composed, and almost unpredictable . Authority clung to him like a second skin.

Sanyogita followed him, adjusting her saree pleats instinctively , walking beside .

For it felt like serenity. Until , another car screeched into the courtyard. Its tyres sharp groaning sliced against travel cut through the air like a warning.

The door clicked open.

A figure stepped out. Vardhan Singhaniya. A slow, familiar smirk curved on his lips .

Prithvi's jaw tightened ever so slightly . His gaze flickered to the sight for a brief second….then shifted ahead again, as if the moment held no significance.

But it did .

Ishanvi climbed down carefully, cradling their three-year-old son in her arms. Dhurvan clung to his mother dupatta , his small curious eyes scanning the smiling faces.

From another car , Siddharth Singhaniya emerged , adjusting his optical, followed by his graceful wife Ishita Singhaniya. Pranali, Shanaya and Vikrant followed behind, their presence added growing warmth to the reunion.

At the forefront stood Sanjeev Singhaniya.

Sanjeev Singhaniya , even in his eighties, remained a strong -backed and dignified personality. His eyes brimmed with unshakable dignity the moment they fell upon his grandsons.

Prithvi stepped forward first. Without a word, he bent down and touched his grandfather’s feet. Before Sanjeev could respond —

Another presence appeared near him.

Vardhan.

Prithvi's hand paused midway. His expression tightened just for a fraction of a second….

Vardhan leaned in to hug Sanjeev. “ maf-kijiyega Dadaji”he said smoothly, “ aane mein todhi si der ho gayi…. aapne hi toh sikhaya hai ..never take responsibility lightly. “

Prithvi stood still. His hands slipped into his pockets as he absorbed every word stated by Vardhan…even every hidden motive behind those.

No one but Ishanvi's clever eyes noticed the subtle comparison between the two brothers. The unspoken rivalry.

She heaved a sign, hoping to rejoice in the occasion smoothly and with happiness.

Sanjeev's eyebrow raised slightly, patting on Vardhan's shoulder. “ Janta hoon mere baachha,” he said, breaking the hug .

Then his gaze darted towards Prithvi .

“ Kaise hai aap , Dadaji?” Prithvi's voice was calm, steady…and grounding .mHe leaned slightly to embrace him warmly, “ Aap ki bhaut yaad aayi.”

For a moment —-

Sanjeev's chest grew heavy. Emotions shone in his eyes as he replied “ I'm fine, my boy ... .aur tum sab ko dekh kar …aur bhu better feel kar raha hoon.”

seeing you all I'm feeling much better.”

They pulled apart, but Sanjeev's eyes lingered at Prithvi as if drawing quiet comfort from his presence.

Around them , everyone watched.

Vardhan's smirked deepened. He muttered underbreath,barely audible —“ This time I won't let Dadaji un-notice my efforts. Jo mera hai oh mein le kar hi rahunga!”

Nearby, Sanyogita and Ishanvi were standing side by side . A soft, knowing smile had exchanged between them. When Sanyogita extended her hand, Dhruvan slipped into her arms seamlessly. His tiny teeth beaming in an innocent grin. Sanyogita's expression softened instantly.

Pranav jabbed, grabbing everyone's attention..” Waah!...” His words laced with a teasing glint” we all turn colour-blind around Dadaji in presence of both Prithvi bhaiya and Vardhan's bhaiya. “

His hands wrapped around Pranali, “ kyuki app unhe jitna pyaar karte ho, humein kabhi nahi kiya!”

A ripple of laughter passed through the group. Vardhan chuckled . Prithvi glanced at his brother in disbelief, however his expression remained controlled.

Sanjeev laughed heartily, pulling his Vardhan and Prithvi closer, one on each side . “ Colour- blind nahi ,” he said calmly , his voice carrying weight. “ Bas kuch aankhein hain jo chehare se hi niyat padh leti hain.”

As the words landed , Sanyogita flinched ever so slightly, curiosity flickered in her gaze as she studied Sanjeev…then Prithvi who was standing calm, controlled , unpredictable .

Sanjeev's eyes crinkled as a warm smile radiated in his face . “ Pranav,..” he continued “mere liiye mere saare pote-potiyan anmol hain. Singhaniya isn't just a surname, it's our dignity, the pride we carry on since ages.

His voice grew firm suddenly. “And Prithvi…” he squeezed his shoulder slightly. “ The way he handled the business at such a young age… when you’re all busy with your life ,friends, and parties…he chooses the family over his personal space .”

Silence stretched.

Pranali's chest tightened slightly, as her pride gaze flickered to her elder son .

Sanjeev added softly "And never let me regret my decision. His hard work…. has given a new identity to Singhaniya business .”

Vardhan's body stiffened. He felt the familiar blow in his chest . Same burning.

“Dadaji,....”Prithvi interrupted courteously. “Reh ne diyjiye na... .we all have gathered again after a long time. Let's live in the moment”

Sanjeev's gaze softened with pride “ Yahu toh baat hai tumeun mein, beta ... .you always put family …and , never care about anyone's validation.”

The words hit like a slap in Vardhan's cheeks . His hand curled into a fist.

Ishanvi's curious glance stayed transfixed at him , praying he would stay calm and collected within the hush-hush of the celebration.

Before the atmosphere could morph farther, Varsha cut Sanjeev's words of..“ Bas bas!”

She said sweetly “ All the children have arrived after a long time and you are all busy arguing either about business or who's more important. For me all my children are the same. “

Everyone chimed at Varsha's sweet words.The atmosphere lightened suddenly.

“ Waise beta..” Sanjeev returned to the conversation, “Raaste mein koi pareshani toh nahi huin na?” Sanjeev asked with concern

“ No , dadaji ..not at all “ Prithvi responded calmly.

Vardhan forced a smile , trying to even his breathing.

“ Achaa …” Sanjeev's expression turned serious “ For Guruji’s sake a new temple project will need to be ready quickly —if you talk to Mr. Trivedi……

Varsha looked at Sanjeev sternly , “ Suniye, Vijay's Papa …” her words dropped sarcastically “ All my grandchildren haven't yet entered the house and you again handed them another task . “ She shook her head in disbelief . “ At least let me do the Aarti — then continue for the rest of the night.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

“Actually, grandpa…” Pranav grinned wickedly “ Dadima jealous ho rahi hain ... .since you're paying more attention to Prithvi bhaiya and Vardhan bhaiya not to her.”

Laughing rich higher in the courtyard.

Sanjeev almost laughed at Pranav’s words.

Varsha's cheeks burned with embarrassment, “ Pranav …!” She scolded , twisting his ear lightly. “ Still you remain that naughty boy.”

Varsha smirked mischievously, “ Pranali…. Don't you think we too have to start looking for another bride for Pranav “

Pranali scoffed , dramatically . “ Maa, which girl wants to ruin her life by marrying my Nalayk son , who still struggles to find his socks out in the morning”

Another wave of laughter echoed in the courtyard .

Pranav looked around, offended. He winced in faint anger . “Seriously? Sab mere hi peeche pade ho?”

“Don't worry, Dadaji. Sari parashani bhool jayein , I'll handle everything” Vardhan spoke , his tone appearing confident.

“Yes , Dadaji,” Prithvi added, “main aur Vardhan bhaiya both will take care of this matter.” Prithvi assured and also added more , “ You just enjoy the engagement ceremony. “

“But where is she ? “ Sanjeev asked eagerly. “Meri poti hain kahan?”

Before Prithvi could answer —

Vardhan cut in smoothly “ they were coming in another car.”

“ Akale aarahai hai ?” Sanjeev frowned with worry. “You leave our daughters alone on the way?” He glared at him sharply.

“ No, Dadaji…”Varhdan laughed lightly, “ They just don't let any of us in with them.”

“ Yes , Dadaji, “ Prithvi nodded. “ Pragya, Nidhi-di and Reyansha, Saumya… they're all together. Bodyguards are also with them. So don't worry.”

And then—a tiny voice echoed across the courtyard.

“ Greater- grandpaaaa!, Greater granny ”Neeraj's childish voice emerged in the courtyard. “ Mein aaagyaa !” His tiny hands wave at them .

Sanjeev's face lit up instantly

Prithvi's cheeks also bloom with a faint smile. Vardhan was also smiling.

For a moment rivalry seems paused. Only family…took over.

As soon as the car put on halt, the door clicked , Neeraj ran faster , his tiny hands flying around Varsha's waist , making her look at him with awe . She lifted him in her arms .

“Great-granny! Finally…I've come .” He declared proudly. “ Did you know Mamma was scolding me !”Neeraj uttered with his small teeth .

Varsha brows wide apart, looking at him with affection. “ Achaa!!” she placed a tender kiss on his chubby cheeks.

Neeraj muttered softly “Mumma… mujhe phir daant rahi thi!”

“Daant rahi thi?” Varsha aghast , mimicking his accent , she said "I'll scold Mumma double!”

“Neeraj!” Niddhi hissed , her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Neeraj's tiny hands still cling around Varsha . He hid his face in her neck “ Great-granny , Mamma is again scolding me “

Laughter echoed again in the vast courtyard.

“Nidhi , why are you scolding my child ?” Varsha asked feigning an angry gesture

“Dadima…”Nidhi shook her head in disbelief “ He only looks like a kid but his words nowadays have already crossed his age . Someday he declared himself as the chairman at just four years of age . And other days he said he will open his business in the moon and now he gets the idea of being like his Rockstar Aunt “

“ Who is Rockstar? Varsha brows knitted slightly.

“ Who can it be ? Pranav grinned giving a familiar glance and a little ardently he spit “ Of course, it's our Sanyogita bhabhi.”

Varsha finally looked at Sanyogita. She smiled warmly . “ Achha gaati hoo! Tumahari awaaz bhaut meetha hai .”

Sanyogita suddenly felt shy because of all the attention drawn to her , however she was trying to turn it into a habit of being the centre of attention.

Prithvi's gaze softened, watching her admired by everyone.

Varsha'a whispered quietly, yet firmly “ Before marriage , Pranali , your mother-in-law also had a dream of dancing but she gave up all these for the sake of family, and now she is taking care of all the hospital business of Singhaniya’s as well the family duties. Let's see how long you can continue “

Sanyogita forced a smile, feeling uneasy suddenly, however , she had found something in the praise that felt layered.

Before she could respond, Pranali stepped in , placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“ Why doesn’t, Maa?” Pranali's words sound more like a conviction than a question. “ Yeh meri bhau nahi— meri beti hai . How many of us can sing like Sanyogita,..huh! And instead of our permission she needs our support and encouragement for her passion…” Pranali brow arched, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she gazed straight against Varsha

Varsha smirked knowingly, deep within a spark of fire lit in her chest , ignoring Pranali’s ideological words she shifted her focus towards Ishanvi.

“ kaisi ho beta?” Her fingers caress her hair . Then to the tiny figure in her arms.

“ Dhruvan, don't you greet you , Great-granny?”

Dhruvan nodded shy, his face sunk in his mother's neck , making them laugh .

“ Yeh , bilkul Vardhan pe gaya hai . He has the same shyness of his father. “

Ishanvi flashes a faint smile in Vardhan's direction. Her chest weighed down by the thought “ I wish he wouldn't be like his father.”

Amidst all the conversations, a pair of eyes stayed glued to Sanjeev. Years after years passed through, hence the distance as well . He sighed faintly. Hoping when this silence war would end.

As the aarti began and the family was ushered inside, Sanyogita felt a nostalgia by the warmth, the legacy, the laughter.

When Sanyogita stepped into the haveli, froze momentarily at the grandeur of the living room. The haveli breathes opulence without ostentation. The crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, reflecting proudly on the polished marble floors. Sweet fragrance lingered in the air , reaching her nostrils , calming her nerves. As she began climbing the stairs her eyes darted towards the wall which was adored with ancestral portray — men in royal turbans, and women in jewel-toned lehengas, eyes heavy with pride and glory.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita's pupils dilated as her blue-grey eyes stuck to the grandeur of the bed-chamber. The room had been renovated seamlessly in a mixture of royal heritage and modern elegance, every corner echoed opulence and sanctuary. The centre was occupied with a magnificent four- poster king size bed . Its intricately carved frame crowned with a turfed headboard, a white delicate white cloth hanging from the four pillars, falling gracefully around the bed and leaving only the front open, as if it were a newlywed bride , awaited earnestly for their arrival. The velvety rich fabrics bedsheets peel outside of the gap , both inviting and dangerous.

Matching side tables were draped in silky tablet clothes complemented the lavish furniture. A silver glow dressing table leaned against the wall , for daily accessories. The floors were adorned with rich carpets. Everything in the surroundings were so intrinsically arranged creating an atmosphere of majesty using jewel tones or regal neutrals with metallic accents.

One of the corners was adorned with cozy divans layered with cushions , deep maroon velvety big curtains hung neatly on either side of the large window from where lay a beautiful view of the courtyard bathing in sunlight.

Sanyogita’s eyes widened as she caught the glimpse of another set of chambers , situated exactly opposite to her room . A soft smile formed in her lips when she spotted Neeraj's tiny hands waving at her enthusiastically . A faint chuckle escaped her lips. Neeraj’s mischievousness reminded her of her own childhood— how naughty she had been at his age , or so her mother used to often fondly complain .

One of the girls , Ruchi — Prithvi’s cousin's sister—stepped in alongside her. She was busy explaining where Sanyogita could find her daily accessories.Ruchi picked a royal silver-rimmed glass from the food tray .

“ Bahbhi , drink this . Mummy’s made this juice for you .” She offered it with a bright smile.

Sanyogita nodded gently , accepting the glass, strolling briskly towards the window, when she peeked , the view outside was delicately captivating.

Ruchi stood near her , following her gaze , she said intently “ three days ago it was raining, and now again this heat,” she sighed dramatically “it's unbearable ! But the news says it'll again drenched the earth. Then you can just see how beautiful our haveli garden looks after the rain, Bhabhi!”

Sanyogita smiled at her words. “I'll be waiting for that day , Ruchi. Thanks for the weather forecast.” She paused , then asked gently, “ How old are you ?”

“ Sixteen,” Ruchu replied with a giggle . “ I'll be seventeen in the next month. And after my board exams , I'll join college . “ Her eyes brimming with adolescent excitement .

Sanyogita felt a familiar ache of nostalgia. She remembered how keenly she had once waited for a brief moment of freedom, to live life on her own terms , fearlessly.

However, Ruchi's curious expression lingered momentarily only interrupted by a maid who informed her that her mother was calling .Ruchi excused herself, and Sanyogita returned her smile politely.

Once Ruchi left, Sanyogita finished the juice . Though the room's atmosphere was comfortable in contrast to the heat outside. Even though it was only early morning, the intensity of the sun was enough to burn her skin . She decided to take a shower .

The workers had already placed their trolley bags inside the room. She unzipped one of the bags, searching for her casual indore outfits which she had selected for Udaipur haveli days vacations. But as she searched, her brows knitted in confusion. Her small skincare pouch was missing . Realisation dawned on her . She had packed her skincare essentials in Prithvi's trolley —as hers had been overflowing.

She put her hands over her hips , a faint line of worry forming on her forehead. Her gaze shifted upwards — and spotted the bag . Both her and Prithvi’s navy blue trolley tucked away on the upper shelves.

Sanyogita stepped closer, only to realise the shelves were far too high .

“ Oh ! God !” She groaned sharply , “ Who keeps luggage at such a height? I need a swargka ( paradise) to reach there. “ Rising in her toes, she stretched her hands upwards, fingers grazing nothing but air, leaving.

Despite her decent height , the shelf remained stubbornly out of reach. Her irritation stewed. Suddenly her eyes fell on the small single-person divan nearby . An idea sparked automatically. She dragged the cushion beneath the shelves and climbed onto it carefully . But to her disappointment, the soft mattress dug under her weight, letting her fingers brush the trolley..but not enough to pull it down. She huffed in frustration, blanching precariously as the bag remained stubbornly just beyond her gasp…

Then—

Footsteps echoed in the empty room. She stiffened for a moment. It has become a habit now , recognising his steps even before seeing him.

Prithvi's voice emerged softly, calm and professional as he spoke to a business asset. The words faded into the background when he disconnected the call. The moment his eyes fell on her , his brows knitted slightly.

His gaze instinctively traced the curves of her silhouette—then darted upward to the high ceiling.

He understood immediately .

A faint chuckle escaped him as the memory surfaced. His grandmother's voice , scolding Kichak , one of the workers of the Haveli . The old man had served the Haveli for over three decades. But aging crawled him at a young age, even in his fifties ,he could barely hear things properly . Everyone laughed at seamless efforts to make things right but it emerged in a fuss. Nevertheless, they also adored Kichak's innocence , how he used to forget so many things because of his short term memory

“ Of course,” Prithvi muttered under his breath . " Dadima must've told him to keep the trolleys inside the cupboard but instead it landed on the highest shelf known to mankind.”

His hands folded involuntarily over his chest as his eyes danced with amusement, watching her tug at her hair in frustration as she stretched again.

And again.

Her ivory skin peeked through where the pallu had shifted, revealing a teasing glimpse of her waist.

He cleared his throat deliberately . “Why didn’t you call for anyone , when you're unable to bring down the trolley! “

Sanyogita startled, nearly losing her balance. Her cheeks flushed instantly. “Why are you suddenly appearing like this?” she snapped, refusing to turn around. “And how do I know the workers would store luggage on shelves meant for gods.”

Prithvi laughed at her remark. He slipped his hands into his trouser pockets, suppressing a grin. “Climb down. I’ll get it.” he added more “My hands are big it will easily get the access “

Sanyogita turned back immediately, shooting him a stern gaze “ So you mean my hands are tiny ? I can't even get my stuff on my own ?”

His brow arched innocently , “Did I really say that ?”

She pressed on, “ Yes, you implied it."

“ No," He shrugged lightly, " I stated a fact. My arms are long.”

Her lips curved into an annoying smirk, she turned back to do her work. “ Fastidious so much …huh!” She muttered slowly.

“And you,” he countered smoothly, “are unnecessarily stubborn.”

Her shoulders dropped but she didn't look at him.

Prithvi sighed theatrically . “ Alright . Don't climb down . But I can help for sure ”

Before she could protest, he stepped closer.

Too close.

Her expression was aghast, Viraj…I don–

Sanyogita inhaled sharply as she felt his presence behind her. His face brushed past her nose as she leaned in , then his hands circle around her waist. A chill of shiver ran straight through her spine.

Not possessive. Not rough. Just… steady.

“ Kya hua ?” He murmured , almost teasing "Stretch your hand and hold the trolley “

Sanyogita stood stiff still , unable to speak for a moment. Her heart wobbled up loudly; she was certain he could feel her nervousness.

His grip was gentle yet firm, anchoring her as if she weighed nothing at all. His thumb rested dangerously close to her bare skin, sending sparks through her veins.

She swallowed hard and struggled to fight her inner thoughts and reached up.

This time, her fingers brushed the handle.

But her body was on fire .His warmth seeped into her snese— his breath was close…too close, she forgot to think for a moment. His fingers grazed the curve of her navel lazily . Her eyes shut involuntarily.

Her eyes fluttered shut.

“ Sanjh…” His voice softened "Bas …ho..gaya—

Her grip faltered around the handle, and the trolley slipped her grip . The luggage hit the marble floor with a dull sound.

Thoudd…

He pulled her back involuntarily. She stumbled , rooted on the floor — then found herself cradled securely in his arms.

Silence stretched in the room.

She didn't open her eyes for a moment.

His arms remained, tight around her as he steadied her, holding her closer than necessary.

He looked at her preciously —how her eyes held tight , slightly fluttering of lashes, her parted lips.

His heart was pounding violently. A single eyelash rested on her cheek. Without thinking, he leaned down and gently blew it away.

Her eyes opened slowly, met his amber eyes. Her breathing hitched as she realised — she was still in his arms.

For a fleeting moment neither of them could speak.

His cologne was dissolved into her senses as intoxicating as dangerous , making her brain stop processing for a while . His breathing suddenly grew slower as if making space to consume each ounce of breath with her lips only .

As his head lowered his breath fanned over her face, gradually eating the distance between them

This is wrong, a voice whispered faintly inside her.
Stop…

Yet her body betrayed her. Her fist clutched his shirt tighter than unusual. Her pulse wobbled. Even her breathing hitched —another truth surfaced— soft yet terrifying and fastidiously undeniable.

Don't pull away.

Just then

Time ceased .

His lips finally brushed hers — tentative almost reverent as if he were asking without even words . The touch was light..but intense enough to let her undid. He breathing crushed against him in a soft gasp with that , went off of her last resistance.

Her lips parted unconsciously , matching the rhythm of his lips . He tasted her salty saliva against his such a way as if he was sipping all the promises of past, present and future. Today and tomorrow merged in a single breath.

Her fingers clenched his hair behind his back as she drew his face closer.

And she lost everything with that kiss.

The kiss , that had changed everything.

***********

Sanyogita jerked awake as if pulled from deep water .

Her chest rising and falling unevenly. Her heart was pounding like a thunderstorm so loud she feared her ribs would be broken.

Tiny beads of perceptions clogged on her forehead , sliding down the temples, an even situation under the soft hum of air conditioners. Her finger tightened around the blanket, clutching it to her chest , as if it were the only things anchoring her to reality.

She stared at her surroundings. Prithvi wasn't there in the room. She couldn't remember when sleep claimed her after lunch. One moment she had been sitting by the window, lost in thought, and the next—

Her gaze dropped slowly to the blanket wrapped around her.

“Who covered me?” She whispered underbreath . A name surfaced uninvited. “Viraj?”

Her throat tightened.

In the past few weeks he had done things for her that no-one ever had— quietly, stubbornly, without even asking for permission or gratitude. He fought for her dreams as if they were his own. He noticed her silence like no-one ever tried to hear. He guarded her fragility even asking nothing in return.

“But why Viraj ? Why are you coming close to me ?” her knees crawled near her chest.

“I can’t…” She murmured , pressing her chin over her elbow, resting over her knees. “ I can't return your feelings …..I shouldn't.”

Her eyes burned, tears welled up, fear clogged in the corner , thick and heavy.

Shame followed close behind, wrapping around her like chains. She felt exposed—unfaithful mostly to herself.

She wiped her lips with the mound of her palm, as if the motion could erase what lingered there.

Every time his presence surrounded her, her resolve weakened. Her heart betrayed her before her mind could stop it.

No matter how hard she tried, the memory stayed — she couldn't forget the sensation, the warmth , the intensity of his lips against her.

If it had been only a dream, she could shake it off . She could have laughed it off, scolded her foolish heart. But the truth was far crueler. She hadn't merely just reciprocated the kiss .She had wanted it .

The realisation struck her like a blow .

“ With that one moment ….” her voice cracked, “…I betrayed my loyalty.”

A name echoed painfully in her mind.

Yash.

She remembered holding Yash that night, near the marine drive; the way he had clung to her as if she were his last anchor. She had hugged him tightly, offering comfort, shelter, reassurance. And when he had cupped her face, asking in that fragile voice if she would always love him like this, she had answered without hesitation.

Always.

She remembered the kiss he had placed on her forehead—safe, gentle. And how, when he had leaned closer, she had flinched.

Not out of fear. Not out of rejection. Just… hesitation.

She hadn’t understood it then. But now she did. With Yash, her heart had ached—but her body had stayed still.

With Prithvi, everything within her moved. Her breath.Her pulse. Her resolve . She hadn’t flinched with him. She had melted.

But she had betrayed him long ago..she felt drawn to Prithvi…emotionally. The intensity often felt too strong…often struggling to pull away — even absent in her and Yash bonding. Yet she never crossed that line . But today, she had entangled Viraj in her confusion. She played with emotions , gave him false hope …

“ Oh ! God …” she buried her face on her knees “ What a mess have I made !"

A sudden knock on the door sliced through her thoughts.

She shivered, her entire body stiffening, as though someone had caught her secret mid-breath . Her heart leapt into her throat.

“Who's arrived now ? Viraj ? Sanyogita thought.

Her mind betrayed her over again and again, dragging her back to the lunch table. To that fleeting moment Nidhi's teasing glance lingered for a long moment since she mistakenly caught them together when she came to inform them lunch would be served very soon .

She sat, bowing down, keeping her gaze lowered, speaking barely a word particularly in nonne, deliberately avoiding Prithvi.

She didn't know what frightened her most —being seen or being seen by him.

She felt like a traitor , torn between two truths. If she’d married Prithvi to escape her father's suffocating control, then why did her heart ache just the mere thought of deceiving her husband ? Why did guilt twist her so deeply?

Once, his eyes had terrified her. Now, those same eyes made her chest flutter, her breath hitched , especially when his intense gaze settled on her . In his closeness, instead of shrinking away, she felt…safe . And that frightened her more.

She had begun to notice the concern hidden beneath his anger, the protectiveness beneath his pride.

Why?

Why am I so weak against his kindness ... .his touch…his words…even his fighting fory dreams?

The knock came again, firmer this time.

A familiar voice followed. “Sanyogita Bhabhi, Dadima has sent tea for you ! “

She exhaled shakily, steadying herself.

“C-come in.”

Once Ruchi stepped inside, followed by a maid carrying a tray. The delicate clink of the royal ceramic cup felt oddly grounding.

Sanyogita quickly adjusted her hair, wiped the remaining moisture from her eyes, and forced a gentle smile to Ruchi.

The maid placed the tea and left.

Ruchi tilted her head, studying her. “You look tired, Bhabhi.”

Ruchi tilted her head, studying her . “ You look tired , Bhabhi."

“I’m fine,” Sanyogita replied softly.

However, Ruchi’s face lit up with a bright smile . “ You said in the morning you wanted to see every corner of the haveli. What to explore now?"

Sanyogita looked at the tea , then back at Ruchi. An idea struck her , maybe by roaming through the haveli— its corridor, its history, its quiet corners, would help her to resolve the chaos brewing inside her heart.

“ Yes, " She nodded after a pause. “ I’d like to."

As she rose from the bed, she knew one thing for certain...

No matter how grand the haveli was, the most complicated maze she would have to navigate was her own heart.