Diya’s POV

I sat in Vihaan’s cabin, the silence broken only by the faint hum of the air conditioner. My fingers brushed against the cool metal of the drawer handle before pulling it open. Inside lay the file—the one handed to me by the Indian Army. I flipped it open, scanning the pages with ease. My photographic memory absorbed every detail, every line of technical jargon. Two PhDs—computer science and nanotechnology—had trained my mind to process information like a machine, but it was my heart that tied me to the Army.

My nanu, a Major General, had raised me with discipline and love. He taught me self-defense, shooting, resilience. Perhaps that’s why I carried a soft corner for the men in uniform. Working with them wasn’t just duty—it was personal.

The company was my nani’s legacy, passed down to my parents, and now entrusted to me. Vihaan managed the empire, but the Army sought me—for my mind, my inventions, my vision.

I didn’t notice when Vihaan entered until his voice cut through my thoughts. “Are you going to Rajasthan?”

I looked up, startled. “I’m not going to Rajasthan,” I replied flatly.

He exhaled, frustration flickering in his eyes. “Mishti, at least behave professionally. We signed the deal with the government. You have to go. And your grandparents… they’ve been calling you for a year now. Convincing you to visit, to live with them. Maybe they regret their actions. Just think about it. We’ll talk in the evening. I need answers.”

I nodded silently, clutching the file as I left. My mind was a storm, tangled in memories and doubts.

Back home, I sought refuge in my lab after stopping briefly at the temple. The lab was my sanctuary, the only place where chaos quieted. “How was your day, boss?” Meera, my AI, chimed cheerfully. “Shut down, Meera,” I muttered. I wasn’t in the mood.

Robots never argued. That’s why I liked them.

But even here, my thoughts refused to settle. My so-called family—namesake relatives—had never loved me. My parents’ love marriage had been their crime. My mother, a Punjabi, was never accepted. After their deaths, Vihaan became my world. The Gujral's didn’t even know about him, or about SS Tech. Yet suddenly, a year ago, they found me. Found my Shimla address. And now they wanted me back.

Only Kanhaji knows what they truly want.

The government’s request was clear—they needed my expertise in defense systems. Our company already managed their digital infrastructure, but this was deeper. More critical.

Meera and Tarun weren’t ordinary AI. They were satellites, weapons disguised as companions. Meera lived in my spectacles, Tarun in Vihaan’s watch. My inventions, my guardians. Because enemies lurked everywhere, and I couldn’t afford to lose Vihaan.

I pressed the button on my side table. “Meera, should I go to Rajasthan?” “Yes, boss. We signed the deal. It’s your responsibility. If you don’t go, the company’s reputation will suffer.” “Thanks,” I whispered. “Always in your service, boss,” she replied.

Later, showered and dressed in comfort, I found Vihaan in the garden. He had already set dinner. Just the two of us, under the quiet night sky.

He tore a morsel of food and held it to my lips. I accepted it wordlessly. “So, what have you decided, baccha?” he asked gently. “I’m going,” I said, eyes fixed on the plate.

“Running from problems never solves them. You’re strong enough to face this. And remember—you’re not alone. I’m with you, right or wrong.” His voice was steady, reassuring.

“I know. But I’m going only for work. I’ll stay at their house, but they shouldn’t expect more from me.” “That’s enough,” he said simply.

We ate in silence, until I stopped him with a touch on his hand. “There’s another reason I want to go.”

He looked at me, puzzled.

“I found your birth certificate,” I confessed. “Your parents’ names are there. They belong to Rajasthan. I want to know their version. Why they left you.”

His eyes darkened with disappointment. “They didn’t want me. Do whatever you want, but don’t get into trouble. And don’t expect anything from me.”

I want to know about him. He belongs to Rajasthan. I don’t want to know about him I never ask him what happen between him and his family why his family left him.  there is disappointment in his eyes.

I nodded. “Okay.”

He rose, brushing the grass from his clothes. “I have to leave too. A foreign business trip. Checking on the branches.”

“So that’s why you want me to go to Rajasthan?” I asked.

“No. I want you to listen to their version.”

I glared at him, but he didn’t flinch.

“It’s late,” I said finally. “I have temple tomorrow before leaving.”

“Good night,” he murmured.

I retreated to my room, the weight of decisions pressing down on me. Sleep came slowly, tangled in thoughts of Rajasthan, of family, of Vihaan’s past.

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