Diya’s pov

Another morning another day.

I am up but as usual Aksh is not on the bed. He is in gym as usual. I get up get ready for the day. Today I am doing to meet to col. Arjun. After years of suffering maybe I find something that can help me to find my parents killer or give me closure if I am thinking wrong. beside Rivan is also finding the truth. But I know its not possible. If something is fishy I knew better that there is nothing can easily find about. Before I can head to bath my phone Bing with a notification. Its col. Arjun. I went to balcony to call him and fix the time of the meeting.

The wardrobe smells faintly of sandalwood. I hum softly as I sort through sarees, fingers brushing silks and cottons. My hair keeps falling into my face, but I don’t mind—it feels like a quiet, ordinary morning. Let’s hope the day still goes like this.

The bathroom door creaks open. I glance sideways and nearly choke on my breath. Aksh steps out, towel knotted at his waist, droplets sliding down his chest.

I roll my eyes, pretending calm. “Good morning, Rana sa . Planning to attend board meetings dressed like this?”

He smirks, leaning against the wardrobe frame. “Why not? If my wife attends the meeting.”

His eyes burn into me. I try to focus on the sarees, but my fingers fumble. “Aksh, stop staring. Help me choosing clothes. I have to get ready.”

His voice drops, playful, dangerous. “Forget the clothes. You look better without them.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. I throw a dupatta at him, but he catches it easily, tugging me close. “Aksh! You’re impossible.”

He brushes my hair back, his touch soft, his words softer. “Impossible only for the world. For you… I’m yours.”

His lips find mine, laughter tangled with kisses. My heart races. And then the knock

Suddenly, a loud knock jolts me. My stomach twists.

“Sagar!” I hear his voice outside. “Bhai! Breakfast is ready—”

Sahil’s snicker follows. “Open up, we need to ask something!”

I freeze, mortified. My cheeks burn hotter than before. Aksh’s jaw tightens.

“Meera!” he commands sharply. As I connect Meera to our room security system. Now I feel like she his AI more than me.

The AI chime hums. “Yes, Raunaksh Sir?”

“Lock the bedroom door. immediately.”

“Door locked. Privacy mode activated.” Meera intiated.

The handle rattles. My heart thumps.

Sagar grumbles, “Arrogant king! Always locking us out.” Sahil curses under his breath, “Enjoy your royal romance, Bhaiya. Don’t choke on it!”

Their footsteps fade, muttering curses as they stomp away.

I exhale, relief flooding me. “Finally. Saved by your precious AI.”

Aksh grins, pulling me close again. “See? Even technology knows when we need privacy. But these two brats they are my real enemies.”

I roll my eyes, though a smile betrays me. “Privacy or not, you’re shameless.” And just like that, the world outside disappears again.

      The hum of the air conditioner fills the silence as I shuffle through files at my desk. Across from me, Vihaan lounges casually, scrolling on his tablet.

I glance up, curiosity tugging at me. “Bhai… tell me honestly. How’s your love life with Vedika?”

He looks up, smirking, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Love life? Oh, so you do care.”

I narrow my eyes. “I’m asking as your little sister, not as your boss.”

Vihaan leans forward, lowering his voice theatrically. “You think I don’t know? You’ve been keeping an eye on me through your precious AI. Every late-night call, every coffee outing… you’ve got reports, don’t you?”

My cheeks flush. “Bhai! Its care. I care for you.”

He chuckles, enjoying my embarrassment. “Relax, Mishti. If you wanted updates, you could’ve just asked me instead of spying.”

I shake my head, trying to hide a smile. “really then tell me. Why you left the palace 10 years ago. what is doing on between you and papa. I can see how your behavior changed after you two talk. I just see you both are talking in the garden.”

His face went pale. But he didn’t say anything. “its ok. but if you want you can share with me.”

I am about to open the next file when he said “He want me join Rathore Group.”

And then something shatters in me. Did he leave me? How could dad ask him anything like this. Why can’t these elders understand us. Did Aksh know about it?

and then my overthinking takes place. I didn’t know when he came and sit beside me. But I know its his life. He suffered in his life and he has full right to choose his life.

“Mishti I…” but I cut him in middle “listen Bhai just think about yourself. I am okay with anything but the decision have to be is all yours.”

“I am not leaving. You have to bear me.” He said with a smile.

“you can’t. first give a written letter. Then think about leaving.” And then laughed.

I don’t know what is cooking between papa and him.

I press the intercom button. “Rishi, clear my schedule for the evening.”

“Done, ma’am,” comes the crisp reply. That’s why I like him he never argues.

Vihaan raises an eyebrow, leaning back with mock suspicion. “Clear the schedule? Why?”

I blink, startled. “Army meeting?”

He grins, clearly teasing. “Well, you sounded so serious. I thought maybe you were plotting national defense strategies.”

I laugh despite myself, shaking my head. “I will be late. Don’t miss your lunch. Go home on time. And drop Vedika.” I wink to him.

He smiles. Well, he is no less grumpy than Aksh. Both the brothers are same. Jerks.

A quiet café, the air thick with memories. She sits across from Colonel Arjun Mehra. A man in his late 50’s with a sharp jawline and eyes that have seen too much. A small, weathered wooden box rests between them on the table.

Colonel Arjun said his voice is soft “you have changed  Diya. Dhruv hamesha kehta tha... tumhare chehre pe hamesha roshni hoti hai. Aaj woh kahin chhupi hui lag rahi hai.”

I am nervously just facing the inner turmial “Main... main bas samajh nahi pa rahi thi kaise milun aapse. Itne saal ho gaye... aur phir... Dhruv. I just can’t face it.”

Colonel Arjun is nodded his head “Mujhe pata hai. Par tumhare sabhi contacts block ho gaye the. Jab yeh box tum tak pahunchana tha... toh koi raasta hi nahi tha.”

I just looked at the box, voice trembling “Yeh... Dhruv ka hai?” he left something for me.

Colonel Arjun said “Haan. Usne mujhe diya tha... kaha tha agar kuch ho jaye, toh tum tak zaroor pahunchana. Par tum gayab ho gayi thi, Diya. Jaise... khud se bhi rishta tod liya ho.”

The tears welling up in my eyes “I didn’t face it. Because I am the reason he is not here.”

Colonel Arjun’s voice is firmly: “Bilkul nahi. Tum uski wajah thi jeene ki. Tumhare liye hi toh... usne sab kuch kiya. He gave you his heart beacuse he wants you to live. He wants to live via you.’’

I just whispers “Aur main uska dil lekar bhi zinda nahi ho paayi...”

Colonel Arjun softening "Diya, you are not at fault. Uski maut ek mission mein hui... tumhari wajah se nahi. Just think what is the chances of Matching the heart. But its matched. Maybe the God is also wants you to live.’’

I placing her hand on the box “Mujhe darr lagta hai, Colonel. I just don’t want to face him again”

Colonel Arjun gently “Aur ho sakta hai yahi sach tumhe azaadi de. Dhruv chahta tha tum jeeyo... poori tarah se. Uske bina nahi, uske saath... uske yaadon ke saath.”

I just closed my eyes, whispering Dhruv...

The box remains unopened. But something shifts in my eyes — a flicker of resolve, of healing.

Colonel Arjun said softly “Tum ab bhi uski dost ho, Diya. Aur woh hamesha tumhare dil mein dhadakta rahega.”

After sharing few words I left from there. I have no energy to face anyone now. I just message Aksh that I will be late. I keep the box safely in my car.

I stood at the threshold of my new home, a place no one else knew existed. To the world, it was just another sleek mansion tucked away in the outskirts, but to me—it was a fortress of innovation, a sanctuary where every wall whispered my command. I bought it when I get married to Aksh. For myself.

The moment I stepped inside, the doors sealed with a soft hiss, biometric locks sliding into place. Meera, my AI, greeted me in her calm voice: "Welcome back, Boss. Security grid activated."

Entrance Hall: Minimalist, but alive. Motion sensors embedded in the marble floor tracked every  step. Cameras disguised as art pieces scanned for intruders. Living Area: Robots glided silently across the polished surface, serving drinks, adjusting lighting, and even rearranging furniture at my word. A single command—"Meera, dim lights"—and the room transformed into a cozy cocoon. Kitchen: No human hands needed. Automated arms prepared meals, ovens calibrated themselves to perfection, and a nutrition scanner ensured every dish matched my health profile. A few robots to take care of it.

This was my favorite corner—the Tech Lab. Transparent glass walls, touch-sensitive panels, and holographic displays floated mid-air. Here, I could run simulations, hack into networks, or design prototypes without lifting a finger.

Voice-regulated systems meant I never touched a keyboard.

Drones rested in docking stations, ready to scout or deliver.

A central hologram projected Meera’s avatar, glowing softly, always listening, always learning.

No one knew about this house. Not my family, not my rivals.

The perimeter was guarded by invisible laser grids.

Facial recognition ensured only I could enter.

Even the robots were coded to obey my voice alone.

"Meera," I whispered, "lock down the house." And with a hum, the entire mansion shifted into silent vigilance, every system alive, every circuit loyal only to me.

I steeped into another room. In this room I shift my personal stuff. The picture of my parents. And a picture of me and Dhruv. The teddy my father gifts to me. It has a big initial D in front. Every gift my mumma gave me. And every gifts Dhruv gave me. I put the box on the bed.

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