The Singhaniya Mansion was alive with movement despite the late hour. The staff scurried around, finalizing the decorations, ensuring that every corner of the grand living room was adorned with elegance befitting the upcoming celebration. The scent of fresh flowers mixed with the faint aroma of sandalwood incense, creating an atmosphere of quiet festivity. The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow, reflecting off the polished marble floor, while the gentle rustling of the silk curtains echoed with the occasional gust of wind seeping through the slightly open windows.
Komal Singhaniya, seated in her usual armchair, observed the scene with a discerning eye. Her sharp gaze traveled over the decorations, nodding in approval at some, while subtly frowning at a few minor imperfections. She was a woman of tradition, and anything less than perfection was unacceptable. Finally, with a contented sigh, she pushed herself up, her joints protesting slightly at the movement. Just as she was about to retire to her room, Rakhi Singhaniya, her daughter-in-law, appeared at her side.
"Maa, aapki medicine le lijiye. Chaliye jaldi, warna fir dard hoga," Rakhi said with gentle insistence, her eyes filled with concern. (Maa, please take your medicine quickly. Otherwise, you'll be in pain later.)
Komal gave a reluctant nod, muttering under her breath about how these modern medicines were nothing compared to the herbal remedies of her time. Yet, she followed Rakhi toward her room, her steps slow but steady, her mind still lingering on the preparations.
Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion…
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of the rain that had passed earlier. The balcony outside Ravi's room was dimly lit, the soft glow from his bedside lamp barely reaching the corridor where he sat. His laptop screen flickered, illuminating his face, casting shadows over his sharp features. His usually well-groomed hair was slightly disheveled, tousled by the wind that continuously swept through the open space. He absentmindedly ran a hand through his locks, a sigh escaping his lips as he scrolled through documents. His mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts far removed from the work in front of him.
From the staircase, Ria Singhaniya spotted him. She had been making her way down to the kitchen, led purely by her cravings for something sweet. But as soon as her eyes landed on Ravi, she halted, tilting her head curiously.
"Mr. Assistant… yeh insaan hai ya kaam karne ki machine? Din bhar kaam hi karta rehta hai," she muttered under her breath. (Mr. Assistant… is this man even human, or just a work machine? He works all day!)
She folded her arms, tapping her foot against the floor as she continued to observe him. Her mind quickly wandered to the couple in question—her Bhai Rudra and Anaya. Ever since their wedding, they barely spent any alone time together, thanks to Ravi's strict work schedules and Rudra's ever-growing pile of responsibilities.
"Agar yeh Mr. Assistant na hota, toh Bhai-Bhabhi ko quality time milta," she grumbled, a plan forming in her mind. (If this Mr. Assistant weren't around, Bhai and Bhabhi would get more quality time together.)
She placed a finger on her chin, deep in thought. Something had to be done. She needed a way to keep Ravi occupied tomorrow, to ensure that Rudra and Anaya got some time together—without constant interruptions.
"Main kuch karu kya? Ria, tujhe kuch sochna padega. But… kya?" she whispered to herself. (Should I do something? Ria, you need to think of something. But… what?)
Lost in her scheming, she didn't hear the approaching footsteps until—
"BOOM!"
A loud voice startled her from behind, making her jump a little. She whirled around, only to come face to face with her twin brother, Aarav Singhaniya, who stood there with an amused smirk.
"Aur tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?" Aarav questioned, raising an eyebrow at her suspicious behavior. (And what exactly are you doing here?)
Ria, regaining her composure, rolled her eyes.
"Twin ho twin jaise raho na, bina interfere kiye. Ek kaam karoge?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. (You're my twin, so act like one and don't interfere. Will you do something for me?)
Aarav took a step back, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"Pehle bata toh sahi kaam kya hai?" he said, dramatically eyeing her. (First, tell me what exactly you need me to do.)
Ria smirked. She gestured towards the balcony, where Ravi was still engrossed in his work.
"Us insaan ka phone chahiye mujhe," she declared. (I want that man's phone.)
Aarav blinked, utterly confused. "Uska phone? Kyun?"(His phone? Why?)
Ria grinned wider.
"Bhai aur Bhabhi ko paas lane ke liye, obviously!" she stated matter-of-factly. (To bring Bhai and Bhabhi closer, obviously!)
Aarav sighed, shaking his head.
"Agar distraction hi karna hai, toh seedha baat karna zyada asaan hai. Ravi waise bhi easily distract ho jata hai, TUMSE" he muttered with a chuckle. (If you just need to distract him, talking to him directly would be easier. Ravi already gets distracted pretty easily.)
Ria narrowed her eyes. "What?"
Aarav shrugged, trying to suppress his laughter. "Kuch nahi," he said casually. (Nothing.)
But Ria wasn't buying it. She grabbed Aarav's wrist, dragging him down the stairs.
"Nahi, batao. Kal ka din important hai. Hume Ravi ko busy rakhna hai. Toh help karna padega!" she insisted. (No, tell me. Tomorrow is important. We need to keep Ravi busy. So, you have to help me!)
Aarav groaned but didn't protest further. He knew his sister well enough—once she had a plan, there was no stopping her.
They both made their way toward the kitchen, Ria walking with determined steps while Aarav followed, still trying to make sense of her grand scheme.
Reaching the upper shelf, Aarav pulled out a small container and held it up with a smirk.
"Ye green wali pills dekhi hai kabhi?" he asked, tilting the bottle slightly. (Ever seen these green pills before?)
Ria's eyes widened as she recognized them.
"Holi ki pills?" she whispered, her voice laced with excitement. (Holi pills?)
Aarav nodded.
"Haan, but sirf ek ya do use karenge. Zyada nahi. Samjhi?" he warned, raising an eyebrow. (Yeah, but we'll only use one or two. Not more. Got it?)
The twins exchanged a knowing glance before breaking into identical mischievous grins.
"Bhai ho toh tujh jaisa. Sach mein kuch toh khubhi hai tere andar!" Ria declared, nudging Aarav's shoulder playfully. (A brother like you is the best! You really do have some talents in you!)
Aarav chuckled, shaking his head as he closed the bottle carefully.
"Bas dekhna, Ravi ko kaise apni duniya se alag rakhenge kal," he said confidently. (Just wait and watch how we keep Ravi away from everything tomorrow.)
And with that, the two siblings sealed their plan for the upcoming day, ensuring that nothing—and no one—would get in the way of Rudra and Anaya's much-needed alone time.
(^///^).______..______..______.💖.______..______..______.(^///^)
The first rays of sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow inside the spacious bedroom. The city outside was already stirring, but inside, time moved at a different pace. Anaya stirred from her slumber, her delicate lashes fluttering as she turned onto her side. Her hand instinctively reached toward the space beside her, seeking warmth, seeking presence. But there was none.
The sheets on the other side of the bed were untouched, smooth and cold.
A faint frown settled on her soft features.
"Did we sleep apart again?" The thought brushed against her mind like a feather-light whisper, sending a strange ache through her chest.
Ever since their marriage, she had started noticing patterns—how he kept a distance, how he made sure they shared the same space but never truly crossed the invisible boundary he had drawn between them. She never questioned it aloud, but deep down, the silence gnawed at her.
With a soft sigh, she pushed back the covers, her bare feet touching the cool marble floor. She stretched her arms, blinking away the last remnants of sleep, before walking toward the bathroom.
But the moment she stepped inside, she stilled.
The large bathtub in the middle of the bathroom was already filled—with warm, crystal-clear water laced with delicate rose petals floating on the surface. The soft scent of sandalwood and jasmine lingered in the air, mingling with the freshness of the morning.
Anaya's brows furrowed as she stared at the unexpected sight.
"Did… did he do this?" she murmured under her breath.
It was impossible that any staff had prepared this. Rudra's room was private—off-limits to everyone. The servants would never enter unless instructed. That left only one possibility…
She pressed her lips together, her heart fluttering at the thought.
"No way. He wouldn't."
And yet, a small, almost imperceptible smile ghosted her lips.
Letting her curiosity rest for now, she slipped out of her nightwear and stepped into the warm bath. The moment her body sank into the water, she felt the tension melt from her muscles. The petals caressed her skin as the fragrant water enveloped her in a soothing embrace.
A small hum left her lips, and without thinking, she began to sing softly—a habit she had since childhood. It wasn't intentional, just something she did when she felt at ease.
"Tujhpe na aitbaar mujhe… feeka lage tera pyaar mujhe… Main na banaun d…"
Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, blending seamlessly with the gentle ripples in the water.
But what she didn't know—what she couldn't know—was that beyond the bathroom door, someone had stopped in his tracks.
Rudra.
He had been on his way back to his office through the hidden passage, moving as silently as a shadow when her voice had made him freeze.
His hand rested on the wall near the secret door, his knuckles pressing against the cool marble as he closed his eyes, listening.
She was singing.
His wife—his quiet, reserved, hesitant wife—was unknowingly peeling away the layers of his cold restraint with nothing but a song.
A slow smirk tugged at his lips.
For a moment, he considered stepping inside, considered teasing her about this little habit of hers. But then, something held him back. He wasn't sure what it was—perhaps it was the way her voice carried a soft melancholy, or perhaps it was the way he suddenly realized he was standing there like a fool, listening to her as if she were casting some spell on him.
His jaw clenched.
"What the hell am I doing?"
With a sharp breath, he turned away and walked back toward the secret door, slipping through it just moments before she would have stepped out of the bathroom.
.______..______.📑.______..______.📑.______..______.📑.______..______.
Jhanvi lived alone in a different part of the city, away from the grandeur of the Singhaniya Mansion, where Anaya and the rest of the Singhaniya family resided. It was a stark contrast—her quiet apartment versus the palatial estate that was home to one of the most powerful business families in the country.
As she finished getting ready, her phone screen lit up with a notification. A car was already waiting for her downstairs. She glanced at the time and let out a small sigh before picking up her bag and heading out.
The sleek black sedan stood parked at the entrance of her building, its polished exterior reflecting the dim morning light. Without a word, the driver stepped out and opened the door for her. Jhanvi nodded in acknowledgment and slid into the backseat, pulling her phone out of her bag to check for any last-minute messages from Ria.
The car smoothly pulled away from the curb, weaving through the city's roads toward the Singhaniya Mansion. As they neared their destination, the landscape changed—high-rise buildings gave way to lush greenery, the air seemed fresher, and the roads became broader. Soon, the grand gates of the Singhaniya estate loomed before her, opening automatically as the vehicle approached.
Her eyes widened slightly as the mansion—no, the palace—came into view. It was massive, sprawling across acres, its architecture a blend of modern elegance and regal heritage. The pristine white exterior gleamed under the daylight, accentuated by hints of green and blue in its intricate detailing. The gardens stretched endlessly, adorned with fountains, sculpted hedges, and seasonal flowers in full bloom.
It was breathtaking and overwhelming all at once.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand entrance, where a number of guests were already arriving. Jhanvi stepped out, smoothing the creases in her dress as she took in the sight. The sheer opulence of the place still caught her off guard, no matter how many times she had visited before.
She retrieved her phone from her purse, intending to text Ria, but before she could, she felt a sudden force collide with her.
Thud!
Her phone slipped from her fingers and hit the ground as she stumbled slightly from the unexpected impact. She barely had time to react before hearing an irritated voice—one she recognized all too well.
"Ouch! Are you blind, or are you stuck like garbage?" the woman snapped in a sharp tone.
Jhanvi's brows furrowed as she straightened herself, adjusting the dupatta that had slipped over her head from the impact. She didn't need to look up to know who it was. Rubi Kukreja.
Of course, it had to be her.
The woman was fussing over her outfit, adjusting her pristine white suit and checking her pallu with exaggerated movements, as if Jhanvi had somehow contaminated her with mere contact. Her irritation was palpable, her lips pursed in displeasure as she inspected herself.
Jhanvi exhaled slowly, already bracing herself for the unnecessary drama. She bent down to pick up her phone and dusted it off before finally responding, her tone effortlessly composed yet laced with sarcasm.
"Sorry, I'm not your mirror," she said, looking up at Rubi with a pointed gaze. "Aur waise bhi, Bhagwan ne mujhe aankhein di hai, tumhe nahi." (God gave me eyes, but apparently, He skipped you.)
Rubi's eyes narrowed as she finally recognized Jhanvi, her posture stiffening. "You—" she began, but Jhanvi had already turned away, her lips twitching with amusement.
This was going to be a long day.
Rubi's lips parted slightly in disbelief, as if unable to process that Jhanvi had just thrown attitude right back at her. The Kukreja princess was used to people tiptoeing around her, not standing their ground with such ease. She flicked her hair over her shoulder, tilting her chin up as she regained her composure.
"You talk too much for someone who doesn't belong here," Rubi sneered, folding her arms across her chest.
Jhanvi arched an eyebrow, unfazed. She had no patience for Rubi's superiority complex, especially when she had done nothing wrong.
"And yet, here I am," she shot back smoothly, tucking her phone into her clutch. "Not my fault if you can't walk straight in those sky-high heels."
Rubi's nostrils flared as she glanced down at her expensive designer heels. "Excuse me? These cost more than your entire—"
Before she could finish, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Jhanvi!"
Ria Singhaniya's excited voice rang through the air as she rushed over, dressed in an elegant pastel green lehenga that swayed with her movements. Her eyes flickered between Jhanvi and Rubi, sensing the tension immediately.
"Hey! I was looking for you." Ria grabbed Jhanvi's hand before turning toward Rubi, offering her a forced smile. "Rubi, tum yahan?"
Rubi smoothed her outfit with an air of importance. "Obviously. Singhaniya Mansion has always been a second home to us." Her tone was sugar-coated, a stark contrast to the irritation she had just been showing moments ago.
Jhanvi internally rolled her eyes. The way Rubi switched personalities depending on the audience was truly a talent.
"Great, great," Ria replied absentmindedly before looping her arm through Jhanvi's. "Come on, let's go inside. Everyone's waiting."
As they walked away, Jhanvi leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Teri cousin ki dost hamesha itni… entertaining hoti hai?" (Is your cousin's friend always this... entertaining?)
Ria let out a small laugh. "Oh, you have no idea."
Jhanvi smirked, stealing one last glance at Rubi, who was still standing there, her jaw clenched in frustration.
This was only the beginning.
.______..______.📑.______..______..______.💖.______.
Inside the Singhaniya Mansion
The moment Jhanvi stepped into the grand hall, she was once again struck by the sheer extravagance of the place. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a golden glow over the crowd of well-dressed guests mingling in the vast space. The decor was luxurious yet tasteful—marble floors, intricate carvings on the pillars, and floral arrangements that probably cost more than her rent.
She spotted Aarav near the grand staircase, laughing at something with a group of people. Not far from him, Anaya was engaged in a conversation with Misha, looking effortlessly elegant as always.
"Everyone's in a good mood today," Jhanvi noted.
"Holi hai na," Ria grinned, nudging her playfully. "Sab chill pe hai. Even Rudra bhai is a little less scary today."
Jhanvi chuckled at that. She had only met Rudra Singhaniya a couple of times, but his intimidating aura was unforgettable.
"By the way," Ria continued, her tone turning mischievous, "I hope you're ready for some madness today."
Jhanvi raised an eyebrow. "What kind of madness?"
Before Ria could answer, Aarav appeared beside them, holding a small box in his hand.
"Speaking of madness," he smirked, tossing the box toward Ria. She caught it easily and opened it, revealing small green pills inside.
Jhanvi frowned. "What are those?"
"Holi specials," Aarav said with a wink. "Bhai allowed only one or two per person, max. Otherwise, we're finished."
Jhanvi gave him a skeptical look. "What kind of Holi special are we talking about here?"
Aarav and Ria exchanged devious grins before looking at her with innocent faces.
"You'll see," they said in unison.
Jhanvi suddenly had a feeling she should be worried.