Novel-novel oleh Ishq

Isla found herself returning to the Dufort mansion every weekend now. At first, it was overwhelming, from the grandeur of the estate, the walls covered with portraits of a family she wasn’t sure she belonged to the warm but unfamiliar embraces she had come to accept. And just like that, little by little, the sharp edges of shock began to smoothen slowly.Sia would always greet her at the door, her arms open as if she had been waiting all week for this precious moment. Selene dragged her away on what she called “sister adventures” tea dates, shopping trips, late-night movies as if they were trying to create a lifetime of sisterhood into the years they lost together. But it was Dominic who surprised Isla the most.He didn’t push her. He didn’t demand her to call him dad.. He was simply there for her. Whether it was waiting patiently while she looked at those old photo albums, or walking beside her in the gardens, or watching Aaric run around the estate with a quiet smile, Dominic gave

The Saturday sun spilled golden light over the Duforts’ vast estate, its marble floors glowing under the sunshine. It was Isla's another week of agreeing to spend time with them, and this time Sia and Selene had insisted on a “girls’ day.” Lucian had been amused and relieved, when Sia promised that Aaric would be spoiled rotten under his grandfather’s watch.“Go,” Lucian had murmured at the car, pressing a kiss to her temple softly. “I’ll manage with Aaric today.”Isla let out a smile.Inside the glossy black limousine, Selene looped her arm around Isla’s with a sisterly ease that startled her. “We’re going to City Street first. The boutiques there are to die for. They are amazing ”Isla laughed softly. “I don’t really know if i should go-”“Oh come on, ice queen,” Selene teased, her eyes dancing just like their father’s. “Elser sisters don’t get to say no to their younger sisters.”Sia, sitting across from them, watched with a tenderness that seemed to ache through her watching her d

The drive to the Duforts’ mansion had become almost routine now, though Isla still felt a flutter inside her nerves each time the estate gates swung open. Lucian’s hand rested reassuringly over hers on the leather console between them while Aaric chattered excitedly in the backseat about his new grandparents and recounting every fun thing they had done over the past week.“It’s Sunday, Yay! We’re going to see Grandma Sia!” he squealed, bouncing in his seat. “And the garden flowers! And maybe we can play in the library too!”Lucian chuckled softly, shaking his head at his chirpy son,“Careful, Aaric. You might give your mother a whiplash with all that excitement.”Isla smiled at the nickname, a warmth spreading through her chest. Each weekend she had spent with the Duforts had been a careful balance of curiosity laced with hesitation, openness mixed with a lingering doubt.But slowly, she found herself letting go, allowing all the small gestures, the laughter, and the shared stories to

The Blackwell car rolled to a slow stop outside the wrought-iron gates of the Dufort estate. The early Sunday sun painted strokes of pale gold, dew still clinging to the edges like diamonds. Isla sat stiffly beside Lucian, her fingers absently tightening around the strap of her handbag. She had agreed to meet the Duforts again. She reminded herself. She had agreed to come here without Aaric, to see them as their daughter. Still, the very word tangled in her chest.Lucian reached over and touched her hand. “You don’t have to force yourself,” he murmured. His voice was quiet, protective, the tone he reserved only for her.“I know,” Isla replied, forcing a small smile. “But I need to know who I was before.”The gates opened and the car moved forward, revealing the sprawling Dufort’s mansion beyond.When they entered, Sia Dufort was already waiting at the top of the stairs. The older woman’s eyes softened as soon as they found Isla. She came forward quickly, not with hesitation but with

The drive back from the Dufort mansion was quiet. Aaric had dozed off in his car seat, his little head tilted against the soft cushion and his soft breathing a gentle rhythm in the tension like silence.Isla sat rigid, her gaze fixed on the blur of trees and city beyond the glass. Her nails dug faint crescents into her palm, every muscle tight, as though letting herself relax might let everything she’d been holding back pour out. Lucian studied her, he could see the calm mask she wore, the way her storm-grey eyes shone with a glassy sheen she refused to spill. He didn’t press her further.When they finally returned to the Blackwell mansion, Isla carried Aaric into his room, tucking him in with her quiet and motherly gentleness. She lingered with a small yet broken smile at his bedside, brushing back his curls, watching him sleep like he was the only steady truth in her collapsing world.Only after the door clicked shut did her facial expression change.Lucian was waiting in the livin

Isla hadn’t slept for a single hour. She had spent the night sitting on the edge of their bed, her back pressed against the headboard, The files kian had sent were open in her trembling hands. Every word cut her open, every photograph felt like a stranger stealing her memories, stealing her past.Sabrinal Dufort. Heiress. A stolen child. A missing girl. The names swirled in her mind like a curse.Lucian hadn’t pushed her into thinking any further. In fact he had simply stayed close, silent but watchful, his hands were brushing against hers every time she faltered. His presence was the only thing tethering her to remain sane at this point.When the sun rose, the storm inside her hadn’t silenced down.“I need time,” Isla whispered, her storm-grey eyes raw with exhaustion. “I can’t just switch families overnight, Lucian. The Montgomerys raised me. They were my parents. And now suddenly I’m supposed to believe I was stolen?” Her voice broke on the last word.Lucian cupped her face, forcin

The next Sunday evening felt different than others.Aarini still couldn't believe that she had agreed to give a chance to Revansh Malhotra. The most arrogant, insufferable, yet strangely captivating boy she had ever met in her life so far.And now, here she was, walking beside him in a quiet park, their hands occasionally brushing but neither of them making a move to hold the other."You're awfully quiet today," Revansh commented, glancing at her.Aarini sighed. "I'm just thinking about something. ""About?"She bit her lip, hesitating before answering, "Us."Revansh smirked. "Already obsessed with me, huh? Even when we haven't officially started dating yet"Aarini shot him a glare. " Shut up. You're annoying, Malhotra.""And you're adorable when you're flustered, Joshi."She huffed, looking away to hide her beautiful smile but Revansh had already sensed the red hues covering her soft cheeks which made his smirk deepening more.They continued walking, the soft crunches of gravel bene

Aarini got into the car, and within minutes, they were driving away from school campus, the noise and chaos of school fading behind both of then.Revansh drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other casually resting on his thigh. He looked relaxed, but there was something different about him today.His eyes seemed more softer and gentler than before."Where are we going?" she asked."You’ll see."Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up to a quiet lakeside park. The place was nearly empty, the water reflecting the pale afternoon sun, shimmering like a silver glass.Aarini stepped out, as she let out a breath in the crisp air. It was peaceful, soothing and serene."You like it?" Revansh asked, watching her peaceful expression.She turned to him, nodding her head in a yes. "It’s beautiful, serene."He took a step closer, brushing his fingers against hers before lacing them together as if they were pieces of the same puzzle. "I wanted some time with you, without everyone watching us.

Aarini got into the car, and within minutes, they were driving away from school campus, the noise and chaos of school fading behind both of then.Revansh drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other casually resting on his thigh. He looked relaxed, but there was something different about him today.His eyes seemed more softer and gentler than before."Where are we going?" she asked."You’ll see."Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up to a quiet lakeside park. The place was nearly empty, the water reflecting the pale afternoon sun, shimmering like a silver glass.Aarini stepped out, as she let out a breath in the crisp air. It was peaceful, soothing and serene."You like it?" Revansh asked, watching her peaceful expression.She turned to him, nodding her head in a yes. "It’s beautiful, serene."He took a step closer, brushing his fingers against hers before lacing them together as if they were pieces of the same puzzle. "I wanted some time with you, without everyone watching us.

Sunday melted into the soft hues of the evening, and the air between Aarini and Revansh had changed. There were no more games, no more suspensions, what remained was just an unspoken promise that lingered in their exchanged glances with each other.Aarini still felt the ghost of his touch on her forehead as they drove back to the city. She peeked at him from the corner of her brown eyes. His hands were steady on the wheel, his gaze fixed ahead, yet there was a certain lightness in his posture."You're staring at me, dove," Revansh teased without looking at her.Aarini scoffed and looked away feeling embarrassed. "You wish."He chuckled, the deep and huskyrich sound making her stomach flutter from inside. This was new.The teasing, the warmth, the softness in hos eyes. It all felt so dangerously comfortable.It was like a dream. A dream Aarini wished to continue see forever.As the car slowed to a stop near her home, a haunting silence stretched between them. Neither of them moved t

The next morning, Aarini woke up to the soft glow of the Sunday sun filtering through her curtains. The events of last night replayed in her mind, especially the warmth of Revansh's behavior, the way he had helped that little boy, the emotions swirling in his eyes when he thought no one was watching him.She sighed, running a hand through her hair. What is happening to me? She thought. Needing some fresh air, she decided to step out and visit a small bookshop she had been meaning to check out. The old, cozy store sat in the quieter part of the city, surrounded by lush trees and the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café.As she browsed through the bookshelves, lost in the scent of old pages, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts."You really love books, dove."Aarini turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat. "Revansh?"There he was, standing with his hands in his pockets, dressed in a fitted black turtleneck and jeans, looking effortlessly handsome as always."What

The next morning, Aarini was determined to act like nothing had changed at all. She convinced herself that the warmth of his jacket, the way his fingers had brushed against her skin, meant nothing. That Revansh Malhotra was still the arrogant, insufferable flirt who thrived on playing games with her.But yet....She found herself hesitating before stepping into school, her heart racing when she spotted him leaning against his sleek black car, arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression.He looked effortlessly cool in his dark jeans, white shirt, leather jacket and completely unbothered by the whispers and stares of students passing by.But the moment their eyes met, something shifted inside him as it did from the past few days.His lips twitched. "Morning, Dove."Aarini rolled her eyes, brushing past him. "Don’t you have anything better to do than loiter around like some street thug?""Now, now," he tsked, falling into step beside her. "That’s no way to greet your favorite

Adyant's eyes slowly opened, his face still buried in Veda's neck. The warmth of her skin and the gentle rise and fall of her chest lulled him into a peaceful state the whole night. He breathed in deeply, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.As he lifted his head, Veda stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Their gazes met, and for a moment, they just looked deep at each other. The desire between them was undeniable."Good morning, Veda," Adyant whispered, his voice husky and laced with emotion.Veda's gaze locked onto his, and Adyant saw the faintest glimmer of vulnerability in her brown orbs. Her voice was barely audible. "Good morning."Adyant's eyes roamed her face, taking in the gentle curves and the faint blush rising to her cheeks. Without thinking, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her soft skin.Veda's pulse quickened, her heart racing as she felt the touch deep within her, stirring all those emotions which she had been trying hard to bury insid

The pure passion and madness was taking place inside his heart as his eyes loomed over Veda's disappearing figure. At this moment all Adyant wanted was to give chase, pull her small body in his dark embrace and claim her as his for eternity to come.He did not know what was happening to him. He had never thought anything this crazy for even Mehek.I've gone mad. How can I think like this about Veda? How can I talk to Veda like this? I should hate her. I love my Mehek. I only love Mehek! How can I think about anyone other than Mehek Like this? What the hell has happened to me!The thoughts haunted Adyant as he suddenly felt suffocated from inside but what was more shocking was the fact that the word My Mehek only left a bitter taste in his tongue.It felt wrong.It felt disgusting to even think about Mehek now.He didn't know what his heart wanted anymore.He felt like a betrayer for even talking to Veda like that?He was always supposed to love Mehek, since his childhood!How can he

Veda walked alongside Adyant, the garden's serene atmosphere contrasting with the turmoil inside both of them.His proximity stirred enormous anger which she'd rather forget.She didn't want his closeness to affect her.She didn't want to be shattered by him yet again.As they strolled together, Adyant held her hand in a tight grip. Veda froze but didn't say anything. Adyant wasn't speaking either. He just continued to walk around with her, entwining their hands together aa if he didn't want to let go.She had a feeling that he wanted to say something but was hesitating and changing topics in front of her.He pointed at the areas needing attention for the wedding. Veda listened intently, her responses neural though her heart thudded inside her chest from Adyant's close proximity.Their conversation flowed like a delicate dance, each step carefully choreographed. But beneath the surface, tensions simmered.Adyant's gaze drifted to Veda's hands, her fingers brushing against the flower

The next morning it dawned bright and early. Veda woke up feeling refreshed and replenished, memories of the previous night's celebrations still etched in her mind and she remembered the way she had danced with Adyant. The way his body had moved against hers.She thought and unknowingly a little blush crept up in her apple cheeks.As she entered the dining hall, Adyant already sat at the table along with the members of Gehlot family, sipping his coffee.Their eyes met, and for a moment Veda's heart fluttered."Good morning," Veda replied, taking her seat.“Good morning," Adyant said, his voice low and husky as he looked at her intently from top to bottom as if scanning her whole self.The tension between them was palpable, but neither spoke of the previous night's events. Though the family members kept teasing Adyant about how the man’s eyes never leave his beautiful wife even for a moment.“Bhaiya, go get a room for you two.” Arya, Adyant's cousin spoke teasing him and all the young

Days passed, and Veda's silence grew thicker than ever. Adyant tried to break the ice, but she remained distant.The tension between them remained palpable until one morning, when Adyant's mother burst into their bedroom with a wedding card in her hand."Good news! Your Aarti aunt's son, Anant, is getting married, and we're all invited! We all have to leave for Malabar hills next week and be there until the wedding. Your mausi wants us to attend all the functions there. Adyant's mother beamed.Adyant's expression remained neutral and uninterested but Veda sensed a flicker of interest.She had always loved weddings and functions while Adyant had never been fond of them."When is the wedding?" Veda asked, trying to sound enthusiastic."In two days. We'll leave tomorrow morning," Adyant's mother replied, beaming with joy.Adyant groaned inwardly.A wedding. Forced proximity with Veda, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to face her again.In the past he never wanted to spend any time wit

Adyant woke up, feeling an unusual sense of lightness. He turned to his side, expecting to see Veda's beautiful smiling face, but she was already up and getting ready in the bathroom."Veda?" he called out, trying to sound casual.The bathroom door opened slowly, and Veda stepped out, her expression neutral."Good morning," she said, her voice lacking the warmth from the previous night as if she had forgotten everything which had happened last night Adyant felt a pang of disappointment, but couldn't quite put his finger on why."Good morning," he replied back, trying to gauge her mood.Veda began to get ready, her movements swift and efficient with no expression on her face.Adyant watched, sensing a distance he couldn't explain but all he felt was a sense of emptiness inside him again."Veda, can we talk?" he asked, sitting up in bed.She paused, her eyes meeting him for a brief moment as he looked at him for a minute, her expression unreadable."Not now, Adyant. I have to get the k

The wind blew gently through the Rajput estate, yet something felt off.Aarunya sat in the study room, Aranya asleep in his pram beside her. She unfolded the note she’d found tucked inside the spine of a book in Trayaksh’s library. She had no idea who this person was and why they were offering help to her.Aarunya was suspicious but she still decided to play along, so that she could unwrap the mystery behind this person.Aarunya opened the note "If you truly want to know the truth of the Rajputs, go to the Old Rajput Mansion in Delhi. The walls there have secrets dug up inside them. The old mansion is the place where it all began.."- Your well-wisher.Her pulse quickened at that moment.Who was this person?And what would this person even achieve from all of this?One thing was clear. Whoever this person was, they knew things which Gargi was hiding.And Aarunya was ready to uncover it.The Old Rajput Mansion…She folded the note slowly and looked toward Aranya with a gentle smile.

The soft clink of porcelain echoed in the Rajput dining hall as the morning sun filtered through the embroidered silk curtains, painting golden patterns across the marble floors, giving a dreamy look to the whole mansion.It was a beautiful morning.But not all beautiful things were tolerant.At least not for Aarunya, especially when she looked at the face of her sinner everyday. Aarunya sat at the head of the table, regal in her mermaid strapped silk ivory dress. Her expression was calm, almost too calm like a serene lake that hid the ruins of a storm beneath its shiny surface.Trayaksh was beside her, gently feeding bits of mashed banana to their son Aranya. The sight would make anyone fall for the gentle looking man.Except Aarunya. For, she had already seen the monster behind his gentle smile.She watched them with a smile, but behind her eyes lived storms, ready to ruin, ready to destroy.“Aranya’s becoming more cute like you every day,” Trayaksh whispered with a soft smile.Sh

The night was painted in shadows as Aarunya stood at the balcony of her room, her eyes fixed on the moon above.She wasn't praying.She wasn’t admiring the moon either. She was calculating, planning, plotting her revenge.Each day brought her closer to her goal.Each night sharpened her resolve to destroy the people who wronged her.The words written in the letter from the anonymous sender still played inside her mind.She wondered if there were other dark shadows lurking around the haunted Rajput estate.She wondered what if Trayaksh wasn’t the only monster in the Rajput family.Her fingers closed into a fist, nails digging into her palm and the air behind her shifted to something more colder.She didn’t turn around. She already knew who it was.“Did you get it?” she asked, her voice filled with authority only a queen gets to speak with.“Yes,” said the voice. The same staff member she had recruited earlier. The one loyal to her, not by heart but by fear.Fear, a word enough to make

Sunlight crept into the room like a thief, golden and gentle, too gentle for the war that raged beneath Aarunya's heart.Aarunya blinked slowly, her lashes heavy with sleep she didn’t even remember falling into. She just fell asleep the previous night after tucking Arabya to his crib. The scent of jasmine still lingered on the bedsheets. A breeze passed through the half-open balcony door. And then came the soft knock.It was Trayaksh.He entered with a smile so soft, it could’ve melted any heart, if only it hadn’t once been used to mock her after everytime she was raped in the past.“Good morning, Ocean,” he said, his voice deep and warm, like a song he’d never known how to sing before. A song he was learning only for her.For Aarunya.Aarunya cringed from his voice but she covered her expressions. She sat up slowly, letting the silk bedsheet slip from her shoulder gently.“Good morning,” she replied, her voice honeyed soft.“I made you breakfast,” he beamed, placing the tray on her

The morning air was colder despite the summer sun. A strange stillness hung over the Rajput estate, it was not peaceful but the eerie calm before a huge storm. Aarunya adjusted the soft blanket over Aranya and walked out of the nursery, her mind already racing through her next plan. The letter from last night still haunted her not because of any fear, but because of its truth. There were secrets buried in the Rajput family. She was going to find them. And she was going to use them against the Rajputs. As she walked through the hallway, her footsteps light yet firm, a sudden sound made her pause in her tracks. “Bhabhi,” a soft voice called from behind. It was Taranya. Aarunya turned around, masking her wariness with a serene and soft smile. “Hmm?” Taranya stood with folded arms, her eyes sharp as if she was suspecting things. “Why did Chef Narayan leave?” she asked quietly. “And why are you changing all the staff suddenly?” Aarunya’s smile didn’t falter, but her fingers curle

A huge storm arrived making the trees swing, flowers sway and dark clouds gather around the Rajput estate. It rained heavily the whole night. The morning rays of sun finally passed through the curtains indicating that the storm had passed, but the silence it left behind was far more dangerous.Aarunya stood by the window of her room in the Rajput estate, her eyes resting on the swaying trees outside. The early morning sunlight painted golden patterns on the marble floor, but her mind was elsewhere, trapped in memories, in pain, and in plans she made to ruin, to destroy her destroyers.Aranya slept peacefully on the bed behind her, wrapped in the soft folds of a soft handmade quilt. His tiny fingers twitched in sweet dreams.A soft smile tugged at Aarunya's lips as she looked at her small baby bird sleeping peacefully. “Just some more time, my sweet angel. Then mommy will take her Aranya away from this hell of a place.” She whispered and pressed a soft kiss on the top of Aranya’s head