Novels by Ishq

Three years had passed since the whirlwind of revelations, reunions, and celebrations that had reshaped their lives. The Blackwell and Dufort families were closer than ever and the laughter of children now filled both mansions, echoing like music across sunlit rooms.The morning sun cast a warm glow over the soft sand of a secluded beach. Lucian and Isla walked hand in hand, barefoot, letting the gentle waves touch at their feet. Their daughter, Isabella, now five, had her dad's blue eyes. She darted ahead happily with her little pail and shovel, squealing as she built sandcastles. Aaric, who was now twelve, ran beside her, carefully supervising, but laughing as he let her add a few extra towers that toppled almost immediately.Lucian glanced down at Isla, her hair glinting in the sunlight, the corners of her lips curling into that familiar, heart-stopping smile. “They’re growing so fast,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.Isla laughed softly, resting her head brie

The morning sun bathed the Blackwell mansion in its warm glow and golden light, promising a day full of warmth and joy. Lucian was already in the driveway, carrying Isabella in his arms, while Aaric laughed excitedly beside him, his little backpack swinging slightly. Isla was holding a picnic basket, followed closely behind, smiling at the sight of her husband’s relaxed grin.“We’ll take Kian and Selene, and Elena and Leo,” Lucian reminded, glancing at Isla. “It’s going to be crowded but fun.”Isla laughed softly, adjusting Isabella in her arms. “It’s going to be damn chaotic,” she teased, “but the best kind of chaos.”By mid-morning, the group had gathered at a sprawling park, a private section reserved just for them. Selene, glowing with her pregnancy, laughed as Kian helped her settle on a blanket, while Elena sat beside Leo, who was trying to juggle a soccer ball with Aaric watching in wonder.“Come on, Papa! Play with me!” Aaric shouted, tugging at his father’s hand. Lucian chuc

Two years later Two whole years had passed and the Blackwell mansion glimmered with laughter, chaos and life like never before. The once-quiet halls were now filled with the soft patter of tiny feet, gleeful giggles, and the gentle coos of a little baby discovering the world.Lucian stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows in the morning light, holding their infant daughter, Isabella, in his arms. Her tiny hands grasped his fingers, her eyes wide with curiosity and wonder, reflecting the same stormy intensity he had seen in Isla since the day they met.“She’s awake,” Isla called from the adjoining room, her voice warm and sweet like a melody. She entered carrying a soft blanket, her hair pulled loosely over her shoulder, smiling at the sight of Lucian gently bouncing their precious daughter in his arms.“She’s gorgeous,” Lucian murmured, pressing a kiss to Isabella’s forehead. “Just like her mother.”Isla walked over, taking Isabella into her arms and feeling the soft weight of the l

The letter arrived on a quiet morning in the Blackwell mansion.The autumn air in New York was crisp, the leaves outside the Blackwell estate turning shades of burnt gold and crimson color. Isla was having coffee by the window when the butler entered, holding a cream-colored envelope sealed with a familiar handwriting. The writing was elegant, sharp, beautiful and Isla knew who's handwriting it was. Liam was also there at the mansion for breakfast when his froze seeing the letter sent by Claire.Claire Blackwell.Lucian, who’d just joined her, froze mid-step. Isla looked up at him, then carefully broke the seal. Inside were four smaller envelopes. One each for Lucian, Isla, Aaric, and Liam.Her heart tightened as she began to read.“To my family and the ones I wronged,”The letter began in Claire’s delicate, and loving script.“There are some sins that age cannot wash away. I lived a life trying to mold others into perfection because I was terrified of my own imperfections. I hurt peo

After a weekThe sun poured gold over the place, painting everything in warm, soft hues of golden and orange. The Dufort vineyard glowed under strings of fairy lights and golden silk drapes that danced in the evening breeze. It wasn’t just a wedding, it was a reunion of hearts that had seen love and chaos together.Selene had sworn she didn’t want a grand affair.But one glance at the setting, the floral archway laced with baby’s breath, the antique chandeliers, and the endless tables set with golden cutlery and everyone knew she’d lied.“It’s elegant, not grand,” she corrected when Kian teased her earlier.He only grinned. “Sweetheart, there’s a champagne fountain. That’s literally the definition of grand.”Now, standing at the altar in a soft blush gown that shimmered like dawn, Selene looked breathtaking. Her hair fell in loose waves, a beautiful tiara resting delicately above her veil.Kian waited for her at the end of the aisle, dressed in a charcoal suit and a look that made it

The Blackwell mansion was all alive. The laughter floated through the corridors. The clinking of cutlery, the soft hum of conversation, the quiet music playing somewhere in the background. All of it felt foreign. Beautifully foreign.Lucian sat on the sofa, a soft throw around his shoulders despite the protest that he didn’t need one. Isla had, of course, ignored him. “You’re still recovering,” she said, fussing as she adjusted the pillow behind him. “And don’t you dare argue with me.”Lucian’s lips twitched. “I was only going to thank you.”She gave him a look. A kind of look that said she didn’t believe a word coming from his mouth. “Sure, Mr. Blackwell. Sit still.”The doorbell rang, and Selene’s voice called from the hallway, “We brought dessert!”Kian followed behind her, holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a mischievous grin in the other. “Also, before you say anything, yes, I checked, this one’s doctor approved.”Lucian arched an eyebrow. “You checked with a doctor?”“No,”

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

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