As Shanaya boarded the staircase to her office, the sun's golden rays shimmered through the glass windows, filling the corridor with a warm glow. She took it as a positive sign. Today was the day they were supposed to finalize an important collaboration with a renowned company, and Shanaya couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and optimism.“I’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, like she always did before starting an important day at work. It had helped her stay focused and determined regardless of the obstacles that were strewn along her way. As she stepped into her office, a sight caught her attention—a vibrant bouquet of yellow tulips sitting gracefully on her white desk. The delicate petals stood tall, demanding her attention. The sweet aroma filled the room, momentarily distracting her from the impending business meeting. Curiosity piqued, Shanaya approached the bouquet, noticing a small note nestled among the flowers. With gentle hands, she unfolded the note, and her eyes
Shanaya debated with herself momentarily. She could slip out without being seen, and successfully avoid an unwanted conversation with Raunak. However, she had already stepped into the living room, and Meera, one of the maids was keenly watching her, pausing her cleaning task. If she stayed back, not only would she have to answer for all the rumors circulating around about her, but she would also have to pretend she enjoyed Raunak’s presence.Shanaya passed Meera a nervous grin and raised a finger to her lips, gesturing for her to be quiet. However, as she was about to retrace her steps, Suhala turned around as if sensing her presence. Her grandmother’s face lit up with a bright grin. “Oh, wonderful,” Suhala remarked, using the handrest of the couch to support herself as she stood up. “You’ve arrived at the right moment. Shanaya, my child, come sit with us. We have something important to discuss.”Raunak interjected, getting to his feet in an instant, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Arora, but I nee
Shanaya's face hardened, a mask of seriousness settling upon her features as she fought to maintain her composure. Inside, her heart raced, threatening to burst out of her chest, but she couldn't let her grandmother see the turmoil within her. Folding her arms, she met Suhala's gaze, refusing to back down."What do you mean, Dadi? Don't speak in riddles," Shanaya asserted, her voice firm, yet tinged with a hint of apprehension.Suhala's eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and anger, her golden-rimmed spectacles emphasizing her stern expression. Adjusting the folds of her saree, she leaned in closer, her voice laden with expectation."Tell me, my child. How much truth is there to the rumors surrounding you and Dhruv Kapoor?" Suhala inquired, her tone demanding answers.Shanaya's gaze faltered, her eyes dropping to the floor as she licked her lips nervously. The moment she had dreaded had finally arrived—the moment where she would have to lie to her beloved grandmother. It went a
Shanaya’s eyes involuntarily darted to the staircase Suhala was descending. She looked back at Ahail, unsure of how to comprehend his words. She waited for him to say something, all the while trying to figure out how to avoid another unwanted conversation. In a surprising moment, he cupped her cheek. “I understand how hard all of this is for you,” he said, his voice filled with pity. Shanaya wondered how much her brother had truly heard of the conversation she had with her grandmother. Ahail continued, “Seeing them so often. I can hardly imagine how you get through all that. The Kapoors ruined us and here you are, required to pretend to be excited about all of this. I don’t understand why Dadi would have you look after the arrangements. I’m sure Neil would do good on his own.”“I’m doing it all for Neil,” she defended herself. “Neil needs my… our help. He deserves his shot at happiness.”Something flickered across Ahail’s eyes. His hand slipped from her cheek.Shanaya felt her hear
Shanaya's frustration grew as she finished reading the article, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. With great effort, she managed to suppress the urge to let out an expletive-laden outburst. Instead, she flung her phone onto the desk and ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the strands in frustration. How on earth had the media discovered their secret orphanage visit?A sudden realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. "Prakash, that bastard!" she shrieked, her voice filled with anger as she thought of the orphanage's manager. There was no doubt in her mind that he was the culprit behind the leaked information. He had been the only one present when Dhruv affectionately called her 'darling'.In the days that followed, Shanaya had witnessed the media frenzy surrounding her and Dhruv, with countless articles speculating on their relationship. However, this particular article felt like a violation. The visits to the Little Angels Orphanage had been a sacred and well-guarded part
Shanaya impatiently brushed her hair for what felt like the hundredth time, frustration etched on her face. The morning had already proven to be a series of regrets, as she realized her mistake of not booking a salon appointment for such a special occasion. With an exasperated sigh, she gathered her unruly curls into a messy bun, hoping it would at least pass as effortlessly chic. Securing the bun with a few jeweled pins, she braced herself to face the mirror once more."Fuck!" she exclaimed, her frustration boiling over as she threw her hairbrush against the wall in a burst of emotion. "I hate this."Her eyes briefly flicked to the clock hanging on the wall, widening in panic as she noticed the time slipping away. "We're late," she whispered to herself, a sense of urgency flooding her movements. Hastily, she gathered her dupatta, draping it elegantly on one side to complete her traditional ensemble.The sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway caught her attention, followed by
Dhruv remained seated on the edge of the bed, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You go ahead," he replied, his voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and a touch of mystery. "I'll catch up with you in a moment."Intrigued, Shanaya retraced her steps and walked back to where Dhruv was seated. Her patience wearing thin, she couldn't help but ask, "What is it?"Dhruv's hands delicately retrieved a long red velvet box from the pockets of his baby pink kurta, his breath audibly hitching in his chest. Locking his intense gaze with hers, he quietly murmured, "I got something for you."As the suspense built up, Shanaya resumed her position beside him, her curiosity mounting. The box remained closed until she was seated next to Dhruv once again. He finally opened the box, revealing a pair of stunning golden anklets that shimmered under the gentle light.The sight of the intricately designed anklets left Shanaya momentarily speechless, her breath hitching in her throat. Thei
The front yard of the Kapoor's Villa underwent a breathtaking transformation, becoming a mesmerizing setting for the joyous engagement ceremony. The creative vision of Kirti and Shanaya, with a little assistance from the guys, brought this enchanting venue to life.As guests arrived, their eyes were immediately drawn to a captivating sight. A sloping rooftop, elegantly supported by sturdy white pillars positioned at the corners, stood as a focal point of the space. The pillars, adorned with shimmery curtains, added a touch of sophistication, while delicate pink roses entwined around them, infusing the air with a sweet floral fragrance. Cascading from the slanting rooftop were graceful strands of purple wisteria, their blossoms swaying lazily in the gentle breeze, adding a whimsical charm to the ambiance.Positioned atop a raised platform, three circular structures adorned with an abundance of resplendent roses awaited the couple. Nestled beneath these floral arrangements was a charmin