Vikram's POV

she taunted, walking away with those words lingering in the air. Her accusation hit me like a punch to the gut, and yet, I couldn't deny the truth in them. How could I face Aarvi? She’s the reason I lost you, Shanaya. That child—our child—is the reason you're gone. Why did you choose her over yourself? Why?

"Why, why did you leave, Shanaya?" I thought, my heart heavy with grief. The weight of your absence crushed me every day, a constant reminder of everything I had lost.

I stared at the empty space beside me, where you used to sleep, where your laughter used to fill the air. "How could you leave me like this? You promised we’d face everything together. Now, all I have are memories—just memories."

I closed my eyes, but the flood of images was relentless. Your smile, your gentle touch, the way you'd watch me with that knowing look in your eyes, even when I wasn’t paying attention—those moments seemed so far away now, like a different life.

“Every day is hell without you,” I whispered into the emptiness, speaking to the air as if you could still hear me.

"I am nothing without you, Shanaya. Please come back."

End POV

Meher stormed out of Vikram’s room, her heart racing with frustration. She could feel the heat of anger bubbling beneath her calm exterior, but she tried to suppress it as she made her way to her own room.

Once inside, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions before getting ready for work. She quickly picked up her phone and dialed her secretary’s number.

"I'll be late, postpone the meeting," she said curtly, her voice tight with irritation.

"Understood, ma’am," came the reply.

She hung up the phone and tossed it onto the bed. As she moved to the mirror, brushing her hair and adjusting her clothes, she glanced at Aarvi, who was still peacefully sleeping. Walking over to her, she gently kissed her on the cheeks and forehead before quietly leaving the room.

Downstairs..

Meher greeted the elderly couple sitting in the living room. "Good morning, Dadi-sa, good morning, Dada-sa," she said respectfully, touching their feet.

"Good morning, Meher," they both responded with warm smiles. After receiving their blessings, Meher moved toward the kitchen. As she entered, the servants, who were assisting a lady, stepped back slightly and bowed.

"Khamma Ghani, Meher-sa," the head servant greeted respectfully.

Meher nodded in acknowledgment. "Khamma Ghani," she replied.

The lady, busy at the kitchen counter, glanced at Meher as she worked. It was Veer’s mother, a woman of quiet grace and authority. She gave Meher a brief, measured look before returning to her task, her silence speaking volumes.

Meher stood beside her and said softly, “Good morning, Maa-sa.”

"Hmm," Vikram’s mother nodded, barely acknowledging her as she continued with her work.

Meher was used to this by now. From the moment she had married Vikram, she had known that no one in the house truly wanted her there—except for Dadi-sa, Dada-sa, and her little beam of light, Aarvi.

But that indifference didn’t bother her; Meher wasn’t easily shaken by emotions. She had built her life on strength and resilience, qualities that had helped her succeed as a businesswoman. She had faced many challenges in her career, moving through male-dominated boardrooms with a determined attitude that earned her respect.

As she stepped outside to leave for work, a cool breeze brushed against her face. She opened her eyes, ready to tackle the day with her usual confidence. Her sharp gaze scanned the area, taking in every detail as she walked toward her sleek car parked outside. Dressed in a tailored blazer and high heels, she looked every bit the professional she was. The confidence she radiated was like armor, protecting her from the world’s pressures.

"Chaliyee"she sai to driver while settling her on the back seat.

Whereas,

a talll buld man came downstairs and was about to go when "Vikram atleast have your breakfast beta"he knew it was his maa-sa he didnt turnn and said

"I will have it in office"he said coldly bfore leaving the house and his bodyguards following him.

*Vikram Singh Rathore the owner of Rathore industries is a successful businessman who held the top position in the country for his achievements. His company was a leader in its field, known for its innovative strategies and strong market presence. He had earned a reputation as a fierce competitor, admired and respected by many in the corporate world.

Everyone in the workplace feared him, not just because of his commanding presence, but because if you made Vikram Singh Rathore angry over even the smallest mistake, it could be your last day—not just at work, but in the world of business.

His sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude made him a force to be reckoned with. Employees whispered about his temper, often saying, “You don’t want to be on his bad side.” Vikram expected nothing less than perfection, and he wasn’t afraid to show his disappointment when things didn’t go as planned. *

As he left, his mother sighed and looked down at Aarvi, who was busy playing with her jewelry. She wished her son would at least glance at his daughter, but she knew he was struggling to face the child, a constant reminder of Shanaya’s absence.

“How long will he keep ignoring this innocent girl?” Dadi-sa said, shaking her head as she gently took Aarvi from her.

“Everything has changed, Maaji-sa,” she continued, turning to the large portrait of Shanaya hanging on the wall, decorated with a garland of flowers.

“Shanaya’s presence changed him, but now that she’s gone, he’s gone back to the way he was after his father died,” she said sadly. The memory of Veer’s father lingered in the air, a reminder of the pain in their family.

Dadi-sa held Aarvi close, feeling the warmth of the baby against her. “You are the light in this house, my little one,”she whisperd softly Aarvi looked up, her big, innocent eyes sparkling with curiosity, completely unaware of the pain around her.