She went downstairs and walked straight into the kitchen to help set the dining table. Once the table was ready and everyone was waiting for Vikram, he finally came down.

They all started to eat in silence when Dadi-sa signaled Dadu-sa to say something. He cleared his throat and said,

“So, umm, Aarvi’s birthday is soon. We should—” He was about to finish when Vikram suddenly stood up and said, “I’m done,” before quickly leaving the table.

Vikram's POV:

I rushed into my room and stared at Shanaya’s picture on the wall.

“How can they think of celebrating the day I lost you? How can they?” Anger bubbled inside me, and I started breaking things in the room. I threw a glass across the room, watching it shatter against the wall, its pieces spreading everywhere like my shattered heart.

"I lost you because of our child! I lost you forever!” I shouted, my voice cracking as I cried.

“I haven’t seen her since the moment she was born. How can I, Shanaya? How can I?” My heart ached as I sank beside the bed, clutching our wedding photo tightly to my chest. “How can I?” My voice came out as a whisper, barely audible through my tears.

I remembered the day she found out she was going to be a mom. The joy radiated from her, lighting up her face like I’d never seen before. She was so happy—so blissfully unaware of what fate had in store for us. I was on cloud nine, thrilled at the thought of becoming a father, sharing this beautiful journey with the woman I loved.

But when I actually became a dad, I lost everything. I lost you, the one who meant everything to me.

“How did it all go so wrong?” I whispered to the picture, my fingers tracing the edges of her smile.

"I would do anything for you! Please come back! I just want to hug you!" I cried miserably, holding our photo frame tightly, the weight of my despair crashing down on me.

"Please come back," I whispered as my eyes closed, and in no time, I slipped into a deep slumber.

Downstairs;

Meher stood up and said, "I’m done. I should go check on Aarvi, and I have an early meeting tomorrow, so goodnight." She walked toward's her room.

Dadi-sa shook her head, her heart heavy with worry.

"Life can be so unfair. Vikram needs to realize that his daughter, Aarvi, is a part of Shanaya. She deserves his love and attention. Instead, he’s drowning in his grief."

"And Meher is just trying to keep the promise she made to her friend."she contiued saying

"Dont know what has written in thier fate"

Meher's POV:

As I walked into my room, I saw Aarvi playing on the bed, surrounded by toys while the servants kept her entertained.

The moment they noticed me, they quickly stood up, bowed, and quietly left the room. I sat beside Aarvi, gently caressing her soft head.

"You really look like your mamma, little one," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion as memories of Shanaya flooded my mind.

My eyes welled up with tears, but I quickly blinked them away. Aarvi gurgled happily, unaware of the weight of the world around her.

"I hate how your so-called father turned his back on you," I muttered bitterly, unable to hold back the frustration. "He wasn’t the only one who lost her that day. You lost your mamma too, and yet, he chooses to ignore you, to ignore everything she left behind."

My fingers trembled as I brushed them through Aarvi's soft hair.

"I hate him so much. The respect I once had for him has long faded. He’s not the man Shanaya thought he was, and I’ll never forgive him for what he’s doing to you. But don’t worry, little one," I added softly, my voice firm despite the tears,

"I promised your mother I’d protect you. And I will, no matter what it takes."

Aarvi smiled at me, her tiny hand reaching out to grab my finger, and in that moment, I knew. No matter how much I despised Vikram, this innocent child deserved love—and I would give her that, even if I had to do it alone.

Next Morning,

Meher woke up early, the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains. Aarvi was still fast asleep, her tiny form snuggled under the blanket.

Meher quietly got ready for her meeting, slipping into her perfectly tailored business suit.

Her mind was already focused on the tasks ahead, but a part of her heart remained with Aarvi, as always.

She gently kissed Aarvi's forehead before stepping out of the room, making sure the servants would keep an eye on her.

As she descended the stairs, she noticed Dadi-sa sitting in the living room, sipping her morning tea.

"Good morning, Meher bitiya," Dadi-sa greeted, her eyes warm but weary.

"Good morning, Dadi-sa," Meher replied with a polite smile, though her heart wasn't in it. She could feel the tension hanging in the air from last night's events.

"You’re leaving early again?" Dadi-sa asked, concern etched on her face.

"Yes, I have an important meeting today," Meher answered, checking her watch.

"Take care, beta. And if you get time, spend some moments with Aarvi. She misses her mamma a lot," Dadi-sa said softly, her eyes filled with a silent plea.

Meher nodded, understanding the hidden meaning behind her words. As much as Dadi-sa wanted Vikram to step up, she knew Meher was the only one Aarvi could rely on now.

"I will, Dadi-sa," Meher promised, before making her way to the car. As she sat in the back seat, her phone buzzed with notifications.

Work messages, meetings lined up, and a constant reminder of the life she had built for herself. But in the back of her mind, Vikram's harsh words from last night lingered.

'How can he still be so blind to the daughter they shared?' Meher thought to herself, frustration bubbling within her.

Later at the office, Meher walked into the boardroom with her usual commanding presence, instantly capturing everyone's attention. The meeting went smoothly, as expected.

After wrapping up, Meher glanced at her phone again. A missed call from Dadi-sa. Her heart skipped a beat, fearing something might have happened. She quickly dialed back.

"Dadi-sa, is everything alright?" she asked, her voice tight with concern.

"Yes, yes, everything's fine, beta. I just wanted to ask did you had your lunch?"

"Uh oh, not yet, Dadi-sa, but—" her words were cut off in the middle.

"I knew it, that's why I sent a lunch box for you. Have it, dear, hmm?"

The warmth she felt from Dadi-sa's caring words was unexplainable. It filled a small part of the void she carried within her heart.