After shopping, Paakhi walked up to Aarav and said,

“Bhai, let’s go.”

Siya noticed the assistant carrying multiple shopping bags and glanced at him.

The assistant smiled politely.

“Hello, ma’am. I’m Rishabh—sir’s secretary.”

“Oh,” Siya replied with a small nod.

They started walking together. Paakhi suddenly asked,

“Bhabhi, do you like heels?”

Siya’s face brightened slightly.

“Yes, very much. My favorite is Valentino heels. They’re so classy.”

Paakhi smiled.

“I love heels too.”

Siya smiled back.

Aarav who was walking a little behind them, heard everything.

“Valentino heels?” he repeated under his breath.

The assistant immediately leaned toward him.

“Sir, should I order Valentino heels?”

Aarav turned and shot him a sharp look.

The assistant instantly lowered his eyes, realizing he’d spoken too fast.

Aarav then turned toward Siya and Paakhi, his expression unreadable.

At night, Siya was sitting in her room, going through some things. Suddenly, she paused.

“I need papa’s diary,” she murmured.

She placed the documents back into the almirah and sat on the bed. Just then, Aarav entered the room.

“You’re not sleeping?” he asked.

“I’m not feeling sleepy right now,” siya replied.

He walked closer and sat beside her.

“Aren’t you tired?”

She shook her head.

He sighed dramatically.

“Ah… how would you be tired? You didn’t even carry the shopping bags today.”

She shot him a sharp glare.

He smiled.

The next morning, Aarav woke up first. When Siya opened her eyes and saw him still there, she sighed.

Today is Sunday, she thought. That means he’ll be around the whole day.

He noticed her expression and smirked.

“Thinking about me?”

“Nope,” she replied instantly and went to take a shower.

She came out wearing a simple suit, her hair still damp. Aarav was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up—and paused.

Siya sat in front of the mirror, combing her hair. Suddenly, Aarav stood up and walked toward her.

Siya saw him approaching and froze.

Why is he coming so close?

He stopped behind her, took a pinch of vermilion, and gently applied it to her hair parting.

She closed her eyes as a little vermilion fell onto her nose.

Without a word, he softly wiped it away with his thumb.

Her heartbeat quickened—without her even realizing why.

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

He just smiled… and walked away.

She sat there, heart racing.

Her phone buzzed.

She answered the call immediately.

“Tell me,” she said, her voice firm.

A man spoke from the other end.

“Twenty years ago, Mr. Mittal died—but no one knows how.”

Siya’s breath hitched.

“He had two sons,” the man continued. “Raj Mittal and Akhil Mittal.”

Siya gasped softly at Raj’s name. Memories crashed into her mind—blood, gunshots, screams. Her jaw clenched as she inhaled sharply, trying to steady herself.

“The Mittals are very dangerous,” the man said. “We can’t win against them with strength alone. We have to break them—from the inside.”

Siya’s eyes hardened.

“Yes,” she said slowly. “But before that, I need to know the real reason behind this cruel enmity.”

There was a brief pause.

“Alright,” she added. “Keep an eye on them.”

She disconnected the call .

Aarav entered the room.

He looked at her.

“Who were you talking to?”

She turned away casually.

“My… close college friend.”

He paused, studying her face for a second longer than usual.

“Oh,” he said finally.

She walked past him and left the room.

Aarav remained there, uneasiness settling in his chest.

Something felt off—but he chose not to say anything.

Siya was sitting beside Kavita when Paakhi walked in, her eyes lighting up.

“Bhabhi, let’s play,” paakhi said excitedly.

Siya looked at her. “Play what?”

“Badminton,” Paakhi replied instantly. “It’s Sunday, and I’m so bored. Please?”

Siya hesitated. “But—”

“Pleaseeee,” Paakhi dragged the word, pouting.

Siya finally stood up with a small smile. “Fine.”

Paakhi happily pulled her toward the badminton court inside the mansion. It was huge and well-lit. She handed Siya a racket.

Siya glanced at herself and said, “But I’m wearing a suit. I don’t want to play in this. Wait, I’ll be back.”

Siya went to her room and changed into a fitted T-shirt and shorts. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled.

“Now this is perfect… Oh my God, I feel so good,” she thought. In reality, she loved wearing short clothes—it made her feel free.

As Siya stepped out, Kavita saw her and froze.

“Siya,” Kavita called.

Siya stopped. “Yes, Mom?”

Kavita’s eyes moved over her outfit. Siya explained calmly, “I’m going to play badminton, so I changed.”

To Siya’s surprise, Kavita smiled. “Fine. Play well. You’re looking good in shorts. You should wear this kind of clothes more often.”

Siya’s smile widened. “Thank you, Mom.”

Siya hurried toward the court, took the racket from Paakhi, and said confidently,

“Now I’m ready.”