She continued eating, but her mind was far away.

If we go… my plan will get disturbed and delayed.

She couldn’t refuse. Kavita had sent them. And more than that… she wasn’t sure she trusted her own heart.

Maldives.

Alone.

With him.

She swallowed hard, her heartbeat beginning to race.

What if…

Her thoughts tangled together.

Across the table, Aarav was watching her quietly.

Now what’s going on in your mind, Mrs. Goenka? he thought.

Suddenly, she choked on her food.

He immediately stood up, concern flashing across his face. “Careful, Mrs. Goenka.”

He handed her a glass of water.

She drank quickly, trying to steady herself.

For a second, their eyes met.

She looked away first.

Then she picked up her fork again and continued eating — pretending nothing had happened.

But her hands were slightly trembling.

And he noticed.

Her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen — and paused.

Mittal is leaving the city…

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

That means I’ll get more time to investigate.

Aarav noticed the change in her expression.

Paakhi leaned closer. “Bhabhi, who is it?”

Siya locked her phone. “Just a friend.”

Paakhi nodded casually, but Aarav silently observed her. He didn’t say anything — yet something felt off.

They sat in the car.

Siya remained quiet, staring outside the window, lost in thought.

“Bhabhi, what happened?” Paakhi asked softly.

“Nothing,” Siya replied.

Soon Paakhi started chatting again, trying to lighten the mood, and they finally reached the mansion.

Kavita was sitting in the living room with Rahul.

“Siya, come sit,” Kavita said warmly.

Siya nodded and sat beside her. Paakhi went upstairs, and Aarav sat across from them.

Kavita looked at Siya gently. “Be prepared. This Saturday you both are leaving for a week.”

Siya stiffened.

“One week…?” Siya whispered.

She hesitated before speaking again. “Mom… my brother and father died recently. Should I really go?”

Aarav froze at her words.

For the first time, she said it openly.

Kavita held her hand.

“Yes, daughter. You should go.”

Siya’s eyes filled with tears.

“They are gone,” Kavita continued softly, “but wherever they are, I’m sure they want you to live. To smile. To move forward.”

A tear slipped down Siya’s cheek.

“Everyone has to leave one day,” Kavita said gently. “But life doesn’t stop. Their memories will stay with you. And we are here with you now.”

Siya pause then nodded slowly.

“Okay, Mom… I’ll go.”

Kavita pulled her into a hug. “That’s my brave girl. Always be happy. Don’t worry — we are with you.”

Aarav watched quietly, something shifting inside him.

After a moment, Kavita said, “Now go and rest.”

Siya wiped her tears and went upstairs.

Aarav remained seated in the living room long after Siya left.

For the first time, it truly hit him.

She was still broken.

All her teasing, smirks, attitude… it was a mask.

How could she not be broken?

She lost her father.

She lost her brother.

In front of her.

He closed his eyes briefly.

Upstairs, Siya sat on the edge of her bed.

She opened the box of bangles slowly.

Her fingers trembled as she picked one up.

Tears fell silently onto the glass surface.

The sound of laughter echoed in her memory.

Flashback_

Siya was walking behind Veer when her foot hit the table.

Instead of “ahh”, she muttered, “Fuck.”

Veer froze mid-step.

He slowly turned around.

“Siya… what did you just say?”

Her eyes widened. She pressed her lips together.

“Nothing, bhai.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Since when do you abuse?”

She shrugged. “It just came out.”

He placed his hands on his waist dramatically. “How many things are you hiding from me?”

She burst out laughing.

He shook his head. “Even I don’t abuse.”

She teased, “You’re too sanskaari but i am not.”

He smirked. “I’ll tell Dad.”

Her smile vanished instantly. “No, bhai! Please don’t tell Papa.”

He folded his arms. “Then make Maggi for me.”

She glared at him.

“Papa…” he warned playfully.

“No! No! I’m going!” she ran toward the kitchen.

Veer smirked and siya glared him playfully and then both smile.

Flashback Ends_

The silence of her current room felt suffocating.

That mansion would never echo with their laughter again.

Her lips trembled.

“Veer bhai… Papa…”

She broke down, her shoulders shaking.

But after a moment—

She wiped her tears.

Her eyes hardened.

“Don’t worry, bhai,” she whispered.

“Your Siya will take revenge.”

The softness disappeared.

Only fire remained.

Just then—

The door opened.

Aarav stepped inside.

And for a second… he saw both versions of her.

The broken girl.

And the dangerous one.