୨ৎ

Some stories begin with a spark, others begin with a secret. This is one of those stories that starts with both. In the quiet corners of life, where hearts quietly ache and truths lie hidden, the most unexpected encounters can change everything.

you will find love that blooms in shadows, mysteries that twist around the heart, and choices that test the boundaries between trust and doubt. The path ahead is not always clear, and what seems ordinary may conceal the extraordinary.

The secrets that linger just beneath the surface, and to wonder whether love can truly flourish where shadows dwell.

a story where desire meets danger, and nothing is as simple or as sweet as it first appears.

୨ৎ

Rajvansh Shekhawat cold yet sweet, a name etched among India’s richest and most powerful. By the time most were still finding their footing, he had stepped into his family business and turned Renior & co. into a multi-crore empire, his sharp mind and unyielding discipline leaving little room for failure. Punctuality wasn’t a preference it was a law, and those who faltered quickly learned the cost of delay. Yet beneath the steely exterior, there was a man who loved fiercely. Family and friends were his anchor, the one part of his life untouchable by the harshness he carried for the world. In his rare quiet moments, behind the empire and the power, he revealed a tenderness few were privileged to witness a reminder that even the strongest walls could hide a warm heart.

She was a rare blend of sweetness and fire, a girl whose presence could warm a room yet ignite it with her fierce spirit when needed. Beauty was merely the first layer; beneath it lay a sharp mind that navigated the world with curiosity and wit.

she owns her own architect firm, achieving everything a bit by bit with her bestfriend. in just 1 year she made a company of lakhs without taking any help or favour from her family or anyone. Her heart was soft, tender toward everyone around her, always attuned to the joys and struggles of others. A smile seemed permanently etched on her lips, a quiet beacon that drew people in. She moved through life with the rhythm of dance in her soul and an undeniable love for food that spoke to her joy in simple pleasures. Family and friends were her anchors, and she cherished them with unwavering devotion, making every moment shared feel luminous and alive.

୨ৎ

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୨ৎTROPES୨ৎ

~LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

~SISTER'S BEST FRIEND

~LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

~Grumpy X Sunshine

~SLOW BURN ROMANCE

~BILLIONAIRE

~POSSESSIVE

~DARK ROMANCE

~NAKHRILI FMC

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୨ৎ

Leave your comment and like this so, I know that you're enjoying this.

This is just a preface of the book, there's a chapter waiting ahead for you to unfold it. ☆

so let's get into it ..........

see you in next chapter, till then byyyy and be prepared to experience a sweet yet mysterious love story 😌🤌

Aanya's Pov

"Diduu wake up, stop dreaming! It’s getting too late. Get out of your imaginary world and those dreams about your fictional boyfriends." Aaditya's voice pierced through the quiet, sharp and teasing.

His words barely registered to me as i continued to sleep soundly, cocooned in the warmth of comforter.

"You really are a koala, sister. All you want to do is sleep." He couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.

I groaned, muffling myself under the blankets. "Now wake up." He was getting a bit impatient.

"No, not yet, let me sleep! go from here." I muttered stubbornly, pulling the blanket tighter around my head. I wasn’t ready to face the world just yet.

He smirked, an evil plan forming in his mind. "Now you'll wake up, just you wait." He had a wicked grin on his face.

With swift, silent steps, he went to the bathroom and filled a mug with cold water. He walked back, looking down at me with an evil gleam in his eye.

Without warning, he yanked the comforter off of me and splashed the water all over me, drenching me in a cold, shocking wave.

I jolted upright, startled, my body crashing to the floor with a thud. The sudden coldness made me gasp, and i winced in pain, holding my backside as i lay there, wide-eyed and confused.

My brother couldn’t hold back his laughter, rolling on the floor, clutching his stomach. "Sister, you look so funny and cute!" he teased, poking my cheek playfully, his laughter ringing in the air.

I glared at him, still trying to process what had just happened. "what happened? Did you see a ghost?"

He shook his head trying to recover. "No that." he muttered, pretending to act scared, pulling his legs up protectively. He leaned in with a mischievous grin, his voice dropping to a mock-whisper.

"what? Tell me." I said as he gave me an exaggerated look of fear.

I looked at him, brows furrowed, trying to figure out where this was going. "That cockroach near your hand!" His voice was dripping with mock terror.

My eyes grew wide as i shot up from the floor, jumping onto the bed in panic. "Where? Where is it?"

He broke into laughter, unable to hold it in any longer. "Nowhere. Heheee...."

"I was just making a fool of you." He collapsed on my bed, rolling around, laughing hysterically.

I sat up, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes in irritation. "How easy it is to fool you." I grumbled, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement.

My brother, still laughing, fell off the bed and onto the floor, holding his stomach. "This is just the beginning, sister."

I just rolled my eyes, sinking back into my pillow, my irritation fading as i let out a long sigh. Even though he’d woken me up in the most ridiculous way, i couldn’t help but smile a little, knowing it was just another one of those moments that made their sibling bond special.

"Today you're totally gone, wait. I'll show you how easy it is to beat you." i said with a playful glint in my eyes, my voice teasing and full of mischief.

Saying this, i ran towards him with all the energy i could muster, but he was quick, dodging me like he had done countless times before. His laughter echoed down the hallway, "First, try to catch me!" he teased, his tongue sticking out.

My voice grew louder, frustration clear in every word. "Stop, i'll teach you a good lesson that you'll never prank on me."

He darted across the hall, dodging me again. Our parents, sitting peacefully, couldn't help but smile at our playful squabble. To them, it was nothing more than a familiar, heartwarming ritual.

"Now you can't beat me, I’m hiding behind mom!" he grinned, and gave me a smirking look.

Mom chuckled softly. "Look, mom! Sister’s coming to beat me! Save me from this big koala!"

I retorted, my eyes flashing with playful irritation. "How'd u call me a koala! Mom, stay away, today I’ll show him!"

His face twisted into an exaggerated expression of panic. "No, mom, please! You know how dangerous she is when she’s angry!"

Mom smiled affectionately at that "But she’s not angry." She said, her voice calm and soothing.

"Today you’re gone, child. Just let me catch you once, and I’ll show you." Now its my turn to smirk

The teasing continued, with my brother running to hide behind their father. "Look, dad! Your lovely daughter is coming to beat me! Please stop her!"

"Sister, will you beat your cute brother?" he asked, peeking out from behind their father.

"Yes, of course! How dare you call me a koala?" I responded, my eyes narrowing playfully.

"Muh se dii!" ("by mouth sister") he taunted, sticking his tongue out, laughing again.

"Ok, now stop this little banter of yours, let’s eat breakfast." Father interrupted, his voice full of amusement at their antics.

They moved to the dining table, the family settling in with smiles and laughter. Her dad, noticing the quietude after the playful exchange, spoke up. "How's your business doing?"

He asked my eyes sparkled with excitement as i looked up at him. "Dad, it's going amazingly"

"And now i'm working on a new project which I'll show you soon."

My father’s face lit up proud. "If you need any help, just let me know, okay?" he said warmly, a quiet pride in his voice.

"Yes, Dad, I’ll let you know if I need anything." I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude.

I finished my meal and excused myself. "Mom, I’m going to my room, okay?"

After i left the table, i grabbed a few things and sat on floor, and completed the remaining work and then i jumped onto my bed, settling comfortably with a sigh.

I finished it which turned out to be great, i kept that aside and soon i drifted into a peaceful slumber, my face soft with contentment.

Aanya's Pov:

“Mom, I’m heading to the office,” I said, shoving a rolled paratha into my mouth.

“Arre, sit properly and eat! You’ll choke if you eat like that,” she said, walking toward me.

“No, Mom, I’m running late. I’ll manage like this,” I said, grabbing my bag and heading to the door.

“You’re late every single day… we’ve just accepted it by now,” Aadi called from the kitchen.

I gave him a side-eye as he left for university.

“Oh, and Mom, I might be a little late today.”

“Why? Something important?” she asked, concern lining her face.

“Nope. Aarohi and I planned to hang out,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“Alright, just don’t stay out too late,” she replied, a hint of worry still in her eyes.

As i sat in my car started and made my way towards the highway.

And there was so much crowd that created huge traffic.

“This traffic is going to be the death of me someday,” I muttered, rolling down my window for some fresh air.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and everyone around panicked.

I was shocked for a moment, and looked around i asked a bystander, “What happened?”

“Some guy tried to kill someone, but luckily, he’s fine. The bullet only hit his shoulder,” the man replied.

This has become so normal…

People don’t follow laws, the government only cares about money, and victims end up blamed while criminals walk free. here, someone’s just minding their own business… and suddenly they’re in danger all for money.

The man whose shoulder was shot his face partially hidden his eyes showed no hint of pain that were cold, empty, like he’d experienced this before.

I shook my head. Focus on your work, Nya.

I started my car again, parking in front of the office, but the image of his unreadable eyes stayed in my mind.

"How can people act like nothing has happened as if it's just a drama or something."

୨ৎ

“Hello, Ma’am!” Uma greeted me cheerfully.

“Hi, is Everything going good?”

“Yes, Ma’am. All good.”

As i turned, she greeted someone else. Seeing aarohi instantly brightened my day.

“Let’s go to your cabin,” she said, practically bouncing with excitement.

We walked toward my cabin, and she suddenly twirled in place.

“You know what, Nya?” aarohi said, grinning.

“Uh… no. What’s up?” I asked, smiling softly.

“You remember that guy I fought the other day the one at the party?”

“Yeah… what about him?”

“I just beat him again in an argument!” she squealed.

I raised an eyebrow. “Really? That’s what’s got you dancing?”

“Of course! He’s ridiculously hard to beat!”

“So… you’re admitting he actually has some power over you?” I teased.

“No way!” she said, pouting.

“Okay, okay. Now… presentation time. Let’s focus before we celebrate the fight victory,” I said, opening the laptop.

“Yes, yes. I’ve checked it. You check it too,” she said, leaning over to show me the file.

We worked together, reviewing slides and refining content. The hours flew by, and soon it was 3 PM.

୨ৎ

After hours of working on the presentation, both of us finally leaned back with a sigh.

“That’s it. Done and dusted!” Aarohi said, closing her laptop dramatically.

“Finally,” I chuckled. “If I stare at one more slide, my eyes will cross.”

Aarohi shot me a mischievous grin. “So street food?”

“street food?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, nya Golgappas. Pav bhaji. Don’t tell me you’re not craving it after this torture.”

I laughed. “Fine. But only because i can't say no to food.”

“Exactly,” she said, already grabbing her bag.

We left the office, still talking about the project. Outside, the evening air carried the aroma of fried snacks and spices. The roadside stall near the corner was buzzing with people.

The vendor smiled at us. “Kya chahiye, madam?”

“Two plates golgappa!” Aarohi announced proudly, like she was about to win a lottery.

I shook my head. “She’s addicted.”

As we munched, Aarohi started her usual commentary.

“See? This is better than any five-star restaurant food. Admit it.”

I smiled, nodding as i wiped my hands. “Okay, fine. You win. This is good.”

She smirked like she’d won a battle.

What we didn’t notice, though, was the shadowy figure across the street. A man leaned casually against a pole, pretending to scroll on his phone but his eyes never left us.

And behind him, someone else stood further back, equally watchful.

୨ৎ

By the time we finished, Aarohi was buzzing with energy. “Next stop club!”

“Arohi…” I sighed.

“Don’t start. We deserve this after working like donkeys. Let’s go.”

She flagged a cab, and we climbed in, still laughing about silly office gossip.

Unseen by us, a bike started after our cab, keeping a steady distance.

And a black car followed too inside it, Vivaan sat silently, his eyes sharp, watching every turn.

The music hit us the moment we stepped in thumping bass, flashing lights, people dancing like they had no worries in the world. Aarohi was in her element.

“Let’s dance!” she shouted over the music.

I smiled, shaking my head. “You go, I’ll watch.”

But while we laughed, danced, and enjoyed ourselves, the man who had been following us slipped inside too. Blending in with the crowd, his gaze stayed fixed.

Vivaan, from a corner, noticed him instantly. His jaw clenched. He moved closer, staying in the shadows, his every step measured.

And then he’d had enough.

Before we could undesirable anything someone grabbed aarohi's arm.

“Vivaan?” she breathed, half-shocked, half-angry.

“aarohi, let’s go,” Vivaan’s voice cut sharply through the noise.

Before Aarohi could react, his hand gripped her arm not harsh, but firm enough that she froze.

“Vivaan! What are you-” she started, shocked.