Chapter 2: The House of Raizada's

Here’s the simplified version of Chapter 2 of The Billionaire’s Secret Heiress, using clear, everyday language, while keeping all the emotional moments, family banter, and romantic tension intact.

Chapter 2: The House of Raizadas (Simplified)

~1,200 words

Sanvee Kapoor had been through enough in life. Awkward school reunions, rejected paintings, and even that time she accidentally glued her own hand to a canvas.

But this?

This was the Raizada breakfast table.

And nothing had prepared her for it.

—

“Someone pass the paratha before Aarohi hides it all again,” said Vivaan, waving his fork and pretending to be serious.

“I’m not hiding anything,” Aarohi replied with a smirk. “I’m just making sure you don’t steal five like last time.”

“This house is huge and we’re fighting over bread,” Meher said, rolling her eyes. “Billionaire problems.”

At the end of the table, Rehaan stared at his tablet. “Can everyone please lower the volume? I’m working on code.”

“You always say that,” Ishaan added, flipping a book. “Even when you’re watching cat videos.”

Sanvee quietly chewed her toast, watching the chaos unfold.

This wasn’t what she expected. Not stiff, boring, rich-people breakfast.

It was messy. Loud. Kinda fun.

And very real.

—

She was sitting between Aanya and Meher when Aarav walked in.

Instant silence.

Well, for two seconds.

Vivaan grinned. “Look out, Prince Serious has arrived.”

Aarav raised an eyebrow. “Still jobless, Vivaan?”

Sanvee tried not to laugh.

Vivaan sipped his juice like a royal. “Still cold as ever, Aarav?”

Aarohi leaned toward Sanvee. “Don’t worry, this is normal. Last week they argued for an hour over salad dressing.”

Sanvee smiled. “Honestly? I kinda love this.”

“I definitely love you already,” Aarohi replied.

—

Later, Sanvee followed Aanya through the house. It was beautiful, yes—but also big enough to get lost in.

“Seriously, does anyone know their way around here?” she asked, looking around.

“You get used to it,” Aanya said. “Anyway, Ma wants to talk to you before dinner.”

“Am I in trouble?” Sanvee joked.

“No,” Aanya smiled. “She just really likes you.”

“Why though?”

“She says you remind her of someone,” Aanya said, shrugging. “A friend from the past.”

Sanvee stopped walking. “She told me that yesterday too…”

“Yeah,” Aanya nodded. “She gets emotional about people she connects with.”

Sanvee didn’t say anything, but something about it stayed with her. That strange feeling again… like a memory that wasn’t hers.

—

Dinner meant full-length dresses and enough jewelry to light up a street.

Sanvee stood in front of the mirror in a deep red gown. Her hair was loosely tied back, and even she had to admit she didn’t look half bad.

“You look amazing,” Aanya said. “Like someone who gets stopped on the red carpet.”

“I feel like someone playing dress-up,” Sanvee muttered.

A knock on the door.

Aarav.

Of course.

“You’re late,” he said simply.

“You’re early. That’s suspicious,” she replied.

Aanya slipped out with a smile. “Enjoy the dinner—and try not to insult each other too much.”

Aarav looked at Sanvee again. Just for a second longer than usual.

“You look… fine,” he said.

Sanvee raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Just ‘fine’? You wear a suit like you’re planning a business merger at dinner.”

“Don’t expect compliments. I don’t give them often,” he said.

“Figures.”

And with that, they walked down the stairs together.

—

Dinner was nothing short of grand.

Everything was perfect—plates, food, flowers. The Raizadas looked like they belonged in a movie.

But what surprised Sanvee was how casual it still felt.

Vivaan made jokes. Aarohi teased everyone. Rehaan stayed quiet but sharp. Ishaan threw in random facts. Meher kept asking Sanvee to help her dye her hair pink.

And Aarav… watched.

He didn’t talk much. But he watched.

Especially when Sanvee spoke.

Especially when she laughed.

And once, their eyes met—and neither looked away right away.

—

Back in her room later, Sanvee lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Dinner had gone better than she’d imagined. The family was loud but kind. Strange but sweet.

And yet… something inside her still felt restless.

She picked up her sketchbook.

Without thinking, she began to draw.

A face. Sharp jaw. Focused eyes. Cold expression.