As the plane touched down in Mumbai, the city seemed to greet Krish, Aryaan, Kiara, and Charu with an overwhelming wave of vibrancy. The air, thick with humidity, carried the distinct scent of salt from the sea and the aroma of street food wafting through the busy streets. Mumbai, the city of dreams, buzzed with an electric energy that pulsated through every corner, from the towering skyscrapers to the narrow lanes filled with colorful stalls.

Stepping out of the airport, they were instantly hit by the intensity of the city. The noise of honking cars, the constant chatter of people, and the hum of life moving at a breakneck pace surrounded them.

Mumbai wasn’t just a place, it was a feeling—raw, relentless, and filled with possibilities.

The skyline stood tall against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, shimmering with the lights of countless offices, apartments, and hotels. It was a testament to the city's unyielding ambition, where millions arrived every day to chase their dreams, much like Krish, Aryaan, Kiara, and Charu.

As they drove through the city in their cab, they witnessed the stark contrasts that made Mumbai unique. Modern high-rises, home to the elite, stood alongside slums that brimmed with life. Streets were packed with rickshaws, cars, and motorcycles weaving through the chaos, while vendors sold everything from vada pavs to fresh fruits under makeshift tents.

The air was thick with possibility. The city moved fast—life didn’t wait here. But there was also a rhythm to it, a sense that despite the madness, Mumbai had a way of carrying you forward, pulling you into its fold.

The cab took them along Marine Drive, the "Queen’s Necklace," where the sea stretched endlessly, calming and fierce at the same time. Waves crashed against the rocks, and for a moment, the noise of the city softened, leaving only the sound of the ocean. It was a reminder that amidst the rush of life, there was always space to breathe, to reflect, and to dream.

Krish looked out at the cityscape, feeling the weight of his decision settle in. This was it—the start of something new, something different.

Aryaan, sitting beside him, grinned, the excitement of his future at IIM Bombay sparkling in his eyes.

Kiara and Charu exchanged looks of determination in the backseat, already imagining the lives they would build here, with fashion houses and corporate offices waiting to embrace them.

Mumbai wasn’t going to be easy, but it was full of promise. For the four of them, it represented freedom—freedom to chase their passions, to carve their own paths, to live life on their terms.

They had arrived in a city that, despite its chaos, thrived on hope, resilience, and dreams. And in that moment, as they crossed the city’s bustling streets, they knew they were ready to become part of its pulse.

As the cab pulled up to the modest two-bedroom apartment that Krish had rented, the chorus gang looked at each other with a mixture of anticipation and quiet determination. The building wasn’t anything like the grandeur of the Poddar Mansion.

It was a simple, cream-colored structure tucked away in a bustling neighborhood of Mumbai, where the noise of the city filtered through even at midday. The two rooms of the flat were equivalent to the size of a single room back at the mansion, but no one complained.

This wasn’t an inheritance. This was something of their own—something they would build from scratch.

Krish unlocked the door to their new home, and as they stepped inside, the bare walls and empty spaces greeted them with a quiet welcome. There were no lavish chandeliers or sprawling corridors, just two small rooms, a compact kitchen, and a cozy living area with sunlight streaming through the narrow windows. Yet, despite its simplicity, the apartment held a certain charm—a sense of possibility.

It was theirs, and that was all that mattered.

“I know it’s small, but,” Krish said with a grin, his voice carrying a note of pride.

Aryaan clapped his brother on the back. “This is the start of something new. No one can take this from us.”

"Yaad Hai Armaan bhaiya kaha karte the, ki Ghar uske logon ke Hota Hai" Kiara reminded her brother's and sister.

"Aur hum charon hai na, is makan ko ghar banane ke liye. We are building new and with each other we all will survive." Charu added with a reassuring smile.

Krish, Aryaan, Kiara and Charu exchanged looks, and without a word, they all sprang into action. There was no luxury of staff here; this was their responsibility. The place needed cleaning, settling, and transforming into a space they could call home.

Kiara opened the windows to let in the fresh air while Charu set to work dusting the furniture that had been left behind. Aryaan and Krish grabbed some cloths and a bucket of water, scrubbing down the floors, walls, and counters with vigor. The place may have been small, but it was full of potential, and each of them wanted to contribute to making it their sanctuary.

The sounds of cleaning echoed in the apartment—the swish of cloths on dusty surfaces, the clinking of furniture being shifted, and the occasional laugh when one of them bumped into the other in the small spaces. There were no complaints. The modest apartment, while nothing like the sprawling Poddar Mansion, was theirs to build, to shape. And they were ready for it.

As Krish wiped down the kitchen counters, he glanced around the living room, where Aryaan was setting up their few belongings. His heart swelled with a sense of achievement. Yes, the Poddar Mansion had been inherited, but this apartment—this life they were starting—was something they were building on their own terms.

Kiara walked over to a small corner near the window, where sunlight bathed the room in a soft golden glow. “This could be a reading nook,” she suggested, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

Charu, carrying a box of books, nodded in agreement. “Perfect. We’ll make it cozy.”

By the time evening rolled around, the apartment was transformed into a home. It wasn’t lavish, but it was warm, clean, and filled with the beginnings of something new. They had unpacked their essentials—clothes, books, and a few personal items—and the place felt lived in, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of Mumbai outside.

As they sat down together in the living room, tired but content, Krish looked around at his siblings. “This is it. We’re really doing this.”

Aryaan stretched out, a smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, and we’re going to make the most of it. This is just the beginning.”

Kiara leaned her head back, her voice soft but resolute. “We may have left the Poddar Mansion behind, but here…we can be whoever we want. This is our future.”

Charu, settling into the corner with a satisfied smile, added, “We’ll build it brick by brick.”

And as the four of them sat there, in the modest apartment that was now their home, a sense of quiet confidence settled over them. They weren’t just starting over; they were creating something new—something they could call their own. It was no longer about the legacy of the Poddar family. It was about the life they were going to build, together, in this city of dreams.

________

Armaan maneuvered the car through the bustling streets of Mumbai, he glanced over at Abhira, who was lost in thought beside him. Today marked a significant moment for the firm, and he could sense the weight of the meeting pressing down on her.

They were headed to the Pinnacle Legal's office to discuss strategies for expansion of the firm. Abhira had played a crucial role in establishing the firm's layout from the beginning, her insights instrumental in its success.

Despite Armaan's insistence on holding the meeting at home—where they could be comfortable and informal—Abhira had wanted to return to the firm. “I need a break from the home environment,” she’d said, her eyes sparkling with determination. “And what better than to visit the firm and get some work done.”

Armaan smiled, admiring her tenacity. The city was alive outside, with the cacophony of honking horns and bustling pedestrians creating a symphony of urban life. Abhira’s gaze drifted out the window, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked gently, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

Abhira turned to him, a soft smile breaking through her contemplative demeanor. “I was just thinking about my childhood,” she replied. “You know, I was kind of a court baby.”

Armaan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A court baby?”

Abhira chuckled lightly, her eyes shining with nostalgia. “Well, since mumma had no family, she had to take me with her to the court when I was little. She was a single mother, juggling everything. So, I practically grew up surrounded by lawyers, judges, and cases.”

“Seriously?” Armaan’s expression shifted to surprise, its not like he did not know about Abhira’s childhood but this part was something a hira had never opened about. “That must have been… interesting. But also a lot for a baby to handle. Even for Akshara Maa, i mean how could she manage all this?”

“She was incredible,” Abhira said, her voice filled with warmth. “She would be in court, passionately arguing her cases, and I would be there in my little stroller, sometimes napping, other times just observing the world around me. It was tough for her, though. She had to balance being a mother and a lawyer, often getting strange looks from people who thought she shouldn’t have brought a baby to court. But she never let it stop her.”

Armaan listened, moved by her story. “Akshara Maa possesses so much strength Abhira. I can’t believe she managed all of that. And you? You have picked up all this strength from her.”

“Yeah,” Abhira replied softly, her eyes misty. “It made me resilient, but it also made me realize how important a stable childhood is."

She turned to look at Armaan "I want our baby to have a completely different experience. No courtrooms and no pressures; just a safe, loving environment where they can grow and explore.”

Armaan nodded, his heart swelling with love for her and their future. “I promise you, our child will have the best of everything. A stark contrast to what we both faced. Our baby woukd have a childhood filled with laughter, freedom, and endless possibilities.”

As they shared this intimate moment, the weight of their responsibilities felt lighter, and their shared dreams began to materialize in their minds. They were building a life together—a life they had both longed for.

“We will make sure our baby never has to know the struggles we did,” Armaan said softly, parking the car and turning to face her fully. “They’ll have our love and support, always. We’ll make their childhood bright.”

Abhira smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. “Together, we can give them the world.”

With that, they stepped out of the car, hand in hand, ready to face the challenges ahead. As they approached the firm, the memories of their childhoods mingled with the hope for their future. This was just the beginning, and they were ready to embrace it all.

Once inside Armaan’s office, a space that reflected his hard work and dedication with its sleek furniture and motivational quotes lining the walls, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The three of them gathered around the polished conference table, a whiteboard standing ready to outline their ambitious plans for the firm’s expansion.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Abhira said, her confidence shining through as she took the lead. “After analyzing our current case load and the success of our recent cases, it’s clear we need to scale up. We can’t ignore the opportunities in the market anymore. We need to be proactive about our growth.”

Armaan nodded, a proud smile on his face. He loved seeing her in her element. “Agreed. I think we should focus on branching out into different areas of law. We currently excel in corporate law, but there’s a rising demand for family law and intellectual property services.”

Dev leaned forward, pulling out a notebook. “We can also consider establishing partnerships with smaller firms that specialize in these areas. It will allow us to offer comprehensive services without overwhelming our current staff.”

“Exactly,” Abhira said, her pen flying over the notepad. “And if we’re looking to expand our clientele, we should enhance our online presence. A strong digital marketing strategy will help us attract new clients and showcase our expertise. Maybe even start a blog with articles on recent cases, legal advice, and updates in the law.”

Armaan chimed in, “And we could host webinars or workshops. It would not only help in marketing but also position us as thought leaders in the legal field.”

Abhira’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “We should also invest in training programs for our current team. As we grow, we need to ensure our staff feels supported and equipped to handle the increasing complexity of cases. They’re our biggest asset.”

Dev nodded, jotting down points. “That’s a solid idea. We could introduce mentorship programs, pairing experienced lawyers with junior associates. It would foster a culture of learning and collaboration.”

“Let’s also consider a client retention strategy,” Abhira continued. “We should establish regular check-ins with existing clients to ensure they feel valued and understood. A personalized approach can set us apart from other firms.”

Armaan leaned back, absorbing her vision. “You’re on a roll, Abhira. What do you think about expanding our physical space as well? We might need more offices if we’re planning to hire new staff.”

Abhira paused to think. “Yes, that’s crucial. We need to plan for that expansion now rather than later. I suggest we look for properties that allow for flexible office layouts. We should create an environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration, possibly even open-plan spaces for brainstorming sessions.”

Dev interjected, “I also believe we should consider our branding. A rebranding campaign might be beneficial as we expand. It would give us a fresh start and align our image with our new goals.”

Armaan nodded appreciatively. “Absolutely. We need to convey our commitment to growth and innovation through our branding. Maybe even a re-launch event to introduce our new services and plans to the community.”

As the conversation flowed, Abhira guided them through the expansion plan, detailing the timeline and setting milestones. They discussed budgets and potential investors, outlining how to approach the financial aspect of their plans.

“Let’s set a timeline for each of these initiatives,” Abhira proposed. “We can start with the digital marketing strategy and client retention plan first, then move to training programs and partnerships. Physical expansion can follow once we have the other pieces in place.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Armaan said, admiration evident in his voice. “I think we’re onto something big here. It feels good to have a clear vision for the future.”

Dev grinned, feeling the excitement in the air. “I’m all in. Let’s make it happen.”

With the meeting drawing to a close, they finalized the action items and set a follow-up date to review their progress. As they stood up, Abhira felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. They were not just dreaming of growth; they were laying the groundwork for it, together.

“Thank you, both of you,” she said, beaming. “This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

Armaan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Together, we’ll build something remarkable. Just like we always wanted.”

After wrapping up their discussion about the expansion plan, Abhira leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “What about the new assistant lawyer interviews? I know we had them scheduled for this week.”

Dev checked his notes. “The interviews are set for the day after tomorrow. I think we’re going to need fresh talent, especially as we expand.”

Abhira nodded, her mind already racing with the possibilities. “We should have the senior lawyers head the first round. They can screen the candidates based on their technical skills, and then we can interview the selected ones to assess their fit with our firm culture.”

Dev smiled, “That sounds perfect. It’ll ensure we find someone who not only has the right skills but also aligns with our values.”

Armaan agreed, making a note of their plan. “I’ll inform the senior lawyers, then.”

Once the meeting wrapped up, Dev excused himself. “I have to run to a client meeting. Let’s catch up later,” he said, gathering his things.

Abhira sighed as she leaned back against the plush couch in Armaan’s office, feeling the weight of the morning lift a little. She rested her feet comfortably on the small coffee table. The meeting had energized her, but she was also acutely aware of her fatigue.

“Hey,” Armaan said, noticing her weary expression. “It’s lunch time. Should I order something from the canteen?”

She thought for a moment before shaking her head. “Why don’t we go to the canteen?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Armaan replied, a grin spreading across his face as he stood up, extending his hand to her.

As they made their way to the canteen, the atmosphere buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter. Employees glanced up as Armaan and Abhira entered together. The sight of the usually serious Armaan feeding Abhira from his plate drew a few surprised looks and whispers of admiration.

“Look at that! Our boss is actually wrapped around his wife’s fingertips,” one of the junior associates murmured, unable to hide a smile.

“Who would have thought? It’s like he’s a completely different person around her,” another added, watching as Armaan gently fed Abhira another bite, a playful smile on his face.

The couple shared quiet laughter, oblivious to the attention they were drawing. As they settled into a corner table, Armaan leaned closer to her. “See? This is what I meant about needing a break. Just being here with you makes everything feel lighter.”

Abhira chuckled softly, her heart warming at his words. “You know, I think your juniors might be shocked at how soft you really are.”

“Oh, they’ll not get used to it,” he replied with mock seriousness. “If they don’t, I have my ways to get them back on track.”

They both laughed, their connection palpable as they enjoyed their lunch together. In that moment, amidst the bustling canteen and surprised glances, they felt at home, not just in the firm, but in their growing partnership as both lawyers and as husband and wife.

__________

T

he Poddars gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the mansion that had been their family home for generations, the atmosphere was heavy with uncertainty and unspoken emotions. Boxes were hastily packed, each one a reminder of the life they were leaving behind.

Dadi sa along with others stood at the threshold of a old yet small house. Her expression a mix of anger and resignation. “Madhav, are you sure about this place?” she questioned, her voice laced with skepticism. “What ownership do we have over it?”

Madhav met her gaze, steady and calm. “The house belongs to Shivani,” he stated simply, watching as Dadi sa's face fell. The revelation hung in the air like a thunderclap, silencing the bustling activity around them.

Dadi sa felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. The thought of moving into the house of a woman she had despised for so long was almost unbearable. “I can’t believe this is where we’re headed,” she murmured, bitterness creeping into her voice. “After everything… to live in her house, the very woman who…”

“The very woman who gave birth to Armaan,” Madhav interrupted gently. “And the woman who deserved respect, this family failed to give her.”

Her heart tightened. Memories of her constant disapproval of Shivani flooded her mind—her disdain for Madhav's choice of Shivani, the resentment that had festered over the years. Now, the tides had turned, and she was forced to face the consequences of her actions.

Karma, she realized, was a fickle mistress, and now it was hitting her hard. The weight of her past judgments pressed down on her, a bitter reminder of how her stubbornness had led to their current plight. Dadi sa’s mind drifted to the fading grandeur of the Poddar Mansion, a symbol of her authority and the family legacy she had tried so hard to control.

As they stood on the door, she could feel a mixture of shame and anger churning within her. This new chapter felt more like a punishment than a fresh start. As she stepped in from the threshold, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was not only leaving behind the mansion but also the ideals she had clung to for so long.

Dadi sa took a deep breath, her heart heavy but slightly softened by his words. Perhaps, in this unforeseen situation, there lay a chance for growth and understanding. The shift into Shivani’s house was more than just a change of address; it was a call to reevaluate the values she had held dear.

As Kaveri Poddar stepped into the modest house that once belonged to Shivani, she felt a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. The familiar scent of aged wood and worn furnishings filled her nostrils, but instead of comfort, it brought back memories of her past decisions. She hesitated at the threshold, her mind swirling with thoughts of where it all went wrong.

This was not the life she had envisioned for her family. The grandeur of the Poddar Mansion had once been a symbol of their power and success, a testament to the legacy she had worked so hard to maintain. Now, standing in this house that felt foreign and yet so intimately connected to her family’s history, Kaveri couldn’t help but reflect on the choices she had made that had led them to this point.

In her mind, she replayed the moments that had chipped away at the family’s unity. The constant pressure she had placed on Armaan, the expectations she had burdened him with, and the disdain she had shown for Abhira—all of it had pushed them away. They had been the anchors of the family, the ones who had fought through the storms together, yet she had let her pride and stubbornness drive a wedge between them.

A wave of realization washed over her. She had always viewed Armaan to be the perfect son, a reflection of her ideals and aspirations, but in doing so, she had failed to see the he had many roles to fit. He was not just her grandson; he was a partner, a husband. The love he had for Abhira was pure and unwavering, and it was clear to her now that their bond was what truly held the family together.

Kaveri’s heart ached as she thought of the sacrifices Abhira had made and the loyalty she had shown even when faced with her disapproval. She had pushed them both away when she should have embraced them, celebrated their love and strength. The realization struck her like a cold splash of water: it was her ego that had blinded her to their importance.

As she walked further into the house, each step felt heavier with the burden of her regrets. The walls echoed with the laughter and joy that had once filled the Poddar Mansion, but now they were just shadows of what used to be. Kaveri closed her eyes, envisioning a different path where she had supported Armaan and Abhira instead of trying to control their choices.

With a deep breath, Kaveri opened her eyes and looked around the house that had once belonged to Shivani. This was a new beginning for the Poddars, a chance to redefine what family meant. She hoped that, with time, they could transform this house into a home once again, one where love and acceptance flourished.

_________

Ik this is kind of a filler chapter, but necessary for the plot.

We have one more chapter in the present before we move to the second Flashback series of the book which would be Armaan building thr firm with Dev while Abhira would mold.her career.

Chorus gang and abhimaan meet would take sometime so some patience.

The OS will be out by tomorrow morning.

~TheLostSoul