Published on:- 18/2/25 [Tuesday]
...

DOUBLE UPDATE

"I’ll build us a world of secrets,
one that only you
and I know exists.
You’re the addiction I can’t fight, and I don’t care if it kills me."

NILAY

...

"What's the matter?" Sunaina asked and her tone indicated that she knew something was off, but waiting for them to explain.

Nora spoke first while glancing at Trex before returning her gaze to Sunaina, "Princess! Joseph Lockwood wants to meet with you".

Trex also added and his tone was neutral, "He mentioned something about important business, but he didn’t give many details."

Sunaina raised an eyebrow and asked, "So?"

Nora responded, "He wants you to meet him in New York. He's insistent."

Sunaina leaned back in her chair, considering the request carefully.

"Make the arrangements. I want all the information on him and his movements. And deliver a message that if he wants to meet me then he should come to India", She said.

Nora nodded and Trex, however, stayed silent and watched Sunaina closely.

A few minutes later, Sunaina stood up from her chair and walked toward the window, her back to them.

"Joseph Lockwood! What do you want now", she murmured.

Trex stepped forward, "Joseph Lockwood is devastated because of his wife's death. So, It could be dangerous."

Sunaina's smile was small but dangerous. "Now, i badly want to meet him".

Trex glanced at Sunaina as his concern was evident as he said, "Princess! It's risky".

Sunaina’s expression remained cold and unreadable as she turned back to the window. "Risk is something I've learned to live with. Besides, it’s time to talk face to face with Joseph Lockwood".

Her tone left no room for argument. The decision was final.

....

At the lunch table, Jaikesh was standing silently and observing the two women. Tarana who was watching Sunaina eating less.

"I want to tell you something", Tarana said as she was nervous in front of Sunaina.

Sunaina paused for a moment as she looked at Tarana and asked, "What is it?".

"I know that I don't have the right to interfere in your life but I think you should talk to your husband, clear all misunderstandings. He is a nice man and loves you but circumstances are not in your favour and ...".

"Tara", Sunaina called.

Tarana stopped speaking as she bit her lip, the red in her eyes growing more apparent as the words hung between them.

Sunaina started eating again but Tarana's next word startled her.

"I want to go back to my parents. They are missing me. They have no idea about my life here", Tarana said and Sunaina's hand was frozen.

Sunaina's gaze fixed on Tarana. The words hit her harder than she expected, and for a moment.

"You want to leave?" Sunaina asked.

Tarana nodded, wiping the stray tear from her cheek and replied, "I can't stay here anymore, Naina. I need to go back, be with them. They deserve to know the truth about me, about my life."

Sunaina looked at her, the storm of emotions swirling inside her chest. She wanted to say something, to convince her to stay as it was not the right time to leave the mansion but the words refused to come.

Instead, she exhaled slowly and finally spoke, "If that's what you want, Tarana. Then go. I'll make sure you're taken care of".

"Great! I am done. I need to pack my things. Thank you", Tarana said and then left Sunaina who stared at her disappearing figure.

"Buba! Where's my brother?", Sunaina asked Jaikesh.

"The king is in the study room. He already had lunch and is now attending an online meeting", Jaikesh said and Suddenly, Sunaina walked into the study room.

She opened the door and looked at Avyaan who was sitting at his desk. Sensing a familiar presence, he looked up from the papers he was reading, sensing something important was about to be said.

"Brother, we need to talk," Sunaina said and He raised an eyebrow. "What’s going on?"

"Tara wants to go to her parents to tell them the truth about her relationship with you. She plans to do it alone, without your knowledge", She said and Avyaan froze and was stunned by the revelation.

He stared at Sunaina, trying to process what she had just said.

"Wait, what? Why?", he asked.

"What why? She thinks she can handle it on her own, but I am not so sure. I need you to go after her and meet her parents. It’s time to make this relationship official. Talk to them about the marriage and give a name to what you both have", Sunaina said in a straight tone.

Avyaan stood up and his face was filled with a mix of anger, confusion and concern as he asked, "You think I should follow her? She’s going alone to do this, without telling me?"

Sunaina nodded firmly, "I believe this is something you need to step in and handle. She is not ready to do this alone, and you need to make sure everything is in order. It’s time to give your relationship with her the respect it deserves."

Avyaan remained silent for a moment then he finally said, "Alright. I will go. I won’t let her do this on her own".

"Good. Make sure everything is handled properly. This can’t be left unresolved." Sunaina replied.

With a nod, Avyaan left the study room still processing everything. Sunaina watched him go, feeling a mix of concern for both of them, but knowing this was a step that had to be taken.

Half an hour later, Sunaina smiled as she watched Tarana, who was clearly in a grumpy mood. The irritation on her face was hard to miss, especially with all the fuss her brother had been causing with his extremely possessive behavior.

Tarana was clearly frustrated as she turned to Sunaina and threw her hands up in exasperation. "Why does your brother want to follow me?"

Sunaina chuckled softly as she replied, "Tara! My brother is doing it for you, for himself, for us, for our family."

Tarana looked at Sunaina, her expression softening a bit, though she still seemed uneasy about the situation. "Naina! Can't you talk to me about your pain. You know that I am always here for you. If you share your heart with me then I will share my heart with you as well".

Sunaina's smile dropped down but she quickly recovered it and said, "Everything will be fine, Tara. Go with him. Talk to your parents. I'm sure they'll accept my brother because they can't find someone like him who loves their daughter from the moon and back".

"I don’t know, Naina. It’s just... a lot. I don’t need him to hover over me.", Tarana said and Sunaina placed a reassuring hand on Tarana’s shoulder.

"I understand. But sometimes, things have to be done in a way that brings everyone together. He just wants what’s best for you, the best for all of us.", Sunaina said and Tarana sighed, "I know you are right. It’s just... hard."

"I know. Now go. I am going to make a list for your marriage," Sunaina said with a teasing smile.

Tarana blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a rosy red. She quickly turned to leave, her footsteps hurried, but in her rush, she bumped into Avyaan. His brows furrowed in disapproval as he scolded her, "Walk properly."

Tarana bit her lip and quickly stepped into the car, trying to hide the blush still on her face. Sunaina stood at the entrance, watching as the car pulled away from the mansion.

As the car left, four others followed, Avyaan’s convoy making sure everything was secure. Just as the main door was about to close, a new car pulled up and honked loudly.

Sunaina's breath hitched as she recognized the car. The next moment, a tall, strong figure stepped out of the car, leaving Sunaina speechless.

"Nilay?" she whispered as she was barely able to believe her eyes.

...

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