Sitting in the lobby, Shalvi stared at the aquarium, watching the graceful movements of the colorful fish. Their effortless glide through the water felt like an escape—something she longed for but couldn't grasp. Her mind was burdened, her heart weighed down by emotions she couldn't express.

She had spent the evening forcing smiles, helping Pranika attend to guests, and listening to the endless compliments about her beauty and grace. Whispers of marriage proposals had followed her throughout the gathering, with a few elders already discussing potential alliances. Her mother, Chitra, had shown interest in the topic, mistaking Shalvi's silence for shyness.

But the real blow had come when she overheard her father, Bhavesh, discussing a proposal with Samarth. A family was set to visit on Eshika's wedding day to meet her. He had agreed without hesitation, unaware of the storm that raged within his daughter's heart.

Shalvi had sat there, trapped in the moment, her smile never faltering, her voice never betraying the pain clawing at her chest. Every word, every forced nod, felt like another piece of her breaking away.

After what felt like an eternity, Pranika, ever the kind soul, had gently suggested she take some rest. Perhaps she had noticed the exhaustion etched on Shalvi's face. With a soft nod from Chitra, she excused herself.

On her way back to her room, her feet unconsciously led her to the aquarium in the lobby. The sight of the fish, swimming freely in their world, brought a rare moment of solace. She sat on the couch beside the glass, tracing her fingers along its cool surface. The fish moved with her touch, as if responding to her presence. A small, genuine smile graced her lips—it was the same comfort she found in feeding birds every morning.

Unbeknownst to her, Hridansh had stopped in his tracks on the staircase, his conversation with Ishvaan momentarily forgotten. His eyes lingered on her, taking in the softness of her side profile, the way her hair cascaded over her face, shielding her from the world.

Ishvaan followed his gaze and then glanced back at Hridansh, who clenched his fists, hardening his expression before turning away. Without another glance, he walked out, his emotions buried beneath the weight of his choices.

Ishvaan hesitated for a moment, looking back at Shalvi. She remained unaware—at least, that's what he thought.

But Shalvi had seen their reflections in the glass. The moment they left, her vision blurred, and she finally allowed a lone tear to slip down her cheek—silent proof of the storm she refused to let anyone see.

On the other side,

"Finally, my princess is here!" Varsha cupped the girl's face with affection, her eyes brimming with warmth. "How are you, beta? Why did you take so long this time?"

Dressed in a traditional kurti, Vriti smiled, her face lighting up. She hugged Varsha tightly. "Maa, it was my final year. Exams kept me busy, you know that already. But now I'm here! Aren't you happy?"

Varsha sighed, stroking her daughter's hair. "More than happy, Vriti. It's just that we missed you so much."

"I missed you all too, Maa," Vriti whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She hugged her mother again, savoring the warmth of home.

Just then, Ishvaan and Hridansh entered. Ishvaan took one look at his mother and Vriti embracing and rolled his eyes.

"Ahh, just what we needed—more melodrama," he muttered under his breath.

Hridansh gave him a questioning look. What now?

Ishvaan simply shrugged.

Before Advay could speak, Ishvaan smirked and turned to him. "So, how was the experience of playing chauffeur for her highness?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Advay narrowed his eyes. "Wow. That's an awful way to say thank you. Just so you know, this was the last time I helped you."

"I'd be more grateful if you had just left her in some jungle," Ishvaan muttered, flashing a smug smile.

"Ishvaan!" Hridansh's voice held a warning edge.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Ishvaan waved him off. "Anyway, I'm out. Not interested in this reunion special." He shot an unimpressed glance at Vriti and Varsha, who were still deep in conversation, before turning to leave.

Hridansh exhaled sharply. "I don't know what to do with this guy," he muttered.

"Forget him. What about you?" Advay countered, raising an eyebrow. "You look like someone just got burned by your kindness."

"I lashed out at her. That should answer your question. Now, I'm leaving," Hridansh said, his tone clipped, his expression cold. Without another word, he strode off, leaving Advay momentarily stunned.

Advay exhaled sharply and shook his head before turning around—only to have his gaze land on someone laughing at something Adhira had just said. His jaw tightened. Of all people, it had to be her.

Ivanya Bhargava.

The woman he was being forced to marry. The woman he had no interest in.

He had every intention of walking away unnoticed, but fate had other plans. Ivanya's eyes met his, and almost instantly, her face lit up with a bright, hopeful smile.

"Hi, Advay. How are you?" she asked warmly, as if his presence meant something to her.

"I was fine. Can't say the same after your arrival," Advay replied bluntly.

The warmth in Ivanya's eyes dimmed for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it with a polite smile. She wasn't surprised by his response—hurt, yes, but not surprised.

"Advay, that wasn't fair," Adhira interjected, sensing the tension. "Why didn't you pick Ivanya up from the airport? She had to come with the driver."

"So?" Advay shrugged, as if it was the most trivial thing in the world.

"Adhira, it's fine. Let it go," Ivanya said softly, not wanting to make it worse.

"Yeah, because it was nothing," Advay remarked dismissively. "Besides, I had to pick up Vriti as I promised Hridansh. Their flights were three hours apart, so I sent the driver instead." His words were indifferent, detached—as if he was speaking about a complete stranger.

"Thank you," Ivanya murmured.

"You should be saying that to the driver," Advay quipped dryly, his eyes briefly flicking toward Adhira before softening slightly. "See you later, Adhira."

And with that, he walked away, not sparing Ivanya a second glance.

Ivanya stood frozen for a moment, her fingers unconsciously clasping together as she took a slow, measured breath.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" Adhira asked gently. "Why are you agreeing to marry someone who clearly doesn't want you in his life?"

Ivanya turned to her with a small, bittersweet smile.

"I don't know, Adhira," she admitted, her voice soft but unwavering. "I just know that I love him, and that's not something I can change."

Adhira looked at her, concern flickering in her eyes, but Ivanya continued.

"I know he doesn't believe in love. He has his reasons—he's seen his best friend shatter into pieces. He's seen pain, betrayal, loss. So, I understand why trusting love is hard for him." She inhaled deeply, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "But I believe... one day, I'll make him believe in mine."

"Being optimistic and being blind to reality are two different things, Ivanya," Adhira said, her voice laced with concern. "The wedding is just two months away—when do you think he'll realize? I don't want to say this, but... what if he never does?" She sighed, searching Ivanya's face for any sign of hesitation. "Come on, Ivanya. Everyone knows he barely speaks to you unless his parents are around. You can't live in a loveless marriage. It will only hurt you."

Ivanya's gaze softened, but her conviction remained unwavering.

"There may be only two months left for the wedding," she admitted, "but for his love, I can wait my entire life." A quiet smile graced her lips, filled with unwavering hope.

Adhira sighed, shaking her head. "I just hope he doesn't take that long," she said, placing a comforting hand over Ivanya's.

Ivanya hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You're marrying Hridansh even though you know he doesn't love you either. Why?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

At Ivanya's question, Adhira's expression flickered—just for a moment. But then, she quickly composed herself.

"You're right," she acknowledged. "The difference is... in my marriage, I don't even hold the belief that he will love me one day." Her voice was calm, yet the weight behind her words was undeniable. "But what matters most is respect. We respect each other. That's enough for a marriage to survive—even without love." She paused, looking Ivanya straight in the eye. "Can you say the same about Advay?"

Ivanya's lips parted, but no words came out.

Adhira sighed. "I know he's a decent man. He treats everyone with respect... except you," she said gently but firmly, trying to make her understand.

Ivanya lowered her gaze, knowing that everything Adhira was saying was true. But her love for Advay was the one thing that made her weak every single time.

Sensing her turmoil, Adhira squeezed her hand. "Still, Ivanya, I truly hope your belief comes true. You're both good people, and I would love nothing more than to see you happy together." She gave her a reassuring smile.

Ivanya returned the smile, but Adhira's words echoed in her mind, leaving an uneasy feeling in her heart.

Without another word, the two of them made their way toward the hall, where everyone was gathered around Vriti, talking and laughing.

After meeting the entire family, Vriti was warmly welcomed by Adhira's relatives as well. They blessed her wholeheartedly, and she felt an instant connection with Devesh and Varsha, as well as Asha and Harsh. Adhira then introduced her to Ivanya, who greeted her politely.

"Beta, freshen up and get some rest. We'll talk at dinner, hmm?" Asha said, cupping Vriti's face affectionately.

"Ji, Chachiji," Vriti responded with a gentle smile.

Adhira called for a servant to assist her, and Vriti thanked her before following the attendant carrying her luggage.

As she walked through the grand corridors after climbing the stairs, she took in the palace's breathtaking beauty. The regal charm, the intricate designs, the warm lighting—everything felt straight out of a dream.

Then, her gaze landed on a girl sitting near an aquarium, lost in her own world. The soft glow from the water reflected on her delicate features as she traced patterns on the glass, watching the golden fish swim along her fingertips. There was something almost poetic about the sight, yet an air of solitude surrounded her, as if she were caught in a world of her own—detached, yet yearning.

Vriti observed her for a moment, sensing the quiet sadness behind those beautifully expressive eyes. As if feeling her gaze, the girl slowly lifted her head. Their eyes met.

Vriti smiled warmly and waved. She noticed the servant leading her had stopped at a room just next to the lobby. So, that was her room.

Instead of heading inside, Vriti walked toward the girl and spoke in a soft yet cheerful tone.

"Hi, I'm Vriti Malhotra," she introduced herself, extending a hand.

The girl blinked, slightly caught off guard, before offering a polite smile and shaking her hand.

"Shalvi Arya," she responded softly.

Vriti's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! So you're Bhavesh Uncle's daughter? Adhira's cousin, right?" she asked, recalling the conversation she'd had earlier with Pranika, who had mentioned Adhira's maternal family.

Shalvi nodded, but there was a flicker of confusion in her eyes. How did she know?

Vriti chuckled, easily reading her thoughts. "Don't look so surprised. Pranika Aunty was just telling me about you and your family."

Shalvi simply nodded, offering a small smile but remaining quiet.

"Anyway, we'll talk later. I really need to freshen up. Long journeys are the worst!" Vriti groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes playfully.

A fleeting smile touched Shalvi's lips as she nodded.

Vriti turned to leave but suddenly paused. Looking back at Shalvi, she said with a sincerity that reached beyond just words,

"By the way, you're really beautiful. And... if you smiled with your heart, you'd be even more breathtaking, Shalvi."

Shalvi's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected kindness.

Before she could respond, Vriti flashed another warm smile and walked away toward her room, leaving Shalvi sitting there—still, thoughtful, and for the first time in a long while, a little less burdened.

Later That Evening

Dinner was filled with lively chatter and laughter as everyone enjoyed the evening, reconnecting with one another. Vriti was having a wonderful time, basking in the warmth of her family's love and receiving heartfelt blessings from Bhavesh and Chitra.

In contrast, Shalvi remained quiet, speaking only when necessary and keeping her distance from Adhira. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't bring herself to glance at Hridansh even once—it was too painful. But she wasn't the only one avoiding eye contact. Hridansh, aware of her presence at all times, chose to stay close to Adhira, as if making a point. Yet, despite his efforts, his eyes betrayed him, stealing glances at Shalvi every now and then. But she never looked back. She seemed lost in thought, her usual polite smiles barely reaching her eyes.

Meanwhile, Ishvaan ignored Vriti entirely, treating her as though she didn't exist—just like Advay did with Ivanya. Yuvaan sat calmly, his composed demeanor betraying little, but his gaze occasionally flickered between Hridansh and Adhira, then to Shalvi, his expression unreadable.

Advay, noticing his distant look, raised a questioning brow. Yuvaan merely shook his head, offering a small, dismissive smile, brushing off any concerns.

As dinner concluded, most of the elders retired to their rooms. Shalvi quietly excused herself, heading toward her room when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Hey, Shalvi! Wait up," Vriti called.

Shalvi turned, a bit surprised. "Yes, Vriti?"

"Nothing much," Vriti said with a casual shrug. "I was just wondering... would you like to go for a walk in the central garden? It looks beautiful at night."

Shalvi hesitated. "Me?"

Vriti laughed. "Of course, you! Who else?"

"I don't know..." Shalvi trailed off, unsure why this girl, whom she had just met, was suddenly inviting her for a walk.

"Come on, don't overthink it!" Vriti insisted, stepping closer. "It's not that late, and you're not going to bed yet anyway. The fresh air will do us both good. Please?" She clasped her hands together dramatically.

For the first time that evening, Shalvi's lips curved into a small, genuine smile.

Vriti's eyes lit up. "That smile means yes, right?"

Shalvi exhaled softly, then nodded. "Yeah... let's go."

With that, the two of them strolled toward the garden, their footsteps light against the stone pathway. The cool night breeze wrapped around them, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and the quiet promise of an unexpected friendship.

Vriti practically dragged Shalvi along with her, grinning as they stepped outside into the crisp night air. The central courtyard looked absolutely breathtaking under the soft glow of the garden lights. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh blooms, and the peaceful atmosphere wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.

As they walked, Vriti chattered about little things—the beauty of the palace, her long journey, and how refreshing the night felt. But Shalvi remained mostly quiet, responding only with nods or the occasional hum.

Vriti finally turned to her with a teasing smile. "So... do you not like talking much, or do you just not like people who talk too much?" she asked with a playful chuckle.

Shalvi glanced at her and offered a weak smile before replying, "I just don't have many people who would want to talk to me." Her voice held a quiet sadness, one she tried to hide but couldn't completely mask. "It's nice to meet you, Vriti."

The warmth in Vriti's expression dimmed slightly as she registered the weight behind those words.

"If you don't mind me asking..." she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Why are you so quiet? I've been watching you since I arrived. You barely spoke at dinner. I understand not everyone is an extrovert, but your silence feels... different. Almost like it's not really by choice." She studied Shalvi's face. "You smile, but there's sadness in your eyes."

Shalvi stiffened slightly. "It's nothing like that," she said quickly. "I just don't talk too much."

Vriti held her gaze for a moment, then smiled knowingly. She could tell Shalvi wasn't ready to open up, so she didn't push further. Instead, she let the silence stretch between them, respecting it. They continued their slow walk through the courtyard, the only sounds being their soft footsteps against the stone pathway and the occasional rustling of leaves.

After a while, Shalvi broke the silence. "Tell me about yourself, Vriti."

Vriti glanced at her. "What do you want to know?"

"Anything—your life, your family... whatever you'd like to share."

Vriti let out a soft chuckle, though there was a hint of sadness in it. "My life?" she echoed. She inhaled deeply before continuing. "I was a happy, mischievous, and utterly spoiled little girl. My father always said that I completed their lives." Her voice softened. "But I forgot what life even meant when I was six... when my parents left me alone in this world."

Shalvi came to an abrupt halt, her eyes widening in shock.

Vriti noticed and turned toward her, forcing a small, bittersweet smile.

Shalvi came to an abrupt stop, her eyes widening in shock. The weight of Vriti's words settled heavily in the air. Vriti noticed and paused as well, turning to face her.

Without thinking, Shalvi reached out, gently clasping Vriti's hands in both of hers. "I... I'm so sorry," she whispered, guilt creeping into her voice. She hadn't meant to stir painful memories.

Vriti shook her head with a small, reassuring smile. "Please, Shalvi, don't be sorry. It's just fate, and no one can change that, right?" she said, her voice calm yet laced with a quiet acceptance.

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "My parents may have left me, but I wasn't alone for long. I found a family—they took me. The Rajvansh family. Varsha Maa and Devesh Papa were my parents' closest friends. They had business partnerships too. When I lost everything, Maa brought me to the Rajvansh mansion, and for the next two years, that was my home. I was a mess—so broken that even doctors warned I might fall into depression. But they never gave up on me. They loved me like their own daughter."

She paused, a nostalgic smile touching her lips. "but slowly, I got better with time because of their love. And, there was another reason, too," she added with a soft chuckle, her eyes flickering with a hidden memory.

"But after two years, I made a decision—I insisted on going to a hostel for my studies. Maa and Papa were against it at first, but I convinced them on one condition: that I'd visit them every vacation. Since then, that's been my life. I completed school, earned my degree, and then pursued my master's in business with a scholarship from a top university. Maa and Papa have been my biggest supporters through it all. I can't even put into words what they mean to me."

Vriti looked at Shalvi, her expression open and vulnerable. "I don't know why I told you all this, but... it felt right. Like I could trust you." She gave a small, sincere smile. "So... thank you for listening."

Shalvi had been silent, absorbing every word with quiet admiration. Finally, she spoke, her voice gentle yet filled with conviction.

"You are an incredibly strong woman, Vriti. Your parents may not be here, but I know they must be so proud of you. And no matter where they are... their blessings will always be with you."

Vriti's smile deepened, her eyes shining with unspoken gratitude. She nodded, as if silently agreeing with the warmth in Shalvi's words. And in that moment, a silent bond was formed—two souls connected not by words, but by understanding.

"You're really strong, Vriti. Your parents must be so proud of you. They may not be here, but their blessings will always be with you," Shalvi said softly.

Vriti nodded before smirking playfully. "I know, I'm special," she whispered dramatically, winking at her.

Shalvi chuckled, shaking her head. "Everyone must be happy to have you back in the Rajvansh family after so long. They all seem really nice."

As soon as the words left her mouth, the light in Vriti's eyes dimmed. A flicker of sadness passed through her features.

"Not everyone is happy to see me, Shalvi. Not everyone likes my presence," she admitted quietly.

Shalvi frowned. "What? Who? And why?" she asked, confused.

Before Vriti could respond, her eyes drifted past Shalvi, landing on someone standing on the balcony, speaking on the phone. Her lips curved into a sad, almost knowing smile.

Following her gaze, Shalvi turned and saw Ishvaan. She looked back at Vriti, who quickly masked her emotions.

"Let it be, Shalvi. I'll tell you some other time," Vriti said, shaking her head.

Shalvi studied her for a moment before nodding. There was definitely more to this.

"Anyway, I told you my story, but you haven't told me yours," Vriti said, raising an expectant eyebrow.

Shalvi stiffened slightly, clearly uncomfortable. Vriti noticed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Relax, Shalvi. I'm not forcing you to tell me anything. When you trust me enough, you'll share your story. But I can already see there's a lot hidden in your eyes," she said gently. "And just so you know, I already see you as a friend. So... we are friends, right?" She extended her hand with a warm, hopeful smile.

A small, grateful smile appeared on Shalvi's lips. She nodded and clasped Vriti's hand. "Of course. We're friends, Vriti."

Vriti beamed and, in her excitement, pulled Shalvi into a hug. Shalvi hesitated for a second before chuckling and returning the embrace.

But as Vriti lifted her gaze, her eyes locked onto Ishvaan once again. This time, he wasn't distracted—he was staring back at her. His expression was unreadable, yet his eyes held the same quiet storm she had grown used to.

Meanwhile, Shalvi, still smiling, looked up—only for her expression to shatter.

Not far away, she saw Hridansh walking toward them, focused on his phone. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up. Their eyes met—for just a second.

Then, his expression hardened. Without a flicker of emotion, he looked away and continued walking, his face as distant as ever.

Pain flashed across Shalvi's eyes. Blinking rapidly, she pulled away from Vriti. The warmth of the moment evaporated in an instant.

"Umm... Vriti, I think I should go. I'm feeling really tired," Shalvi said, forcing a small smile.

Vriti nodded, her own voice quieter now. "Yeah, okay. I need to go to Asha Aunty's room anyway. She wanted to talk to me about something."

They exchanged soft goodnights before walking off in opposite directions—one toward the east wing, the other toward the west.

At the same time, Hridansh and Ishvaan, standing on opposite directions, turned away and headed in completely different directions.

Four people. Four paths. Four silent storms raging within.

As soon as Shalvi turned the corner, she wiped away a tear and pressed her lips together, swallowing the lump in her throat.

Vriti, walking away, squeezed her eyes shut, but a single tear slipped down her cheek.

Ishvaan clenched the railing until his knuckles turned white before slamming his fist against it and storming inside.

Meanwhile, Hridansh exhaled sharply, his fists clenching at his sides. Without another glance back, he walked away, his heart weighed down by emotions he refused to acknowledge.