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Author's pov,

.... Five Years Ago

Armaan Raghuvanshi stood before the towering entrance of the Raghuvanshi Singh royal mansion, a sense of solemnity settling upon him like the weight of a crown. At twenty-five, he had returned from the bustling streets of New York City, armed with degrees and ambitions, to embrace the destiny his family had carefully woven for him. The transition from student to CEO was swift yet daunting, his mind swirling with the magnitude of what lay ahead.

Inside the grand foyer, adorned with intricate Rajasthani artistry that whispered tales of bygone eras, Armaan was enveloped by the familiar warmth of his family. His mother, Ranisa of Rajasthan, Devyani, rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Her eyes reflected a blend of pride, tears, and concern, mirroring the depth of emotions she felt for her beloved son.

"My son, I missed you so much beta, you have made us all proud," she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint sadness showing how much she has missed him along with an apprehension for the challenges that awaited him.

His father, Maharaja Abhimaan Singh Raghuvanshi, stood beside them, a towering figure whose presence commanded respect as the patriarch of both family and kingdom. He placed a firm hand on Armaan's shoulder, his voice carrying the weight of generations of Raghuvanshi leadership.

"Armaan," he spoke with solemnity, "welcome back, son. It is time for you to take your place as the CEO. Devansh has prepared you well. "

Armaan nodded, his gaze steady as he absorbed his father's words and the weight of his expectations. Devansh Singh Raghuvanshi, his elder cousin and now the chairman of the company, approached with a warm smile. Devansh is the son of his father's younger brother, although Armaan's father is the eldest son of the family, but his kakusa got married 3 years before his parents and he born after 2 years of his parents marriage. Devansh clasped Armaan's hand in a gesture of fraternity, welcoming him into the fold of leadership with genuine pride and support.

"Armaan, welcome," Devansh greeted warmly. "You're stepping into big shoes, but I have every confidence in you."
Beside Devansh stood Vedika, his wife, her affectionate gaze and gentle smile speaking volumes of the bond they shared within the family and business.

Vedika leaned forward, her voice filled with encouragement. "Yuvraj, we're all here to support you. You have what it takes to lead us forward."

Armaan felt a swell of gratitude and determination. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with his family's unwavering support, he felt ready to embrace his role and honor the Raghuvanshi legacy.

"Bhabhisa, please call me Armaan, I am like your brother right. " he said with a smile.

"Armaan, soon we will do your coronation, and you will be the king. I just want to see you married, taking on the responsibilities with your wife, so your maa sa and I can retire," his father said.

"Come on, Pita ji, I'm only 25. I won't marry right now. Devansh bhai sa married at 28," Armaan replied.

Devansh nodded in agreement. His mother added, "Alright, let's have some food. When the time comes and you find someone, I know you'll come to me for your marriage. Now, my baccha is tired. Let's go and let him rest."

Little did Armaan know, amidst the grandeur and expectations, that destiny had already set its course, weaving threads of love, challenge, and unforeseen twists that would shape not only his journey as CEO but also his personal path in ways he could never have imagined.

~~~

Over the next three days, Armaan immersed himself in the intricacies of the business, attending meetings and familiarizing himself with the company's operations. Amidst the structured chaos, he stole quiet moments with his mother, Devyani. Sitting in her private study overlooking the palace gardens, he confided softly, "Maa, I want to surprise Aadhya. She's in Mumbai, caught up with college, and I haven't seen her in so long."

Devyani smiled tenderly, her eyes crinkling at the corners with maternal pride. "Of course, beta," she replied, placing a reassuring hand on his. "Go and meet your sister. She misses you dearly, as do we. Spend some time with her, because she can't return now her finals are near. "

With his mother's blessing, Armaan's heart lightened as he finalized his plans to leave for Mumbai the following day. They continued chatting for an hour, catching up on family news and sharing stories that bridged the distance of their separation.

The next day, Armaan boarded his private jet bound for Mumbai. As soon as the aircraft touched down, he checked the time and recalled his mother's advice that Aadhya's classes usually ended by 1pm. Glancing at his watch, it was 12:30pm. Determined to surprise his sister, he decided to head straight to her college.

The drive through Mumbai's bustling streets was a blur of honking horns and vibrant colors. Armaan's thoughts raced ahead, envisioning the moment he would see Aadhya's bright smile. Arriving at the college gates, he spotted two girls playfully teasing someone. Squinting through the windshield, he realized it was his sister, blushing furiously under their teasing gazes, while saw Ishaan his college mate stood with them , smirking mischievously.

Confusion flickered across Armaan's face. He made a mental note to inquire about this about why Ishaan is here later with Aadhya . Just as he was about to step out of his car, his gaze fell upon one of two girls, she is dressed in a pristine white suit, radiating confidence and elegance. Her laughter rang out, captivating him instantly. In that moment, time seemed to slow as he watched her, captivated by her magnetic presence.

His heart raced, unexpectedly drawn to this unknown girl in white. Armaan struggled to tear his gaze away as she walked away with Ishaan, their easy camaraderie and her infectious laughter echoing in his mind.

Just then, Aadhya approached near his car and saw him , her face lighting up with sheer joy and surprise. "Bhaisa!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. Armaan held her close, soaking in the warmth of her embrace. "Aadhya, my little princess ," he murmured, kissing her forehead affectionately.

They seat inside his car and he started driving , where Armaan listened intently as Aadhya recounted her days at college, her studies, and her friends.
" So who are they, I think I saw Ishaan, what he was doing here , and tell me about those girls," Armaan prompted gently, his curiosity piqued.

Aadhya made a nervous chuckled . "Oh, those two are my friends, Eshana and Aavanya, they are in second year though " she explained. "They love teasing me about Ishaan. He's just a friend, Bhaiya, nothing more. Also you know na how helpful he is. " She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But Ishaan and I... we have a complicated friendship. He's always been there for me, you know? When I came here dad told him to take of me as I was new here. "

Armaan nodded, understanding dawning on him. "Ishaan, I haven't talk for a while, but he seems quite familiar with that girl in white," he remarked casually, though his mind raced with questions.

Aadhya's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, that's Eshana, he came here to drop her home " she replied. "She's Ishaan's sister, remember? I used to tell you about her, I meet her here when I came here, she is the sweetest. We three enjoy a lot here."

Armaan absorbed this information, a flicker of interest kindling within him. "Eshana seems... interesting, yes Ishaan used to say he had a younger sister, but I never met her. " he mused aloud, his thoughts drifting momentarily to the enigmatic woman.

Aadhya chuckled knowingly. "Oh, Eshana is something else, her Aura, her knowledge, makes her unique, you know Ishaan loves his sister the most. His parents are different I don't understand or liked them much when I meet them. Neither Eshana and Ishaan has good relationships with them for some reasons . " she said to her brother. "But enough about them. Tell me about being the CEO! Are you enjoying it?"

Armaan smiled warmly at his sister's enthusiasm, grateful for this moment of sibling camaraderie amidst the complexities of his new role. As they continued to chat, laughter mingled with their conversation, creating a cocoon of familiarity and love.

As the afternoon sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the college courtyard, Armaan realized that this unexpected visit to Mumbai had not only brought him closer to Aadhya but also introduced him to the vibrant tapestry of her life. And amidst it all, the allure of Eshana lingered in his thoughts, a tantalizing mystery waiting to be unraveled.

~~~~

After a warm conversation during the dinner at their penthouse in Mumbai, Aadhya retired to her room, leaving Armaan deep in thought as he sat in his study late into the night. The glow of city lights filtered through the window, casting a soft ambiance over the room. Thoughts of Eshana, her laughter and elegance, consumed his mind, prompting him to reflect on their budding connection.

With a determined sigh, Armaan decided to take the first step towards unraveling the mystery of his feelings for Eshana.

The next morning, Armaan arranged to meet Ishaan at a quaint café overlooking the Arabian Sea. The salty breeze mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as they settled into a corner table with a view of the glistening waters.

"Ishaan," Armaan began, his tone measured yet curious, "tell me about your relationship with Aadhya."

Ishaan paused, studying Armaan with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Your sister?" he started, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Your sister is... she's amazing, Armaan. We share a deep understanding, a friendship that has grown into something more. I care for her deeply."

Armaan nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "So, you like her then?" he asked, wanting to hear Ishaan's commitment clearly.

Ishaan's smile widened. "Yes, I do, actually I love her a lot," he affirmed. "And I was thinking of contacting you soon to seek your permission before proposing to her. She is your sister, and I know she will respect your the most feelings before hers . I don't want her to feel conflicted or that she's betraying you by falling for her brother's friend. I know she loves me but due to this she is not able express her feelings. "

Relief and gratitude flooded Armaan's heart as he listened to Ishaan's heartfelt assurance. "I'm glad to hear that, Ishaan," he admitted warmly, a genuine smile gracing his features. "You have my blessing. You are perfect for my sister, and I trust you to take care of her. And thank you for taking care of her, here all while . "

Ishaan's eyes gleamed with gratitude and respect. "Thank you, Armaan," he replied sincerely. "Your support means a lot to me. I promise to cherish Aadhya and always strive to be worthy of her."

The two men shared a moment of understanding, their bond strengthened by mutual respect and a shared commitment to Aadhya's happiness. As they continued to chat over coffee, the weight of unspoken worries lifted from Armaan's shoulders. He knew now that Aadhya's heart was in good hands, and that their family bond would only grow stronger with this new chapter unfolding.

Outside the café, the Arabian Sea shimmered under the morning sun, a reflection of the newfound clarity and warmth that filled Armaan's heart. The future held promise and possibility, and Armaan looked forward to seeing his sister's happiness bloom alongside his own journey of discovery and responsibility.

With the weight of uncertainty lifted, Armaan's thoughts returned to Eshana, the woman who had captured his attention like no other. Determined to express his burgeoning feelings, he devised a plan. Each day, he started sent Eshana a single white tulip accompanied by a handwritten note bearing a romantic quote, signed only as "Your Secret Admirer."

Eshana was initially taken aback by the mysterious tokens of affection, but soon, she found herself eagerly anticipating each new delivery. The delicate beauty of the tulips and the heartfelt words penned by Armaan stirred something within her heart.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the city buzzed with life below, Armaan sat at his desk, pen in hand, pouring his feelings onto paper:

- "In your laughter, I find solace amidst the chaos of my world."

- "Your smile illuminates even the darkest corners of my thoughts."

- "With each heartbeat, I whisper your name, longing for the day we can share our dreams."

Each quote, each note, carried a piece of his soul, expressing the depth of his admiration and growing affection for Eshana.

Meanwhile, Eshana found herself captivated by the mystery of her secret admirer. The simplicity and sincerity of the gestures touched her deeply, igniting a gentle warmth within her heart. She traced the delicate petals of the tulips, re-reading the quotes with a soft smile.

One afternoon, as she received yet another white tulips with a note, Eshana decided to write her own feelings . With careful deliberation, she penned her own note on the back of all 13 notes she received in this 13 days and slipped it into the small glass jar,

- "Your words weave magic into my days, like whispers of a love song I never knew I needed."

- "Let us unravel this mystery together, for your admiration has found a place within my soul. I feel a melody of emotions, each note harmonizing with my own heart."

- "I never thought this little notes will become an important part of my Daily life, hope one day I will able to meet you. "

Days turned into weeks, and Armaan found himself immersed in the intricate dance of royal duties and corporate responsibilities. Amidst the demands of his dual life, thoughts of Eshana lingered like a haunting melody, weaving through his every waking moment.

In the quiet solitude of his study, Armaan penned down his unspoken feelings, each quote a reflection of his longing:

- "If only I could hold your gaze and tell you how you've captured my heart."
- "Your presence fills my life with a warmth that I can't resist."
- "I dream of a future where our paths converge, where I can stand beside you."

Each word penned with care, each sentiment a whisper of his deepest desires. Armaan imagined Eshana receiving the flowers, reading the notes, and wondered if she ever guessed the identity of her secret admirer. Did she feel the pull of their unspoken connection as strongly as he did?

As weeks turned into months, Armaan's admiration for Eshana blossomed into a quiet resolve. He knew their worlds were separate, their paths divergent, yet his heart remained steadfast in its yearning to know her, to understand the woman who had captivated his thoughts and dreams.

One afternoon, as Armaan stayed a little longer to see her taking the flowers from her doorstep. He watched from afar as Eshana received the flowers, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. He hoped she could sense the depth of his feelings, the silent yearning that bound his heart to hers.

She opened the note and smiled reading it,

- "For you, whose smile lights up my world."

His heart skipped a beat as she saw her smiled explaining how much she liked receiving his notes. It was a simple message, yet it carried the weight of his unspoken desires.

~~~

One afternoon when he returned from Mumbai office, Aadhya told him Ishaan has proposed her and she is very lucky to have a brother like him, and thanked him for accepting them. He blessed them, then she told him that Eshana came here today and they enjoyed a lot, he was sad that how he miss an opportunity to meet her.

He was going towards his room when, a flash of light caught Armaan's eye. He paused, his attention drawn to a delicate bracelet lying abandoned in the floor , its charms catching the dying sunlight from the window .

"What's that?" Aadhya asked, her curiosity piqued as she noticed Armaan's sudden stop.

Armaan knelt down, his heart skipping a beat as he recognized the cupcake charm bracelet. He gently picked it up, feeling the cool metal against his fingers-a tangible link to Eshana, the woman who occupied his thoughts day and night.

His mind raced with possibilities as he held the bracelet in his hand, a mix of determination and nervous excitement stirring within him. Aadhya leaned closer, peering at the bracelet with interest.

"What is it?" she inquired, unable to see clearly from her angle.

Armaan hesitated, carefully concealing the bracelet in his palm. "It's nothing," he replied casually, hiding his inner turmoil behind a calm facade. " I will take some rest. "

As he went inside his room, Armaan's thoughts remained fixated on the bracelet now nestled safely in his pocket. It became a silent companion, a precious token that symbolized his growing attachment to Eshana and the mysteries that entwined their lives.

Later that evening, as the room lights flickered to life and the night embraced the grounds in a velvet blanket, Armaan retreated to his study. He carefully retrieved the bracelet from his pocket, its charms glinting softly in the lamplight.

"In this bracelet," Armaan murmured softly to himself, "I hold a piece of your world close to mine."

He traced the contours of the cupcake charm, imagining Eshana wearing it with a smile on her face.

"May its charm remind me of the beauty and strength that define you," he whispered, his words carrying a silent promise to himself.

With a sigh, Armaan set the bracelet down on his desk, a determined gleam in his eyes. He knew that one day soon, he would find the opportunity to return it to Eshana, and in that moment, she would understand the depth of his admiration and the silent longing that had bound his heart to hers.

As the night deepened and the stars scattered across the sky, Armaan's thoughts lingered on the woman who had unknowingly captured his heart-a love that blossomed amidst the gardens of destiny, waiting for the perfect moment to bloom.

In the days that followed, Armaan immersed himself in the weight of his royal duties and the intricate management of Raghuvanshi Singh Industries. Despite the demanding responsibilities that bound him, thoughts of Eshana lingered like a persistent melody, both haunting and comforting in their familiarity.

Back in Rajasthan, amidst the grandeur of the palace and the echoes of centuries-old traditions, Armaan found solace in the routine of his days. Yet, his heart remained tethered to Mumbai, to the woman whose laughter echoed in his mind and whose presence he yearned for.

Every week without fail, Armaan ensured that a bouquet of white tulips arrived at Eshana's doorstep, accompanied by a handwritten note bearing his sentiments:

- "In the quiet moments, I find myself thinking of you."
- "Your laughter brings light to even the darkest of days."
- "Until the day we meet again, these flowers carry my silent wishes."

Each gesture was a promise-a promise to keep their connection alive across the distance, a promise that his feelings for her were steadfast and unwavering. Despite the miles that separated them, Armaan's heart remained devoted to Eshana, hoping that each flower would convey the depth of his longing and affection.

As weeks turned into months, the rhythm of Armaan's life continued-a delicate balance of duty and desire, of tradition and modernity. His visits to Mumbai became less frequent, yet his commitment to Eshana never wavered. Each bouquet of tulips symbolized not just admiration, but a silent declaration of his hope for their future together.

In the quiet moments of reflection, Armaan often found himself gazing at the stars, wondering if Eshana looked at the same sky and thought of him. He yearned for the day when their paths would cross again, when he could gaze into her eyes and speak the words that had remained unspoken for so long.

Until then, Armaan would continue to send his silent messages-a bouquet of white tulips here, a heartfelt note there-each one a testament to his unwavering belief that love, guided by fate, would eventually bring them together.

~~~~

The weeks stretched on, each passing day bringing Armaan closer to Eshana in his thoughts but no nearer in reality. Despite the distance between them, his admiration for her only deepened, fueled by Aadhya's anecdotes and his own vivid imagination.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the palace gardens, Armaan found himself in the company of his best friend, Aadavan. They sat in the grand study, surrounded by shelves of ancient books and artifacts, the atmosphere steeped in history and contemplation.

"Vaan," Armaan began, his voice betraying a hint of hesitation, "Do you believe in fate?"

Aadavan, with wise eyes that had seen many lifetimes, regarded Armaan thoughtfully before responding. "Fate," he mused, "Is a curious thing, Your Highness. It weaves its threads through our lives, guiding us toward encounters and choices that shape our destinies."

Armaan nodded, his thoughts drifting to Eshana. "What if," he ventured, "Two souls are meant to find each other, yet circumstances keep them apart?"

Aadavan's gaze softened with understanding. "Such souls," he said gently, "Often find solace in the knowledge that their connection transcends time and space. They wait patiently for the moment when fate aligns their paths once more."

Armaan absorbed his words, a sense of reassurance washing over him. Perhaps, he thought, his unspoken longing for Eshana was part of a larger tapestry-an unfolding story of patience and perseverance.

Encouraged by Aadavan's wisdom, Armaan decided to confide in him about Eshana. "Vaan," he began again, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "there's someone... Eshana."

Aadavan's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, Eshana," he echoed, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "So, the prince and the lady are intertwined in this tale."

Armaan chuckled softly, relieved by Aadavan's ease. "Yes," he admitted, "I find myself drawn to her in ways I can't explain. The tulips and notes... they are my way of reaching out to her, of letting her know..."

Aadavan interrupted gently, "Eshana as in Ishaan's sister ?"

Armaan's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Yes," he confirmed, "Eshana is Ishaan's sister . She's a remarkable woman, and I... I feel a connection to her that I can't ignore."

Understanding dawned on Aadavan's face. "I see," he nodded thoughtfully. "Then, my friend, you must follow your heart. Let your gestures speak the words that your heart longs to say."

Aadavan chuckled, his voice full of amusement . "Wow bhai , so that means tu Ishaan ke Saale bhi aur jija bhi ."

"Wow brother, that means you are Ishaan's brother-in-law ( wife's brother is called Saale ) and brother-in-law ( sister's husband is called jija) too."

Armaan laughed wholeheartedly, appreciating Aadavan's humor amidst the weight of their conversation. "Indeed ," he replied , "Perhaps fate has a way of intertwining our lives in unexpected ways."

As the night wore on, Armaan and Aadavan continued their conversation, weaving dreams and possibilities amidst the tapestries of fate and destiny. For Armaan, the path ahead seemed clearer, guided by the wisdom of a friend and the quiet hope that one day, Eshana would understand the depths of his unspoken longing.

~~~

Other Side , Eshana puzzled over the weekly bouquets, their significance a mystery that fueled light-hearted speculation among her and Aavanya . She doesn't know how to contact the person and know about him. The white tulips her favourite flower , a symbol of intrigue and admiration, yet their sender remained elusive. She shared the mystery with her best friend, Aavanya, who playfully teased her about the identity of the secret admirer.

"Maybe it's someone you've met at a business party, or someone from the college ," Aavanya suggested one afternoon over coffee, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Or perhaps a charming stranger who admires you from afar."

Eshana laughed, her thoughts drifting to the possibilities. "Whoever it is," she replied with a smile, "They certainly know how to brighten my week."

~~~

A year had passed since Armaan first laid eyes on Eshana, and yet their paths had remained parallel yet apart, tethered only by the silent gestures of white tulips and heartfelt notes. Each week, without fail, Armaan sent his tokens of admiration, his feelings deepening with every passing day.

Amidst the structured chaos of his responsibilities as CEO and the heir of the Raghuvanshi , Armaan found solace in routine. Eshana, too, pursued her endeavors diligently, her presence a constant echo in his thoughts, a vision of elegance and mystery that fueled his silent yearning.

Then, one fateful evening, as heavy monsoon clouds gathered overhead, casting a dark shadow over the city, fate intervened with a cruel twist.

A collision-an unexpected and devastating collision-that shattered the tranquility of the night and sent shockwaves through the hearts of those two .

In the aftermath of the accident, uncertainty hung heavy in the air, swirling around Armaan and Eshana like the unsettled monsoon winds. Lives were changed in an instant, hearts thrown into turmoil, and the fragile thread that bound Armaan to Eshana suddenly snapped, leaving them both reeling from the impact.

As the storm raged outside, mirroring the tempest within their hearts, questions loomed unanswered, and the future hung in precarious balance.

The night wore on, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions, casting a veil of suspense over their intertwined destinies. And as Armaan stood amidst the chaos, his heart raced with the realization that this moment could change everything-forever altering the course of their lives and the depth of their unspoken connection.

---

I wrote this chapter 3 times and lost the count of times I have edited this... Still I feel I am not satisfied 😭...

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