Author's pov,

For days, Armaan was consumed by the words Chaitanya had left him with. He found it difficult to focus on anything else. The thought that there could be more to the story gnawed at him relentlessly. He had been so certain of Eshana's guilt, but now doubt crept into his mind. He replayed every interaction he had with her over the past year and a half, trying to reconcile the image of a cold, calculating woman with the diligent, sincere worker he had come to know.

Armaan sat in his apartment, sifting through the documents he had gathered. Papers were scattered across his desk, remnants of his meticulous investigation. He picked up a photograph of Eshana, her expression serious, taken during a company event. He scrutinized her face, searching for any hint of the ruthlessness he had attributed to her. Instead, he saw determination and something that now seemed like a burden she carried.

His mind drifted back to Ishaan's words, a haunting memory that played on a loop. Ishaan had briefly woken from his coma months ago, but the moment had been fleeting. Through his pain, he had managed to say, “E–Eshana... take car–ee of her. They will destr–roy her life. They…”

Before Ishaan could finish, he had slipped back into the coma due to internal bleeding and pain. Armaan had been haunted by those words ever since. He thought Ishaan, despite everything, hadn’t been angry with his sister. Instead, he had been worried for her safety. It was the one thing that had held Armaan back from unleashing his full fury on Eshana.

Armaan sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. He stood and walked to the window, staring out at the city skyline. The view usually brought him a sense of calm, but now it only reflected the chaos within him. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up. Everything he had believed, every action he had taken, was now cast in doubt.

Chaitanya’s cryptic warning echoed in his mind. "Half-truths are perilous. They have the power to unravel everything." The weight of those words pressed down on him, heavy and unyielding. He realized that he was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. He needed to know the full truth. Determined, he turned back to his desk and picked up his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed Chaitanya’s number.

The phone rang twice before Chaitanya answered. “Yes, Armaan?”

“Mr. Shekhawat,” Armaan began, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. “I want to know the truth. Can we meet?”

There was a brief silence on the other end, a pause that seemed to stretch into eternity. Armaan held his breath, waiting.

“Very well, Armaan,” Chaitanya finally spoke, his tone measured. “But not at my place. I will meet you at your apartment. We’ll talk there.”

Armaan exhaled slowly, relief mixed with anticipation. “Thank you. I’ll be waiting.”

After ending the call, Armaan looked around his apartment, the familiar surroundings suddenly feeling alien. He began to tidy up, clearing away the scattered documents and photographs. He needed to be prepared, both mentally and physically, for the conversation that would undoubtedly change everything.

As the evening approached, Armaan’s anxiety grew. He paced his apartment, his mind racing with questions and theories. The usually calm space now felt suffocating as he anticipated the arrival of Chaitanya. He replayed his plan over and over in his mind, trying to anticipate what Chaitanya might reveal. The doorbell rang, startling him out of his thoughts. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come, and opened the door.

He quickly composed himself, opening the door to find Chaitanya stood there, his expression calm but serious. “Good evening, Armaan. "

“ Good evening, Come in,” Armaan said, stepping aside to let him in. The gravity of the moment settled over him like a heavy cloak, and he knew that the answers he sought were finally within reach. Chaitanya moved with a deliberate grace, his presence commanding respect.

~~~

They sat down in the living room, the tension palpable. Armaan leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Chaitanya’s. “I need to know everything, Mr. Shekhawat. The truth about the accident, about Eshana, about your family . Why did they plan to kill Ishaan? I need to understand.”

Chaitanya nodded, his expression softening slightly. “I understand, Armaan. The truth is complex, and not everything is as it seems. Your family and mine have been caught in a web of deceit, but the roots of this go deeper than you know.”

Armaan’s mind was a whirlpool of conflicting emotions. He had spent months planning his revenge, convinced of Eshana’s guilt. Could there really be more to the story? Chaitanya’s words offered a glimmer of a truth that Armaan wasn’t prepared for but desperately needed to understand.

“Eshana is not your enemy, Armaan,” Chaitanya continued, his voice heavy with sorrow. “She has been fighting her own battles, trying to uncover the truth just as you have. The real culprits are still out there, and they are far more dangerous than you can imagine.”

"My little princess was too innocent for this cruel world. Ishaan and I have always protected her, but now I am too old. I don't even know how long I will be alive, and Ishaan, he is fighting for his own life. I hope your sister is doing well. I am sorry, Armaan, because of my family, your sister had to go through all this."

"You know about Ishaan too? But how? Yes, my sister is recovering, but she doesn't remember anything. The doctor said it was due to the shock of the accident," Armaan replied, his voice tinged with confusion and curiosity.

"Yes, I know," Chaitanya admitted, "because I was the one who asked my men to take them to the hospital and informed your men about the accident. I knew that if Ishaan was under your care, no one would find out about him and try to kill him again. No one would dare go against the Raghuvanshi's; they can't stand against you, and they wouldn't get any clue. This is why I kept Eshana in the dark. I didn't inform her about Ishaan being alive."

Armaan listened intently as Chaitanya began to unfold the story, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. Each revelation was a shock to the system, challenging everything Armaan had believed.

"But how can parents kill their own child?" Armaan asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Ishaan is not their own child," Chaitanya revealed.

"What?" Armaan's eyes widened in shock.

"Yes. I had two children, a daughter and a son. My daughter was the eldest. At that time, Shekhawat Industries was not so big; it was a small company. My son-in-law was the only heir of Malhotra Enterprises, which was well-established and flourishing. My daughter had a love marriage, and after their wedding, my son-in-law helped our company grow significantly. But then my son got married to a woman, who is now my daughter-in-law. She was a very jealous and greedy woman and was never satisfied with the money we earned. Slowly, she influenced my son to become like her.

When Ishaan was 2 years old, my daughter and son-in-law died in an accident. At that time, I didn't understand why my daughter-in-law wanted to get Ishaan's custody. My son-in-law's family loved Ishaan so much, so they thought it was better for Ishaan to have both the parents . My son and his wife treated him more like their own son, though they never treated Eshana right. Ishaan didn't like that, so in front of him, they treated her nicely. Ishaan and Eshana were the closest. He used to call her his little sweet cupcake.

Malhotra Enterprises was merged with Shekhawat Industries, and it was renamed Shekhawat Enterprises. My son wanted me to establish another branch, and I did, with one branch already under Ishaan's name, I thought Eshana will also get her share . Soon after Ishaan turned 18, his parents' company would be his.

But after Ishaan joined the company, he discovered the illegal activities his foster parents were involved in. When he confronted them, he learned that they were not his real parents. Soon, he found out that his parents were actually murdered by his foster parents. He had collected all the evidence and talked with me, but he was unsure how to punish Eshana’s parents without hurting her. He didn't want Eshana to hate her parents more than she already did.

The day before the accident, Ishaan had a big fight with them. They had arranged Eshana's marriage with someone in exchange for money, and they were using her name for all their illegal businesses. That day, Eshana was at Aavanya's house. Ishaan was so angry he warned them that he had proof of them being the murderer and could take them to court.

Ishaan sensed that something might happen, so he made some documents stating that if anything happened to him, the company and the rest of the property would belong to Eshana, and if something happened to Eshana, the property would go to NGOs and childcare organizations. He did this to keep Eshana safe.

And right now, the person most in danger is Eshana. Her parents are very cruel and only care about money."

Armaan sat in stunned silence, absorbing the magnitude of what Chaitanya had revealed. His mind raced, trying to process the depth of the betrayal and deceit that had enveloped both their families. The woman he had seen as his enemy was, in reality, a victim fighting her own battles in a world filled with treachery.

Chaitanya’s revelation had left Armaan reeling, but the older man wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke.

"I know a lot of things, Armaan," Chaitanya said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Like how you used to send Eshana her favorite flowers. Don't think, young man, that I am unaware. Eshana is very precious to me and Ishaan. We’ve always kept an eye on her to keep her safe. Ishaan guessed that you might have some feelings for her. You already made a huge mistake by playing this secretary stunt, but if you really like her, don't do anything that will make her hate you forever.”

Armaan felt his heart skip a beat. How much did Chaitanya know? More importantly, how had Ishaan known? So that why he asked him to protect her.

"I will give you one more chance," Chaitanya continued, his voice firm but compassionate. " Get close to her. Make her believe in love again and show your true self to her. Even if you don't tell her the truth right now, at least make your place in her heart. That way, she will be willing to listen and understand your side when the time comes. It's still not too late."

With those final words, Chaitanya rose from his seat. He placed a hand on Armaan’s shoulder briefly, then turned and walked out of the apartment, leaving Armaan to grapple with the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts.

Armaan sat back, his mind racing with the implications of what he had just heard. The path ahead was clearer now, but it was also fraught with new dangers and uncertainties. He knew he had to change his approach, to find a way to work with Eshana rather than against her.

As Chaitanya left, Armaan felt a newfound resolve settle over him. The game had changed, and so had the players. It was time to confront the real enemy and protect the ones he cared about. The journey ahead would be perilous, but Armaan was ready to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge he had gained and the determination to see justice served.

~~~

Armaan arrived at his family home, the place where he always found solace. He needed his mother’s warmth and guidance more than ever. His mother, Devyani Abhimaan Raghuvanshi, was seated in the living room, her eyes immediately noticing the turmoil in her son’s expression.

“Armaan, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice filled with concern as she motioned for him to sit beside her.

“Maa,” he began, struggling to keep his voice steady, “I don’t know where to start. I’ve been so wrong about everything. Mr. Shekhawat, Eshana's grandfather came to see me. He told me the truth about Eshana and her family. Her parents... they’re the real villains. They’ve been using her, and Ishaan was trying to protect her all along.”

Devyani's  eyes widened in shock, but she remained silent, letting Armaan continue.

“I thought Eshana was involved in everything,” Armaan continued, his voice cracking with emotion. “I planned to destroy her, Maa. But now I see she’s just as much a victim as we are. Maybe even more.”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke, the weight of his mistakes crashing down on him. “How could I have been so blind? How can I fix this? I’ve hurt her so much without even realizing it.”

Devyani reached out and took Armaan’s hand, her touch warm and comforting. “Armaan, it’s never too late to make things right. We all make mistakes, especially when we’re driven by pain and anger. The important thing is that you’ve realized the truth now.”

“But what do I do, Maa?” he asked, his voice filled with desperation. “How do I make her see that I’m on her side? That I want to protect her?”

Devyani smiled gently, her eyes filled with maternal love. “You start by being honest with yourself . Show her that you care, not through grand gestures, but through small, consistent actions. Be there for her, support her, and earn her trust. Let her see the real Armaan, the one who’s capable of love and compassion.”

Armaan nodded, her words giving him a sense of direction. “I will, Maa. I’ll protect her. But how do I approach her after everything I’ve done?”

“Take it one step at a time,” Devyani advised. “Be patient. Understand that it will take time for her to trust you. Don’t push too hard, but don’t give up either. Let your actions speak for you. And remember, love and trust are built over time, not overnight.”

Armaan took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Thank you, Maa . I needed to hear that.”

Devyani squeezed his hand. “I’m always here for you, Armaan. Now go, and make things right. Protect Eshana, just as Ishaan would have wanted.”

~~~

Armaan returned to his role as Eshana’s secretary with a new perspective. He watched her closely, seeing her in a new light. The determination in her eyes, the relentless drive to succeed—it was all rooted in her struggle to overcome the shadows cast by her family.

He began to assist her more thoughtfully, anticipating her needs before she voiced them, offering support in subtle ways. When she worked late, he made sure she had her favorite coffee had her food on time . When she seemed overwhelmed, he found ways to lighten her load.

Armaan knew it was only the beginning. He had a long way to go, but he was determined to protect Eshana and uncover the real culprit and make them pay for their deeds . The path ahead was uncertain, but he would face it with courage and resolve, ready to fight for justice and for the woman who had unwittingly become the center of his world.

~~~

It had been almost three years since the accident that left Ishaan in coma for 2 years now , his condition showing no signs of improvement. Aadhya, having regained her memory, confronted Armaan in their family's living room. The weight of confession hung heavy in the air as Armaan laid bare his intentions to destroy Eshana and the regret that followed.

The Raghuvanshi mansion was cloaked in silence, a stark contrast to the storm raging within Armaan’s heart. He sat in the study, the weight of recent revelations pressing down upon him like an unyielding burden. Aadhya stood before him, her expression a mix of disbelief and dawning understanding.

“You planned all of this?” Aadhya’s voice trembled with incredulity, her eyes locked on Armaan’s face. “You orchestrated everything to destroy Eshana?”

Aadhya's disbelief was palpable as she struggled to comprehend Armaan's actions. "Bhai sa," she murmured, her voice laced with disappointment and confusion. "How could you... I never thought..."

Armaan stood before her, his expression a mix of guilt and sorrow. He met her gaze, the truth a bitter pill he had to swallow. "I was blinded by anger, Aadhya. I wanted to punish Eshana for what I believed she did. But I was wrong. So wrong."

“I wanted revenge for what happened to Ishaan. I wanted to make Eshana pay for the pain she caused our family.”

Aadhya hold her head and rubbed her template . “And what about now?” she demanded, her voice sharp. “Do you still intend to destroy her?”

Armaan shook his head, anguish etched in every line of his face. “No,” he said firmly. “I’ve realized my mistake, Aadhya. I  never wanted any of this to happen.”

A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of past actions and their consequences palpable in the air. Aadhya struggled to process the enormity of Armaan’s confession, grappling with the shattered pieces of trust and loyalty.

~~~

A Few Days Later,

Days passed in a heavy silence , each moment weighed down by the gravity of recent events. Aadhya, burdened by the truth Armaan had revealed, felt compelled to seek out Eshana. She found herself standing at the gates of the Shekhawat estate, her heart heavy with remorse and the weight of unspoken apologies.

Eshana appeared at the doorway, her expression guarded and distant. Aadhya took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation she knew was inevitable.

"Eshana," Aadhya began, her voice tentative yet filled with resolve. "I know you blame us for what happened to Ishaan. I understand your pain, but please... hear me out."

Eshana's eyes flickered with a mixture of anger and grief. "You took away my brother," she accused bitterly, her words cutting through the air like shards of glass. "You and your family destroyed everything."

Aadhya shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I never wanted any of this to happen," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. "Ishaan meant everything to me too."

Eshana remained unmoved, her defenses firmly in place. "I'm not interested in your drama," she retorted coldly, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Before Aadhya could respond, the news of Eshana's grandfather's passing spread like wildfire through the city. In the midst of mourning, Eshana received a copy of her grandfather's will—a document that would alter the course of their intertwined destinies once again.

~~~

Armaan stood by the window in his cabin ,  as he spoke on the phone with his parents, Abhimaan and Devyani. The weight of recent events bore down on him, his thoughts consumed by Eshana's proposition—a marriage proposed under the shadow of her grandfather's will.

"Mom, Dad," Armaan began, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I need to speak with you about something important."

On the other end of the line, Abhimaan and Devyani exchanged a glance, their concern palpable even through the distance of the call. They had witnessed the aftermath of Ishaan's accident and understood the complexities that now enveloped their family.

"I've been approached by Eshana," Armaan continued, his tone unwavering as he laid out the proposal. "She's suggesting a contract marriage—according to her grandfather's will."

Devyanis's voice came through with a note of concern. "Armaan, are you sure about this?" Her motherly instinct guided her words, seeking to understand his intentions and the weight of his decision.

Armaan took a deep breath, his resolve firm. "I believe it's the right thing to do, Maa," he replied earnestly, his gaze distant as he looked out into the night. "This marriage could be a chance to heal old wounds, to set aside past grievances, and to forge a new path forward."

Abhimaan's voice followed, gruff yet filled with pride and support. "Son, we trust your judgment," he reassured, his words carrying the weight of paternal understanding. "If this is what you believe is best, then we stand behind you."

Armaan felt a surge of gratitude for his parents' unwavering support, even through the distance of a phone call. In that moment, amidst the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of the future, he knew he was not alone in this decision.

As the call ended, Armaan felt that this contract can bring them closed, it seems to hold the promise of a new beginning. With his parents' blessing and the conviction of his own heart, he would face Eshana and accept the proposition that fate had set before them—a marriage that held the potential to bridge divides and pave the way for healing.

----

From next chapter we will be back to present... If you want the chapter soon... Do complete the target... Which same as the other chapter. The faster you will complete it the soonest you will get the chapter.. Also a lot of romantic chapters coming....

What do you think about the chapter?
Do share your sincere reviews about the chapter! Please do vote and comment and share your opinion.

If you guys are on Insta.. Do follow me on Insta authormili for spoilers and reels, of upcoming chapters.