NOT EDITED

The day had finally arrived when Parth's family would be returning to the mansion. Laila had spent the entire morning preparing for their arrival, making sure every corner of the house was spotless. Despite the physical pain, she was determined to make a good impression and to avoid any further wrath from Parth. They house helps returned to keep the façade which Parth wanted but she still had to supervise. Laila heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Her heart raced knowing that the first of the family members had arrived. She quickly smoothed her dress and checked her reflection in the hallway mirror.

"Laila? Are you here?" Prachi's voice echoed through the hallway. Laila's heart raced with a mixture of relief and anxiety. She hadn't seen Prachi since the wedding, now everyone is going to return and she didn't know how things would be. "Prachi?" Laila called out stepping into the hall. Prachi stood by the door with her suitcase by her side, a mixture of exhaustion and relief on her face. She looked almost the same as Laila remembered with her soft self and kind eyes. More like her mother-in-law than the other members of the family.

"Laila" Prachi said with a small smile tugging at her lips and continued, "It's good to see you". Laila returned the smile, "It's good to see you too, Welcome back". Prachi sighed softly, "I'd be kicked out after the wedding so that's sad, But I'm very excited for the wedding" said Prachi with excitement evident in her voice. Laila smiled even though her heart sunk thinking about square one with Parth but she ignored those thoughts, "Come in please,Can I get you something? Tea, coffee?" offered Laila

"Tea would be great" Prachi replied following Laila into the living room. She took a seat on the couch, looking around as if seeing the house for the first time. "Gahhh I missed this place" said Prachi. "I'll be back in a minute" said Laila and excused herself. Laila worked on the tea but she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. Parth's words echoed in her mind, the threat to leave things behind the closed doors hidden, She had to be careful to ensure that Prachi didn't suspect anything. Returning with two cups of tea, Laila handed one to Prachi and sat down opposite her. Prachi took a sip and sighed in contentment

"nothing else feels like home" admits Prachi with a smile. "How are things here?" Prachi asked looking at Laila with genuine curiosity and added one more question continuing, "How's Parth treating you?". Laila's heart skipped a beat but She forced a smile while her mind racing for the right words. "you know the usual, He's been busy with work and the preparations for Prihan's engagement". Prachi's eyes narrowed slightly, "And you? Are you okay?". Laila put on a fake smile "I'm" she replied as confident as she could fake. Prachi smiled and said, "If there's anything you can tell me, We're family now."

Laila looked into Prachi's eyes seeing the sincerity there. For a moment, she was tempted to spill everything and to share the torment she had been enduring but She wasn't stupid, Parth's threats loomed large in her mind and she couldn't risk it. "Thank you Prachi," Laila said squeezing her hand and with a smile she said, "I appreciate it". Prachi smiled back and said, "Remember I'm here for you and We Manvik's stand with each other through all the chaos". The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of small talk and catching up. Prachi shared stories of her life in the city, her studies and her friends.

Laila listened, grateful for the distraction but always mindful of the time because she knew Parth would be back soon and that was enough to make her anxiety rise again. As she worked in the kitchen, her mind raced. Prachi's return was only the starting and now the whole family is going to unite here, It added another layer of complexity to her already chaotic life. Just as she was putting the finishing touches on dinner, she heard the front door open. Her heart sank as Parth's familiar footsteps echoed through the hallway.

She quickly wiped her hands and hurried to the living room with a glass of water, her heart pounding in her chest because of being in his vicinity. Parth stood in the doorway with his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Prachi stood up with a smile on her face, "Brother it's good to see you," Prachi said and walked over to hug her brother. Parth's expression softened slightly as he hugged her back, "Prachi, I thought you were coming with Pulkit". "I was able to wrap up my project earlier than expected" Prachi explained.

"Well, I'm glad you're here" he said in a warm tone, which was so foreign to Laila. Parth's eyes darted to Laila and she felt a chill run down her spine, "I'm sure Laila has taken good care of you" Laila forced a smile, "Yes, of course" she replied. As they sat down to dinner, Laila could feel Parth's eyes on her which was a constant reminder to not mess up things. She moved carefully ensuring everything was perfect. The dinner conversation was filled with laughter and stories but Laila's mind was disturbed masked behind a smiling face.

Laila was in the middle of setting up lunch when she heard the front door open. Her heart raced, fearing it might be Parth returning earlier than expected. "I'm home!", Laila's heart eased slightly as she recognized that it's not Parth's voice. Prihan stood there with his backpack slung over one shoulder and a broad smile on his face. He looked around with his eyes lighting up as he took in the soothing feeling of his home. "Laila" Prihan exclaimed walking over to give her a warm hug. "It's so good to see you" said Prihan. Laila returned the hug,

"It's good to see you too Prihan, How was your trip?" asked Laila. "Long and exhausting but I'm glad to be home" he replied setting down his backpack. "Where's everyone?" asked Prihan. "Parth is out for a meeting and Prachi is upstairs in her room" Laila explained. "Prachi's here? Well, this is going to be fun" said Prihan with a smile. Prachi descended the stairs, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Prihan standing in the hallway, "Prihan" Prachi shouted while rushing down the stairs to hug her brother. "I though i heard the groom's sound, I guess I'm right" teased Prachi.

"I didn't know you were coming back today!" squeaked Prachi. "I wanted to surprise everyone" Prihan said hugging her back and continued, "And it looks like I succeeded". Prachi pulled back and made a childish face, "You always do this, Just show up out of nowhere like a genie". Prihan laughed, "You love me and you know it". Prachi rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Yeah, yeah". " Whatever" said Prachi and Prihan chuckled, "tell me what's been going on here?".

Prachi sighed and gave him a teasing smile, "Catering for Sir Prihan himself, we have the whole engagement and wedding of yours to plan, How can we forget the grand rituals too so that sums up" said Prachi. Prihan gave a sorry smile, "Yeah Dad's hell bent on not delaying it". "Meh, It's fun and I'll get to go full on crazy this time" said Prachi trying to brighten the mood. "Shall I get you some tea, coffee, juice or something else" offered Laila, "I just need to go and freshen up first then I'll join for lunch" said Prihan with a reassuring smile. "I'll ask the help to set things up" said Laila, "Thank you" replied Prihan

Laila arranged the lunch on the table and she saw Prachi skipping down the stairs, Laila instructed the house helpers on what to do. "You're handling everything so effortlessly, Damn!" Complimented Prachi and Laila smiled, unbeknownst to her that Laila is good at that because it was her means of survival and way out of misery. "Finally eating from home" said Prihan with a smile and joined the trio. They all sat on the dining table and the House helpers started serving the food. Laila heard a car pull up, which in turn gave her anxiety. She was pulled out of it by a voice.

"I'm home, people! Did you miss me?" echoed around the house. "Pulki" said Prachi and ran towards the hall. Prihan and Laila slowly joined behind her to witness Prachi hugging her twin. "It's been ages! How was the trip?" asked Prachi and Pulkit was hugging her back. "Exhausting, but I'm glad to be back And I brought gifts!" he replied and they pulled out of the hug. "Hope you didn't forget mine" said Prachi in a warning tone. "I may or may not" said Pulkit and Prihan hit him the head playfully, "Don't annoy her" said Prihan and They hugged. Prachi gave the biggest of smile.

Pulkit rolled his eyes dramatically, "How's everything been here?" asked Pulkit after pulling off from the hug. "Same old, same old" Prihan replied with a shrug and Prachi continued, "You know how it is, Dad's got us running around like headless chickens". Laila watched the siblings reunite, feeling a mix of happiness and envy. The bond they shared was something she had always admired, Her thoughts briefly drifted to Mihir, her elder brother and a pang of sadness hit her heart.

Pulkit noticed Laila standing off to the side and walked over to her with a warm smile, "Laila It's good to see you, How have you been?" asked Pulkit. Laila returned the smile and replied, "I'm alright Pulkit, It's good to see you too, How was your trip?". "Long and tiring, but worth it," he said, setting down his backpack. "Are you going to freshen up first or have lunch first, Do you want anything to drink?" asked Laila. "I'm famished, I want lunch  otherwise I'll go crazy in hunger" said Pulkit dramatically and all of them chuckled. "Come, I'll arrange it for you" said Laila.

The mansion buzzed with anticipation. It was the day Rishi and Vanya Manvik were set to return, and the entire household was in a state of disciplined frenzy. The staff moved swiftly, ensuring every corner of the grand home was spotless, every piece of silver polished, and every flower arrangement perfect. Laila, despite her injuries and fatigue was part of this rigorous preparation. She oversaw the placement of the arrangements, directing the staff with a calm yet authoritative demeanour she had learned. The presence of Parth's parents demanded nothing less than perfection, and Parth demanded her to execute the perfections or suffer the consequences.

As the clock ticked closer to the arrival time, the tension in the air grew thicker. The staff lined up in the foyer, their uniforms crisp and their postures rigid. The family members stood at the forefront, ready to welcome the heads of the household. The grand entrance adorned with fresh flowers and intricate designs stood as an evidence to the family's respect for Rishi and Vanya. The sound of approaching cars stirred everyone into final preparations. Laila took a deep breath steadying herself, She had to maintain the façade of a perfect daughter-in-law, just as Parth had demanded.

The cars pulled up and the chauffeur swiftly opened the door. Rishi Manvik emerged first, his commanding presence immediately setting the tone. His aura exuded power and control, a man used to commanding respect and obedience. Vanya followed with her grace and elegance complementing Rishi's imposing presence. Her eyes though softer than Rishi's, held a certain authority that was undeniable. She smiled warmly and confidently, She perfectly complimented to the power he held. "Welcome back, Dad and Mom," Parth said, stepping forward and bowing slightly in respect.

"Welcome home," Prihan echoed with his tone respectful yet warm. Prachi and Pulkit followed suit with their voices blending into a chorus of greetings. Vanya's smile widened as she acknowledged each of her children then her eyes darted her and lingered on Laila for a moment longer. "It's good to be back" Rishi said with his voice firm. Laila maintained her composure feeling Vanya's gaze still upon her, "Laila, you've done well" Vanya said with her tone warm and smiled, "The house looks wonderful". The staff visibly relaxed at her words, a collective sigh of relief passing through them. "Thank you, Mom," Laila replied with her voice steady despite the heavy anxiety in her chest.

As they moved inside, the family fell into step behind Rishi and Vanya, the staff dispersing to their duties. The dynamics within the household were evident. In the grand living room, everyone took their places. Rishi and Vanya sat at the head of the arrangement, Parth stood by his father, ready to assist and support. Prihan, Prachi and Pulkit took their seats, their expressions attentive and respectful. "Parth, how have things been in our absence?" asked Rishi in his authoritative tone. "Everything has been managed well Dad," Parth replied confidently. "We've ensured the business runs smoothly and preparations for Prihan's engagement are being done"

Rishi nodded approvingly, "Good, I expect nothing less". Vanya turned her attention to Laila, a "And Laila, how have you been managing?". Laila felt the weight of the question, "I've been doing my best to keep everything in order and The household staff has been very cooperative". Vanya's smile widened, "I'm glad to hear that, We need everyone working together especially with the upcoming events" reminded Vanya. Prachi sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood added, "Mom, you should see the flower arrangements Laila did, They're absolutely stunning". Pulkit added, "Yeah, she's turned the place into a floral wonderland."

Rishi brought the focus back, "We have a lot to prepare for, The engagement must go flawlessly, Parth I trust you to handle the business side, Prihan, you and Romaisa need to finalize the guest list, Prachi oversee the decorations, Pulkit ensure our guests are well taken care of and our eldest daughter-in-law Laila, Since you're not much accustomed, Help Vanya with her works".

"Yes Dad" all of them said simultaneously and Laila later joined, "Yes Dad" she merely whispered.

Authors note
I got a very bad writers block esp because this is more of a filler to show the dynamics. Now the parallel leads will come in full power.

I published this chapter but turns out it didn't, So that's that

Pray the pretty girl can meet Chand sa ladka

Please don't forget to hit that star