Abhir's pov

As the plane touched down on Indian soil, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. It had been years since I'd set foot in this country, years since I'd left behind the memories that still lingered, bitter and unrelenting.

India, the land of my childhood, of my family, of my past. The land that had given me so much, yet had also taken away everything I'd ever known.

As I stepped off the plane, the familiar scent of spices and incense wafted through the air, transporting me back to a time when life was simpler. But the nostalgia was short-lived, as the memories I'd tried to keep buried began to resurface.

The pain of my past, the betrayal, the loss - it all came flooding back, like a tidal wave crashing against the shores of my heart. I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of my own memories.

But I knew I had to push through, for Ishika's sake, for my own sake. I took a deep breath, the warm Indian air filling my lungs, and began to make my way through the airport, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The question was, would I be able to confront my demons, or would they consume me once again? Only time would tell.

*******

"Abhi, where are we headed?" Ishika asked, her curiosity piqued as they stepped off the plane in India. Abhir smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"We're off to Poddar Mansion, Ishu," he replied, his voice low and mysterious.

Ishika's eyebrows shot up. "Why?" she pressed, her voice laced with intrigue.

Abhir chuckled. "Armaan Poddar is an old friend, and he's invited me to his child's naming ceremony. It's going to be a grand affair, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Ishika's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A naming ceremony? That sounds fascinating. I've never been to one before." She paused, her gaze turning thoughtful. "But Abhi, you're being evasive. What's really going on? You're not just here for a ceremony, are you?"

Abhir's smile faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure. "Of course, Ishu. What else could I possibly have on my mind?" He winked at her, attempting to deflect her concerns.

Ishika's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Don't play dumb with me, Abhir. I know you too well. There's something you're not telling me, and I aim to find out what it is."

"My aim is the one who snatched everything from me!"

"you have to fight with your past abhi!"

Abhir's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions - pain, anger, and a hint of determination. He took a step closer to Ishika, his voice low and intense.

"You're right, Ishu. I've been running from my past for far too long. It's time I face it head-on." He paused, his chest heaving with emotion. "But it won't be easy. The Goenkas... they're not just anyone. They're the ones who destroyed my family, who ruined my life."

Ishika's eyes filled with compassion and understanding. She reached out, her hand brushing against Abhir's cheek.

"You're not alone, Abhi. I'm here with you, and together, we'll face whatever comes our way."

"They'll pay for every tear they have given to my mumma!"

Abhir's voice was laced with a venomous determination, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. Ishika's eyes widened, her grip on his arm tightening.

"Abhi, calm down," she whispered, trying to soothe the storm brewing inside him. "We'll get justice, but we need to be smart about it. We can't let our emotions cloud our judgment."

Abhir's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he struggled to contain his rage. But Ishika's words slowly began to penetrate the fog of his anger, and he took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You're right, Ishu," he said finally, his voice still low and deadly. "We'll play it smart. But mark my words, the Goenkas will pay for what they've done. They'll pay dearly."

******

As they stepped out of the car, Abhir's eyes scanned the grandeur of Poddar Mansion, taking in the opulent entrance, the perfectly manicured lawns, and the intricate stone carvings that adorned the facade. The sound of gentle chatter and soft music drifted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Ishika's hand slipped into his, a gentle reminder of her presence. Abhir's fingers intertwined with hers, a sense of comfort and reassurance flowing through him.

Just then, a tall, dark-haired man emerged from the entrance, a warm smile spreading across his face. Armaan Poddar, their host, looked every bit the proud father, his eyes shining with happiness.

"Abhir! Ishika! Welcome to Poddar Mansion!" Armaan exclaimed, his voice booming across the lawn. He strode towards them, his long legs eating up the distance.

Abhir returned the smile, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Armaan, it's been too long. Thanks for inviting us." He extended his hand, and Armaan grasped it firmly, pulling him into a warm hug.

Ishika smiled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Armaan. We're thrilled to be here for the naming ceremony." She leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "We can't wait to meet the little one."

Armaan beamed, his face glowing with pride. "Thank you, Ishika. We're thrilled to have you both here. Come, let's get you settled in. The ceremony is about to begin." He gestured towards the entrance, where a flurry of activity was underway.

As they entered the grand hall of Poddar Mansion, Armaan's eyes scanned the room, his gaze finally coming to rest on his wife, Abhira. She was standing by the window, her beauty radiant in the soft light that streamed in.

Armaan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Abhira, my love," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want you to meet some special guests."

Abhira turned, her eyes meeting Armaan's. She smiled, her lips curving upwards, and made her way towards them.

As she approached, Abhir's eyes widened in surprise. Abhira's eyes, her nose, her smile - everything about her seemed familiar. And then it hit him - she looked like her.

"Abhira, this is Abhir Birla and his fiancee Ishika," Armaan said, his voice booming across the room.

Abhira's eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at Abhir. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Birla," she said, her voice husky and confident.

Abhir's eyes locked onto Abhira's, a sense of connection sparking between them. He felt like he was staring into the eyes of a stranger, yet somehow, he felt like he'd known her his whole life.

Ishika's hand tightened around his, a gentle reminder of her presence. Abhir's eyes flickered towards her, and he smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her.

Abhira's eyes sparkled with warmth as she turned towards Ishika. "And you must be Ishika," she said, her voice dripping with kindness. "It's lovely to meet you, dear."

*******

Dadisa's voice boomed through the hall, "Let the ceremony begin! Ladki, it's time to name your child." She smiled warmly at Abhira, expecting her to take the honor.

But Abhira's response was unexpected. She shook her head, a resolute look on her face. "Dadisa, I'm afraid that's not possible," she said, her voice firm but respectful.

The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. Dadisa's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on her face. "What do you mean, Abhira? You're the child's mother, aren't you?"

Abhira took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Ruhi's across the room. "No, Dadisa. The real mother of this child is Ruhi. She's the one who has the right to name him, not me."

The room erupted into stunned silence, gasps and whispers spreading like wildfire. Armaan's face turned beet red with rage, Rohit's eyes darted guiltily towards Ruhi, and Ruhi herself looked like she'd been punched in the gut, her eyes welling up with tears.

Abhir's eyes met Ishika's, shock and confusion written all over their faces. What was going on? Why was Abhira revealing this bombshell now?