SHIVANSH'S POV: 

When I came home from the office today, I was very nervous about how to confess my feelings to Inayat. I know she's a good girl, and maybe I can tell from her eyes that she likes me too. With these thoughts in mind, I was heading towards my room and I had a smile on my face. However, I stopped in my track when I heard Inayat talking to someone on the phone. 

I couldn't hear the person on the other end clearly because the phone was at a distance, but I could hear Inayat clearly as she was standing near the door, which was slightly open. I was shocked when I heard her say:

Caller: .........

Inayat: "Humne jo plan kara tha sab wese hi karna hai pehle toh uski family ko usse durr karna hai jaise bataya hai wese plan ke hisaaab se hi uske baad usko mentally torture karna hai uske family ko use karke. Kaise bhi karke uske family ko behla fusla ke uske against karna hai baaki ka toh apne aap ho hi jayega"  ( We need to execute the plan we discussed - first, separate his family from him, as we planned, and then mentally torment him using his family. Whatever else needs to be done will happen on its own.)

Caller: .........

Inayat: " Han ek baar yeh hojaye phir paiso ka bhi dekhlenge koi dikkat nahi hai " (We'll deal with that once the other part is done.)

Caller: .........

Inayat: " Acha Rhe mein iske baare mein tujhse raat ko baat karti hun lagta hai sab aagaye mein rakhti hun"  (Okay, Rhea, I'll talk to you about this tonight; it seems everyone is here.)

I was truly shocked to hear this. I thought I had understood Inayat quite well in just one month, but I was completely wrong. She presented herself differently in front of everyone, and I was completely fooled. She had even trapped Advay and Aryan in her web; she's so cunning. Forget them, today I was about to make the mistake of trusting her myself. 

These poor girls are just like that. She had crafted such a clever plan to deceive me; she knew my weakness was my family. First, she would ensnare my family turn them against me, then break me mentally and then steal my money. And she's already working on her plans. My family is already under her influence. 

But not for long; I will soon expose her true intentions to everyone. Thinking this, in my anger, I kicked the table aside. I think she heard it, so she immediately told the person on the other end of the call to hang up. But I needed to hide the fact that I had figured out her plan, so I quickly went downstairs.

When I went downstairs, Aahana came up to me and was saying something, but I couldn't focus on her words at all because my entire attention was on Inayat. Honestly, I was heartbroken. The girl I couldn't forget for two years, the one I was slowly starting to like, and the one I was going to confess my feelings to today turned out to be a fraud. But I had to do something to prevent her from succeeding. So, I've come up with a plan for what I need to do.

I will drop hints to her that I like her. This will make her think that I'm falling for her, and she'll try to get closer to me, allowing me to learn more about her true intentions. I'll make her fall madly in love with me and then expose her in front of everyone.

 She wanted to play with my mind now I will play with her. She has no right to target my family like this. I know these kinds of girls very well; she'll immediately say that she loves me too and then try to get close to me, thinking she'll get my money. But she won't get anything from me except my hate.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I saw Inayat coming down the stairs. To be honest, I was mesmerized by her appearance, but then her words started echoing in my ears. She only looks innocent; in reality, she's not. In reality, she's a cunning girl who only wants money, and she's playing with everyone's emotions for that. 

This is the first time I haven't been able to recognize someone's true nature, but I think it's all because of Advay and Aryan. They had praised her so much that it messed with my mind, but not anymore.

I was thinking all of this while looking directly into her eyes. I don't know how long I was staring at her, but Aahana's actions snapped us out of our trance, and I started looking around. Then both of them left, and Aahana departed while singing a song. I just hope that Inayat had been a good person, and I could genuinely fall in love with her.

As I stood there ready to execute my plan, I went to Inayat's room and called her. She didn't hear me at first, so I called her again, and she turned around. For about two minutes, I couldn't say anything because I was just lost in her seemingly innocent eyes. 

Then I mustered the courage to say, "I like you." She stood there shocked, and when I looked at her, I couldn't believe that this was the same girl who had planned to take my money. She was so clever and acted so well.

But then, someone suddenly pushed her, and she fell into my arms giving a electrifying feel to my body. For some time I was again lost in her beauty. I was not able to understand that even after knowing her true face why am I still attracted towards her. 

Shrugging off all these thoughts and making my mind calm I looked back to see who pushed her and I saw Aahana standing there. She told Inayat to confess to me that she also likes me. I was shocked to know that she had already trapped Aahana by telling her that she liked me, knowing that I love my sister the most and would do anything for her and not to my much surprise my innocent sister believed her. When Aahana will learn the truth, she will be devastated, but whatever happens will be for her own good.

When I heard that Inayat liked me, which was, of course, her act, I modified my plan. I decided not to give her too much attention, which would make her desperate and more likely to make a mistake. I sent Aahana out of the room and asked Inayat if she liked me. 

She claimed to love me, but I knew it was all a charade. I played along because she desperately wanted me to fall for her. Seeing her, I felt for a moment as if she was genuinely speaking from the heart, which made me a little nervous, but I knew it was all an act.

 I don't know how people can so easily speak lies about love. And I was very right about her when I said she will easily accept that she loves me. And she did that only. 

The biggest shock came when she kissed me. I knew she was trying to attract me, but for a moment, I was lost in it. But then I snapped back to reality and decided to expose her soon. She left, probably to serve dinner, and I went to freshen up.

When I came downstairs, I saw that everyone was very happy. Inayat had served dinner and prepared everyone's favorite dishes to win their hearts and execute her plan perfectly. However, as we ate, Aahana teased us, making me choke on my food from time to time. Inayat was blushing and acting as if she genuinely loved me. It would have been so nice if she weren't so greedy for money. 

But anyway, dinner ended, and I decided to meet Aryan to tell him that he was so wrong about her. I talked to him and he asked me to come to his place as he stayed there alone. I quickly went there and started explaining everything.

I expected him to be angry at first, but when I looked at him, he was staring at me with anger. I asked, "What's wrong with you? I know you're angry, but why are you giving me an angry look ? Go and give this look to your favourite Inayat. "

 He replied, "I am giving this look to you because you're talking nonsense. I can't understand how you can say such things about such a nice girl."

 I was shocked to hear this and yelled , "Nonsense? I am talking nonsense? Are you serious? You know what  I've heard enough from you guys, but I won't listen anymore. She's using my family, and you want me to be quiet?"

 He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Look, there might be some misunderstanding. We can't jump to conclusions like this."

I said, " I've heard enough from you people. I know that I'm right, and I won't listen to anything more." 

He was about to say something when his phone rang. He picked up, and after the call, he looked very stressed. So, I asked, "What's wrong with you? Why do you look so worried?" 

He said, " Aree yrrr suddenly, a client has scheduled a meeting for tomorrow evening, and I haven't prepared anything. I don't know what to do. This is a very important deal, and if we don't get it, the company will suffer losses." 

 I was very angry at him and had a lot of things in my mind but right now he needs me so I need to help him. So I said,  "Common don't worry, I'll help you. I'll stay at your place until tomorrow evening and we can finish the presentation soon together. Let's start working.''

 He questioned, "But what about your misunderstanding?" 

I sighed and said, " Look this is definitely not a misunderstanding and we'll talk after the meeting tomorrow."

He agreed, and we went to his study to work. I informed Advay about staying at Aryan's place but didn't mention anything about Inayat because it would have broken his heart. I decided to talk to him face to face. With that, I immersed myself in work.

.

.

.

.

.

.

INAYAT'S POV: 

As everyone was having dinner, Shivansh suddenly announced that he needed to talk to everyone and the atmosphere grew serious. Advay bhaiya asked him to speak, and he said that he had to leave for Delhi tomorrow evening for an important business deal. He would return in two days and wanted to make sure that no one had any urgent tasks during his absence. Everyone assured him that they didn't have any immediate plans.

Shivansh then mentioned that he was going to meet Aryan bhai now and asked not to wait up for him if he returned home late. He also told Advik and Adwit to finish their dinner and head to bed immediately. 

After these instructions, Shivansh left, and Aahana also retired to her room. That left just me and Advay bhaiya at the dining table and he was doing something on his phone. So, I approached him and said, "Bhaiya, I need to talk to you."

He put his phone aside and asked, "Yes, go ahead. Is everything alright? You look worried." 

I replied, "No, bhaiya, everything is not okay. Vikrant has been released from jail." 

This news surprised him, and he asked, "Vikrant, the one who tried to attack bhai a few months ago?" I nodded. 

But then  he questioned, "But how did he get into the jail? Bhai didn't file any complaint against him, and even he had suddenly disappeared after the attack." Honestly I had expected this reaction and question from him.

Then, he seemed to realize something and gave me a surprised look, asking, "Does this mean... you?" 

I sighed and admitted, "Yes, bhaiya, it was me. I didn't understand why Shivansh didn't take any action, but maybe he can spare those who hurt him, but I can't. Anyone who even looks at my Shivansh will have to deal with me." 

Bhaiya was just staring at me in shock, and he asked, "But when and how did you do all this?" 

I told him, "I'll explain everything later, but for now, we need to focus on Shivansh's safety."

He became serious and questioned, "Bhai's safety... What do you mean?" 

I continued, "Today, Rhea called, and she informed me about Vikrant. However, then Shivansh arrived, we couldn't talk, but I texted her asking for all the details about Vikrant. She sent me everything, stating that Vikrant was booking a flight to for here on tomorrow morning and is definitely planning something. I believe he intends to attack Shivansh again." 

Then Bhai said, "Well, bhai is going to Delhi tomorrow, so maybe if Vikrant will come here then that won't be a bog problem" 

I replied, "Exactly, but we can't take any risks. He's capable of doing anything, and we need to apprehend him as soon as possible. I have no guards here; otherwise, I would have done something, but now you'll have to handle everything."

He reassured me, "Don't worry; we won't let anything happen to bhai. I'll do something to capture Vikrant." 

I nodded, and we both got up. He hugged me and patted my head, saying, "Don't worry, go to sleep; nothing will happen to bhai, especially when you here being his little bodyguard." I smiled at his comment and went to my room. After talking to Rhea for a while, I fell asleep.

The next morning, we all woke up and had breakfast. I had inquired about Shivansh from Bhaiya as soon as we woke up, and he informed me that he would be staying at Aryan bhai's  place until this evening. Afterward, Adwit and Advik left for college, and I prepared their lunch box and gave it to them.

Advay bhaiya also left for his office, assuring me that they would soon catch Vikrant. Then it was just Aahana and me left in the house. I was cleaning a vase in the dining area when Aahana came down and hugged me from behind. 

I asked, "What's up? You seem very happy today." 

She took a seat at the dining chair and replied, "Yes, because I am very happy today." 

I sat down beside her and inquired, "Great! But can you please tell me why you're so happy?" 

She laughed and said, "Of course, that's exactly what I came to tell you."

I leaned in closer and asked, "Alright, so tell me quickly." 

She explained, "Okay, I'm happy because........today........ we are going out for a little trip." 

I raised my eyebrows and asked, "Oh, and exactly when did you asked me about that and I agreed on it ? " 

She got up, hugged me again, and replied, "I know that I don't need to ask you; I know you love me very much, and you won't say no to me. Besides, there's no one at home, and I'm getting very bored. Please, let's go somewhere." Saying this she made a really cute face.

I smiled at her cute behavior. I'm so happy to have her as my sister, and I really love her a lot. I just smiled and said, "Your wish is my command. Just tell me when you want to go?" 

She jumped with happiness and said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, dii... and let's just get ready and leave right now. Today, you'll take me shopping." 

I smiled at her and said, "Of course, let's get ready to go." 

So, let me tell you, Aahana just said, "I'll get ready right now, and then we'll head out immediately''  but now I've been waiting for her for the last 40 minutes, and she's still getting ready. Rhea used to do the same, and I don't understand who they're trying to impress with all that dressing up. 

Anyway, she has finally arrived, looking really cute. We got into Aahana's car, and I drove it as Aahana didn't wanted the driver to come with us. We went shopping for nearly 3 hours, buying lots of clothes for Aahana, Advay bhaiya, Advik, Adwit, and, of course, Shivansh.

 By the time we were done, it was already 2 pm. I asked Aahana if she wanted to eat something, but she declined, saying she wasn't hungry at the moment. However, she did buy two packets of pasta to cook at home. Finally, we headed back home.

When we arrived home, Aahana mentioned that she wanted to make pasta today. I knew very well that if she tried to cook, she'd probably set the kitchen on fire. Advay bhaiya had once told me that even in the USA, they had a whole staff for her, starting from a cook to a driver because she was very immature and didn't know how to do half the things. 

So, considering all this, I told her, "Aahana, let it be; I'll make it. You just relax. You must be tired right." But she insisted on cooking it herself. 

At last I gave up and said, "Fine, you can make it, but I'll guide you. Listen carefully and follow my instructions." She agreed, and I sighed with relief.

We started gathering all the ingredients, but we were missing pepper, oregano, chili flakes, and milk for making white sauce pasta, which she wanted. I told her it's okay, there's a market nearby, and I'll go get them. I asked if she wanted to come, but she said she was already tired. 

So, I got ready to go to the market and warned her not to do anything in the kitchen before I got back. She agreed, and I went to the market.

.

.

.

.

.

SHIVANSH'S POV: 

Aryan had prepared all his presentations and was ready to secure the deal. We were just wrapping up the last few things when my phone rang. I saw that it was Aahana calling and quickly answered. 

However, all I could hear was her heavy breathing, which made me anxious. Without thinking anything, I rushed out towards the car, connected it to bluetooth, and I was continuously trying to talk to her, but she wasn't replying anything. All I could hear was only her heavy breathings.

I started the car and drove home while attempting to communicate with her, but she still couldn't provide clear answers. My panic was increasing. 

Finally, she managed to say, "Bhai, fire... kitchen... help me, save me," and then she again started  taking deep breaths. 

When I heard the word "fire," my heart stopped. Aahana had an intense fear of fire due to her past and would get panic attacks whenever she saw huge fire; someone needed to be with her to calm her down.

I assured her, "It's okay, keep taking deep breaths, and don't panic. I'm on my way, and nothing will happen to you. You're strong. Where is Inayat? Call out to her."

 But what she  replied made me furious. She said, "No one's at home, she's outside." I couldn't believe Inayat had left my sister alone in the house. Our maids only came in the morning and evening, and at that moment, there was no one at home.

 I didn't know what to do. I immediately called Advay and asked him to come home. I continued talking to Aahana, but her voice suddenly stopped, and my body started shaking in fear.

After 15 agonizing minutes, I reached home. I could see smoke billowing from the house. I rushed inside and what I saw was Inayat bringing Aahana out of the kitchen, which was engulfed in flames. Aahana was unconscious, and I felt my heart race in fear. Right at that time Advay arrived as well.

I was in a state of panic, not knowing what to do and what not to do. But then I gathered myself and rushed towards Aahana, taking her in my arms. As I took Aahana from Inayat, she fell to the ground, pretending to be injured. 

However, I knew this was all an act. It was likely part of her plan to make herself look heroic in everyone's eyes and to get closer to me. She had deliberately put my sister in harm, leaving her in the fire while she stayed safe outside. As soon as she might have heard my car's sound she must have rushed to save Aahana to show me her care for her and was now pretending as if she had been burned in the fire. How can she do this to my sister who loved her so much. I felt like pushing her back into the fire, but it wasn't the right time. First, I had to get Aahana to regain consciousness.

Thinking this, I gently patted Aahana's cheeks trying to bring her back to her sense.  Advay also brought water and splashed it on her face, but she still wasn't regaining consciousness. I was terrified and on the verge of tears for not being able to protect her. 

I quickly picked her up and ran to the car to take her to the hospital. I was near the door when Advay called me. I looked back and saw that he was sitting next to Inayat and holding onto her. 

He said, "Bhai wait we will have to take Inayat also she is also injured" 

Hearing this made me even angrier. It was because of her that all of this had happened, and I had no intention of saving her. 

I told him, "Advay, what matters to me is my sister. I don't care about anyone else. Whether she lives or dies, I don't care. I have no time to wait for her I am taking Aahana with me. I need to save her." Saying this, I quickly got into the car, laid Aahana in the back seat, and drove to the hospital.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I hope you like it. 

And please do vote..🙏

And please let me know your honest views on the story..

Thank You...💞💖