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Author's POV

Malavika sat at her desk, engrossed in editing and checking features. The office was quiet except for the occasional murmur of conversations from her colleagues.
The place was a hive of activity, but she had managed to tune out the noise.

Shubman and all others were present in the office as they had a shoot.

A staff member knocked on her door and peeked in. "Ma'am, you have a visitor."

Malavika looked up, slightly annoyed at the interruption. "Alright, send them in."

The door opened, and a familiar figure walked in. Malavika's eyes widened in shock and her expression quickly shifted to anger.

"What are you doing here Juhi ?" Malavika asked, her voice tight.

Juhi smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Oh, just came to see my dear daughter. Or should I say, the daughter who abandoned her own mother?"

Malavika's jaw clenched. "This is not the place for your drama so leave."

Why? Afraid your colleagues will find out the truth about you?. That you're not even a real part of this perfect family you pretend to have?" Juhi taunted.

"LEAVE.". Malavika stood up, her hands shaking with anger. .

"You're always so quick to anger, Malavika just like your dad. No wonder you ran away to London. But you can't run forever. I'm still your mother." She said unfazed by her anger.

At this, Malavika's temper snapped. "Get out you lady or else!!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the office.

The entire office fell silent, and the ICT members stared in shock at the usually composed and professional Malavika. Her outburst had revealed a side of her they had never seen.

"I have worked hard to build my life, and I won't let you or anyone else tear it down!" Malavika stated gritting her teeth.

Juhi, seeing the reaction she had provoked, smirked once more.

"Uff this anger!" Juhi taunted.
She stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. "You can pretend all you want, Malavika, but deep down, you know you're just like me."

Malavika's eyes blazed with anger. "How dare you? I am nothing like you. I don't abandon the people I love. I don't hurt them for my own gain. You are a selfish, cruel woman, and I want nothing to do with you."

"You are me. And I am you. Mother daughter relationship Malavika!"
She stated.

"No we aren't!. We are poles apart. Actually you are a bloody whore right ?!. A slut."
She sarcastically chuckled a breath.

"MALAVIKA!" Juhi yelled.

"Don't even dare to raise your voice infront of me. I hate it. And FUCK OFF!" Malavika yelled.

Anjali chuckled sarcastically. "My naive little girl. Finally the real you is out. The angry woman. That's what I wanted. See you around, my dear daughter."
Juhi sauntered out of her office.

Malavika took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She noticed the concerned and curious looks from her colleagues and sighed. "I'm sorry for the disturbance, everyone. Let's get back to work."
She said coldly and sat down, her hands still trembling slightly continued her work.

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In the office lounge, Shubman, Ishan, Shreyas, Virat, and Rohit huddled together, their conversation filled with curiosity and concern about Malavika's recent outburst.

Shubman leaned in, whispering, "Did you guys see how Malavika reacted earlier? I've never seen her like that before."

Ishan nodded, "Yeah, she was absolutely livid. That woman really pushed her buttons."

Rohit frowned. "Who was that woman anyway? She seemed to be stirring up a lot of drama."

Virat shrugged. "I think she mentioned something about being Malavika's mother, but it's clear there's a lot more to it. Did you hear what she said about Malavika being her daughter.?"

Shreyas nodded thoughtfully. "It's strange. Malavika usually keeps her personal life tightly guarded. It's like there's a whole side of her we don't know."

As the group continued discussing, Adhya entered the lounge, having overheard their conversation. She stopped and looked at them with a serious expression.

Adhya continued, "I know you all wanna know the story behind Malavika's reaction and that woman. But it's her private life, and I can't just reveal it like that. It's up to Malavika if she wants to share it with you. I hope she'll open up about it someday."

The guys exchanged glances, their curiosity still piqued but respecting Adhya's boundaries.

Shubman nodded.

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In a quiet corner of the office, Malavika sat at her desk, still shaken from her recent encounter with Juhi.

Adhya approached her cautiously, sensing that Malavika might need some support.

"Malu." Adhya began gently, "Can we talk for a moment?"

Malavika looked up, her eyes still reflecting the anger and pain from earlier. "Sure, Adhi. What's up?"

Adhya pulled her from the chair and made her sit on the couch and sat down beside her, lowering her voice.
"Malu. I know you are in a bad mood. But it's me your Adhi. Come talk to me. You can scream at me if you want."

Malavika sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's just... that woman. I thought I was done with her, but she just barged back into my life."

Aadhya held her hand in hers. "Mm we'll handle her. Are you still angry ?"

Malavika looked away, her voice heavy. "It's just that she has a way of making everything worse. She left my father for another man, and now she tries to interfere in my life. It feels like she's trying to erase everything good that I've built. She'll take everything I love away from me. She destroys everything."

As Adhya spoke with her, Shubman, happened to be passing by and overheard part of their conversation. He paused, his interest piqued by the mention of Malavika's troubled family situation.

"And now smile." Aadhya showed a weird expression to make Malavika smile.

"Looking like a witch." Malavika rolled her eyes.

"You mean a bitch!!" Aadhya retorted back and Malvika chuckled all of a sudden.

"Hahh.. I made you laugh. So talented right?!"
Aadhya asked wiggling her brows and Malavika gave a light slap on her cheek.

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Later in the day, Shubman found Bhumika in her room, working on some papers. He knocked lightly on the door and walked in.

"Hello Mathe!"

"Padharo putr padharo" She replied back.

"Mom. Can I ask you something?"

"Mmh."

"Do you know Malu personally? Like her family and all.?!" He asked and she hummed in yes.

"Her mom ?" He asked hesitating a bit. "Is she like.."

Her expression changed all of a sudden into a concerned one. "Anything happened with Malu ? Why are you asking me all this ?"

"Yaa she is fine. A lady came to office today."
He explained the whole thing.

"Shubhi it's good to not interfere in her private life. Leave her alone."

"But m-" He stopped in between receiving a glare from his mother.

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That night, Shubman was heading back to his room when he noticed Malavika sneaking out of her room. She was heading toward her car, looking unusually distressed. Concerned, Shubman decided to follow her.

As Malavika started her car and was about to drive off, Shubman approached her vehicle, knocking on the window. She rolled it down, looking surprised.

"Malu, it's late. Is everything okay?" Shubman asked, trying to keep his tone gentle.

Malavika looked tired and a bit frustrated. "I just needed to get out for a bit. I didn't expect anyone to notice."

"Can I come with you?" Shubman offered. "You shouldn't be out right now alone. You look tired."

Malavika hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

As they drove, her driving was erratic and fast. Shubman, trying to stay calm, said, "Malu, you're driving really fast. It's not safe to race around like this."

Her grip tightened on the steering wheel, but she slowed down as he spoke. "I'm sorry. I just... needed to clear my head."

Shubman nodded, understanding her need for space but still worried for her safety. "I get it. Let's just get somewhere calm, okay?"

They soon arrived at a secluded beach. She parked the car and sat quietly, not getting out. Shubman sat in the passenger seat, offering her space but remaining close enough to show his support.

"Sometimes it helps to just sit and think," He said softly. "If you want to talk, I'm here."

She looked over at him, her eyes tired but grateful. "Thanks, Shubman. I just needed a moment away from everything."

As they sat in the car by the beach, Shubman decided to gently probe into Malavika's troubles. "Malu, if you don't mind sharing, what's going on with your family? I know it's a tough time."

Malavika took a deep breath, about to answer, when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was her mother, Avantika. She answered with a warm smile in her voice. "Hi, Mom."

Avantika's voice came through, filled with affection. "Hello, sweetheart. How's everything? I was thinking about you and just wanted to check in."

Malavika's expression softened as she responded. "I'm okay, Mom. Just out for a drive to clear my head. How is my sweetie ?"

Avantika's tone was soothing. "I'm good Malu. I miss you so much. How's work and you are okay right ? And how are you really doing?"

Malavika chuckled softly. "Mom.."

"Stop showering questions! Ya I am fine. Extra fine." Malavika answered.

Shubman observed the interaction closely. The contrast between Malavika's tense demeanor earlier and her gentle, loving exchange with her mom was striking. It was clear that Malavika had a strong, supportive relationship with her mom, which seemed to provide her with comfort amidst her struggles.

As the call ended, Malavika turned to Shubman. "Sorry about that. It's just nice to hear her voice sometimes. I feel peace when I talk to her."

Shubman nodded, understanding the significance of that connection.
But he was confused of the things in her life.

'She is an enigma.' He thought in mind.

The next moment I found her crying. It's not the Malu I know who is sitting beside me. It's Malavika Rathore who veils the deep emotions and hidden truths beneath a smile.

My heart is aching seeing her like this. It's true that the people who laugh the most conceals their pain behind it. And I saw such a person today.

"Malu." I called her and she immediately wiped her tears and looked at me with a smile.

Is it a genuine smile or a fake one to make me feel that she is okay. Ofcourse a fake one. I am not able to trust her smiling face now. It is concealing her pain.

"You okay?" I asked as I was so concerned.

She nodded.

"Malu I need words!"

"I am f..fine." She answered.

"Was that lady who came today your mother ?" I asked hesitantly.

"She is. But she isn't." She replied making me more confused.

"I'm sorry but I di-" I was gonna ask her again when she interrupted me.

"I am a surrogate baby."

"What ?!"

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•∞•

♡Mein mera dil aur tum ho yahan
Phir kyun ho palkein jukaen wahan
Tumsa haseen pehle dekha nhi
Tum isse pehle dhe jaane kahan♡

To Be Continued....

~AuthorAahi