Recap: Vikram captures Priyanka and ask her the truth.
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Priyanka trembled, her body rigid with fear as she faced Vikram’s blazing fury. He stood over her, his patience worn thin, his lethal rage barely restrained.
“Tell me,” he commanded, his voice sharp as a blade. “How were you connected with Sahana?”
Priyanka swallowed hard. “Sahana, Samrat, and I studied in the same school and later completed college together. We were inseparable since childhood.”
Vikram’s jaw tightened. “Why did you stay in Sana Mansion?”
A flicker of sorrow crossed Priyanka’s face. “Samrat and I came from a middle-class family. When we were in our second year of college, our parents died in an accident. Sahana took me in, gave me a home. I lived with her, and Samrat would visit or stay over sometimes.”
Vikram’s eyes darkened. “And Rakshat? Who is he? How does he fit into all of this?”
“Rakshat was our senior in college,” Priyanka admitted, her voice hesitant. “He shared a deep bond with Sahana, like an older brother. He protected her fiercely. No one dared to harm her—if they tried, he made sure they regretted it.”
A sickening wave of guilt crashed over Vikram. He clenched his fists, cursing himself. The weight of his past words and actions crushed him, flashing before his eyes. Sahana and Rakshat—he had misjudged them both.
His voice was quieter now, but no less dangerous. “How did I become a part of your game?”
Priyanka took a deep breath before answering. “It all started when we were in our first year of college…”
Flashback starts:
May 24, 11:45 p.m.
The city lay under a blanket of darkness, its streets silent except for the few who were awake, caught up in their own schemes and dreams. In the grand Sana Mansion, Sahana slept peacefully in her royal bed, her delicate features illuminated by the moonlight seeping through the curtains.
The mansion stood still, undisturbed until a sudden explosion shattered the silence.
The blast wasn’t destructive, but it was loud enough to jolt Sahana awake. She gasped, her heart pounding, and rushed out of bed, calling out for her family. But the house was eerily quiet. No response. No movement.
Tiptoeing cautiously, she reached for the light switch. As the chandelier flickered to life, she gasped.
The entire mansion was transformed. Purple balloons, cascading flowers, shimmering curtains everything was bathed in her favorite color. A large banner stretched across the hall. “Happy Birthday, Princess!”
Confused but overwhelmed with joy, her eyes darted around the room. That’s when she spotted a small macaron box on the table, along with a folded chit.
“What’s this?” she murmured, picking it up.
The note read:
“Happy Birthday, Sweety! Your first gift is waiting in your room. Go find it.”
Excited, she dashed back upstairs and flung open her wardrobe. There, wrapped in a soft purple cover, was a stunning Cinderella gown. She twirled in delight, running her fingers over the fabric. Another note was pinned to it:
“Darling, your next gift is in your favorite place.”
No second guesses. She sprinted to the music room, her heart thudding. As she stepped inside, her eyes widened—there, beneath a satin purple cloth, was her most beloved instrument, a veenai.
Tears welled up as she touched the smooth wood, a flood of emotions rushing through her. Another note lay beside it:
“Sunshine, grab your next gift from your second-favorite place.”
A grin spread across her face, The kitchen.
She ran downstairs, opening cupboard after cupboard until she found a box wrapped in deep purple. Inside, her favorite blueberry pie. Giggling, she took a bite, savoring the sweetness, and picked up another chit:
“Princess, your next gift is in your dearest person’s place.”
Sahana froze. She knew exactly where to go.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she made her way to her mother’s room. A small velvet box sat before her mother’s framed photo. With trembling fingers, she opened it. Inside, nestled in delicate silk, was a platinum chain with a stunning diamond pendant.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she unfolded the letter beside it. Her mother’s handwriting stared back at her.
“My Dearest Sana,
Happy Birthday, my little girl. Today, you turn 21, stepping into a new phase of life. I know you will grow into a kind-hearted, strong woman just like I always dreamed.
This chain was bought on the day you were born. I wanted to give it to you on this special day. It holds something magical, my love. One day, it will guide you to the love of your life.
Stay happy, always. Give love, and you will receive love.
Your mommy loves you more than anything. My blessings are always with you.
With all my love,
Mommy.
Sahana sobbed quietly, pressing the letter to her heart. But before she could dwell in emotions for too long, another card caught her eye.
“Surprise ends at your fun place.”
She knew where to go next.
As she stepped into the garden, darkness surrounded her. A strange silence lingered, and for a second, she wondered if the surprises were over.
Then one by one the lights flickered on. Photo frames lined the pathway, displaying her journey from age one to twenty-one. At the center of it all, the words lit up in dazzling lights, “Happy 21st Birthday, Sana!”
Her heart swelled. Standing beneath the lights were her father, Priyanka, Samrat, and Rakshat, holding a cake decorated with a barbie doll on top.
Her father, Mr. Krishnan, one of the country’s most powerful billionaires, pulled her into a warm hug before presenting her with a breathtaking diamond necklace. “Happy Birthday, my little princess.” Sahana beamed as her loved ones showered her with love. The night ended in laughter and celebration, but little did she know tomorrow would change her life forever.
Sahana was fast asleep when Priyanka nudged her awake. “Sana, wake up! We need to go to the temple.”
“Five more minutes,” Sahana groaned, pulling the blanket over her head.
Priyanka huffed. “Fine! I’ll send your dear brother to wake you up.”
Within moments, Rakshat entered, sitting beside her and gently caressing her hair. “Wake up, sunshine. You’re meeting your favorite person today.”
Sahana peeked out groggily. “Who?”
Rakshat smirked. “Your crush.”
Her eyes shot open. “Are you serious?”
“I swear,” he chuckled. “You’ll see him today.”
Sahana bolted upright. “Oh my god! Give me ten minutes!”
As she hurried to get dressed, she chose a simple yet elegant saree of her mother’s and adorned herself with a delicate pearl set. After receiving her father’s blessings, she set off for the temple, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
At Vikram Mansion:
At the same time, across the city, Vikram’s father, Mr. Lakshmikanthan, entered his son’s room.
“Vikram, wake up. You need to go to the temple today.”
Vikram groaned, turning away. “Dad, you know I hate public places.”
Lakshmikanthan sighed. “I know, but do you remember what day it is?”
Vikram’s eyes snapped open. “Shit… I forgot.”
“Get ready,” his father said. “I’ve arranged everything.”
As fate would have it, Sahana and Vikram arrived at the same temple that morning, unknowingly stepping toward the moment that would change their lives forever.
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