The Luxurious Ancestral Bungalow of the Jindhal Family…

The grand wooden doors creaked open as the group of young lovers walked into the vast hall—each step echoing like a drumroll in their hearts. Their eyes wandered across the sophisticated décor, ancestral portraits, and the heavy silence that hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Aarohi’s grip on Neil’s arm tightened. He gently squeezed her hand to assure her, but his own heartbeat was erratic. And then… he walked in.

Clad in an impeccable black sherwani, with an air of authority that could silence a courtroom, Mr. Jindhal entered the hall with slow, deliberate steps. His eyes scanned every face, but his gaze settled on Neil like a hawk spotting its prey.

“So,” he said, his voice sharp, carrying the weight of unspoken judgment, “you’re the one.” Neil straightened his back, his jaw tightening.

“I beg your pardon, sir?” he asked politely but firmly.

Mr. Jindhal folded his arms, the tension in his posture undeniable. “You’re the man who’s in love with my daughter, aren't you? I assume you’re here to ask for her hand.”, Neil nodded. “Yes, sir. I am.”

Aarohi tried to speak, but her father raised a hand to stop her.

“You will address me as Mr. Jindhal,” he snapped, cutting through the warmth in the room like ice. “I might know about your so-called love, Neil Rathod—but let me make one thing absolutely clear. I have not approved this relationship. Not yet.”

Neil swallowed hard but stood his ground. “That’s fair. I’m not here to force anything. I’m here because I love Aarohi, and I want to build a future with her—with your blessings.”

Mr. Jindhal took a slow step toward him, eyes locked. “And what makes you think you're worthy of my daughter? Love? Every second man these days talks of love, Mr. Rathod. But love doesn’t build homes. Love doesn’t protect daughters. And love doesn’t guarantee loyalty.”

Neil’s hands clenched at his sides, but his voice remained steady.

“Then allow me to prove it. I didn’t come here to give you pretty words—I came to show you that my intentions are pure, that my respect for Aarohi and this family is real. You don’t know me yet, sir… but I hope one day you will.”

There was silence. A heavy, unbearable silence.

Aarohi looked between the two men—her heart aching for both. She knew her father’s strictness came from love, but she also knew Neil’s heart better than anyone.

Mr. Jindhal finally sighed. “You say all the right things. But words are easy, Mr. Rathod. I will watch you. I will test you. And if even for a second, I feel you’re not the man my daughter deserves… This relationship ends right there. Are we clear?”

Neil didn’t flinch. “Crystal clear, Mr. Jindhal.” Just then, Mrs. Jindhal walked in with a warm smile, trying to soften the intensity of the moment.

“Enough grilling for one day, don’t you think?” she said, linking her arm with her husband’s. “Let’s sit and talk like civil people. The kids have come with hopes in their hearts.”

Mr. Jindhal sighed, allowing himself to ease just a little. “Very well. But remember, this is not approval. It's an observation.”

---

Meanwhile, in another part of the house…

Tahir sat quietly in the living room with Diya by his side. Across from them sat Diya’s parents—her mother curious, her father, sharp-eyed and silent.

“So,” Diya’s father finally said, “you’re the man my daughter has chosen.”

Tahir looked him in the eye, nodded respectfully. “Yes, sir. My name is Tahir Raisinghania. I love your daughter. And I’m here to ask for your blessings.”

Diya’s mother smiled slightly, noticing the way her daughter’s eyes sparkled around Tahir. But her father wasn’t easily convinced. “Do you think love is enough to marry my daughter?” he asked sternly. “Do you think about your family, your past… your intentions… are they good enough for her?”

Tahir’s heart thudded in his chest. For a moment, guilt surged through him like a tidal wave. The truth… the revenge… the reason he got close to Diya. It all stood like a monster behind him. But then his gaze shifted to her—her eyes full of trust, unaware of the storm inside him—and that look gave him strength.

“I don’t come from perfection, sir,” Tahir replied. “But I come with honesty. I’ve made mistakes. But one thing I’ve never faked is my love for Diya. I would protect her with my life. I would never let her down. That’s a promise.”

There was silence again.

But something shifted.

Diya’s father nodded slightly—no approval yet, but a flicker of acceptance.

---

Back in the situation of Neil and Mr Jindhal, as now conversations lightened…

Mr. Jindhal observed Neil from across the table. A part of him still guarded, but a part… ever so slightly… beginning to see the man who stood before him—not as a threat, but as a possibility.

And Aarohi? She didn’t let go of Neil’s hand the entire time.

Mr. Jindal, Aarohi’s father, leaned back with folded arms and a raised brow. “Hmm… So tell me, Neil. How did you and Aarohi meet?”

Neil, smiling with a hint of nostalgia, replied, “Actually, sir, we met around five months ago. I had gone to meet the principal of her college, and that’s when I saw Aarohi for the first time. The moment I saw her… I fell in love. Love at first sight.”

Mr. Jindal chuckled, “Oh, so it’s one of those stories. Love at first sight, huh? Well, let’s put romance aside. Tell me this… how much do you earn?”

As he said this, a sly smirk spread across his face. He glanced at the other fathers in the room, clearly trying to intimidate the young men. But the boys? They simply exchanged knowing looks and smirked right back — confident, composed, and unfazed. That subtle pride in their eyes made the elders straighten up slightly, a bit rattled by their aura.

Tahir, adjusting his cuff, replied smoothly, “Well sir, we usually make around 1 to 2 crores...”

Mr. Sharma, Diya’s father, scoffed before Tahir could finish. “That’s it? Just 1 to 2 crores a year? Do you have any idea the kind of life my daughter has lived? She grew up in palaces — luxury is her birthright!”

Tahir’s smile didn’t falter. In fact, it deepened. “Sir, we were talking about 1 to 2 crores a day. And as for Diya — or any of the other girls — whatever you’ve provided them so far, we can give them ten times more. Your daughters may be princesses in your homes… but with us, they’ll be treated like queens. So you can imagine now… what kind of life your daughter will truly have.”

Mr. Sharma blinked, stunned. Then he laughed. “Wah! Your confidence is impressive. But…” The boys raised their brows collectively. Vansh asked sharply, “But what, Mr. Sharma?”

Mr. Sharma cleared his throat, “But of course, we do need some more information.”

Siddharth nodded, “You’re right. Ask whatever you’d like.”

Mr. Raichand, Rooh’s father, leaned forward. “We now know how successful you all are. But tell us this… why do you all live in Korea? As far as we know, all of you are from India. So why stay abroad?”

Harsh answered, “You’re absolutely right. We are Indian, and it’s not like we live there for fun. Our biggest company branch is based in Korea, and we need to personally oversee it.”

Jay added, “So we settled there because our presence is required often.”

Jatin explained further, “It also makes it easier for us to handle emergencies at the office—being close is crucial.” Vansh concluded, “And we have a collaborated company there. That’s one of the key reasons.”

Mr. Singh, Trisha’s father, smiled, clearly impressed. “Well, I must say, you all turned out to be far more successful than we expected. Our daughters chose well.”

The young men exchanged secretive smirks. Internally, they were celebrating. After years of planning, patience, and strategy — the moment was nearing. Their revenge… their return to their native land… India… was finally unfolding.

But little did they know — revenge is a game where the first step is digging two graves. One for your enemy… and one for yourself. A storm was approaching. One that would not just shake their lives… but destroy everyone’s.

Mr. Oberoi, Noor’s father, spoke, breaking the silence. “Alright. I think it’s time we call the girls inside. What say, Mr. Chauhan?”

Mr. Chauhan nodded. “Yes, yes! In all this discussion, we forgot they’re still outside with their mothers. Mr. Agrawal, could you please call them in?”

Mr. Agrawal, Naira’s father, smiled, already dialing. “Right away. And once they’re here, we’ll continue our discussion — who knows, our wives might want to question these boys themselves.”

[TIME SKIP – GIRLS RETURN WITH THEIR MOTHERS]

Mrs. Oberoi gently asked, “But children, tell us something — where are your parents? Because in marriage, it’s usually the elders who make such decisions.”

Siddharth and Harsh exchanged a glance and replied softly, “Ma’am… actually, we’re orphans. We don’t have our parents.”

Jatin added emotionally, “We do have a mother figure. Though not our biological mom, she raised us like her own. Loved us like a real parent.”

Mrs. Sharma, touched, asked, “Who is this great woman, the one blessed enough to raise such respectful sons?”

Vansh smiled. “She’s our mother.”

Mrs. Singh blinked. “Our?”

Tahir nodded. “Yes, aunty. Vansh and I are biological brothers. She’s our real mother. But she’s treated all of us equally — as her own sons.” Jay added warmly, “She never made us feel we were from different parents. She taught us to live as one family.”

Neil said emotionally, “To us, she’s God. She not only accepted us but gave us the love of a true parent.” Siddharth said with conviction, “No one could love us like she does.”

Harsh sighed, “She should’ve been here today. But…”

Mr. Oberoi asked, worried, “What do you mean? Is she no longer...?” Tahir quickly reassured him, “No, no sir. She’s alive. Just not in India. She runs an orphanage in the U.S., and there’s a major event going on there — that’s why she couldn’t attend.”

Mr. Raichand asked, “Will she come for the wedding?”

Vansh nodded, “She promised she’ll arrive a few days before, if the marriage gets finalized.” Mrs. Jindal smiled. “Well, we know everything we need to, and our daughters adore you all. So I have no objection. What about you, Mr. Jindal?”

He smiled. “Absolutely not. I’m happy. Brothers, what do you say?” All the elders: “We have no objections! We approve!”

But just then, Mr. Sharma interrupted, “But…” Everyone turned toward him. His words made all the young men glance at each other with concern. Diya was growing tense, her heart pounding.

She finally asked, her voice trembling, “Papa? Do you have a problem with this marriage?”

Her voice cracked, her eyes moist. The room grew heavy.

Mr. Sharma stood up. “Yes. I do have a problem… I want the wedding to happen within a month.” A wave of surprise and relief washed over everyone — especially Diya. Her trembling hand was gently held by Tahir, who gave her a comforting smile.

Tahir, trying to stay calm, asked, “Why so soon, uncle? Is there something you didn’t like about me? Or something else?” Tahir was holding back. He wanted to scream. But he kept it in… for Diya. Only for her. Mr. Sharma grinned, “No problem with you. It’s just… we want the wedding within the month.”

The boys smirked internally. This was perfect — one step closer to their grand plan.

Diya blinked. “But why, papa? I don’t understand…” Mr. Agrawal chuckled, “We just want you all married and settled. And soon!”

Naira asked, “Why?” Mr. Raichand teased, “So we can get rid of our burdens!”

Trisha and Noor: “Papa!!”

Rooh rolled her eyes. “So now we’re burdens?”

Avani & Aarohi: “Wow… just wow!”

Mrs. Chauhan laughed, “Enough drama, girls. It’s because your fathers have a long business trip ahead — almost six months.”

Mrs. Agrawal added, “And who knows what tomorrow brings?” Jatin smirked. “True. Who knows what will happen tomorrow…” Mr. Singh declared, “Then it’s decided. The wedding will be four weeks from today!”

Everyone cheered in agreement.

Trisha asked, “So you all are saying yes?”

Everyone: “YES!”

---

Later: Private Conversations Between Fathers and Sons

Mr. Raichand turned to Siddharth. “Do you truly love Rooh?”

Siddharth replied, “Yes, uncle. And I know about her past. She told me. About how she once loved someone more than life itself, but he only used her. Since then, she stopped believing in love. But I’ll bring her out of that darkness.”

Mr. Raichand smiled. “I trust you. Please never break that trust.”

Siddharth nodded, “Never, Papa.” Mr. Singh to Vansh: “My daughter doesn’t open up easily. She holds things in. Please, take care of her.”

Vansh reassured him saying,“I promise. I’ll always be by her side.” Mr. Singh: “You’re a gem, Vansh. God bless you.” Mr. Oberoi, seeking the chance , asked “Harsh, how did you fall for my daughter? She’s nothing like the others.”

Harsh smiled, “It was her innocence. I fell for her before I even realized it. One day, at a party, I saw someone harassing her… I beat that guy up. And confessed my love then and there. She was scared. But I promised I’d never leave her.”

Mr. Oberoi, in a little strict yet soft voice“And I hope you never do.”

Harsh, also assured him “Never, papa.” Jatin chuckled, “That’s so similar to Naira!”

Mr. Agarwal“What do you mean?” Jatin grinned, “She used to be all attitude… especially because she knew Jay liked Avani.”

Mr. Chauhan amused as he asked, “Oh? So Jay was the first one to fall in love?” Jay grinned, “Yep. If it wasn’t for me, you all wouldn’t be in love either!”

Neil teased, “So we’re in love because of you?” Jay grinned and low-key chuckled while stating “well that's how started our love saga”

Neil, giving in to him, “Fine, you win.” Jay smirked in victory “I only lose to Avani. No one else!” Mr. Jindal to Neil “Promise me — never let my daughter cry.” Neil Smile little, “Never. That’s my duty.”

Mr. Agrawal also felt cautious as he said, “Jatin, take care of Naira. She’s sensitive.”

Jatin “Always, papa.”

A beat of silence passed… then Mr. Sharma asked seriously, “Tahir… what’s the most important thing in your life?”

Tahir’s voice was steady. “The one without whom I can’t live. The one who taught me what true love is. The one who made this cold-hearted man surrender…”

Mr. Sharma, brows furrowed “Who is this person?”

Tahir: “DIYA.” He looked at her across the room, laughing with her mother.

Tahir turned back. “No one is more important to me than her. Please don’t worry, papa. I’ll never let her get hurt.”

---

Vansh's POV – The Dark Truth Revealed

As I walked back from the washroom, something caught my ear — muffled whispers down the corridor. Curious, I followed the sound to a room. Pressing my ear against the door, I focused. Then I recognized the voice — my future father-in-law.

Mr. Singh's voice could be heard, “The boys are filthy rich. If we marry our daughters into their families, we’ll be rich too.”

Another voice was heard, “Exactly. And they’re so innocent. Especially Tahir… says Diya is the most important thing to him. I expected him to talk about money or assets. But no. Look at him… such a fool.”

That voice… was Mr. Sharma.

I clenched my fists. Rage bubbling beneath my skin.

They want to use us… for our wealth. But they don’t know yet — Tahir isn’t as innocent as he seems. And soon… they’ll find out.

I took out my phone… and sent a message to the others.

"Game on."