𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒

五

/NEXT DAY/ 

"Here is your invitation card Saba, there is a business celebration party in our house. Dad told me to invite you three", Veer said. He gave them their cards. 

/AT THE PARTY/

Saba being the down-to-earth middle-class girl she is, with a penchant for simplicity, found herself standing at the entrance of the extravagant Ahuja Mansion, an opulent mansion. The towering gates adorned with golden filigree cast a daunting shadow over her as she hesitantly led to the entrance.

Accompanying her were Dheeraj and Balram, her two friends, who were visibly in awe of their surroundings. Saba, however, felt a mix of curiosity and discomfort, her simple dress and unassuming demeanor standing in stark contrast to the extravagant atmosphere.

Saba's gaze wandered through the crowd, taking in the opulent surroundings and the sea of unfamiliar faces. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, her eyes locked onto a figure that stood out from the rest. It was Veer, Veer Ahuja,  an embodiment of wealth and charisma.

Saba couldn't tear her eyes away, captivated by the way he effortlessly moved through the room, his charisma emanating with every step. It wasn't love, not yet, but there was an unexplainable connection, a magnetic pull that compelled her to continue gazing. 

As Saba's gaze remained fixated on Veer, her fascination with him was abruptly interrupted by a sudden presence at her side. She turned to find Yashika, standing dangerously close, her face contorted with anger and resentment. In a low, venomous voice, Yashika leaned in, whispering threatening words into Saba's ear.

"If you won't stop looking at my boyfriend with that cheap intention of yours, I'll surely tell everyone how your aunt is a maid in our house, you slut", Yashika whispered. 

"No wonder you looked familiar to me on your first day, turns out your aunt is our maid. (Yashika starts laughing) No wonder Veer called you a maid, you look like one', Yashika said and started laughing again. 

Saba's heart pounded in her chest as Yashika's menacing words reached her ears. The harshness of the whispered threat sent a chill down her spine, and she could feel her body tense with a mixture of fear and shock. The once vibrant atmosphere of the party now felt suffocating as the weight of Yashika's words sank in.

Struggling to maintain her composure, Saba locked eyes with Yashika, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of apprehension. She refused to show her vulnerability, determined not to let Yashika's intimidation break her spirit. Saba's response carried a quiet strength, a refusal to be cowed by the venomous words that were meant to undermine her. "I have no intention to steal your boyfriend. And being a maid is not something to be ashamed of," she replied, her words laced with quiet defiance. "My aunt is a hardworking and respectable person, and I'm proud of her."

Saba's response took Yashika aback, momentarily stunning her with the strength and conviction in her words. It was clear that Saba's moral compass guided her actions, untethered by superficial judgments or societal expectations. Yashika's attempt to demean her had failed, for Saba, recognized the inherent worth and dignity in all forms of honest work.

As Veer observed Yashika and Saba from a distance, an inexplicable magnetism tugged at his heart. His eyes traced Saba, captivated by her natural beauty and the grace with which she carried herself. The simplicity of her dress only enhanced her allure, and he couldn't deny the pull he felt towards her.

Conflicting emotions surged within Veer, battling against his own principles and commitment to his relationship. He was a righteous man when it came to matters of the heart, deeply devoted to his girlfriend, Yashika. It had only been a few days since he first met Saba, so why was he experiencing such a magnetic attraction to her?

Veer struggled to make sense of this inexplicable connection. Perhaps it was the genuine kindness that radiated from Saba or the way she effortlessly embraced her true self. There was an authenticity in her presence that resonated with him, stirring a yearning for something more profound.

Taking a deep breath, Veer tore his gaze away from Saba, forcing himself to redirect his attention elsewhere. He knew he had to navigate these uncharted emotions with integrity and respect. It was a battle he had to face within himself, one that would test his resolve and the strength of his character. 

As the party reached its crescendo, Veer, adorned in an air of confidence, took center stage. The grand chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow as the anticipation among the guests mounted. With a commanding presence, Veer raised his glass to grab everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice projecting with unwavering poise, "Tonight, I have the distinct pleasure of unveiling a collection of renowned artworks, each one a masterpiece in its own right."

Anticipation filled the room as the curtains were pulled back, revealing the artworks.

Gasps of disbelief and laughter rippled through the crowd as they beheld the unexpected sight before them. Instead of a masterpiece symbolizing wealth and refinement, the painting had been replaced by a comical caricature of Veer himself, complete with exaggerated features and a clownish expression.

Shocked and mortified, Veer's face flushed crimson with embarrassment as he saw the artworks. The room erupted in laughter, with guests unable to contain their amusement at the unexpected turn of events.

Amidst the chaos, Veer noticed a smiling figure, smiling towards him. It was Balram.

"So, it's him who altered my artworks?", Veer thought. 

Yes, it was him. It was Balram who plotted to tamper with the paintings from Veer's private collection, one that was known to be the centerpiece of his wealth and sophistication. With careful precision, he replaced the artwork with an uncanny forgery. He knew that Veer would show the paintings at the party today, so he planned all this to take revenge on him. 

PLS VOTE AND COMMENT ON THIS STORY