Knotted Destiny(ON HOLD TILL APRIL)

11

Purab stood in front of the grand estate—no, a mansion. He scoffed, unimpressed. “This mansion won’t tempt me into handing over my sister. We have a big house too! And if she wants, I’ll build her a mansion myself,” he muttered before pressing the doorbell.

His little sister’s harsh words would never deter him from wanting the best for her. He had sworn to protect her, no matter what. And if that meant breaking off her marriage, so be it. Yet, deep down, he couldn't quite explain his resistance to her marriage. Was it fear? The fear of losing her again?

The door creaked open, revealing a warm smile from a woman who appeared to be around his mother’s age. “Probably that guy’s mother,” Purab thought, nodding curtly as she stepped aside to let him in.

Purab Ahuja was known for his cold demeanor. The only person who ever saw his softer side was his sister—Purvi.

“Prataap ji called ahead and informed Avinaash about your arrival. I’m Supriya Malhotra, Aarav’s mother,” she introduced herself with a gentle smile.

“Namaste,” Purab greeted, his voice neutral. “I just need to meet him briefly and leave, so if you could—”

She cut him off with a warm chuckle. “Mere hone wali bahut ke bhai ho khatir dari to hogi hi!” [You’re my future daughter-in-law’s brother. Of course, I’ll take care of you properly!]

“Hone wali bahu? They’ve already started calling her that? The wedding hasn’t even happened yet! And now…it never will,” Purab thought bitterly. [Future daughter-in-law?]

Yet, instead of voicing his thoughts, he simply nodded as she walked away, leaving him alone with his conflicted emotions.

"Walk straight, then left—no, right? Or was it left? Gosh! Don’t they have any maids in this house? What kind of billionaires are they? Irresponsible people! I won’t let my sister marry into such a household!" Purab muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone.

"I guess it was left... the room at the last corner. Yeah, right." He strode toward the door, hesitating only briefly before knocking twice.

Silence.

His brows furrowed as he knocked again.

Still, no response.

"Great! I’m going to be late because of these people." Sighing in irritation, he pushed the door open.

The moment he stepped inside, his eyes landed on the soft baby pink walls adorned with delicate, star-shaped decorations dangling from the ceiling.

"Isn't this room a bit too... girly? And it definitely doesn’t look like an office. Did I enter the wrong room? Shit!" He muttered, his body tensing as he prepared to turn back and leave.

But then—his gaze caught on a photo frame sitting on a nearby table.

In the picture, a little girl stood in the center, arms folded, a tiny crown perched on her head. Flanking her were two young boys, their arms draped protectively around her shoulders.

Unknowingly, a small smile tugged at his lips. A wave of nostalgia crashed over him, pulling him back to a time when he and his sister were just two innocent kids—carefree, happy, untouched by the burdens of life.

"Cute," he murmured, unable to suppress the fondness in his voice.

Just then, the soft click of a door unlocking snapped him out of his thoughts.

Before he could turn, a voice rang out—startled, teasing, and utterly unexpected.

"What is a stud-muffin doing in my room?"