HER BETRAYAL HIS REVENGE

CHAPTER:30

AUTHOR'S POV

The grand ballroom of the Chauhan mansion was adorned with dazzling lights and shimmering decorations, every corner reflecting the joy and grandeur of the occasion. Tara’s birthday party was nothing short of spectacular. The little girl was the star of the evening, dressed in a delicate pink princess dress that glittered under the chandelier's soft glow. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she twirled around, the lace of her dress fanning out like a blossoming flower.

Arjun and Diksha, her parents, stood at the entrance, greeting the arriving guests with warm smiles. Arjun, in his crisp black suit, looked every bit the proud father, while Diksha, in her elegant saree, exuded grace. The couple shared a glance of joy as they watched their daughter, the apple of their eyes, being doted on by everyone.

Alok, Tara’s grandfather, had taken her in his arms, his face beaming with pride as he carried her around the room. “Where are my friends, Grandpa?” Tara asked, her innocent voice filled with anticipation.

“They’ll be here soon, my princess,” Alok replied with a smile, his heart warming at the sound of her voice.

The Rathore family soon arrived, adding to the lively atmosphere. Rajendra, Tara’s grandfather, picked her up with a broad smile, kissing her cheeks affectionately. "Happy birthday, my little angel," he whispered as Tara giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. Abhilasha followed, placing a gentle kiss on Tara’s forehead. “May you always be blessed with happiness, my dear,” she murmured, her eyes twinkling with love.

The party was in full swing, with children running about, laughter echoing through the halls. A magnificent cake, three tiers of sugary delight decorated with colorful icing and edible flowers, stood proudly on the center table, drawing the attention of all the kids. Meanwhile, the adults mingled, savoring the appetizers served by the waiters. Plates of gourmet dishes floated through the crowd as conversations and laughter filled the air.

A section of the garden had been turned into a play area for the children, where they indulged in games of hide and seek, sack races, and pin the tail on the donkey. The children's squeals of delight echoed as the adults watched fondly, enjoying their drinks and appetizers under the twinkling fairy lights.

As the evening progressed, it was time for the cake-cutting ceremony. The lights dimmed slightly, and a hush fell over the crowd as Tara was escorted to the cake by her parents and grandparents. The little girl’s eyes widened in awe as she looked at the candles flickering atop the cake. With a joyful grin, she blew them out, her tiny hands cutting into the soft layers of the cake as everyone clapped and cheered.

The first slice was offered to her parents, then to Alok, and finally to Rajendra and Abhilasha. The warmth and love in the room were palpable as Tara distributed the cake to her family, the happiness on her face mirrored by everyone around her.

But amidst the joy, a subtle, almost unnoticed signal passed from Alok to one of the waiters. The waiter nodded discreetly before resuming his duties, distributing cake slices to the rest of the guests.

As the music started, guests began to dance, the floor filling with twirling skirts and flashing smiles. Abhilasha, after receiving her piece of cake, had just taken a small bite when she suddenly paused. A strange, uncomfortable sensation gripped her throat. She coughed lightly, trying to clear it, but the discomfort only grew. Her vision blurred, and her heart began to race as dizziness overtook her.

She reached out, clutching Rajendra’s arm for support. “Something’s... wrong,” she managed to whisper before her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor.

The music screeched to a halt, and a wave of panic swept through the room. Guests gasped in shock, some rushing forward to help. Abhimaan and Rajendra were at her side in an instant. Abhimaan’s face paled as he knelt beside his grandmother, quickly assessing the situation.