One day, One love

Hidden Ties

After two weeks of quietly observing her mother, Manisha couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Ever since her wedding, she had noticed a deep guilt etched on her mother's face—a guilt that she had never seen before. The sight haunted her, nagging at her thoughts until she could no longer ignore it.

And so, over the next few days, Manisha carefully followed subtle clues, gathering fragments of her mother's past like puzzle pieces. The more she uncovered, the more her determination grew. While researching her family's old residence, she stumbles upon information about a long-lost friend of her parents. With a surge of hope, she tracked down the address. It was in a distant city, but Manisha knew this was her best shot at discovering the truth.

The next morning, she decided to approach Abhishek, knowing she needed a reason to explain her sudden trip.

"Abhishek," she began hesitantly, watching as he skimmed through work emails on his phone. "I've been thinking... it's been a while since I visited my aunt. She's been asking about me. I'm planning to go see her."

Abhishek barely looked up, his mind clearly elsewhere. "Your aunt? The one in Surat? Yeah, that sounds good. You should go," he replied, his tone distracted. He paused for a moment, finally meeting her eyes. "But... is everything okay, Manisha? You seem a bit off lately."

Manisha forced a smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil. "I'm fine. Just miss her, that's all."

Abhishek studied her for a moment longer, then nodded. "Alright. Take care of yourself, okay? And call me if you need anything."

She could see the tension weighing him down, and it made her hesitate for a moment. But she knew she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. With a quick nod, she replied, "I will. Don't worry."

As Manisha embarked on her journey later that day, her thoughts raced with questions and possibilities. What had driven her mother to leave them all those years ago? What secrets lay hidden in her past? The address in her pocket felt like a key to a door she had long been afraid to open.

Meanwhile, as the train rumbled on, she thought back to Abhishek's tense expression. She hoped he would be okay while she was gone, unaware of the storm brewing within him. Both of them were now on separate paths—each haunted by their own unresolved troubles.

Abhishek was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. The deal with Neha's father was a significant milestone, but it came with its own set of complications. Today was the day of the grand business party, an event meticulously planned to celebrate the signing of the deal and to make the announcement to their esteemed guests. The atmosphere in the lavishly decorated ballroom was buzzing with anticipation, the air thick with excitement and the clinking of champagne glasses.

As Abhishek moved through the crowd, he couldn't shake the mounting stress that gripped him. He had spent countless hours scrutinizing the terms of the deal, weighed the pros and cons, and still felt uneasy. The pressure was palpable, and his mind was clouded with doubts.

His father, Vinay Malhan, who had been a pillar of support throughout this process, approached him with a reassuring smile. Vinay's presence was both comforting and imposing, a testament to his years of experience in the business world. He placed a hand on Abhishek's shoulder, sensing his son's tension.

"Abhishek," Vinay began, his voice steady and authoritative. "I know you're feeling the pressure right now, but this deal is crucial for our growth. It's an opportunity we can't afford to pass up."

Abhishek sighed, glancing at the crowd of well-dressed guests mingling and enjoying the evening. "I understand, Dad, but there are aspects of this deal that still worry me. What if we're not fully prepared for the commitments it entails?"

Vinay shook his head, a look of determination in his eyes. "You've done your due diligence. I've seen you work tirelessly to ensure everything is in place. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith. This deal will strengthen our position in the market and secure our future."

Abhishek's gaze faltered as he looked around at the event, the elegance and grandeur only adding to his anxiety. "But what if something goes wrong? What if this is a risk we're not ready to take?"

Vinay's expression softened, and he gave Abhishek a firm, encouraging squeeze on the shoulder. "Every business decision carries some level of risk. What matters is how prepared we are to handle those risks. You've got the expertise, the team, and the strategy. Trust yourself and trust the process."

Abhishek took a deep breath, trying to absorb his father's words. The confidence in Vinay's voice was reassuring, and he knew that his father's experience was invaluable. Still, the weight of the decision pressed heavily on him.

As the time approached for the official announcement, Vinay gave Abhishek a final nod. "It's time. Go out there and make that announcement with the confidence you deserve. We've prepared for this moment. Now, it's time to embrace it."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Abhishek squared his shoulders and made his way to the podium. The crowd's chatter dimmed as he prepared to speak, the tension in his chest slowly giving way to resolve. He knew the decision had to be made, and despite his reservations, he was ready to face the challenge head-on.

The party was in full swing, the ballroom alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Amidst the festive chaos, Abhishek found himself retreating to a quieter corner of the room. Overwhelmed by the noise and the weight of the day's events, he sought refuge away from the crowd, leaning against a wall with a heavy heart.

Neha, noticing Abhishek's solitude, approached him with a friendly smile. She held a glass of champagne in her hand, her expression warm and inviting. "Hey, Abhishek," she said, her voice gentle. "I see you're a bit distant from the festivities. How about a drink? Maybe we can put the past behind us and be good friends."

Abhishek looked up, his weary eyes meeting hers. Something in her demeanor seemed genuine, and he found himself touched by the gesture. "Thanks, Neha," he replied, accepting the drink from her. The weight in his chest seemed to lift slightly as he took a sip, hoping for a moment of respite from his worries.

As the drink began to take effect, Abhishek started to feel lightheaded. His vision blurred, and the room swayed slightly. Neha's concern appeared to deepen, and she gently guided him toward a more secluded area. "You don't look well, Abhishek. Let's get you some rest," she said soothingly.

Once they reached a private room, Neha helped Abhishek inside, supporting him as he struggled to keep his balance. With a final, reassuring smile, she closed the door behind her and locked it, her expression shifting to one of cold calculation. She knew that with Abhishek incapacitated, her plan was falling into place.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Abhishek's father, Vinay Malhan, grew increasingly concerned about his son's absence. He approached Neha, seeking information. "Have you seen Abhishek? He seems to have disappeared from the party."

Neha feigned surprise and concern. "Oh, I saw him heading out of here a little while ago. Maybe he wasn't feeling well and decided to go home early."

Vinay's worry deepened as he considered the possibility. "I see. Well, if he's not feeling well, it's probably best he gets some rest. Thank you for letting me know."

As Vinay turned to seek out other guests, he couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his mind. Little did he know that the truth behind Abhishek's disappearance was far more sinister than a simple case of illness.

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