RESTART

chapter 8

The new day began with a serene glow filtering through the curtains. Jeevika sat at her dressing table, her fingers deftly combing through her hair as she pondered over the unsettling memories of her past life. The appearance of her stepmother and stepsister at the reception had rekindled a tumult of emotions and unanswered questions. She understood why Jiya had acted against her—Jiya had wanted Abhiman for herself and had orchestrated Jeevika’s death. But the motives of her stepmother and stepsister remained a mystery.

As Jeevika was lost in thought, a sudden movement caught her attention. She looked up through the mirror and saw a figure entering the room. It was Abhiman, who had come to join her. Their eyes met in the reflection, and for a brief moment, they shared an unspoken connection.

“We need to get ready for breakfast,” Abhiman said softly, breaking the silence. His voice was gentle, but there was a hint of eagerness as well.

They both prepared themselves, Abhiman in his crisp office attire and Jeevika in a light, elegant outfit suited for the day ahead. As they walked to the dining table, they were greeted by Veer and Riddhi, who were already seated and ready to tease.

“Arre bhaiya, bhabhi ko humse bachake le jaa rahe ho?” Veer joked in Hindi, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Riddhi chimed in with a laugh, “Haan, abhi se mat ghuma rahe ho. Aaj se toh bhabhi ghar ki rani ban gayi hai!”

Their playful banter brought a smile to Jeevika’s face, despite the lingering unease about her stepmother and stepsister. However, the light-hearted moment was interrupted by Seema, Abhiman’s mother, who came into the room with a more serious tone.

“Enough teasing,” Seema said, her voice firm but warm. “Today is a special day. Jeevika will be visiting her own home for the *pagphera* ritual, and she will return tomorrow.”

Abhiman’s face lit up at the news. He turned to Jeevika with a look of approval and affection. “I’ll come to pick you up in the evening,” he said.

Jeevika started to protest, but before she could say anything, Abhiman leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips and then on her forehead. “Ma ji said you’ll return tomorrow,” he said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll be waiting.”

He left for the office with a sense of satisfaction, leaving Jeevika to navigate her day. As she moved towards her family, she saw the familiar faces of her father, stepmother, and stepsister. Their smiles were painted with a veneer of politeness, but Jeevika could sense the insincerity behind them. She responded with a tight-lipped smile, the kind that masked her true feelings.

When she returned to her room, Jeevika’s thoughts were dominated by the puzzle of her past life and the reasons behind her stepmother’s and stepsister’s betrayal. She needed answers and decided to search for clues that might shed light on their motives.

She began searching through old belongings, moving carefully through the drawers and cupboards. As she sifted through a stack of old letters and documents, a sudden flashback hit her.

In the memory, she saw herself in a heated argument with her stepmother. The confrontation was about something she had discovered—an illicit affair, a financial dispute, or perhaps something more sinister. The exact details were unclear, but the intense emotions and sense of betrayal were unmistakable.

The vision faded as quickly as it had come, leaving Jeevika with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: her stepmother and stepsister were involved in something deeply troubling, and she needed to find out more.

Determined, Jeevika resumed her search, her mind racing with possibilities. The clues she sought might be buried deep, but she was resolute in uncovering the truth. Her new life was a chance for a fresh start, but understanding her past was crucial for securing her future.

As the day progressed, Jeevika prepared herself for the visit to her family home. She knew it would be a challenge to face them, but it was a necessary step in her quest for answers. With renewed determination, she looked forward to uncovering the secrets that lay hidden in her past and ensuring that justice was served.

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