RESTART

chapter 27

As Jeevika drove back home, her mind was still swirling with the revelations about Kamini. The truth was overwhelming, but she knew she had to remain calm and focused. Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed a small café on the side of the road — the very one where her mother used to buy her favorite pastry. A wave of nostalgia hit her, and without thinking, she pulled over.

Jeevika stepped into the café, the smell of fresh pastries immediately transporting her back to her childhood. She ordered the pastry her mother loved, hoping it would give her a moment of peace amidst all the chaos. But as she waited for her order, she caught sight of someone she hadn’t seen in years — her former best friend, Meera.

Her instinct was to turn away, to avoid a conversation, but before she could slip out unnoticed, Meera spotted her. "Jeevika!" Meera called out, approaching her with a bright smile. Jeevika forced a smile in return, hoping to keep the conversation brief.

"Hey, Meera. It's been a long time," Jeevika replied, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, it has! I heard you got married. How’s everything going?" Meera asked with a curious glint in her eyes. They exchanged a few pleasantries, but then Meera brought up something that caught Jeevika off guard.

"Oh, by the way, I ran into your stepsister the other day. She told me she’s going to start working at your father’s office soon. Quite a big step for her, huh?" Meera said nonchalantly.

Jeevika’s heart skipped a beat. Her mind raced back to the recent discoveries about Kamini and Jhanvi. Why was Jhanvi suddenly involved in their father's business? Was this part of Kamini’s plan? Jeevika smiled faintly at Meera but didn’t respond to her comment. Instead, she quickly excused herself, grabbing her pastry and leaving the café with her thoughts spinning.

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Back home, Jeevika decided to distract herself from the storm brewing in her mind. She didn’t want Abhiman to sense her stress, so she threw herself into cooking his favorite meal. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of spices, and soon the table was set for dinner.

As they sat down to eat, Abhiman’s younger brother, Veer, and his sister, Riddhi, started teasing him.

"Bhabhi always makes Bhaiya’s favorite food! Looks like we know who the real favorite is," Veer joked, grinning at Jeevika.

"Yeah, Bhaiya, you’re spoiled!" Riddhi added, laughing.

Abhiman smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at Jeevika. "Maybe I am," he said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. Jeevika blushed, grateful for the lightheartedness around the table.

The family shared stories, laughter echoing around the room, and for a brief moment, Jeevika allowed herself to feel happy. The warmth and love she felt from Abhiman and his family reminded her of what she had to protect.

As she looked around the table, watching the people she had come to love, Jeevika made a silent vow. No matter what Kamini had done or what secrets were still hidden, she wouldn’t let her stepmother’s schemes tear apart the family she had built with Abhiman.

She would fight to protect this happiness, no matter the cost.