Yeh Hai Aashiqui

One

The Mithal mansion buzzed with a constant rhythm of luxury and order. Bhavesh Mithal's grand home stood as a proof to his wealth and prestige. Outside the towering front gate, Shivani Ahuja clutched her mother's hand, wide-eyed with curiosity. She was only four, yet she seemed to sense the grandeur of the world she was about to step into. Her mother, Abha, who had worked as a cook for the Mithal's for years, led her up the stone path, whispering softly as they walked.

"Shivani, remember what I said?" Abha's tone was gentle but firm. "No mischief and no creating a mess. Be a good girl, okay?"

Shivani nodded eagerly. "I'll be quiet, Mamma. Promise."

As they entered, the smell of polished wood and flowers enveloped them, and Shivani's small hand tightened around her mother's as she took in the big hallway. Moments later, an excited voice echoed down the corridor.

"Aunty, who is she?" Yuvraj, a sturdy eight-year-old with a mischievous glint in his eyes, pointed in excitement at Shivani.

"She is my daughter, Shivani," Abha answered, smiling.

Shivani's eyes, wide with wonder, stayed fixed on Yuvraj and the hot wheels set scattered across the floor. Sensing her fascination, Yuvraj grinned, then leaned down to pick up a car and held it out toward her.

"Do you want to play?" he asked, his voice both inviting and daring. He forwarded his hand to her,

Shivani's face lit up as she reached for his hand. 

Beside them, four-year-old Samarth toddled over, curious about the new friend. He took Shivani's hand in his own small one, studying her with open wonder. "You're going to play with us?" he asked, his voice soft.

Shivani beamed. "Can I?" she looked at her mother, who seemed hesitant, but nodded anyways.

From across the room, Antara, Bhavesh's wife, watched with thinly veiled disdain. Her lips tightened as she glanced over at her husband, who was equally distracted by the sight of the cook's daughter mixing with his sons.

"It's just a phase, Antara," Bhavesh muttered, shaking his head. "They're too young to understand these things."

But Antara wasn't convinced. "It's about boundaries," she whispered sharply. "And respect. These friendships, Bhavesh, they're simply not appropriate."

Meanwhile, the three children had immersed themselves in play. 

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Days turned to months, and Shivani became a regular fixture whenever Abha worked late. 

On a bright afternoon, the three of them were playing treasure hunt in the garden "See there, I think the treasure is hidden there" Yuvraj exclaimed, pointing to a big bush.

Shivani's eyes widened with excitement. "Let's find the treasure!" She knelt down and started to sift through the leaves, her fingers brushing against the cool earth.

Yuvraj joined her, digging in with enthusiasm.

From a distance, Samarth called out, holding a basket of bright stones. "I am the treasure guardian! You'll have to answer my riddle to get to the treasure!"

Yuvraj laughed. "What's your riddle, Guardian Samarth?"

With a serious expression, Samarth said, "What has keys but can't open locks?"

Shivani thought for a moment. 

"A piano!" she shouted, her face lighting up.

"Correct! You may proceed!" Samarth declared, mimicking a pirate from a disney movie.