After Advait left Samaira heartbroken on the day that was supposed to be the happiest of her life-their wedding day-her world shatters. Picking up the pieces, she barely manages to rebuild herself when her family insists she marry Aarav, a successfu...
The silence in my office was deafening. Normally, I would find comfort in it, but today it grated on my nerves. My hand gripped the pen I'd been using to sign off documents, and I tapped it against the desk, my thoughts running wild.
Samaira's words still lingered. The smugness in her tone, the sparkle of triumph in her eyes as she stepped out of my car, replayed in my mind like a broken record. She thought she had won, didn't she?
I couldn't decide whether to be furious or impressed.
The game was getting interesting, and I hated how much I admired her for it. I'd underestimated her resilience before, but now I saw it clearly. She wasn't the frightened girl I'd brought back to my mansion. She was fire-burning, untamed, and unpredictable.
A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. My assistant entered, her expression apologetic. "Sir, the Rai Corporation deal documents are ready for your review."
I waved her off impatiently. "Later."
She hesitated. "Also, your mother called. She wanted to remind you to check on Samaira."
My mother. The one person who could derail my plans with a single sentence. I sighed, leaning back in my chair. If only she knew the chaos she had unknowingly set into motion.
Samaira was with her family now, basking in the warmth of their love, no doubt savoring her temporary victory. She might have escaped my grasp for the moment, but she wouldn't stay there forever.
This wasn't over.
Samaira's POV
The sun filtered through the curtains as I sat by the window, watching the bustling street below. My house, my haven, felt alive with the chatter of my family. The aroma of breakfast wafted in from the kitchen, and I smiled faintly.
For the first time in weeks, I felt like myself again.
I stepped into the kitchen, where Mama was flipping parathas with practiced ease. She glanced at me and smiled. "Good morning, beta. Sleep well?"
"Like a baby," I replied, leaning against the counter.
"Your father and brother are waiting for you at the table," she said, motioning toward the dining room.
I joined them, and breakfast was filled with lighthearted conversations. My brother recounted a school prank he'd pulled off, while Papa teased Mama about her obsession with cleanliness.
But I couldn't ignore the occasional glances they sent my way. I knew they had questions-ones they were holding back for my sake.
After breakfast, I took a walk in the garden with Papa. He looked at me, his eyes soft with concern. "Samaira, are you happy?"
The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, unsure of how to answer.
"I'm fine, Papa," I said finally, hoping to sound convincing.
He didn't press further, but I could see the worry etched on his face.
Later That Evening
The house was quiet as I sat with Mama in the living room. She was knitting, her hands moving with precision, while I flipped through an old photo album.
"Look at this," I said, holding up a picture of my younger self. "I can't believe you let me wear this outfit."
Mama laughed, a sound that warmed my heart. "You picked it out yourself. Said you wanted to look like a rainbow."
We laughed together, the sound echoing in the cozy room.
But then her expression grew serious. She set the knitting aside and turned to me. "Samaira, I know you're trying to put on a brave face, but I'm your mother. I can see the sadness in your eyes."
I looked away, unsure of how to respond.
"You're safe here, beta," she continued. "Whatever it is, you can tell us."
"I know, Mama," I said softly. "But some things... they're just too complicated."
She reached out, taking my hand in hers. "Just remember, we're always here for you."
Advait's POV
Back at the mansion, I paced the length of my study, my mind restless.
Samaira's absence created a void I hadn't anticipated. The house felt colder, emptier without her presence.
I hated it.
Pulling out my phone, I dialed my mother. Her cheerful voice greeted me.
"Advait! Did you call to check on Samaira?"
"Is she... adjusting well?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
"Oh, she's fine," my mother said. "But I have to say, I've never seen her this happy. Being with her family has done wonders for her."
I clenched my jaw. Of course, she was happy. She was away from me, surrounded by people who loved her unconditionally.
"Well, I hope she doesn't forget where she belongs," I said curtly.
My mother sighed. "Advait, let her breathe. She's with her family. She needed this."
I ended the call, tossing the phone onto the desk.
Samaira might be happy now, but she wouldn't stay away for long. The ties that bound us were unbreakable, and she would realize that soon enough.
For now, I would let her bask in her moment of freedom. But the game was far from over, and I intended to win.
Samaira's POV
That night, as I lay in my old room, memories of my childhood swirled around me. The walls were adorned with posters of my favorite bands, and the bookshelf overflowed with novels I had devoured as a teenager.
For the first time in weeks, I felt at peace.
But beneath the surface, a simmering determination took root. Advait thought he had control, but he was wrong. I wasn't the naive girl he could manipulate anymore.
This was my chance to regroup, to find my footing. And when the time came, I would make my next move carefully, deliberately.
Because this game now wasn't just his to play.
Now I am not just a mere pawn but a player...
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