"Behind the mask of innocence lies a hunger for revenge, where power reigns supreme and secrets dictate the game."
•••
Ananya's light conceals dark shadows.
Secrets fester.
Revenge fuels.
Betrayal lingers.
Obsession rules.
What will Trayaksh do whe...
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Trayaksh shut the bedroom door behind him.
As he walked out of Ram and Jhilmil's wing, turning the hallway corner, he spotted his wife standing with Vani.
"How many times do I have to say the same thing?"
Both had their heads lowered under Ekta's scrutinizing glare as she scolded them for skipping their meals.
Alarm bells went off in his head. Was his kenzi being scolded?
Trayaksh was about to step in when he heard his grandmother's next words and realized her sharp gaze was mostly—no, solely—focused on his cousin.
"Do you have any idea what happens when you starve yourself? You're grown women, not little kids who need constant reminders!"
His gaze flicked to Vani, who looked like she was debating whether to apologize or bolt under Ekta's withering glare. But the second Ekta's eyes landed on Ananya, her expression melted like butter.
"And you, Anu beta, you need to take care of yourself. You can't keep ignoring your health like this. Maine kaha tha na, aapko khana skip nahi karna hai?"
(Didn't I tell you not to skip your meals?)
Vani gawked in disbelief.
Feeling the unfairness of it all, she crossed her arms and pouted. "That's not fair, Dadi."
Ekta's sharp eyes narrowed. "What did you just say?"
Vani backpedaled instantly. "I-I mean, you're scolding me so much, but not Anu Bhabhi..."
Ekta's glare intensified. "Don't try to play smart with me! You think I don't know who's been dragging Anu around all day? I have eyes on you, Vani Devi Khatri! You might butter up Rajesh, but at the end of the day, he reports to me."
Dokhebaaz Rajesh Uncle. Vani cursed her driver under her breath.
Ekta's ears were sharp. "What did you say!?"
"Ku-Kuch nahi, Dadi!" Vani hurriedly shook her head.
(No-Nothing, Dadi!)
"And don't even get me started on that spice-loving tongue of yours. I know exactly how you sneak in outside food every chance you get!"
"That was my fault, Dadi." Ananya quickly stepped in. "Please don't scold Vani."
Ekta sighed, her anger fading slightly. Shaking her head, she gently patted Ananya's head.
