Vedika: "But Arnav, I don't want you to go after that low-class girl!"
Arnav (stopping Vedika): "Just watch, my charm and moves never fail. This girl and this challenge are way below my standard. You know what? Challenge accepted!" He then smirks devilishly, glancing around at everyone.
Meanwhile, Anya sits with her friend Shraddha, struggling to open a Coke bottle.
Anya: "Shraddha, this won't open at all!"
Just then, Arnav walks up, taking the bottle from her hands. He looks straight into her eyes and says, "These beautiful hands shouldn't be struggling with a bottle cap—they belong in my arms."
Anya glares at him, unimpressed. Arnav pours the Coke into a glass and extends it toward her.
Arnav: "Here, Arnav Trivedi stands before you."
Anya, irritated, mutters "Excuse me" and tries to walk away, but Arnav grabs her wrist. The party guests turn their attention toward them.
Anya yanks her hand free, and Arnav smirks.
Arnav: "Attitude, huh? That's the problem with the market—when demand rises, so does the price. But according to my philosophy, if you truly desire something, you must pay both in effort and cost."
Not wanting a scene, Anya turns to Shraddha: "Let's leave."
Before she can move, Arnav steps in front of her. "At least hear my proposal," he says. "Spend a day with me as my princess. In return, ask for whatever you desire."
Anya, disgusted, replies, "Look, stop bothering me."
Arnav smirks. "Perhaps you don't know who I am? My name is Arnav Trivedi, younger brother of business tycoon Advik Trivedi. Do you realize how powerful these hands are? I touch a stone, and it turns to gold. Girls die for me, but today, right now—I choose you! It's a profitable deal—fun and fortune. Just name your price—cash or kind?"
Anya's expression turns ice cold. "Listen, I'm a respectable woman. Stop this cheap talk."
Arnav chuckles. "Alright then, just give me a little of that respect." He winks.
Sensing tension, the party host intervenes: "Ladies and gentlemen, this celebration is for everyone's success!" The crowd shifts their focus. "And today, we have a special award for the youngest businessman, Advik Trivedi! Unfortunately, he couldn't attend, but his younger brother is here. Let's welcome our honorable guest—Mr. Arnav Trivedi!" Applause erupts.
Arnav leans toward Anya and whispers, "Trust me, you won't get a better offer."
Anya, now seething, responds, "Prices are for things, not people."
Arnav smirks. "Everything in this world has a price—it just needs the right buyer. So tell me—one night and a blank check? How does that sound?"
The host continues, "This award represents honor, and Arnav Trivedi is the perfect recipient."
Anya's eyes burn with fury. She clenches her fists and strides toward Arnav.
"One moment, Mr. Arnav Trivedi!"
Standing right in front of him, she glares, then—SLAP!
The entire hall falls silent. Gasps echo, cameras flash, reporters capture the moment.
Anya, voice firm, turns to the crowd. "You were just saying that this award honors him? This same man tried to buy me. Yes, the son of Asia's biggest businessman, Arnav Trivedi, placed a price on my dignity! I don't know if it's his wealth or arrogance talking, but I do know this—anyone who can't respect a woman has no right to stand on this stage!"
She glares at Arnav. "And if money and power grant awards like these, then I reject them! To hell with you and your money!" She storms out.
Flashback Ends
Arnav, shouting: "That slap wasn't just on my cheek—it hit my heart!" He shows Anya a video of that night. "I kept this clip in my phone and my mind. I spent the whole night paying the media to ensure this footage never leaked! I only asked you to name a price—why the slap?"
Arnav's friends laugh.
"Arnav, look at her now! Completely humiliated!"
Anya glares at him. "All this... just for a slap?"
Arnav: "Just one slap? That was more than a slap!"
Anya, hurt: "But we had moved past that! I forgave you!"
Arnav scoffs. "Forgive me? What nonsense! Arnav Trivedi made no mistake—so who are you to forgive me?"
Tears well in Anya's eyes. "No… this can't be true. Your love, your care… it wasn't fake. I saw it in your eyes! You loved me, Arnav!"
Arnav coldly: "Love? I love no one! Arnav never changes for anyone! I was, I am, and I will always be a bad boy. It was all an act—trust, love—all fake. I despise every moment I had to pretend to be good for you!"
He picks up a gift box. "Oops, I almost forgot—this is for you. It'll bring a smile to your face!"
He throws all the gifts she gave him on the floor. "These are the stupid gifts you gave me. Burn them, throw them in the drain, or give them to your new lover!"
Arnav smirks. "Oh, and you once said you weren't for sale. Let me correct you—everyone has a price. Some sell for a holiday, some for a diamond necklace. And you? Your price is…"
He grabs a sindoor box and smears the red powder all over Anya's face.
"This! You wanted me to fill your hairline, right? Well, not your maang, but at least your face got the color of happiness!"
Vedika laughs. "Wow, Arnav! I've heard of people getting their faces blackened, but you turned hers red!"
Arnav, smirking: "Sweetheart! Oh wait, sorry—Bhabhi ji! You're my brother's wife now. But here's the truth—my brother doesn't like secondhand things, and you… you're something I've discarded. So forget about him accepting you!"
Anya wipes her tears and stands tall. "Stop dreaming, Arnav. What you wish for will never happen."
She steps closer. "You slapped me metaphorically with betrayal. You played with me for months, and now you think you're done? No, Arnav! The game isn't over. Now, it's my turn!"
She smirks. "You taught me how to love beyond limits, but you also taught me how to hate and seek revenge. Until now, you never met your match. But now, I'm here. One month? No! I'll stay in this house forever! I will make sure you regret every moment of your cruelty. Every loss of yours will be my victory! This is a promise from Anya Advik Trivedi!"
To be continued…