Everyone gathered at the dining table for breakfast. As Anya took her seat, her eyes landed on Misha, and she found herself observing her closely.
Meanwhile, Misha looked at Anya and thought, How can someone be this beautiful? Did she really have to look this stunning? What if Advik started liking her because of her beauty?
Seeing both girls staring at each other, an idea struck Arnav's mind. With a smirk, he said, "Anya, meet Misha Khanna, my brother's fiancée."
Anya pulled out a chair and sat down, maintaining a blank expression. Then, with a subtle smile, she responded, "Oh, is she? Well, there's a big difference between is and was." Extending her hand toward Misha, she said, "Hello, Miss Khanna. How are you?"
Though reluctant, Misha had no choice but to greet Anya back with a forced smile. She didn't want to reveal her true intentions in front of everyone.
Seeing Anya's attitude, Trisha and Lavanya were thrilled, while Arnav's face darkened with anger.
Lavanya whispered to Trisha, "Did you notice? Bhabhi speaks just like Bhai. Their attitude is exactly the same! I feel like God made Bhabhi just for Advik, but by mistake, Arnav Bhai entered her life first. And when God realized His mistake, He brought them back together."
Hearing this, their grandmother chuckled. "You're absolutely right! Even I feel the same way now." But then, her eyes landed on Anya's hands, where faint finger marks were visible.
Seeing the marks, Grandma thought, Oh my! I'm going to be a great-grandmother soon! I should start preparing for my grandson's arrival!
She then put more food on Anya's plate and said, "Eat this, dear. It's rich in vitamins, and it'll be good for you. You have such fair skin that even the slightest pressure leaves marks. You need more vitamins in your diet."
Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze toward Anya. She, too, was taken aback by Grandma's words. Internally, she cursed Advik, This is all because of that brute! He squeezed my hand so hard that his fingerprints are still visible! She then shot an angry glare at Arnav.
Just then, Grandma continued, "And look at you! You've become so thin. You don't take care of yourself at all!"
Anya gave her a puzzled look and thought, What's wrong with everyone today? They've all been acting weird since morning!
I've always been slim, and Grandma has met me several times before. Why is she suddenly calling me thin today?
After breakfast, everyone left for their respective work. Anya, too, got ready to leave for her office. But just as she was about to step out, Grandpa stopped her.
"My dear, you are the daughter-in-law of this family now. I don't want you working for someone else's company. If you want to work, join Trivedi Industries."
Anya smiled and gently explained, "Grandpa, only this family knows that I am the daughter-in-law of the Trivedi family. But to the outside world, I am just an ordinary person, and I want to live as one. Please allow me to continue working in my office. I don't want to join Trivedi Industries; I want to make a name for myself on my own."
Hearing this, Grandpa and Grandma felt proud of her. Grandma lovingly placed a hand on Anya's forehead and said, "Alright, dear. Go ahead and work. We won't stop you."
But as soon as Anya left, Grandpa took out his phone and made a call. "My daughter-in-law works at Sehgal Industries, and I don't want the world to find out that the Trivedi family's daughter-in-law is employed by someone else. Buy that company immediately!"
Meanwhile...
Advik had left early in the morning for an important meeting. After concluding it, he was heading back to his office when he received a call from Grandpa.
After hearing what he said, Advik turned to his assistant, Shivam. "Fix a meeting with the CEO of Sehgal Industries right now."
As he worked on his laptop, Shivam's phone rang. After answering the call, he turned to Advik and said, "Sir, the clients from the U.S. have arrived. Your meeting with them is scheduled for this evening."
Advik, in his usual cold voice, replied, "Hmm." He then continued working.
A few hours later, Advik reached his office. As soon as he stepped inside, all the employees greeted him, "Good morning, sir."
Without responding, he walked straight to the elevator, followed by his bodyguards and assistant.
The upper floor housed an extravagant office, resembling a palace. Everything was meticulously arranged, reflecting the perfectionist nature of its owner. The entrance to Advik's cabin had a security lock, and only a select few, including Shivam, had access to it.
As Advik settled in and began working, Shivam entered.
"May I come in, sir?"
"Come in."
"Sir, Mr. Sehgal is ready to meet you. When should I schedule the appointment?"
Advik closed his laptop and said, "We're meeting him right now. Get the car ready."
Shivam was shocked. What did Mr. Sehgal do that the Grim Reaper himself is going to meet him? God, please protect him!
Seeing Shivam lost in thought, Advik coldly asked, "Are you done? Shall we leave?"
Shivam gulped. "Y-Yes, sir."
Elsewhere...
Anya was on her way to the office when her auto suddenly broke down.
The driver apologized, "Sorry, madam. You'll have to walk from here."
Paying him, Anya got out and started walking. She hadn't gone far when it suddenly started pouring heavily. Looking for shelter, she stood under a tree.
That's when her eyes fell on a group of children playing in the rain. Watching them enjoy themselves, she couldn't resist and joined them, laughing, dancing, and splashing in the water.
Coincidentally, Advik's car was stuck in traffic on the same road.
"What's the hold-up?" he asked.
Shivam replied, "Sir, there's traffic ahead. It'll take some time to clear."
With nothing else to do, Advik glanced outside. That's when his eyes landed on the children and the girl playing in the rain. His gaze fixated on her face, memorizing every detail.
She looked about 21, with long black hair cascading down her back. She wore a green suit, with bangles adorning her wrists and small jhumkas swaying in her ears. She looked breathtakingly beautiful.
But as his eyes traveled to her soaked clothes, which clung to her figure, his expression darkened. He clenched his jaw upon noticing that Shivam and the driver were also staring at her.
His voice turned icy. "If either of you so much as glances in that direction again, I will personally pluck your eyes out."
Fear gripped Shivam and the driver as they immediately averted their gazes, their foreheads glistening with sweat.
To Be Continued...
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