Shock

I woke up early this morning, freshened up, and completed my daily routine. I had already asked my mom to cook a little extra today, and once she finished, I packed some food for Uncle. I know it might seem strange to be concerned about someone I barely know, but that’s just who I am—I can’t stand seeing anyone in pain. Besides, his family doesn’t live here, and he’s old. Who’s going to take care of him? And anyway, I remember how awful hospital food was when I was admitted once.

I told Mom that I would visit Uncle and give him the food before heading to the office. After breakfast, I grabbed the tiffin box and my scooty keys and rushed to the hospital.

When I arrived, I parked my scooty and walked inside. The place was crowded with men and doctors running around. I assumed some VIP must’ve been admitted. Ignoring the chaos, I went straight to the corridor. Even there, I saw a lot of people. I brushed past them and headed toward Uncle’s room. Just as I reached the door, a man stopped me.

“Who are you?” he asked.

I looked at him, confused. “What do you mean? I’m here to visit a patient.”

“You’re not allowed,” he replied firmly.

I crossed my arms and asked, “Why not?”

“Because sir has strictly instructed that no one is to meet him.”

I tried to move past him and open the door, but he blocked me again, repeating, “You’re not allowed. Please leave.”

That was it. My patience snapped.

“Who do you think you are to stop me like this? Rude!” I snapped, shoving him aside and stepping into the room.

Uncle looked up and smiled, “Beta, you came.”

Just then, the man barged in after me. “Didn’t I tell you, you’re not allowed in here?”

Uncle calmly told him, “Aditya, don’t worry. She’s a nice girl. She’s the one who helped me that day.”

I shot a glare at Aditya and muttered, “Idiot.”

“But sir,” he insisted, “we were clearly instructed not to let any random visitors in.”

Random? He called me a random girl? I was fuming.

“Excuse me, Mr. Whoever-you-are. I’m not some random person. Do you even know who I am?”

“No,” he said flatly.

“I’m Saanvi Jain. The Saanvi Jain.”

“So? What do you want me to do?” he replied, unimpressed.

Before I could say more, Uncle interrupted, “Aditya, it’s okay. I know her. Don’t worry.”

“But sir…”

“Aditya,” Uncle said firmly.

“…Okay, sir. I’ll be right outside. If there’s any issue, just call me.”

Uncle nodded, and Aditya left the room.

He shot me a glare, and I returned it with equal intensity. I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “I’m letting you off today only because of Uncle. But if you ever call me ‘random’ again, you won’t like what happens.”

He narrowed his eyes at me but didn’t say a word—just turned around and walked out.

After giving him a warning, she turned toward Manish ji.

"Hello Uncle, how are you feeling now?"

"I'm better now, beta," he replied warmly. "But how come you're here so early in the morning?"

"Oh, I brought some home-cooked food for you," she said cheerfully. "You must be tired of eating hospital food."

"Yes, beta," he laughed, and they both shared a light chuckle.

She served him the food, and as he took the first bite, he asked, "Did you make this?"

She laughed, "No, Uncle. I only know how to cook a few things. This food was made by my mom."

"You don’t like it?" she asked, noticing his expression.

"No, beta! It’s so tasty—that’s why I thought you made it," he replied with a smile.

Saanvi smiled back.

While eating, he asked, "By the way, beta, what work do you do?"

"Uncle, I work at Singhania Pvt. Ltd. as a legal advisor."

Manish looked a bit surprised. "You work at Singhania Enterprises?"

She nodded. "Yes, Uncle. Uncle you know what, the ex-chairman of Singhania Empire was supposed to visit our company recently, but the visit got cancelled at the last minute. You know, I worked so hard for it—and these rich people, they don’t value others’ efforts at all. And the current owner of the Singhania Empire—I’ve heard he’s very arrogant. Always angry. Can you believe someone like that actually exists?"

Manish listened quietly, then burst into laughter.

Saanvi looked puzzled. "What happened, Uncle? I’m just telling you the truth—things no one else will dare to say to your face."

Trying to control his laughter, Manish replied, "Alright, alright."

"Hmm... by the way, Uncle, who was that guy arguing with me outside?"

Not wanting to reveal the truth, Manish simply said, "Oh, him? He’s just someone assigned to take care of me."

Saanvi didn’t push further and just nodded.

Then Manish asked, "Where do you live, beta?"

"I stay on the outskirts of Jaipur—basically, in a village," she replied.

He nodded thoughtfully and then asked, "Are you married?"

She laughed, "Do I look like a married woman, Uncle?"

He smiled back, "No beta, you seem quite young."

She grinned. "Alright then, I should get going now, or I’ll be late for office."

Manish nodded with a smile, and she left—but not before throwing a sharp glare at Aditya on her way out.

After Saanvi left the room, Aditya walked in holding a phone.

“Sir, Ma’am wants to speak with you,” he said, handing it over.

Manish ji nodded and took the call.

“Hello?”

“Are you okay? How are you feeling now?” Poonam’s concerned voice came through. “Do you really think it wasn’t important to inform us? Are we nothing to you?”

“I’m fine, Poonam. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing? You were in an accident, and you say it’s nothing?”

“Yes, really. Don’t stress over me—I’m doing alright.”

“I don’t believe you. I’m coming there.”

“Hey, there’s no need for that, Poonam ji. I’ll be discharged in a few days.”

“But—”

“Don’t worry. Your son already assigned me a bodyguard—he’s with me 24/7,” he said, trying to lighten the mood .

“This isn’t the time to joke.”

“Okay, sorry.”

“Listen, I wanted to talk to you about Viyansh’s marriage.”

“I’ve been thinking about that too. Let’s discuss it once I’m better.”

“Hmmm... alright.”

“Please take care of yourself, Manish ji.”

He nodded silently, ending the call.

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Days passed in a similar routine. Every morning, Saanvi brought homemade food for Manish ji, and the two would sit and chat for a while, growing more comfortable with each other.

After three days, Manish ji was finally discharged from the hospital. Wanting to get back to work, he decided to pay a visit to the office.

As soon as he arrived, one of the staff members came out to receive him. Everyone in the office had already been informed about his arrival. As he walked in, employees stood up to greet him with warm smiles and respectful wishes.

He took his time walking through the office, observing everything carefully.

A little while later, Saanvi entered from the main door—she was running late today.

“Good morning, sir. I’m really sorry for being late, I got stuck in traffic,” she said, a little out of breath.

Manish ji turned around at the sound of her voice—and as their eyes met, Saanvi froze in place. Her expression shifted from confusion to complete shock.

I was already running late when I got the message that the ex-chairman was visiting the office. In a rush, I grabbed my things and hurried out.

These rich people really have no fixed schedule—show up whenever they feel like it, cancel whenever they want.

Uncle was getting discharged today too. I had planned to say goodbye, but thanks to all this sudden chaos, even that didn’t happen.

When I reached the office, everyone was already busy working. I asked one of my colleagues if he had arrived.

“He’s been here for over an hour,” he said. “Sir was asking for you.”

I just nodded and walked toward his cabin. I hadn’t seen his face yet, so I simply greeted him and apologized for being late.

But the moment he turned around, it felt like the ground slipped from beneath my feet. I was completely shocked.

The manager introduced me, “Sir, this is our legal head.”

I extended my hand for a handshake—he did the same.

And then, just like that, he walked away.

I stood there, still in disbelief about what had just happened. I quietly returned to my cabin, my mind racing.

I had badmouthed the company owner—and his son—right in front of him, without even knowing. What now?

In New York~

These days, I’ve been coming home late at night when everyone is already fast asleep. I've been returning home late and leaving early for the office every day. I’ve been keeping my distance from my family because I know if I stay, they’ll start bringing things up again—and I really don’t want to lose my temper.

After changing my clothes, I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. I’ve barely been eating lately—just like always, I have no appetite. And honestly, no one really notices or cares. Not that I expect anyone to.

Suddenly, my phone rang—it was Aditya.

I answered, “Yes?”

“Boss, sir wants to visit the company.”

“No, he doesn’t need to do that. Ready the jet and bring him here as soon as possible.”

“But boss, he’s not listening. He’s stuck on this idea.”

“Give him the phone.”

“Okay, boss.”

“Dad, I already told you there’s no need—”

“Beta, now that I’m here, let me go, okay?”

“You’re still recovering. How can you even think about this?”

“Beta, I’m totally fine now. I’m going, and that’s final.”

“…Alright, but on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“My men will be with you the whole time—and you won’t ask them to leave.”

“Okay, deal. Now can I go?”

“Hmmm.”

Then I told Aditya, “Stay with him and make sure his safety is a priority.”

“Got it, boss.”

I sighed. I know my dad—once he sets his mind to something, he doesn’t listen to anyone. I never say no to him, because he’s the only one I truly have in my life. He’s the only one I can really call my own.

When I first heard about his accident, it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath my feet. I have no one else who genuinely looks out for me like he does.

I sat out on the balcony for a few more minutes, then finally went back inside.

I was anxiously chewing my nails and tapping my leg, overwhelmed with stress.

What am I supposed to do now?

Just then, my friend walked in.

"Heyyy, what’s wrong? You look really tense," she said.

I looked at her and replied,

"You remember the man I told you about—the one who met with an accident?"

"Yes..."

"Do you want to know who he actually is?"

She nodded, curious.

"He’s none other than the ex-chairman of the Singhania Empire."

"Okay, so what’s the problem?" she asked casually. But then realization hit her.

"Wait... WHAT?"

I nodded.

"Is he that man?"

"Yes..."

"Okay, okay... But isn’t that a good thing for you? Maybe this could lead to a promotion!"

"Forget promotion, I’m more likely to get a resignation letter today," I replied.

"What are you even saying? Are you crazy?"

"I literally said all kinds of things about his son and his company—right in front of him!"

"Oh god..."

"Yeah..."

"Have you lost it?"

"How was I supposed to know he would turn out to be the ex-chairman!"

"Look, Saanvi, nothing bad is going to happen. Just go and apologize."

I just stared at her nervously.

Suddenly, a peon came in. "Ma’am, sir is calling you."

I looked at her in shock and said,

"Mera toh ho gaya iss company se channa mereya."

"Don’t overthink it. Just go and say sorry," she said, trying to reassure me.

She slowly made her way to the cabin, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. With every step, her pace slowed, hesitation creeping in.

She knocked on the door.

“May I come in, sir?”

“Yes, come in,” came the reply.

As she entered, she saw Manish Ji sitting with the branch head of the company.

This is it, she thought, I’m definitely done for today.

Then, to her surprise, Manish Ji asked everyone else to leave.

She thought " lagta hai akele mai resignation letter dega accha hai sab ka saamne bezati nahi hogi, itna toh karr hi skta hai mera liya "

“Saanvi beta, where were you lost?” he asked gently.

“I’m really sorry, sir,” she said in one breath. “I had no idea you were the ex-chairman. I just spoke without thinking. Your son is a wonderful person, your company is amazing, and you rich people are usually so kind… I didn’t mean anything bad, please forgive me.”

Manish Ji looked at her calmly and said, “Ohh, relax beta. Here, have some water.”

She took the glass and finished it in one go.

Then, looking at him nervously, she asked, “You’re not angry with me, sir?”

No but “If you keep calling me ‘sir,’ I just might be,” he joked.

“I swear on my mom, uncle, I really didn’t know who you were!”

He chuckled warmly. “Oh God, Saanvi beta, sit down.”

She obeyed and sat quietly.

Still unsure, she asked again, “So you’re really not upset with me?”

“Of course not,” he replied. “Why would I be? You’re just like a daughter to me.”

She looked at him, surprised. “Daughter?”

“Yes, like my own daughter,” he said with a smile.

A genuine smile spread across her face.

“How are you feeling now, uncle?”

“I’m doing well, beta. Just look at me—I’m fully recovered!”

She nodded with relief.

“Alright, beta, if I ask something from you, will you give it to me?”

“Of course, uncle. Just say the word.”

“What if you change your mind later?” he asked.

“You know what, uncle? Saanvi Jain never goes back on her word,” she said proudly.

“Are you sure, beta?”

“110%, uncle.”

“I promise—whatever you ask, I’ll do it,” she added sincerely.

He smiled warmly.

“Then I’ll ask when the time is right. And remember—you can’t back out.”

“Promise, uncle.”

“May I go now?” she asked.

He nodded with a smile, and she walked out, feeling lighter than when she enter.

Thank God he’s not upset with me—saved this time.

“Heyyy, what happened? Did he say something to you?” she asked.

“No yaar, he didn’t say anything,” I replied.

Then I told her the entire incident that happened in the cabin.

“Oh, thank God! I told you nothing would happen,” she said with relief.

“Yeah, but uncle is honestly so sweet.”

She smiled and said, “Good, just be careful from now on.”

I simply nodded.

“Coffee?”

“Why not?”

And we headed to the canteen.

It was 5 p.m., office hours were over. I walked to the parking area and got on my scooty.

But I had this strange feeling—as if something was about to happen. I shrugged it off and started riding home.

When I reached, I noticed a luxurious car parked outside my house.

“That’s definitely not ours. Since when did we become so rich?” I laughed at my own joke.

Well, it’s kind of my habit to laugh at my own jokes.

As I stepped inside, I saw uncle sitting in the living room. I was both shocked and confused.

A thought crossed my mind—Is he here to complain about me? But didn’t he say he wasn’t angry?

Wait a second… is he going to complain in front of my parents?

Oh God, I’m doomed! Meri ma mujhe kha jaayegi aaj toh.

In New York~

Poonam and Nandini were sitting in the living room.

Nandini asked, “Didi, how is Bhaiya now?”

“He’s getting discharged today,” Poonam replied.

“Thank God it wasn’t anything more serious.”

Poonam nodded, “Hmm…”

“When will he be back?”

“Either tonight or by tomorrow morning.”

“You know, Nandini, he also wants Viyansh to marry Kritika. Even in the hospital, he brought up Viyansh’s marriage.”

Nandini simply nodded.

Poonam continued, “I know Viyansh never goes against Manish ji. He always listens to him. Once he’s back, he’ll definitely try to make him understand.”

Nandini gave a soft smile, “Don’t worry, di. Everything will work out.”

Poonam smiled too and said, “Yes, it will.”

After spending some time chatting with Nandini, Poonam returned to her room. Just then, a soft knock echoed at the door.

It was Kritika.

Poonam looked up and smiled warmly.

“Aajao beta, poochhne ki zarurat nahi hai,” she said gently, her voice full of affection.

Kritika entered, with a fake smile

Poonam smile back and asked

“Do you need something, beta?”

Kritika hesitated.

“Not really... Aunty, I actually came to talk about me and Viyansh,” she said, her voice faltering midway.

Poonam’s smile faded slightly, sensing the tension.

“Is something wrong? Did something happen? If you don’t want to marry Viyansh, just tell me the truth, beta.”

“No, Aunty, it’s nothing like that,” Kritika replied quickly. “I’ve loved Viyansh since we were kids. I never had the courage to say it out loud. And when you proposed our marriage, I was... I was so happy. Like I was dreaming.”

A soft smile returned to Poonam’s face.

“I know, Kritika. That’s why I chose you. I’ve always seen the love and respect in your eyes for him.”

Kritika nodded slowly, gathering her thoughts.

“But Aunty... love alone isn’t enough. This marriage should be his choice too, not just mine. It’s a lifelong journey—both of us should want to walk it together. And right now... it feels like Viyansh doesn’t even want to take the first step.”

There was a moment of silence.

“I’m not saying we should rush. I can wait. I’m not in a hurry,” she added, faking concern and humility.

Poonam reached out and held her hand.

“Oh Kritika, you care so deeply for my son. That’s why I believe no one else can take care of him better than you. You know how he is—stubborn, complicated. But once his father returns, everything will fall into place. He’ll agree to the marriage.”

Kritika looked up, surprised.

“Uncle knows?”

Poonam nodded.

“Yes. He told me himself. Once he comes back, we’ll finalize everything.”

Kritika tried to interject, “But Aunty—”

“Don’t worry, beta,” Poonam interrupted with a calming voice. “Don’t stress yourself. Everything will be fine.”

Kritika lowered her gaze, a sly thought flickering behind her composed expression.

So even uncle agrees... Perfect. Now I don’t need to try too hard. Viyansh, you’re almost mine now. Just a little more... and you’ll be mine forever.

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