Chapter 1: The Return to the Haveli

Kavya Malhotra was a woman of silence. Raised in a household defined by a stern, overbearing father and a timid mother, she had watched her sister, Ishani, succumb to the trauma of their upbringing.

When Kavya’s flight touched down in Mumbai the airport was swarmed by journalists. It had been years since the prominent Malhotra family had fled the country, and her return was the talk of the city. She didn't offer them a word. she climbed into her vintage car and drove toward the outskirts of the city. Before long, a massive, towering Haveli (mansion) stood before her. Every stone of the estate held a dark memory, but Kavya hadn't come back to reminisce; she had come to cleanse the family name.

Inside, she sat on a carved wooden sofa, her expression unreadable."Bitiya, your guests will be arriving for the meeting shortly," a man in his sixties said. It was Bhaskar, who had served the Malhotra family for forty years. kavya stood up coldly. "Inform me when they arrive. I shall be in my quarters."

The Tragedy of 1973

Ishani Malhotra was the jewel of the family fifty years ago. With her long, dark braid and striking almond eyes, she was used to being the center of attention at her college in Delhi. She didn't care for the boys who chased her; she simply enjoyed the power she held over them.

Tuesday, 10th February

Ishani arrived at the university early that morning. While she was at the canteen, a local gang led by a man known only as K' caused a riot. In the chaos, they dragged Ishani into the secluded campus gardens. She fought like a tigress, managing to break free for a moment, but 'K' pinned her down, attacking her with brutal force. In the struggle, Amara reached up and tore the mask from his face. Furious at being identified, the man didn't hesitate. He aimed his weapon and fired directly at her eyes. Everything turned to eternal night.

The Aftermath

Ishani lay broken in the garden until students discovered her and rushed her to the hospital. She remained in a coma for six months. While the doctors saved her life, the ophthalmologist delivered the grim news: the damage to her optic nerves was permanent. she was left with deep-seated PTSD and a world of darkness." Great. Now we have a blind, broken woman as a burden to this family," sneered Kavita, her father’s mistress, watching Ishani from the doorway.

The Unexpected Guest

A black luxury car pulled up to the Malhotra gates. Reyansh Khurana a 26-year-old with a powerful build and a commanding presence, stepped out. He rang the bell, his mind on the woman inside. He and Kavya had planned a celebration for Diwali, and he was surprised that Kavya had chosen the Haveli a place the family had vowed never to return to. Kavya walked down the grand staircase wearing a vibrant floral lehenga. She had no idea that Reyansh was actually the client she was meant to meet that afternoon. as their eyes met, the air grew thick with tension. Despite her best efforts to keep her distance, Reyansh always seemed to find his way back into her life. Reyansh? What are you doing here? I thought you were overseeing the project in Bangalore," Kavya said, stunned. actually, your mother informed me of your sudden trip to Mumbai," Reyansh replied with a smirk. "I couldn't let you face this house alone, could I? Kavya felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. She stepped forward, grabbed his hands, and led him toward her room.

Arjun Rathod

I arrived at the Malhotra mansion in Mumbai a place I had once vowed never to set foot in. My father, Mr. Rathod, had come here for a medical conference. When I was only four years old, he had abandoned my mother and me in London. He refused to come home, choosing instead to stay with his mistress. when my mother discovered the truth, she filed for an annulment. The case was eventually dismissed by the court, but my parents never reconciled. I still remember that fateful day: my father came home drunk just as my mother and I were returning from the market. what took you so long, huh?" he yelled. He grabbed her roughly, spun her around, and slammed her against the hood of the car. He kept hurting her. I couldn't stand it anymore. I hit him with my small hands, screaming, "Get off my momma! I hate you!" Three weeks later, in an act of pure evil, my father hired local thugs who attacked my mother. She couldn't live with the trauma and eventually took her own life. I was heartbroken. The elder Mr. Rathod (my grandfather) was the only one who stood by me then. I promised to help him in any way I could. He told me that is why I am here for Ishani Malhotra.

Malhotra mansion

Kavita Malhotra walked into her grand mansion and took a seat on the silk sofa. Behind her, servants pushed Manav now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair toward her. To Kavita, he was now completely useless.

Flashback: 1978

The house was being decorated for a grand event. "Maa, why are there so many decorations? Meera and Kavita asked. girls, go up to your rooms and dress beautifully. The Malhotra family is coming over for dinner, Mrs. Malhotra said. Kavita was anxious; Manav had been her crush since childhood. During the meal, Manav and Kavita chatted non-stop, lost in their own world. Meera, however, focused only on her food, not even sparing them a glance. Noticing Meera’s quiet grace, Manav's mother felt in love with her manners and decided to arrange a marriage between Manav and Meera.

Present Day

Kavita’s eyes flashed with old bitterness. Meera took everything away from me. I had to become Manav’s mistress just to stay near him. But watch how I ruin your life now, sister. Your favorite daughter is now mad and blind, and now it’s Kavya the tables have turned on her, too. What do I do with that timid girl? She is just like her mother and my sister, Meera.

Arjun Rathod

I walked into the Malhotra mansion. Mrs. Malhotra gestured for me to sit. Hello, Ma'am. I am Arjun Rathod You don't need to be formal, Mr. Rathod," she said softly. ma'am, just call me Arjun, alright?"

Arjun... your patient is in the garden," she said, tears welling in her eyes. Ma'am, if you fail now, who will take care of Ishani? Please, be strong. I left her and walked toward the gardens. As I approached, I heard an angelic voice drifting through the air. A woman was sitting on a swing, singing softly:

“There’s a place I long to be... where the air is wide and free... I could lay my head down and just be me... Just a smile from the start... and it only takes a spark... La la la la la... There’s a place not far away... where the sky is neither great... nor rejects the people set inside...

"Wow, your voice is angelic," I said as the song trailed off. "Did you write that? She turned toward the sound of my voice. "Of course not. This song was written by a singer named Asha. I do forget some of the lyrics, though. By the way... who are you? Who are you?" she asked. actually, I am a member of this family, I replied. But I don't know you. The Malhotra family is an extended family, Ishani Generations upon generations."

Reyansh Khurana

Kavya, where are you heading?" I asked, pulling her closer. actually, Reyansh, I’m paying a visit to a pub downtown. I can't believe you're actually going to a pub. By the way, I'm coming with you. Actually, Rey, you can't come. I knew it. Whenever you call me 'Rey,' you’re definitely up to something. Now tell me what it is. Reyansh, you know I can't do that. But promise me this stays a secret between us. Rey, don't start..."She cut me off by pecking me on the cheek and slipping away. "I'm off!"

MAlHOTRA MANSION

Oh wow, Meera. I heard you finally hired a nanny for your darling daughter after six months of searching. Yes, thank heavens," Meera replied. Where is he? I asked, scanning the room, hoping to get a glimpse of him.

Kavya Malhotra

Almighty, please help me through this path. I really need to seek justice for Amara’s sake, and for my mother’s sake. I arrived at the gates of the Blue Diamond Pub.