Bound by Hate : Junoon-e-Nafarat
1
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The evening bells of "Durga Mandir" echoed through the narrow lanes as devotees folded their hands before the goddess. The fragrance of incense mixed with fresh marigolds while (Pandit Santosh Agarwal) finished the evening aarti.
Just beside the temple stood the old Agarwal house.
The front gate burst open.
???
*wearing a black lawyer's coat over her kurti came sprinting inside, waving a folded paper like a victory flag.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
I PASSED! I PASSED MY BAR EXAM! *barely finished before slipping on the polished floor* WOAH— *somehow balanced herself by grabbing the doorframe.*
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*sighed dramatically* Every day I pray to Maa Durga to give this girl wisdom.
Before anyone could respond—
The main door flew open again.
???
*Another girl stormed in carrying a box of sweets, her dupatta hanging from only one shoulder.*
Ishika Agarwal
Move! Emergency celebration!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
Ishika? *blinked.*
Ishika Agarwal
I GOT SELECTED! *screamed* Government Kathak School! I'm officially a dance teacher!
For three whole seconds...
Silence.
Then both sisters looked at each other.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
You copied my entry! *accused*
Ishika Agarwal
You stole my spotlight first! *shot back.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
I came first!
Ishika Agarwal
I came louder!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
I'M THE LAWYER!
Ishika Agarwal
I'M THE GOVERNMENT TEACHER!
Both charged at each other—not to fight—but to hug so hard that they lost balance and crashed straight onto the sofa.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
My elbow!
Ishika Agarwal
You're sitting on my hair!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
You're crushing my degree!
Ishika Agarwal
And you're crushing my appointment letter!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
...Oops
Then they burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*walked out of the kitchen with folded arms, already looking exhausted* What happened now?
The sisters stood up together.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*held up her result* I passed my law exam!
Ishika Agarwal
*shoved her appointment letter in front of Kamini's face* And I'm officially a Kathak teacher!
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*strict expression softened* You two...*Before she could finish—*
Ishika Agarwal
*stuffed an entire laddoo into Trisha's mouth.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*unable to speak, immediately grabbed another laddoo and shoved it into Ishika's mouth* Mmmph!
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
You idiots! *laughed* At least let the goddess bless you before you start a laddoo war!
But it was too late.
Within seconds, the house had turned into complete chaos—laughter, sweets flying everywhere, two overexcited sisters chasing each other around the living room while Kamini stood in the middle wondering how she had ended up raising these two whirlwinds under one roof.
2
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the carved windows of the "Devaratha Haveli". The fragrance of sandalwood and fresh flowers filled the air as preparations for the family pooja were underway.
Siddhi Devaratha (ml's aunt)
*The silver pooja thali gleamed in her hands. As the "badi bahu" of the haveli, she carefully arranged the diya, kumkum, rice grains, flowers, and camphor with practiced elegance.*
Across the hall, the sounds of utensils echoed from the kitchen.
Kirti Devaratha (ml's mother)
*the "choti bahu" stood before the stove stirring warm ghee into the freshly prepared suji halwa* Ramu Kaka, *called softly* bring the dry fruits.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
*the formidable matriarch of the family—walked through the haveli like a commander inspecting her army*
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
The marigold garlands are crooked. Who kept these shoes near the temple room?The pandit will arrive in half hour. Everyone should be downstairs.
The servants hurried in every direction.
Just then—
The deep rumble of an expensive sports car echoed outside.
Every servant instinctively stepped aside.
Then Footsteps echoed on stairs..
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*in a perfectly tailored charcoal-black suit walked downstairs, wearing his sunglasses without sparing anyone a glance.*
Kartik Devaratha.
CEO of Devaratha Industries.
A self-made businessman whose empire stretched across the country.
Only a handful of people knew that beneath the polished image of a corporate tycoon hid a man feared in the criminal underworld.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*His expression remained unreadable. His phone rested against his ear* 📲 ...Delay the Singapore meeting by two days.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*walked straight through the hall* 📲 ...No. I don't repeat my orders
Siddhi Devaratha (ml's aunt)
*face brightened* Kartik beta, at least have breakfast before leaving.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*Without slowing his steps—* I already ate.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
Kartik! *called firmly* The pooja is about to begin.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
I have work
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
You always have work.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*continued walking.*
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
*Before could argue—*
Another voice echoed from the entrance.
Tejas Devaratha (ml's cousin)
Good morning
Tejas Devaratha (ml's cousin)
*in a navy-blue three-piece suit entered carrying a leather case full of legal files.*
Tejas Devaratha.
Founder of Devaratha Legal Associates, one of the country's fastest-growing law firms.
Respected in every courtroom.
Unknown to the world...
Kartik's closest confidant.
His crime partner.
Only one month older than Kartik.
Tejas Devaratha (ml's cousin)
*adjusted his watch* I'll join after taking one call.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
*narrowed her eyes* You lawyers are becoming worse than businessmen
Tejas Devaratha (ml's cousin)
*Without changing his expression, replied* Businessmen earn money. Lawyers earn arguments.
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*looked at him for exactly two seconds.*
That was enough.
No greetings. No words. Yet both understood each other perfectly.
Their silent understanding had been forged over years.
Just then—
The peaceful atmosphere shattered.
Kritika Devaratha (ml's sister)
Dadiiiii! *A cheerful voice rang through the haveli.*
Kritika Devaratha (ml's sister)
*rushed down the staircase, backpack hanging from one shoulder while trying to wear her watch at the same time.*
Kirti Devaratha (ml's mother)
Kritika! Walk properly!
Kritika Devaratha (ml's sister)
I'll miss my attendance!
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
You'll miss the pooja first!
Kritika Devaratha (ml's sister)
*groaned dramatically* Dadi... my professor is stricter than Yamraj.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
So am I.
Everyone tried not to laugh.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
*folded her arms* No one leaves until the pooja is finished.
Rajeshwari Devaratha (ml's grandmother)
*pointed toward the temple room* All three of you. Now
Kritika Devaratha (ml's sister)
*sighed like the world's biggest victim and walked toward the mandir.*
Tejas Devaratha (ml's cousin)
*closed his file and silently followed.*
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*remained where he was for a moment. His phone buzzed.*
A message flashed across the screen.
Unknown Number: The shipment is ready. Waiting for your orders
Kartik Devaratha (ML)
*locked the screen without a hint of emotion. and followed his siblings reluctantly*
3
The Agarwal house was overflowing with laughter.
The dining table was covered with sweets and half-opened gift wrappers. The atmosphere felt brighter than it had in months.
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*maintained her usual stern face, she quietly stood in the kitchen preparing "Trisha's favorite kaju katli" and "Ishika's favorite besan laddoos*.
Near the Tulsi Vrindavan in the courtyard
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*sat cross-legged, proudly staring at her lawyer's certificate as if it were the greatest treasure in the world.*
Ishika Agarwal
*couldn't stop twirling. Her newly learned Kathak spins had become victory dances.*
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*froze. Her hands instinctively tightened around the steel bowl. For a brief second...Old fears flickered across her face.*
Every unexpected knock still made her heart race.
Ishika Agarwal
I'll get it! *announced dramatically.*
Ishika Agarwal
*Still humming a Kathak rhythm, she twirled once before reaching the door.*
Outside stood a courier boy. "Parcel for Ms. Ishika Agarwal."
Ishika Agarwal
My parcel? *signed quickly and hugged the neatly wrapped box.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*peeked over from the courtyard* Oho... *Her eyes narrowed mischievously* A parcel?
Ishika Agarwal
Hmm. From... Rajasthan
Ishika Agarwal
*tried to hide the sender's name.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*gasped dramatically* LOVE LETTER!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
Aha! Secret admirer!
Ishika Agarwal
*suddenly grinned* Maybe.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*mouth fell open* MAYBE?!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
ISHIKA!
Ishika Agarwal
*hugged the box protectively* I won't tell.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
You traitor! *lunged.*
Ishika Agarwal
*squealed and ran around the sofa.* Catch me if you can, Advocate Madam!
After two rounds around the living room...
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*finally snatched the package* Aha! Let's see who this mysterious lover is. *tore open the wrapping with great excitement.*
Inside...
A beautiful pair of "traditional Kathak ghungroos" rested carefully wrapped in red cloth.
A handwritten note read:
"For the best future Kathak teacher. Congratulations! — Meera, Rajasthan."
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*blinked. looked at the ghungroos. Then at Ishika. Then back at the box* ...It's not a love letter.
Ishika Agarwal
*folded her arms proudly* No.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
My disappointment is immeasurable.
Ishika Agarwal
My friend Meera sent them!
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
A whole Bollywood scene wasted...
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*At that moment, emerged from his room wearing a freshly ironed dhoti-kurta, adjusting his spectacles while carrying his pooja bag.* I have to leave.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*suddenly clapped a rhythm.*
Ishika Agarwal
*instantly understood.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*struck a glamorous pose* Socho... main heroine hoon!
Ishika Agarwal
*copied her with exaggerated expressions* Aur main background dancer!"
Both twirled around Santosh, as radio played a song in background, actually in kitchen.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
Ta-na-na-na... ta-da!
Ishika Agarwal
Pandit ji, give us your best dance move!
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*sighed* I raised disasters.
Ishika Agarwal
One step, Nana!
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
...fine.
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*reluctantly lifted one shoulder.*
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
Wahhh!
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*Within seconds, himself was doing tiny dramatic hand gestures while pretending to look offended* I am not dancing.
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
You are.
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*walked out carrying the sweet plates. stopped. Her father....was actually joining the chaos. Her eyes widened* Baba!
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*immediately pointed at his granddaughters* They forced me!
Ishika Agarwal
You enjoyed it!
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*pinched the bridge of her nose* Bas!
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
*looked at both girls* Tum dono bilkul bighade hue bachhe ban gaye ho. *Then looked at her own father* ...Aur Baba, aap bhi.
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*coughed awkwardly* I was... preserving family harmony.
Kamini Agarwal (fl's mother)
Haan, dance karke.
Santosh Agarwal (fl's grandfather)
*Finally, picked up his pooja bag* I'm really leaving now. The Devaratha family must be waiting. Their pooja cannot begin until I reach the haveli.
The moment the name "Devaratha" echoed through the house...
Trisha Agarwal (FL)
*smile disappeared. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around dress*
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