Sold to the Thakur's

RIVAN yelled at Devyani

Ab Mai kya bolo kuch bolne layak hi nai hun

Mai bht buri Hun na??dkho ik target complete hogaya but trust me mera exam tha i was very stressed??????Mujhe kuch smjh nai ara tha

Toh Maine wattpad hi band kardiya tha

Yk sometimes bht hectic hojata

Hope you guys will understand me??????????

Lkn let me tell mere saste nashe chalrahe hai sach batara hi hun bhaiiii ek dam saste wale pagal horahi hun mai????? names change horahe hain Thakur me Rathore dalrahi hun Rathore me Thakur updates glt derahi hun alag hi Nashe chal rahe hain mere toh upar se Instagram toh aisa Dimag khara mera Dimag Jake dhai hochuka hai sach me sala kuch smjh nai ara ????

Chlo story pe dyaan dete hain tumari author k saste Nashe to chalte rhte hain????

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Devyani's cheeks were still burning when she pushed at his chest.

"Chiii... you are so bad!" she blurted, scrambling off the bed.

Rivan only chuckled, watching her as she stomped toward the door.

"Battameez aadmi..." she muttered under her breath, not daring to turn back.

But once she was in the corridor, away from his gaze, her steps slowed. Her tiny fingers brushed her lips unconsciously, her heart beating so wildly it almost hurt.

The way his lips touched mine... she whispered to herself, it's so different... so strange... I never felt like this before in my whole life.

She pressed her palm against her chest, confused.

"I think... I think I'm sick," she murmured, half worried, half dazed.

Yet her lips curved into a shy smile as she ran toward the hall, her saree flying behind her.

Everyone saw her running like a child.

Everyone asked, "What happened?"

Devyani said, "Yes."

"What yes?"

Devyani screamed in happiness, "He allowed us to go by cars!"

Everyone's eyes widened. "Really?"

Devyani: "Yes."

"Oh my god, has heaven come down itself or something happened to RIVAN? He gave the permission?"

Devyani proudly said, "Yes, he said yes."

Payal asked, "How? Some miracle?"

Devyani innocently said, which made everyone freeze like time stopped,

"Nothing, I just gave him a kiss and he agreed."

Everyone stared at her, mouths open. Even the ticking of the old clock in the corner felt like it stopped.

Devyani, glowing with pride, stood in the center of the hall with her toothy smile.

"Yes! I just gave him kiss and he agreed!" she announced innocently.

"WHAT?!" voices echoed together.

Virendra's brows shot up. Yashodha nearly dropped her teacup. Rudraksh and Payal froze mid-laughter. Aaradhya choked on air, while Jinal's eyes widened like saucers.

"Did... did she just say kiss?" Payal whispered dramatically, leaning toward Jinal.

"Miracle toh chhodo," Rudraksh muttered, smirking, "ab toh sach mein heaven se lightning gir gayi."

Virendra rubbed his temples, exhaling heavily. "This girl... will give me a heart attack before my age."

Meanwhile, Devyani blinked at their shocked faces, tilting her head innocently.

"Why? What happened? He said yes na? Isn't that good?"

The whole hall went pin-drop silent. You could almost hear the servants in the far kitchen stop moving.

Rudraksh's jaw dropped.

Aaradhya's eyes nearly popped out.

And Payal? She covered her mouth dramatically, staring at Devyani like she had just dropped a nuclear bomb.

"Kya?!" Rudraksh broke the silence, half-shouting, half-laughing. "You... you bribed Rivan bhai with a kiss?!"

Devyani blinked innocently, nodding proudly. "Haan! Simple! He said no... then I kissed him... then he said yes."

Payal gasped, holding Jinal's hand. "Didi...inko toh koi dictionary de do! She doesn't even know what she's saying in front of elders!"

Aaradhya's face turned crimson. "Bhabhi! At least thoda toh sharm karo!"

Yashodha tried to control her smile but failed. "Arre, Devyani, beta... yeh baatein sabke saamne nahi kehte."

But Devyani, completely unaware of the storm she had caused, tilted her head with her wide-eyed innocence.

"Why? It's just kiss na? For caring!" she said proudly.

At that, Rudraksh burst into uncontrollable laughter, falling onto the sofa.

Just then, RIVAN was walking through the hall, about to step out of the haveli for some work, when everyone froze, eyes wide.

RIVAN frowned, confused. "What?"

Devyani whispered, "Oh... nothing. They are shocked because of you."

Everyone, in unison, in scary, trembling voices: "Nothing! Nothing! We are not shocked! Nothing!"

RIVAN's brows furrowed. "Really? Then why are you all staring like ghosts?"

Even Devyani tilted her head, confused by the sudden chaos around her.

RIVAN just ignored them and walked out.

Devyani blinked at everyone. "What happened to you guys?"

Everyone quickly shook their heads. "Nothing! Come, let's prepare for the Mumbai trip."

One by one, they all rushed to their rooms, avoiding her curious eyes.

Devyani, still confused, quietly went with Yashodha.

After some time, in the garden area, away from everyone's sight, Jinal sat alone. A place where no one could see her... and no one could come.

Reyansh walked into the garden, papers in hand.

Jinal didn't even glance back, her voice sharp.

"Come, Mr. Sehgal. I was waiting for you only."

He stopped in his tracks, sensing the difference. This wasn't the calm, composed Jinal—this was a furious one.

Without a word, he handed her the papers. "There you go... sign it."

Jinal didn't even hesitate. She snatched the pen, signed the papers swiftly, like it didn't matter anymore.

Reyansh gulped, watching her.

She stood up, her movements steady yet cold. With her fingers, she unclasped her mangalsutra, wiped the vermilion from her hairline, and placed the chain in Reyansh's hand.

"Congratulations, Mr. Sehgal," she said with a chilling smile. "You are free from me."

Her eyes gleamed with mockery. "Enjoy the celebration. And haa... if you are hosting a party for this, don't forget to invite me."

Reyansh froze with the mangalsutra in his hand, his throat dry. "Jinal... don't say it like that."

She laughed bitterly. "Like what? Like truth? Or like freedom? Which one pinches more, Mr. Sehgal?"

He clenched his jaw. "You think this is easy for me?"

Jinal took a step closer, her eyes burning into his. "No, Reyansh. Easy was the night you decided I was nothing more than a burden. Easy was when you looked everywhere else for happiness except at me."

His fists tightened around the chain. "I never wanted it to end like this."

Her lips curved into a sarcastic smile. "And yet, here we are. You're free, Reyansh. Isn't this what you always wanted?"

He looked at her. "You're twisting it—"

"No," she cut him off, her voice firm, almost calm now. "I'm just finally letting you go."

Silence fell heavy between them, broken only by the rustling leaves.

She was about to leave when Reyansh's voice stopped her.

"Congratulations... for the proposal. He's a good man... for you."

Jinal turned back, her smile sharp and polite.

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Sehgal. Please... if you get time, do come to see our good moments."

"Why didn't you sign the divorce papers last year, Jinal?"

She looked at him — those eyes she once adored — now filled with anger.

Reyansh's jaw tightened.

"Jinal, we both know what this marriage was. It was forced — accidental. We only married to protect ourselves. Who told you to take it seriously?"

Jinal let out a bitter scoff, her lips twisting. "Yeah, you're right. It was a burden to you, wasn't it? How could I forget?"

She blinked hard, her voice breaking. "Me? I'm overreacting? Oh, now my words are 'overreacting' too?"

Her chest heaved with the weight of unspoken pain. "Tell me something, Reyansh — if you didn't like my presence, if you never loved me, then why the hell did you keep me with you for six months? Why did you care for me then? Why did you give me hope if you were only going to destroy it later?"

His face hardened. "Even if it was someone else, I might've done the same! Why can't you understand? I never loved you neither will I ever love you. Do you get that?"

His words hit her like glass shattering in her chest.

"I. never. love. you."

Jinal's throat tightened, but she smiled — a painful, broken smile.

"I know. There's no need to repeat it, Reyansh. I already know you never loved me. It was me — the fool — who did. Who wasted years of her life loving someone who couldn't even feel."

Reyansh trying to calm himself. His voice dropped lower, almost soft.

"Listen, Jinal... Rajveer is a good man. Just move on. We both have lives. You can't ruin yourself because of me."

Jinal's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She looked away, her voice barely a whisper.

"Already ruined, Reyansh... long before you said it."

The silence that followed was louder than any scream.

Jinal's voice trembled, her eyes glistening.

"Really, Reyansh? You didn't feel anything for me? Not even once?"

He looked straight into her eyes, expression unreadable.

"No," he said quietly. "Not at all."

The words shattered her. She could almost hear her heart breaking — every piece falling, splintering inside her chest.

She searched his face desperately, hoping to find even a flicker of doubt in his eyes. But there was nothing — just that same cold calm.

Jinal took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.

She forced a small, shaky smile.

"I really wish you well, Reyansh. And I truly hope you go back to London soon. Please, don't stay in my house anymore. Your presence... it's suffocating."

Her tone grew sharper with every word, masking the pain that refused to leave her voice.

"If you don't have enough money, tell me. I'll inform Rivan bhai to lend you some. Stop staying in someone else's house if you can't handle your own. Just... get lost."

Reyansh didn't move. He just stood there, silent, taking in every word. He knew she was right — and still, he couldn't defend himself. He accepted her anger, her pain, her "rubbish," because he knew he had caused it.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She stepped closer to him, voice breaking.

"This is the last time I'm crying for you," she whispered. "It's hard... but I'll make sure you don't matter to me anymore. You're—"

Before she could finish, Reyansh suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her close. Her breath hitched — their faces just inches apart, his voice low but firm.

"Shhh..." he murmured. "Keep quiet. Yell at me all you want, but don't break yourself like this. You can't handle that kind of stress, Jinal. Calm down."

Her anger melted into something else — exhaustion, heartbreak, maybe both. Her body went weak against him, no longer able to hold her own weight. For all her words about not caring, her heart still ached with every beat.

"Why....... don't you hate me?" she whispered, her voice trembling against his chest. "We're divorced now... so why do you still care?"

Reyansh closed his eyes for a second, his grip tightening — as if letting her go would shatter him too.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

They just stood there locked in each other's arms one completely shattered, the other drowning in guilt.

Jinal's tears soaked through his shirt, and Reyansh's hand lingered against her back, as if silently asking for forgiveness he'd never earn.

He exhaled softly, then lowered his lips to her forehead, pressing a lingering kiss there gentle, final.

"You'll always be my good friend, Jinal," he whispered. "Don't stress yourself anymore. Move on. Be happy. Sometimes destiny doesn't give us what we want... and when it does give us something else, we should learn to live with it."

Jinal let out a shaky laugh, bitter and broken. "Yeah, sure," she said, blinking away her tears. "Do come to my baby's naming ceremony too. It'll be... fun."

Reyansh's throat tightened — but before he could speak, she pushed lightly against his chest.

"Leave me," she said quietly. "I know how to calm myself now."

He let his hands fall away slowly, watching as she stepped back — her eyes red but her chin held high.

And with that, she turned and walked away — her footsteps echoing through the empty garden path, fading into the silence of the night.

Reyansh stood there, still, the divorce papers hanging loosely in his hand along with mangalsutra.

The wind brushed past him, scattering a few dry leaves near his feet — like echoes of what was left between them.

He looked down at the papers... then up at the direction she had gone.

Her words replayed in his mind again and again, and for the first time, he realized—

he might have lost something he never even dared to hold.

Finally, he whispered, almost to himself, "Cupcake..."

Then he turned and left, carrying the weight of something far heavier than the papers.

As Jinal walked away from him, her tears blurred everything — the path, the trees, even the light that flickered in the garden.

Every step hurt, every breath burned.

But beneath that pain... something inside her finally snapped.

She stopped near the gate, wiped her tears roughly, and whispered to herself,

"Enough, Jinal. No more crying for him. No more waiting for something that was never yours."

Her hands trembled, but her voice was steady.

"Now, no matter who Rajveer is... I'm going to marry him. At any cost."

There was no love in her tone, only determination.

It wasn't about moving on anymore — it was about proving to herself that she could survive without Reyansh Sehgal.

She lifted her chin, exhaled, and walked inside the haveli — her heart still breaking, but her resolve stronger than ever.

.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, Rivan entered his company.

The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the air changed.

Every single person in the building froze like statues.

Not a sound. Not a shuffle. Not even a breath too heavy.

He demanded pin-drop silence—and his empire delivered.

His steps echoed against the marble floor, long and dangerous, carrying the weight of his name. Each click of his shoes was enough to make throats tighten and spines stiffen.

Eighty percent of his staff were men—trained, disciplined, loyal to fear if not to respect. The remaining twenty percent were women, though they remained shadows in the background, almost invisible in his presence.

Because everyone knew one thing—Rivan Thakur did not tolerate women near him.

Not in his office. Not in his world.

The few who had dared to test it had vanished. Rumors whispered of a girl at a party once—she had tried to touch him, tried to play seduction with the man who despised it. By morning, she was nowhere to be found.

No one asked questions.

No one spoke her name again.

Whether she was silenced forever, or simply made to disappear, only one truth remained clear: you don't cross Rivan Thakur.

And the sight of him walking through his own empire was reminder enough.

Rivan's stride never faltered as he moved through the corridors, every head bowed, every gaze fixed firmly to the ground. Not a single soul dared to look up.

The tall glass doors of his private office swung open at the mere push of his hand. Inside, the air felt even heavier—colder, darker.

It wasn't just an office.

It was a throne room.

A massive oak desk stood at the center, sleek yet intimidating.

Behind it, shelves lined with files, legal documents, and weapons disguised as ornaments.

The curtains were drawn half-closed, letting only a slit of sunlight cut through, falling directly on his chair—the chair no one dared to sit on except him.

The leather creaked as he sank into it, leaning back with a slow exhale. One hand on the armrest, the other brushing across his jawline. His sharp eyes scanned the room, every corner, every shadow—as if even the walls owed him obedience.

On the far right, a fingerprint-secured locker stood tall. Inside it—files too dangerous for ordinary eyes, a revolver always loaded, and cash that could buy silence anywhere in the world.

No assistant entered without his permission. No phone rang unless filtered. No one knocked on that door unless they had a death wish.

Here, in his personal den, Rivan wasn't just the head of his empire.

He was the predator, and this was his hunting ground.

And today—he wasn't in the mood for mercy.

As soon as Rivan settled into his chair, the door opened and Arav walked in — his most trusted man, the one Rivan had chosen after personally rejecting over three hundred candidates.

"Sir," Arav said, voice steady but respectful. "We've found the man who tried to sell our company's internal data to the rivals."

Rivan's jaw flexed slightly, his cold gaze lifting from the papers on his desk.

"Bring him in."

Arav hesitated for a fraction of a second — just long enough for unease to creep up his spine.

Because when Rivan said bring him in, it never ended well for the person being brought.

Normally, when Rivan wanted to deal with someone, he preferred the shadows of his dungeon, where screams were swallowed by silence and no one dared to breathe without permission. But calling someone in here, to his office... that was different. It was personal.

Still, Arav didn't ask questions. He simply nodded and left the room, returning moments later with a trembling man — hands bound, sweat trickling down his temple, eyes darting in panic.

Rivan leaned back in his chair, eyes dark and unreadable.

The calm before the storm.

The man stumbled inside, terror already swallowing his voice.

The moment he saw Rivan, he collapsed to his knees.

"Sir... please— don't kill me," he stammered, tears mixing with sweat. "Please, I didn't do anything—"

That was it.

The one thing Rivan Singh Thakur despised the most.

Begging.

He could forgive betrayal if the man had the spine to accept it. But not this— not the shaking voice, the folded hands, the pathetic plea for mercy.

Because he still remembered the day he had begged on his knees. From that moment, Rivan's mercy had died. Along with whatever humanity he once had.

The silence in the cabin snapped like a thin thread.

And then —

A deafening bang echoed through the room.

The man fell. Instantly. His body hit the marble floor with a dull thud, blood spreading fast — painting the edges of Rivan's shoes crimson.

A few drops had splashed onto his white shirt sleeve. But Rivan didn't notice.

He just stood there cold, unblinking his gun still in hand, smoke rising from its barrel.

Arav stood at the door, frozen. He'd seen Rivan angry before. But this... this was the beast.

The version of him that didn't speak. Didn't warn. Didn't blink.

Rivan exhaled softly, the sound almost peaceful.

"Clean this up," he said, voice calm, almost gentle the calm that followed destruction.

Then he sat back down in his chair, as if nothing had happened, blood still dripping quietly onto the floor beside his desk.

After the mess was cleaned and the silence returned to its usual suffocating weight, Arav stood still near the door.

"Sir... may I go?" he asked quietly.

Rivan didn't answer.

He didn't need to his silence was heavier than words, sharper than commands.

Arav waited, heartbeat steady but cautious. Just when he thought he was dismissed, a low voice stopped him.

"Arav."

His name.

Rivan rarely used names. And when he did, something was always off.

Arav froze, his mind whispering, Today sir is not sirring... something's different.

He turned slowly. "Yes, sir?"

Rivan looked up, expression unreadable.

"Can you bring me an... anywhere door?"

For a moment, Arav thought he misheard. His face went blank worth recording, truly.

"Sir... anywhere door?" he repeated cautiously.

"Yes," Rivan said, his tone icy. "Didn't you hear me the first time?"

Arav swallowed. "Sir, I'm... I'm so sorry, but the anywhere door doesn't exist. It's from Doraemon, sir — a cartoon. It's... not real. You can't actually use it in the real world."

For the first time, Rivan's face changed. Not anger — confusion. A flicker of something unfamiliar crossed his eyes.

He'd never watched cartoons. He'd never even heard of Doraemon.

And now, realizing he'd asked for something fictional — something that made him sound almost... humanly foolish — he went completely still.

Then his jaw tightened. "Get out," he said flatly.

Arav didn't wait another second. He vanished from the room as if chased by death itself.

Rivan leaned back, his gaze distant. For a long minute, he said nothing. Then he opened his laptop.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard — and then began typing with that same ruthless focus he used when hunting enemies.

Search bar: "Anywhere Door."

After a few minutes of searching, Rivan finally understood what the "anywhere door" actually was.

A cartoon door.

A child's fantasy.

He stared at the screen for a long second, then let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

And then rage exploded.

He grabbed the nearest file and flung it across the room. Papers scattered like white chaos fluttering through the air before crashing to the floor.

He ran a hand through his hair, breathing hard.

"Shitt" he muttered under his breath, slamming his fist against the desk.

Why was she affecting him like this? Why was he losing control?

And then — a voice echoed inside his head.

Cold. Commanding. Familiar.

"Never trust a woman, Rivan."

"They smile, they cry, they beg — but it's all a lie."

"They are weakness. And a Thakur never bends for weakness."

He froze. His heartbeat slowed, and for a second.

Then came that voice.

Not from outside — from inside.

No, Rivan... you're not going crazy. You're getting attracted to someone.

Rivan froze, his jaw tightening. "Shut up," he hissed to himself, pacing restlessly.

You know who it is.

He rolled his eyes with frustration. "Calm down. She's here only for a year," he muttered. "After that, she'll be gone. Out of my sight. Out of my mind."

But his mind didn't listen.

Because suddenly, that moment from earlier — the kiss — replayed in his head. The way her lips trembled. The warmth. The confusion. The softness he had no right to feel.

He pressed his palms against his temples, trying to suffocate the images in his head, the strange pull that shouldn't exist.

"This isn't you," he growled. "Get it together. Buckle up. This isn't the Rivan I built."

But the kiss wouldn't stop replaying.

Over and over.

Rivan's hand moved to the drawer — almost unconsciously. He pulled out a blade, the cold metal glinting under the light.

He stared at it — the one thing that always made him feel in control.

But just as he raised it, his eyes caught a faint stain of dried blood on his sleeve — from the man earlier.

He froze.

His hand stopped mid-air.

The thought of more blood — his own this time — twisted something inside him.

The blade hovered inches above his skin.

His breath was uneven, his grip tight — ready to feel the sting that usually silenced his thoughts.

But just as the sharp edge touched his wrist—

her face flashed before his eyes.

That trembling figure.

That small, terrified gasp when she saw blood for the first time the way her body had gone weak, collapsing right before him, her lashes wet, lips pale.

Rivan froze.

For the first time in his life, he stopped.

Rivan Thakur stopped.

He never thought before hurting others.

He never thought before hurting himself.

But now... just the thought of her collapsing again of that fragile form shivering in fear made his hand go still.

He stared at the blade for a long second.

Then something inside him snapped.

With a furious growl, he hurled the blade across the room.

It clattered against the wall, leaving a thin mark before falling to the floor.

His chest rose and fell sharply.

"Damn it!" he shouted, voice echoing through the empty cabin. "What the hell are you doing to me?"

He pressed his palms against the desk, head bowed, jaw locked so tight it ached.

He didn't understand what was happening — only that something was changing.

Something dangerous.

Because the beast inside him had stopped — not out of fear, not out of logic...

but because of her.

.

.

.

In the Thakur Haveli, there was an unusual buzz in the air.

While the others were busy, Devyani walked down the hall and gently pushed open Reyansh's door.

He was standing alone on the balcony, his hands resting on the railing, eyes lost somewhere in the fading evening sky.

"Reyansh bhaiyya..." she called softly.

He turned instantly, breaking into a small smile. "Yes, honey?"

Devyani stepped closer, her eyes curious. "Bhaiyya, you're coming with us, right?"

Reyansh blinked. "Coming? Where?"

"Mumbai," she said excitedly, her voice bright. "Everyone's going, didn't you hear?"

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Umm... no, Devyani. You all go ahead. I have some work to finish."

Devyani's face fell instantly. "Come na, bhaiyya," she pleaded gently. "It'll be fun! You know, I've never gone on a trip like this before... this is my first time. I want to enjoy it with everyone — with you too."

Her words carried such innocence, such simple warmth, that Reyansh's resolve melted without effort.

He smiled, watching her eyes sparkle. "Okay, okay," he said, laughing softly. "You all go ahead. I'll finish my work and then come, hmm?"

Devyani's lips curved into a bright smile. "Promise?"

"Promise," he said, patting her head affectionately.

She nodded happily. "Then I'm happy," she said, her voice filled with childlike joy.

Reyansh watched her leave — her light steps echoing faintly down the corridor — and a soft smile lingered on his face.

Her innocence had a strange way of making everything around her feel... peaceful.

The morning of the Mumbai trip arrived with laughter echoing through the haveli — something that hadn't happened in years.

Everyone was bubbling with excitement, the air buzzing with disbelief. No one could wrap their heads around it. Rivan Thakur, the man who never bent his rules for anyone, had actually allowed them to travel by cars.

If it wasn't for Devyani, the entire Thakur family would've believed it was some kind of miracle — a headline worthy of the front page:

"The Ruthless Thakur Finally Says Yes."

Even though he will miles away, Rivan's presence will everywhere. His men were stationed at every checkpoint, his orders written, spoken, and feared. Every member of the Thakur family followed the security protocols as if Rivan himself were watching them.

But maybe... that was the truth.

Because no one could truly escape his control. Not even from a distance.

Yet, what no one realized was that something — or rather, someone had begun to melt the ice in his veins.

That wide-eyed, innocent girl who looked at him not with fear, but with unshaken trust.

For the first time in years, Rivan Thakur had made a decision not with his mind... but with his heart.

And though he would never admit it, he knew exactly why he broke his own rule

those trembling lips,

that soft voice,

those watery puppy eyes that disarmed even the monster inside him.

Because maybe, just maybe, Devyani wasn't just in his life.

She was changing it.

Devyani was running around her room like a little whirlwind, packing her favourite sarees with excitement shimmering in her eyes. Today wasn't just a trip — it was freedom wrapped in sunshine.

Everyone was already ready and gathered in the main hall — Virendra and Yashodha, Rekha and Samarveer, Rudraksh, Jinal, Payal, and Aaradhya. Rajmata and Samarveer Thakur had already left earlier.

Payal, Rudraksh, and Aaradhya were practically glowing with excitement, chattering about beaches and shopping. Only Jinal was quiet, her smile looking more like a mask than happiness.

Then came Devyani her small steps echoing in the vast hall, her face adorably puffed with a pout.

Virendra, who was checking his watch, paused immediately. "What happened to my doll?" he asked in his deep, fatherly voice.

Devyani frowned. "I asked Reyansh bhaiyya to come with us, but he said no."

Virendra sighed softly. "It's okay, beta. Reyansh and Rivan both are caught up with work, that's why they couldn't come."

She nodded sadly. "Hmmm, it's okay, but still... they should come too. Work, work, work do they even know how to have fun? Anyway, we'll have fun without them, sweet uncle!"

Virendra raised a brow, pretending to be stern. "For how long will you call me sweet uncle, haan?"

Devyani blinked, confused. "Umm... why? You don't like it?"

He chuckled faintly. "You already call Yashodha 'maa,' then how come I'm still an uncle? Call me papa or baba, hmm?"

Devyani froze, eyes widening. The word papa felt heavy on her tongue something she'd secretly wanted to say, but never dared to. She'd seen how strict and intimidating he could be with servants, and she'd buried that thought, afraid he might scold her.

Virendra noticed her hesitation and softened. "It's alright, bacche. If you don't want to, I—"

Before he could finish, Devyani suddenly ran forward and threw her arms around him. Her voice was small, trembling, but full of warmth as she whispered, "Papa..."

Virendra's entire body stilled.

For a long moment, silence reigned in the hall. Then, slowly, a rare smile tugged at his lips. His large hand came to rest on her head as he hugged her back — tight, protective, like a father finally embracing the daughter he never had.

Everyone stood frozen, watching the sight they never thought they'd see.

Because Virendra Thakur — the man who ruled with iron, who never showed emotion, who hadn't shed a single tear even when Vasundhara died — had a single tear slipping down his cheek.

And for the first time, it wasn't a sign of weakness...

It was love.

Yashodha's smile lingered, but her eyes didn't.

She knew her husband better than anyone — the man behind the authority, the silence, and the command that shook people to their core. And seeing Virendra like this — soft, teary-eyed, vulnerable — it unsettled her deeply.

Something had cracked open inside him today.

Something old.

Something buried.

And Yashodha Thakurain knew one thing with chilling certainty — whatever was buried was about to surface.

Before her thoughts could settle, the heavy wooden doors of the haveli creaked open.

Rivan and Reyansh stepped in together.

The air shifted.

Rivan's presence alone made the servants stiffen; his sharp aura sliced through the cheerful atmosphere like a blade. Reyansh, beside him, carried his calm but powerful confidence — the perfect shadow to Rivan's storm.

As they entered, Reyansh's gaze instinctively drifted — and met Jinal's.

For a fleeting heartbeat, time paused.

But the moment she realized, Jinal instantly turned her face away — too quickly.Once upon a time, she would steal glances at him every chance she got. And he'd always notice, even without looking at her.

But now... everything had changed.

Rivan hadn't returned to the haveli the previous night. He had stayed in his office — surrounded by silence, files, and the faint smell of his cigarette smoke — anything to keep himself from thinking about her.

Virendra, standing near, smiled faintly.

"You both came. We were waiting for you—we're lea—"

But before he could finish, Rivan brushed past him without a glance.

No greeting. No acknowledgment. Nothing.

He climbed the stairs in his usual silent, powerful stride, the echo of his boots filling the hall.

Devyani, who stood holding her saree , watched him go. Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something something as small as a bye.

Her eyes followed him until he disappeared at the top of the stairs.

Not even a glance... not even a word.

She tried to smile, but it faltered before it could bloom. The small spark of hope she carried that maybe he'd look at her, maybe say take care vanished just like that.

Reyansh, watching quietly from the side, exhaled through his nose. he murmured under his breath. "Still waiting for the stone to melt."

But Rivan didn't turn back. Not even once.

He went straight to his room, shutting the door behind him with a soft, final click — as if sealing every emotion away once again.

Everyone was finally settled in their cars. Laughter, chatter, excitement — the Thakur family was glowing with joy. All the siblings gathered together in one car; none of them wanted to miss a moment of fun.

But amidst the happiness, one heart wasn't at ease.

Devyani sat quietly near the window, fingers twisting the end of her saree. Her heart thudded faster with every passing second. She didn't want to leave without saying goodbye.

But the thought of going to him — of facing his glare, his anger — made her stomach twist in fear.

Virendra, noticing her restlessness, spoke softly, "Devyani... we'll wait. Go. Meet him if you want to."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

Virendra smiled. "Yes, go fast before we leave."

She didn't wait another second. With a small squeal of excitement, she ran inside the haveli — her anklets chiming with every hurried step.

Her steps slowed near his room. The air was heavy, silent. She pushed the door open gently, peeking inside.

He was standing by the balcony, back facing her

She took a small step forward, voice trembling but sweet.

"Pati Parmeshwar ji..."

No response. Not even a turn.

She swallowed, trying again.

"Pati ji... suniye na... hum ja rahe hain..."

That's when he turned.

Her breath caught in her throat. His eyes — red, furious, cold.

"FUCKING STOP IT!" he roared. "How many times should I tell you— I am NOT your husband and you are NOT my wife! Can't you understand even once?"

Devyani flinched, her body trembling under his cold voice.

"Stop coming into my mind, do you hear me?" he barked again. "All women are the same — sab ek jaise hai! And you... you're no different."

She stared at him, frozen. The room spun for a second. The tone, the rage all of it pulled her back to a memory she wanted to forget.

Her father.

His shouts. His anger. His words.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Rivan didn't notice the way her eyes had gone blank, lost. He was too consumed by his fury to see what he had just done.

"Just go to hell!" he hissed, stepping back from her. "Why the hell are you informing me? I'm no one to you. And you— you're no one to me! So get the hell out of my life!"

Her throat ached. Her eyes shimmered, but not a single tear fell. She only whispered softly, broken

"Bapu..."

The word left her lips like a fragile ghost of her past one he didn't understand, but one that cracked something deep inside her.

Rivan's jaw hard, voice cutting through the air like a whip.

"Don't you dare call me your husband again. Do you understand?"

Each word landed like a strike, sharp and cold.

And then, without waiting for her response, he turned away his heavy footsteps echoing against the marble floor. A moment later, the door slammed shut behind him.

Silence.

Devyani stood there, frozen. Her eyes still fixed on the space where he had just stood, her mind blank. She didn't even realise he had left.

The room felt colder. Empty.

Her saree slipped from her shoulder, but she didn't move to fix it. The sound of her own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear slow, heavy, hurting.

For once, she didn't cry.

The same girl who would cry for the smallest scolding... now just stood there, motionless. No tears, no words just an ache she couldn't understand.

Her lips quivered slightly, but she didn't break. Not this time.

Maybe because something inside her already had.

He lifted his chin and declared, slow and cold, "SHE IS DEVYANI — RIVAN THAKUR."

He let it sit, then hammered the words home with the kind of authority that doesn't ask for respect it takes it.

"Not an ordinary girl. Not your rumor, not your amusement, not anyone's target.

" His eyes swept the room, and it felt as if they had swallowed the light. He spoke the next line like a verdict:

The sentence landed like a cannon. The palace went into a stunned silence so complete you could hear the breath leave people's lungs.

Even the most confident faces paled; whispers died on their tongues.

Rajveer's mouth tightened into a hard line.

The guards straightened as if the air itself had spelled out a new rule.

"She is Devyani Rivan Thakur."