Chapter - 52
The flight was long, 16 hours. By the time I reached New York, it was already night.
Rohan had already set up the appointment with Mr. Rajvansh.
The man is known for rejecting any business offers from India, no matter the profit.
But today, he agreed to meet me for five minutes.
I didn't care much about the time limit.
I knew that was enough to get the answers I needed.
As soon as I sat in the car that was waiting for me, the first thing I did was call Siya.
Two rings, and she picked up.
"Good morning, Avi," she said, her voice soft, but I could tell she was trying to hide the sadness in it. She was always so good at that, pretending everything was fine even when I knew it wasn't.
"Good morning, Ranisa," I replied, my voice steady but filled with the affection I felt for her. I didn't want to make her feel worse, so I played along. "I just landed."
She started talking about her day, what she did in my absence, but I could hear it in her tone that she missed me, just like I missed her. We talked for almost half an hour, and I couldn't help but smile at the sound of her voice, even if it wasn't as bright as usual.
But I had to focus. I cut the call after I reminded her to take care and wished her good luck for her exam.
I arrived at the hotel, The Greenwich Hotel. The private business gala was happening on the 4th floor, but I had to go up to the 25th floor to meet Mr. Rajvansh.
I entered the elevator, the doors sliding shut behind me. I pressed the button for the 25th floor, the soft hum of the elevator filling the silence. A few minutes later, the elevator came to a stop, and I stepped out into the private lounge.
Mr. Rajvansh was already there, waiting. He was a man of few words, and I knew this meeting wouldn't be easy. But I wasn't here to make small talk. I had one goal, and I wasn't going to leave without answers.
Mr. Rajvansh greeted me with a nod as I entered the private lounge. I did the same—brief, no fake smiles.
He sat back, looking at his watch, and said in a firm tone, "I already informed your PA that I'm not interested in doing any business in India. But he insisted the meeting is important, so I gave the only time I had. So come to the point directly."
That sentence made me smirk a little. I liked people who didn't waste time with useless talks.
"I'm not here to talk business," I said calmly. "This meeting is personal. I want to ask you about Priya Jai Rajput."
The second he heard the name, his whole expression changed. His jaw tightened, and a flicker of anger appeared in his eyes.
"What the hell?" he snapped. "Why do you want to talk about my sister? How do you know her?"
"I'll tell you everything later," I said, keeping my tone steady. "First, I want answers to a few things."
"I don't owe you any answers," he stood up, clearly agitated. "This meeting is over."
He turned to walk away, but I leaned forward slightly and said, "Maybe I can give you something... something you've lost but still matters to you."
He stopped.
His back stiffened. Then slowly, he turned back and narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean by that?"
I didn't say much. Just looked straight into his eyes and replied, "I'll answer all your questions. But first—you sit, and I ask."
A moment passed. Then he walked back and sat across from me.
"Ask."
I didn't waste time. "After your sister's death, why did you leave India permanently? You never visited again. Any specific reason?"
He exhaled deeply, looking tired just by the question. "There was no one left in India for me. My sister... her family... they were all gone. Why should I go back to a place that only holds bad memories?"
I looked straight at him. "And how did your sister die?"
He answered immediately, "She and her family died in a car accident."
I leaned back slightly and said, cold and clear, "That's where you're wrong, Mr. Rajvansh. Your sister didn't die in an accident. That accident was planned."
His face went blank.
"What?" he muttered. "No... No, that's not true. I checked everything myself. It was confirmed. Car accident. It was all there."
I watched him carefully. Shock. Denial. Confusion.
He didn't know.
He had no idea.
I couldn't believe it.
This man left everything behind... his sister, her daughter—Siya—and he didn't even question what happened that night?
How could someone so smart, so successful, be so blind?
He never doubted it. Not even once.
And worse... he left Siya alone in that hell.
I looked straight at Mr. Rajvansh, my voice calm but sharp.
"How did you get the news that your sister died in an accident?" I asked.
He was still in shock but replied slowly, "I received a call from an unknown number that night.
A police officer. He said Priya, her family.
.. all died in a car accident near Jaipur.
I flew there immediately. But... I was shown their car, burnt completely.
The bodies were not recognizable. The police said it was a tragic accident.
The reports were clear. I was broken, but what could I do?
I performed the final rites and left India. I couldn't stay there anymore."
His voice cracked a little. I could feel the weight of the past in it. But something didn't sit right with me.
I didn't show my thoughts. Just nodded and said coldly, "I see. Then someone made sure you believed what they wanted."
He looked up at me, confused.
"I have a feeling that the person who planned that accident is still watching closely," I said.
"They don't want the truth to come out. That's why I'm telling you—don't share anything we spoke about.
Not even with your family. You know, Mr. Rajvansh, betrayal always comes from the ones closest to us. "
He didn't respond. His silence told me he was still processing everything.
After a long pause, he asked me, "How do you know my sister?"
I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Because your sister is my mother-in-law."
He blinked twice. "Okay... what?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "That means... Siya...? But she died too. She was in the car."
His words stunned me.
What the hell was he saying?
Siya? Dead?
I clenched my fists under the table.
"My Siya is alive," I said firmly, my voice cold. "She's alive. And she's my wife."
I could see the color drain from his face. His hands trembled slightly. Shock. Guilt. Confusion. All mixed in one expression.
He muttered, "But the reports... the reports said the child... she was—"
"No," I cut him off. "That child was not Siya. Someone made you believe that. Someone made you think that your entire family died. And you never questioned it."
That was enough to confirm one thing in my mind. Whoever planned that accident was close to him—someone with access to him, the police, and the information.
They made sure Mr. Rajvansh never found out that Siya was alive.
I leaned forward. "Let me tell you what I know about that night. And in return, you'll tell me everything you remember from that time—your sister, her husband, their enemies, any threats."
He nodded.
And so we sat there, two strangers brought together by one hidden truth.
Before I began, I gave him one clear warning.
"Don't tell anyone that Siya is alive. Not a soul. We still don't know who was behind that night—and I won't take chances with her safety."
He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Why are you telling me all this? Why are you trusting me?"
I met his gaze without hesitation. "Because I never do anything without a background check, Mr. Rajvansh. And I'm sure—you're not a threat to my Siya."
I told him everything I'd discovered about the accident, about Siya surviving.
.. and what little she knew.
He told me about Priya and Jai Rajput's past, their dreams, and how he never got along with some of their extended family.
The details weren't enough to find the mastermind, but they were enough to start.
After some silence, he finally asked, "How... how is Siya now?"
I took a breath and replied, "She's fine. Safe. Happy with me."
But I didn't tell him about the trauma, the pain, the way her own relatives treated her like nothing. He wouldn't be able to handle it—not now.
I stood up and said, "We're having our reception next week. You're invited. But remember—Siya doesn't know any of this. She doesn't even know her mother's family is alive."
He looked up at me, eyes red. "I'll come. I promise."
Without another word, I turned and walked away.
This was just the beginning. And I won't stop until I burn down the truth—every lie, every betrayal, every name behind that night.
I woke up early today...
And the first thought that came to my mind was—Aarav is not here.
No warm "Good morning," no scolding to eat on time, no quiet smile from across the room.
The room felt a little empty without him.
I got up quietly and went to the bathroom. After freshening up, I tied my hair into a loose braid and came back in the room. Today was my second exam, and I had to revise.
Just as I opened my book, I heard a soft knock at the door.
I opened it, and my eyes widened.
"Maa?" I said, surprised.
She smiled warmly, holding a tray with a cup of tea. "Good morning, beta," she said.
"Good morning, Maa. Why did you wake up so early? I could've made it myself..."
Maa stepped in and said, "I know you can, but you should just focus on your exams. Let me handle the rest."
She placed the tea on the side table and smiled again.
I looked at her—really looked at her.
Her care... her warmth... this motherly love... it still feels new to me.
For me, a mother's love was something I had only read about in books. Something I thought I'd never feel again.
But now... I have it.
And in that moment, I couldn't stop myself—I hugged her tightly.
Maa was surprised but hugged me back, gently rubbing my back. "What happened, beta? Are you missing Aarav?"
I pulled back, my cheeks warm. "Maa... please," I said shyly.
She laughed softly. "Okay, okay, I won't tease you. Now drink your tea and get back to studying, hmm?"
I nodded and smiled. "Hmm."
She left, and I stared at the closed door for a second.
Shivji... how did I get so lucky?
With Aarav, I got something I never even dared to dream of... a family.
I took a sip of the tea. It was perfect—just how I liked it. And after finishing it, I opened my books again.
For the next three hours, I studied. Revised everything I could.
After that, I went to the bathroom, took a shower, and got ready in a soft floral Anarkali with a pink dupatta. I paired it with matching juttis. Simple... but I felt good.
Just as I was adjusting my dupatta, my phone rang.
I didn't even check the name. I knew who it was.
I picked up quickly. "Good morning, Avi," I said softly.
"Good morning, Ranisa," came his deep voice from the other end.
I instantly blushed.
Every time he called me that... I didn't know why it made my heart flutter like this.
He told me he just landed and I started telling him everything—how I studied, how Maa brought me tea, even the way the morning felt empty without him.
He didn't say much... just listened quietly. But that's what made it special.
He listens like what I say actually matters.
We spoke for about half an hour before he said, "Take care of yourself. And best of luck for your exam, Ranisa. I'm with you... always."
My heart did a little flip.
"Thank you," I whispered. "Come back soon..."
And with that, the call ended.
I looked at the phone, smiling to myself.
With him... everything feels possible.
I picked up my bag and made my way to the living room, feeling stronger, lighter... and truly loved.
After dinner, I came to my room and sat on the bed, hugging my pillow. The room felt quiet... too quiet. Aarav had called me after my exam and even messaged me twice during the day—asking how I was, what I was doing, and if I had eaten or not.
But still... it wasn't the same.
Six more days.
I didn't know when he became this important to me... but now, even one day without him felt like a whole year. Everything felt a little incomplete without his presence, his voice, his teasing.
Still, everyone at home was making sure I didn't feel alone.
Papa and I baked cookies together in the evening. It was fun... he even wore the apron wrong, and we laughed so much. Later, Arjun bhaiya brought my favourite ice cream without me even asking.
But still... a part of me kept waiting.
For his voice.
I was lost in thoughts when suddenly, my phone rang.
My heart skipped a beat.
It's him.
I picked up the call on the very first ring and said softly, "Hello..."
His voice came from the other side, deep and warm, "I knew it. You're still awake."
I sighed and said, "I couldn't sleep."
There was a pause before he asked, "Why?"
I bit my lip and looked away, even though he couldn't see me.
Couldn't he understand? I couldn't sleep because of him...
Because he wasn't here. Because he said he would call at night and I had been waiting for that all evening.
"I... I slept a little in the evening, that's why," I replied softly, trying to sound casual.
He chuckled lightly. "Liar."
I blinked. "W-Why would I lie?"
"You're bad at lying, Siya," he said, and I could practically hear his smirk.
I giggled a little. "Okay fine, maybe I was waiting..."
We talked for a while. I told him everything—about baking cookies with Papa, the ice cream, even Maa teasing me in the morning.
Time flew when I talked to him. It always does.
Then, after a pause, I said softly, "Avi..."
He replied gently, "Yes, jaan?"
My cheeks turned warm at his voice.
"If you keep saying things like this..." I whispered, "I'll fall in love."
There was a heartbeat of silence.
And then his voice came, low and serious, "That's the plan, Siya. To make you fall."
I felt my cheeks burn. I couldn't say anything back. My heart was just... full. So full it almost ached in the best way.
"Siya?" he called gently.
"Hmm?" I managed.
"It's midnight," he said. "Sleep now, Rani sa."
"Okay..." I whispered, "But... don't hang up until I drift off?"
"Never, Siya," he said. "I'll be right here. Always."
And with his voice still in my ear, his breath like a whisper against my soul...
I slowly drifted to sleep, with a smile on my face and him in my dreams.