Veer s life at risk
It was evening.
The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and gold as the entire family sat outside in the garden, enjoying the calm air and light conversations.
Everyone was there.
Except Maya and Atharva.
Maya was in her room… and Atharva was busy with some work outside.
After a while, Atharva entered the garden, his eyes instinctively scanning everyone present.
“Maya… where is she?” he asked, a faint crease forming on his forehead.
Anvi answered casually, “She wasn’t feeling well, so she’s resting.”
Every head turned toward her in surprise.
Because until that moment—
No one knew.
“Not feeling well?” Atharva’s expression changed instantly. “What happened to her? She was perfectly fine in the morning. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Suman added softly, “Yes, beta… you should’ve at least told us.”
Anvi raised her hands lightly. “Relax, everyone. Maya herself told me not to inform anyone, so I didn’t.”
“Why?” Veer asked, frowning slightly. “What happened all of a sudden?”
Atharva didn’t wait any longer.
“I’ll go check myself,” he said, already turning toward the house.
But the moment he stepped inside—
He stopped.
Maya was standing near the entrance.
And behind Atharva, the rest of the family followed in.
All eyes fell on her.
There was a soft smile on her face… mixed with a hint of shyness… a touch of hesitation.
Atharva walked up to her immediately, his concern taking over.
He placed his hand on her forehead… then her neck, checking her temperature.
“What happened to you?” he asked, his voice filled with worry. “You don’t even have a fever. Then how are you unwell? And why didn’t you tell me?”
Maya looked at him for a moment… then at everyone else gathered around.
Taking a soft breath, she said,
“Actually… even I didn’t know what was happening to me. So how could I tell anyone?”
Atharva frowned. “What do you mean you didn’t know? You should’ve seen a doctor—come on, I’ll call one right now—”
Before he could move—
Maya held his hand.
The room fell silent.
Everyone looked at her, confused.
She took a deep breath.
Then looked straight into Atharva’s eyes.
“I’m pregnant.”
For a moment—
Time stopped.
Atharva froze.
So did everyone else.
Silence.
Then—
As if the words finally settled in—
Every face lit up.
Smiles spread.
Eyes filled with tears—happy tears.
Atharva’s hand slowly moved to her stomach, his expression still in disbelief.
“What…?” he whispered. “Can you… say that again?”
Maya smiled softly, her eyes glowing.
“Yes… you’re going to be a father, Atharva Raisinghani.”
And just like that—
His world changed.
A happiness he had never felt before flooded through him. For a second, he didn’t even know how to react.
Then suddenly, as if something clicked in his mind, he stepped aside and quickly made a call.
Meanwhile—
Rajvendra and Suman came forward, their faces glowing with joy.
“Thank you so much, beta,” Suman said emotionally, placing her hand on Maya’s head. “For giving us such happiness…”
Rajvendra’s eyes shone with excitement. “I’m going to be a grandfather… a little Atharva will be running around this house…”
Suman immediately added, “I’ll inform Maya’s family right away!”
Anvi and Nidhi rushed forward, pulling Maya into a tight hug.
“Oh my baby!” Anvi exclaimed. “You’re going to be a mother! God, I think I’m happier than you!”
“Bhabhi…” Nidhi said, her eyes sparkling, “you’ve made our day!”
Dhruv stepped forward, grinning widely. “Wow, bhabhi! Because of you, I’m going to be a chachu now! Finally, someone younger than me in this house!”
Nidhi nudged him. “Excuse me? I’m already here.”
“Among the boys, I am the youngest.
!” Dhruv declared confidently. “ And I know it’s going to be a boy!”
“No,” Nidhi protested immediately. “I want a girl!”
Maya just stood there, smiling softly as she watched them all—her heart full.
Then—
Veer stepped forward.
A faint smile rested on his lips.
“Congratulations,” he said quietly, extending his hand.
Maya smiled and shook it.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
Then Veer looked around at everyone… and quietly walked away.
No one noticed.
Except Dhruv.
The celebration continued—laughter, conversations, excitement filling the air—
Until Atharva returned.
“I’ve already spoken to the doctors,” he announced seriously. “From today—no, from right now—we need to take care of everything. Your food, your routine, your rest—everything. And you’re only eating healthy. No junk. No unhealthy food at all.”
Maya sighed lightly. “Atharva… it’s normal, okay? I’m a human being, not fragile. I’m perfectly fine—I don’t need this much—”
“No,” he cut her off firmly. “I don’t want anything to happen to you… or our baby.”
Suman chuckled softly. “Beta, I gave birth to three children… even your father didn’t take this much care of me.”
Atharva didn’t even hesitate. “That’s his problem. My wife won’t lack anything.”
Then, grabbing Maya’s hand, he frowned slightly. “Why are you standing? Sit.”
Before she could argue—
He gently but firmly made her sit on the couch.
The rest of the family stood around them, smiling warmly.
And in that moment—
Everything felt complete.
Or at least…
It seemed that way.
Atharva gently lifted Maya’s foot, placing it carefully over his thigh.
His fingers moved softly over her ankle.
“Is it hurting?” he asked, his voice unusually gentle.
Maya immediately looked around, slightly embarrassed. “Atharva… what are you doing? Everyone is watching…”
Atharva glanced at the others, completely unfazed. “Does anyone have a problem if I take care of my wife?”
A wave of laughter passed through the room.
Everyone shook their heads.
Satisfied, he looked back at Maya. “See? No one has a problem. So just relax.”
And without another word, he started massaging her foot again—slow, careful, almost protective.
Maya sighed, pulling her foot back slightly. “Atharva… I’m not sick. I’m completely fine. It hasn’t even been a day and you’ve already started all this…”
She gently took her foot away.
Atharva looked at her with an almost innocent expression.
“Should I start making a list of names?” he said suddenly. “If it’s a boy, what should we name him? And if it’s a girl? We also have to buy everything—clothes, toys, room setup… there’s so much to do.”
“Bhai!” Dhruv laughed. “You have nine months for all that. Why are you starting now?”
“He’s gone mad,” Suman chuckled.
Rajvendra smiled knowingly. “It’s his first child. When Atharva was about to be born, I was the same.”
Atharva didn’t even respond to them.
His eyes were only on Maya.
“I love you so much, wifey…” he said softly, emotion clear in his voice. “I’m so happy… you’ve given me something so big.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead gently.
And for a moment—
Everything felt warm.
Perfect.
But not for everyone.
—
Dhruv glanced around casually.
Then frowned.
Veer wasn’t there.
He quietly stepped out of the house, checking around… but there was no sign of him.
Finally, he went to the watchman.
“Sir left on his bike,” the man informed him.
Dhruv’s expression tightened.
He immediately tried calling Veer—once… twice… multiple times.
No response.
For a second, Dhruv stood still, thinking.
Then, without wasting another moment, he rushed to his car and drove off to find him.
Back at the house—
No one noticed.
Everyone was still lost in the happiness of Maya’s news… laughter and excitement filling the space.
Unaware…
That somewhere else—
Something far from joyful was unfolding.
—
The roar of engines filled the air.
Dhruv’s car screeched to a halt as he reached the racing ground.
His eyes immediately searched the massive screens set up around the track.
And there—
Veer.
His bike was slicing through the track like a storm.
Fast.
Too fast.
Far ahead of everyone else.
The crowd was cheering wildly, chanting his name, adrenaline pumping through the atmosphere.
But Veer—
He wasn’t just racing.
He was pushing limits.
Breaking them.
Ignoring them.
His bike didn’t slow down—not at turns, not at curves, not even at dangerous bends. It was as if brakes didn’t exist for him.
Dhruv’s heart started pounding.
Fear crept into his eyes.
Because he knew—
This wasn’t normal.
This wasn’t control.
This was recklessness.
This was pain.
Behind him, a few voices murmured.
“I’ve never seen Veer this angry…”
“Yeah… he didn’t even wear proper padding. No protection on hands or legs… just a helmet. And look at him—he’s riding like he wants to kill himself.”
“It’s been years… he’ll handle it.”
“Hope so…”
Dhruv stood there, his fingers crossing unconsciously as he stared at the screen.
His fear kept growing.
But on the track—
Veer didn’t slow down.
Not even a little.
And then—
It happened.
At the final stretch, just as Veer crossed the finish line—
Winning the race—His bike wobbled.
Slightly at first.Then violently.His balance faltered.The crowd fell silent.
Because ahead—The road was ending.
A steep drop beyond.
And the speed—Was still too high.
No brakes.No control.No time.
Gasps filled the air.Hands flew to heads.Hearts stopped.
Dhruv froze.He couldn’t move.
Couldn’t do anything—Except watch.
The bike tilted dangerously—
Almost about to crash—
And then—
Out of nowhere—
Another bike surged in.
A rider leaned forward, grabbing Veer’s arm with force and pulling him away—
Both of them crashing hard to the side of the road.
Veer’s bike—
Shot forward—
And disappeared straight off the edge of the mountain.
For a second—
Silence.
Then—
Dhruv exhaled sharply, looking up at the sky, relief flooding through him.
Around him, people started breathing again, murmurs turning back into cheers.
Because Veer—Was alive.Barely.
But safe.For now.
Veer looked at the biker in front of him—the one who had just saved his life.
The man’s face was completely hidden behind a helmet.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Then both of them steadied themselves and stood up.
Veer was about to say something—
But the biker cut him off, already getting back on his bike.
“Sit behind.”
No explanation.No hesitation.
And surprisingly—Veer didn’t argue.
Silently, he got on the bike behind him.
Within minutes, they reached back where the crowd had gathered. People rushed toward them, surrounding them instantly.
The biker was still seated, helmet on.
Veer behind him.
Dhruv pushed through the crowd and immediately pulled Veer down.
“You’ve lost your mind!” he snapped, hugging him tightly despite his anger. “What were you trying to do? What if something had happened? Who drives like that?!”
Veer barely reacted.His eyes were fixed on the biker.
The man was looking at him too.
Then—
In a calm, firm voice—
“Twenty minutes. At the farmhouse.”
And just like that—He sped away.
Dhruv froze.
“That voice…”
Veer nodded slowly. “Bhai.”
“What?!” Dhruv looked at him, shocked. “But how did he even know you were here? And all this—”
Veer shook his head faintly. “I don’t know…”
Dhruv exhaled deeply. “Come on. Let’s go. He’ll tell us himself.”
They looked at each other for a moment—
Then silently left.
—
Atharva was already there.
Sitting on the couch, one leg crossed over the other.
His posture looked calm.
But his eyes—
They burned.
The veins on his hands were visible, tense… controlled anger running beneath his skin.
Rana stood behind him, silent, observant.
No one at home knew any of this.The happiness there…And the storm here…Were two completely different worlds.
Veer and Dhruv entered.
Neither spoke.
They just stood in front of him.
Atharva’s gaze shifted to Veer.
Blood was slowly dripping from his hand, seeping through the sleeve of his jacket.
Both brothers stood with their heads slightly lowered.
A heavy silence filled the room.
Then—
Atharva spoke.
“I’ll ask only once,” he said quietly. “And I expect the answer… in one go.”
Veer and Dhruv looked up.
“What were you trying to do, Veer?”
Veer__“Nothing… I was just racing—”
Atharva_“I don’t like lies.”
The words were calm.
But sharp enough to cut.
Veer inhaled. “I didn’t even realize when the speed went that high… I just wanted to win the race.”
Atharva didn’t respond.
He just looked at him.
Closely.
Reading him.
Veer’s eyes flickered—up, down… anywhere but steady.
“And if I hadn’t reached there?” Atharva asked, his voice dropping lower. “Did you at least remember where the race was happening? Which hill?”
Veer nodded slightly.
“Then why?” Atharva’s tone hardened. “Why go to such a risky area?”
“I—I…” Veer faltered.
He had no answer.
“Bhai, he—” Dhruv tried to step in.
“The question was asked to Veer,” Atharva cut him off sharply. “Not you.”
Dhruv immediately fell silent again.
Veer said nothing.
Not a word.
A few seconds passed.
Then Atharva leaned back slightly, closing his eyes for a brief moment as his fingers pressed against his temple.
“Leave.”
Both of them looked at him.
But he didn’t open his eyes.
Just sat there… controlling something far deeper than anger.
Veer and Dhruv exchanged a glance.
Then turned to go.
But just before leaving—
Dhruv stopped.
“Bhai… how did you even know Veer was there?”
Atharva opened his eyes.
Just for a second.And that was enough.Both of them saw it—The anger.The warning.They didn’t ask again.
Without another word—
They walked out.
—
Rana stepped forward slightly. “Sir… Veer baba almost put his life at risk today.”
Atharva didn’t reply immediately.
His gaze remained fixed somewhere distant.
Thinking.Calculating.
Then finally—
“Do one thing, Rana,” he said slowly.
“And make sure… no mistake happens again.”
Rana nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“And this stays between you and me.”
His voice was quiet.But absolute.
Rana nodded again.
Atharva leaned slightly forward, speaking in a low tone—giving him precise instructions.
Something controlled.Something planned.Something dangerous.
Because this time—He wasn’t just reacting.He was preparing.
A New Morning…
The next morning unfolded in warmth and ease.
Sunlight filtered softly through the windows, casting a golden glow across the living room. Everyone sat together on the couches, breakfast plates still in their hands, laughter and light conversations filling the air.
For a moment—
Everything felt peaceful.Complete.
Just then—
Maya’s family arrived.
The moment they stepped in, everyone stood up to greet them. Smiles widened, voices overlapped, and soon the room was filled with warmth again.
Maya was instantly pulled into loving embraces—hugged, pampered, her cheeks gently caressed as if she were still the little girl they adored.
She smiled shyly, slightly overwhelmed but happy.
While everyone got busy talking—Amid all that noise and affection—
Someone else stood there.
At a corner.Quiet.Unnoticed.
A young woman.
Dressed in perfectly tailored trousers and a crisp shirt, she looked like she had walked straight out of a corporate office. Her posture was confident, her expression composed… almost too composed.
Her eyes moved across the room, observing everyone carefully.
Waiting.But no one noticed her.
Not yet.
A brief pause.
Then—
“Excuse me.”
Her voice cut through the chatter.
Clear.Firm.
And just enough to draw attention.
Slowly, everyone turned toward her.
Maya frowned slightly, confused.
“Who is she? Did she come with you?”
Arun nodded casually. “Yeah. She was asking for this address on the way. Since we were coming here, we brought her along.”
The girl stepped forward, a polite smile forming on her lips.
“Okay… then let me introduce myself. I am—”
“Kriti Dhanraj.”
The name came from Rajvendra.
Calm.Certain.
Everyone turned to him in surprise.
Kriti’s smile widened slightly. “You recognized me, sir?”
Rajvendra chuckled softly. “Of course I did, beta. How could I not?”
He then looked at everyone and added, “She used to be one of the best employees in our company. But due to some family issues, she had to move to the south.”
Kriti nodded. “Well… those issues are no longer there.”
A small pause.
Then her tone shifted—more direct.
“So I’ll come straight to the point.”
Her eyes briefly scanned the room—
Before settling.
“Can I rejoin your company?”
Rajvendra smiled warmly. “Someone like you is always welcome, beta. But now, Atharva handles everything. So… the decision is his.”
Kriti turned.She scanned everybody...
Then Her gaze landed on Atharva.
For a fraction of a second—
Something unreadable passed through her eyes.
Then she stepped forward.
Confident.Composed.
Extending her hand toward him—
“Hello, Mr. Raisinghani.”
Atharva looked at her for a moment—then accepted the handshake.
Firm. Professional.
Kriti smiled slightly. “I have all my resumes with me. If you’d like, you can go through them right now… and then decide.”
Atharva pulled his hand back, taking a slow breath.
“At my study.”
He turned, about to walk away—
“Why the study?”
Maya’s voice stopped him.
There was a subtle sharpness in it.
“It’s such a big place,” she continued, folding her arms. “You can take the interview anywhere. Why go somewhere so… private?”
By now, the elders had quietly moved away, leaving only the younger ones behind.
Atharva turned back to look at her.
A faint, almost teasing calm in his eyes.
“I take interviews personally, biwi,” he said evenly. “I don’t like disturbances.”
A pause.
“But if you want me to do it here… fine. I don’t have a problem.”
That was enough.
The jealousy on Maya’s face was no longer subtle.
It was clear.Too clear.
Kriti wasn’t just confident—She was stunning.And for the first time—
Atharva had shaken hands with another woman… right in front of Maya.
Veer and Dhruv stood at a distance, silently watching everything unfold.
Maya stayed quiet for a moment.
Thinking.
Then finally—
“Do it wherever you want.I don't care.”
Her tone was clipped.
Controlled.
But the anger underneath—
Impossible to miss.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Everyone understood.
No one said anything.
Atharva’s eyes followed her retreating figure for a second.
Then he looked back at Kriti.
“If my wife wants it to be open… then it’ll be open.”
His voice was calm.
But deliberate.
He glanced at Rana.
Rana immediately nodded and led them to a glass-walled room—no solid walls, just transparent panels on all sides. Anyone outside could see them clearly…
But not hear a single word.
Soundproof.
Private… yet visible.
Atharva walked in and sat down on one of the couches.
Kriti took the seat across from him.
And the interview began.
—
Meanwhile—
Veer and Dhruv sat on another couch nearby.
Dhruv leaned closer, curiosity evident. “Bro… who is this girl? We’ve never heard about her… and she’s this skilled?”
Veer smirked slightly. “You remember a girl? Used to wear glasses… always in traditional clothes… oily hair?”
Dhruv frowned, then nodded. “Yeah… that behenji type one?”
Veer looked at him. “That’s her.”
Dhruv shot up from his seat. “What?! No way! This is that girl?!”
Veer chuckled faintly. “Yes, bro. Money can change anything.”
“Damn…” Dhruv muttered, glancing toward the glass room. “She looks like a model now.”
Veer immediately smacked the back of his head. “You’re married. Have some shame.”
“Arre, I’m not hitting on her!” Dhruv defended himself. “I’m just saying—she looks really good. Even Anvi would agree with me.”
Then, lowering his voice, he added with a grin, “Didn’t she used to like you?”
Veer rolled his eyes. “Are you mad?”
“I swear, bro! I remember,” Dhruv insisted. “Should I ask her if she still does? We can make her bhabhi.”
“Shut up, Dhruv.”
Their banter continued, filling the time.
—
At the poolside—
Maya sat with her feet dipped in the water, staring blankly ahead.
The ripples moved gently around her ankles.
But her thoughts—
Were anything but calm.
Anvi, Nidhi, and Priya walked up and sat beside her.
Anvi nudged her lightly. “You’re getting jealous for no reason. Jiju literally moved the meeting to an open space.”
Nidhi nodded. “Yeah, bhabhi. You could see everything.”
Priya added softly, “He’s so loyal… but you’re always the one getting angry.”
Maya shot them a look.
“I had to say it,” she replied. “Only then he changed the place. It’s basic understanding—he shouldn’t go alone in a room with someone like her.”
Anvi raised an eyebrow. “Someone like her? She’s not prettier than you. Okay, she is pretty… but still, not more than you.”
Maya rolled her eyes, looking away again.
Nidhi spoke gently, “Even if it was a guy, bhai would’ve taken the interview personally. That’s just how interviews work.”
Priya added, “And Maya di… why are you overthinking? Everything is fine now, right?”
Maya stayed silent.
For a moment—
She just watched the water.
Then slowly—
Her expression softened.
Because deep down—
She knew.
They weren’t wrong.
Atharva hasn’t done anything wrong.
It was just—
Her.
After a little while, they all got up and left.
Leaving Maya alone again—
With calmer thoughts…
But not entirely at peace.