Chapter 19 The Charity Gala
Morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of Rathore Mansion.
The atmosphere was unusually busy.
Servants moved around carrying garment bags, flower arrangements and invitation cards.
Tonight...
The annual charity gala hosted by the Business Association would take place.
One of the most prestigious events of the year.
Almost every influential business family would be attending.
...
Inside the dining hall...
Everyone had gathered for breakfast.
Rajveer looked at everyone over his newspaper.
"The gala starts at seven."
"I expect everyone to be ready on time."
Mahendra nodded.
"The media will also be there."
Sunita smiled.
"As always."
Karan dramatically sighed.
"So basically..."
"No escaping photographers."
Riya laughed.
"That's because you pose every time you see a camera."
"I have responsibilities."
He replied proudly.
"I represent the family's good looks."
The dining table erupted in laughter.
Even Vikram couldn't suppress a smile.
Across the table...
Aadhira quietly continued eating.
She neither joined the teasing...
Nor ignored it.
She simply listened.
...
Savitri suddenly looked toward Aadhira.
"Beta."
"What color saree are you wearing tonight?"
Every pair of eyes shifted toward her.
Aadhira calmly answered.
"I haven't decided yet."
Riya immediately leaned forward.
"No."
"You're not escaping that easily."
"We're choosing together."
Before Aadhira could reply...
Sunita smiled warmly.
"I agree."
"It's your first public business event as a Rathore daughter-in-law."
"We should help."
Aadhira hesitated for a second.
Then nodded politely.
"If everyone wishes."
Riya clapped excitedly.
"Perfect!"
"We're going shopping after breakfast."
Arjun silently watched the conversation.
No one had forced Aadhira.
Yet...
For the first time...
His family genuinely wanted to include her.
And surprisingly...
She hadn't refused.
...
Astra Global Headquarters.
Kabir was still staring at his monitor.
His eyebrows remained furrowed.
Shanaya walked inside carrying coffee.
"You've been here since six?"
Kabir accepted the cup.
"I found something."
She immediately became serious.
"What?"
Kabir enlarged another file.
"The hackers."
"They didn't stop."
"They left us something."
He played a short encrypted file.
Only six words appeared.
Shanaya's expression hardened.
"The gala..."
Kabir nodded slowly.
"They know she'll be there."
At that moment...
The cabin door opened.
Aadhira entered.
She immediately noticed both expressions.
"What happened?"
Kabir rotated the monitor toward her.
Without saying a word...
She read the message.
Her face remained calm.
Almost expressionless.
Only Shanaya noticed the slight tightening of her fingers.
"They're inviting us."
Kabir said quietly.
"They're provoking us."
Aadhira looked at both of them.
"Increase personal security."
"But..."
She continued before either of them could speak.
"Don't inform the Rathores."
Kabir frowned.
"They deserve to know."
"They deserve peace."
Aadhira answered softly.
"I won't let them worry because of me."
Shanaya exchanged a helpless glance with Kabir.
Neither argued.
They knew...
Once Aadhira made a decision...
She rarely changed it.
...
Meanwhile...
Inside another luxurious office...
Kavya adjusted the diamond bracelet around her wrist.
Her father entered carrying another file.
"Everything is arranged."
Kavya smiled.
"The media?"
"They'll be exactly where we need them."
"The guests?"
"They'll witness everything."
"And Aadhira?"
Kavya slowly closed the file.
"She'll leave that hall in tears."
A cold smile appeared on Manoj's face.
"Just remember."
"No mistakes."
Kavya confidently replied...
"There won't be."
Neither of them noticed...
Someone outside the partially open door had heard a small part of their conversation.
A shadow quietly walked away.
Its identity remained hidden.
...
Afternoon.
Rathore Mansion.
Riya's bedroom had turned into a fashion studio.
Designer outfits covered the bed.
Jewellery boxes lay open.
Shoes were scattered across the floor.
Riya held up two sarees.
"This one."
"No."
"This one."
Sunita laughed.
"You're confusing yourself."
"I know."
She admitted dramatically.
Then she turned toward Aadhira.
"What about you?"
Aadhira quietly opened one garment bag.
Inside...
Lay a simple ivory silk saree with delicate emerald embroidery.
No heavy stones.
No glitter.
Only timeless elegance.
The room fell silent.
Sunita smiled first.
"Beautiful."
Savitri nodded proudly.
"True elegance never needs to shout."
Riya looked at Aadhira in disbelief.
"You seriously made simplicity look expensive."
Aadhira smiled faintly.
"I prefer comfort."
At the doorway...
Arjun unknowingly stopped walking.
For a brief moment...
He simply looked at her.
She wasn't trying to impress anyone.
Yet...
She effortlessly drew everyone's attention.
Without realizing it...
He smiled.
Aditya, standing nearby, noticed.
He quietly hid his own smile.
"You're finished."
He muttered under his breath.
Arjun looked at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Aditya casually walked away.
Leaving Arjun strangely confused.
...
Far away...
Dark clouds slowly gathered above the city.
Elsewhere...
Several unknown men loaded equipment into a black van.
One of them received a message.
He typed only two words in reply.