Radhe Radhe readers💙🦚✨,

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The grand ballroom was bathed in a golden hue, its crystal chandeliers casting a warm, almost ethereal light over the gathered elite. The clinking of glasses and soft murmur of conversations filled the air, as the who's who of the business world awaited the highlight of the evening. At the centre of the room stood a podium adorned with elegant floral arrangements, the stage where the most coveted award of the night would soon be presented.

"Bhaiya, puri party me wo manhoos kahin dikh toh nhi rhi h" Shresth murmured lowly to his elder brother, twirling the glass of wine slowly in his hand. His deep brown eyes scanned through each eminent entity standing in the ballroom. The instability in his instance increased as he couldn't catch a sight of his 'beloved' stepsister.

Aaryaman smirked subtly, leaning more towards into wall," Itne saal ho gye chote, kya pta tu uski shakal hi bhul gya ho?" His joking stance didn't settle well with his younger brother, whose anxiousness was hitting levels at the moment. Shresth's expression darkened as he took a sip of his red wine.

"Ek baar ke liye mai sab kuch bhul skta hoon bhaiya" Shresth's jaw clenched," par apni maa ki qatil ko nhi." The piercing words straight came from the bottom of his heart as he refolded the truth in front of his elder brother. The hurtful scar resurfaced with a much larger force as Shresth gulped a whole glass of wine down his throat.

He wished that it was unfermented beer more than this red wine, so it could compensate for the pain in his heart. Aaryaman, who was initially stunned by his brother's words, couldn't ignore but feel the occasional clench in his heart as Shresth's hurtful words sunk deeper.

He didn't wish to blame the girl; he never did, yet the truth remained stoic. Unchanged. Meher was their mother's murderer and even the fading time couldn't change the fact. No matter even if she was just a newborn. He gently rubbed his younger brother's back as a gesture of empathy.

A pang of hurt hit his heart as he drew contrasts between himself and his younger brother. At least he had some memories of her, unlike Shresth! Who was just a toddler when she passed away? "Don't worry chote, we'll try our best ki Dad jaisa chahte h waisa kuch bhi na ho"

"Kaisa kuch bhi na ho?" Their attention was grasped by a familiar voice, that startled them, almost catching them off guard. Rudra walked towards his siblings, one hand shoved in his pocket while the other held an identical glass of wine as his younger brother.

"Kaisa kuch nhi hoga bhaiya?" He asked, standing beside his brothers, as he slightly leaned, keeping his glass on the counter. Aaryaman and Shresth gave each other a look of bafflement, as, Rudra looked between the duo for the answer. As they turned towards Rudra, he raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

Aaryaman cleared his throat, gaining Rudra's attention, "Kuch nhi Rudra, we were just discussing about Shresth's college" he came up with the lamest excuse. By Rudra's expressions, he knew that he was definitely buying it. Not wanting to escalate further, he instantly flipped the topic," Where is Daksh, by the way?"

Rudra, who was still suspicious let the topic slide away for a while, making a mental note to ask about it later. "He's with some business acquaintances. Ekansh bhaiya aur Dad bhi wahin h" Aaryaman nodded, feeling successful enough in changing the topic. He breathed the air of relief, finishing his drink and giving it again for a refill.

He had to be cautious with the information until it was revealed to be true. He can't let his brothers get worried over some false assumptions. He had to protect them, no matter what it took. He had already witnessed Shresth's condition and didn't want to repeat the same mistake. He gave Shresth a look of reassurance before he turned towards Rudra, "I guess the function is starting. Let's take our seats."

All of them took their seats. The guests settled smoothly, as the host started the ceremony with each award. The applauses and clappings thundering through the hall. Yet some pair of eyes searched for a specific entity. "Dad," Manish hummed at Ekansh's whisper," Meher pkka aayegi na?"

His voice was laced with uncertainty as his eyes tried hard to catch a mere glimpse of his little sister. Yet they couldn't. His mind swirled around the possibility of not finding his sister today as well. Though he tried to push away the negatives, still his heart thumped hard with sadness whenever a thought crossed his mind.

"I don't know Ansh, but I hope she does. Ye humari galtiyan sudharne ka aakhiri mauka ho skta h," Manish whispered back, his expression cold as stone, mirroring his eldest's, yet his heart anxious with the anticipations of his daughter's arrival. He couldn't voice unlike Ekansh but with each passing second his heart too lost of finding Meher

His once high-held hopes shattered as he looked around the hall. His plan was set yet what he anticipated most at the moment was Meher's arrival. Please Meher, just come back beta. I promise I'll make things right.- The thought of a plea nudged his mind.

As the host took to the stage for the last award of the day, the room gradually fell silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, we honour a visionary, a trailblazer, and a force to be reckoned with in the world of business. Please welcome our Businesswoman of the Year, Ms. Meher!"

Everyone's eyes searched for the mysterious elite figure as the chaos settled. The lights suddenly went off as darkness enveloped the hall. The clanking of heels echoed as Meher entered the hall, the spotlight falling upon her. Her slender frame exuded a cold, intimidating grace. Her sharp features were accentuated by the minimal yet sophisticated makeup, and her eyes-those piercing eyes-held a fierce determination that seemed to dare anyone to look away.

People gaped at the sight of her entrance. As Meher climbed the stage while the host presented her the award with a thunderous round of applause. The Singhanias' on the other hand stood agape by her presence. No matter how much they denied it, the change in the little girl that they once knew was evident.

The Meher Singhania they had known for 18 years was nowhere visible in the businesswoman that stood in front of them. The confidence in the girl in front of them was different from what they remembered. As Meher walked up to the stage, each Singhania held a different emotion on their face.

"Princess", Ekansh muttered lowly to himself, his eyes not believing the sight in front of him. His sister was back. He couldn't help being startled by her presence; his heart leapt in ecstasy. His hopes had rekindled themselves. He wanted nothing but to dodge the audience and hug his sister, apologizing for his mistake. No matter even if she pushed him away.

Manish, on the other hand, applauded with all his might as his daughter climbed the stage. His heart threatened to burst with joy as, finally, a smile hung upon his lips. His happiness ceases to hide itself behind his cold demeanour. The intimidating walls of him shatter as they fall apart by Meher's mere presence. The feeling of pride gripped him tight.

Daksh stood stunned upon seeing the person he had expected least tonight. His thoughts jumbled as he couldn't move his gaze away from his step-sister. The girl whom he had bullied all those years stood on the stage receiving the award with her vibrant aura and unbeatable confidence.

Though upon her departure, the circumstances had led him to perceive guilt upon his actions, yet today, her presence had erased even a speck of it. The expressions on his face became more emotionless. His fingers curled around his phone in his grasp in a tight grip, as he swallowed the sense of anger that rose in his nerves.

Aaryaman and Shresth shared each other an unsettling glance, as Shresth's eyes fumed with anger while Aaryaman's remained blank, understanding his younger brother's situation. Anger took over Shresth as he clenched and unclenched his fists by his side.

His breaths seething with restrained fury churning in him. Shresth stepped a little further when Aaryaman's hand caught his shoulder as he muttered lowly, "We do not have to create a scene here chote. We have to act according to our plan."

As Shresth was about to speak, a voice interrupted them, "You guys knew!" Rudra spoke with a hint of disbelief and betrayal as he finally comprehended the conversation that had occurred between his brothers a while ago. Shresth turned towards Aaryaman, who gave Rudra a stiff nod, not uttering a word further.

"I never expected you guys to hide this", Rudra uttered with disappointment as his eyes reeled through the memories of the past in his brain. Before his brothers could reply to him, Meher's speech started as the other guests settled down, forcing the turmoiled Singhanias' to settle down with their unresolved emotions. Each of them fought their own battle of emotional conflict. Fighting their own emotions.

When she spoke, her voice was clear, commanding, with a hint of icy detachment. "Thank you for this honour. It's a recognition not just of my achievements, but of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our industry." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the audience as if daring anyone to see through her facade. "Success, after all, is the best revenge."

The crowd erupted into applause once more, but Meher's mind was already elsewhere, far from the glittering celebration around her. Rudra clenched his jaw as his gaze met Meher's, who scrutinized directly into his soul. Her words are a clear indication of

A smile etched upon Meher's face, as the audience continued applauding for her. She adjusted the mic slowly before she continued, "Well, to be honest, the credit for this success does not only belong to me but also to the two supporting figures who stood by me during this time."

"Because M.A.Y enterprises do not only belong to the M in it. It's the success of my co-founders as well. The people who have an equal share in this success. I wish they were here to hold this award that belonged to us. Though unfortunately they couldn't be here at this moment to share the award with me but I, Meher, on their behalf extend our heartfelt apologies to you all for the same."

The gratefulness in Meher's voice was clearly evident as a genuine smile upon her lips on the mention of her co-founders and a frown on the face of Singhanias. No one ever saw or heard about her co-founders in the whole business industry. They were the most secretive about their identities, including Meher

In those 18 years of Meher's living, they haven't seen her meet many people, but then they weren't also even interested in knowing what she actually did. Meher was an introverted, shy girl who kept things mostly to herself, but the change they saw in her personality today was something they found hard to believe. The naive nature of the little girl they knew was long gone.

The mention of the co-founders made people present in the hall, gossip about it. While the each member of the Singhania family found it sketchy. A sense of revenge and jealousy surged through them upon hearing that, in their absence, Meher had got people to replace their places in her life. Of course, even if she wasn't their family member yet she had lived with them for 18 years. It was enough of a reason for them to know what was actually going on in her life.

The smile on Meher's lips conveyed that they were someone who meant a lot to her. No doubt, The two personalities were someone whom Meher cherished her whole life. Someone who stood by her lowest and helped her reach the position where she was. Someone who never made her regret the decision of leaving her house.

"This award is not just a recognition of what I have achieved, but of what we, as individuals, can achieve when we refuse to be broken. When we stand tall, even when the world tries to tear us down." Meher's words echoed with boldness and firmness throughout the hall as her eyes remained fixed on certain people, "To those who have supported me on this journey, I am deeply grateful. And to those who tried to stand in my way, thank you. You made me stronger."

As she stepped down from the podium, the smile on her lips was that of a victor, but her heart remained cold, untouched by the warmth of the accolades. Her glare remained set upon her ex-family members for a second when a surge of satisfaction rushed through her veins as she finally voiced her heart out. She walked past everyone, ignoring the certain glares that came her way.

-×-

"Ms. Meher aaj saari janta ye jaana chahti h ki aapke asli parents kon h? Kon h jisne itni kaabil beti ko janam diya h?" The aged reporter questioned Meher, who gave him a tight-lipped smile, clearly agitated by the going on interviews. She gave a silent yet an unnoticeable glare to her personal assistant as the ears all around piqued at the question.

Manish, on the other hand, smirked, looking at his eldest, expecting to hear the answer he had always wanted to since the start of the Award ceremony. He sat proudly leaning on his chair, the royal in his stature showing off. Ekansh, too, gave a small smile, his eyes still dim with his helplessness in his inability to connect to his little sister.

"I swear, agar isn't aaj humara naam liya na toh, I am gonna kill her right here", Shresth spoke through gritted teeth, audible only to the people sitting beside him. He didn't want to gain glares from his father and eldest brother just for a girl who meant nothing. Daksh and Rudra saw his clenched and sighed remembering his short temper. While Aaryaman gave him a sign to shut his trap immediately before they were caught by their father.

The personal assistant immediately bowed his head as Meher turned back to the camera and smiled for its sake. "Well..." The coldness in her demeanour returned as paused before answering," I am an orphan." Her jaw twitched as she answered shocking everyone in the room. Manish's smirk of victory fell while Ekansh's heart shattered into a million pieces, making him realise the gravity of their mistakes.

Shresth's previously clenched jaw instantly released as a wave shock hit the younger Singhanias' as they gave each other an unsure look. To say they hadn't expected this answer, would be an understatement. The girl who yearned for family once, never said that before. It was always them who had always denied to identify her as their family.

Daksh sat numb, gulping down the rising bile in his throat. His stare never left his step sister as her words triggered a flashback in his mind,

Flashback

"You are a mere orphan Meher", A 13-year-old Daksh yelled at his 7-year-old little sister. Meher flinched by his sudden raise of tone. Her tear strained face held a pure sense of fear as Daksh took few intimidating steps towards her. She wanted to run yet her little legs remained frozen to the ground. Unable to move backwards.

Daksh towered over her little frame as he spoke through his gritted teeth,"Tumhare koi mom dad nhi accept the fact Meher." His harsh words fell like a thunderbolt upon her the little girl's fragile heart,"Mom jaa chuki h aur tumhare dad ka koi aata pta nhi h, isliye tum kuch nhi bas ek anath ho."

His words turned bitter as his eyes turned dark with redness at the mention of his 'Mom'. Someone who was killed by the curse standing infront of him. The sole reason of his mother's death. And even more ek illegitimate child." He spoke, with fury blazing through his nerves.

"No, I am not" Little Meher yelled at him in full volume. Tears flowing through her eyes as she sucked in a harsh breath to control her tears. This wasn't the first time she was shown her place in the house yet no had went this harsh on her. The seething rage in Daksh's tone made her unable to deny the truth.

"Yes you are"

Flashback over

"Orphan?" The middle aged reporter asked in perplexity, not believing what he had just heard. Meher rolled her eyes, cursing her fate in a hushed voice that had brought her here today, "Got hearing aids old man?"

"I guess I was pretty clear when I said it before."Her voice was icy cold with her eyes growing emotionless as the reporter unknowingly shuddered at her tone, deciding not to ask any further. Meher internally smirked, seeing his state. Ofcourse, no one would ever dare to mess with her. Her smirk widening upon the reasons.

"Kya isliye aap koi bhi surname nhi lagati aapne naam ke aage?" This time a Lady reporter asked her. "Ji haan" Meher provided her a short, crisp and curt reply. Her smirk vanishing as her eyes remained aloof to the fact, while she slightly leaned upon her seat.

"Par afwaon ki maane toh aap isse pehle Singhania surname lagati thi? Am I right Ms.Meher that you were related to the Singhanias?" Meher's body stiffened in reaction to the most unexpected question that was thrown in her way. Her finger curled into a fist, nothing but wanting to beat the crap out of the lady for even bringing up something like that.

Her eyes threathened as she gritting her teeth to restrain her bubbling anger,"No, you are not, I am not related to the Singhanias'" Meher's jaw clenched with twitch," aur rhi baat afwaon ki toh aap jaise log kafi hi h unhe udaane ke liye." The lady's cheeks turned red in embarrassment at the reply that she received from the buisnesswoman of the year, upon the cameras. She pretended to write something in order to avoid any further attention.

"But-" Another lady journalist tried to escalate the matter further but Meher's one glare dared her to do anything that she wouldn't like. Through her peripheral view she did see the Singhanias' eyeing her, mostly her step father. She gave them a brief glance before she turned back to the conference going on, "No more personal questions"

"Ma'am as per the sources you had an announcement to make. Is it related to your company or your new project?" Upon being asked the question, Meher smiled widely, the facade of coldness fading from her face. She leaned forward towards the mic as she again put up a tight-lipped smile for the cameras.

"Today is anything but business. There is something I'd like you all to know about" Her tone turned gentler, as she continued," As if you guys are already too much interested in my personal life. There's someone special I'd like you all to know about," she said, her tone betraying nothing of the significance of the moment. Her fake smile turned into a small genuine one as she raised her right hand showing off the beautiful diamond ring that adorned her ring finger,

"My fiancé, Mr Adwait Rathore"

-×-