Mishti, who was murdered by her husband Rajveer in collusion with his lover Mona. Mishti is reborn and calls off her marriage to Rajveer, but is everything so easy? Mishti is confronted with many secrets she was unaware of. Anirudh comes into her lif... Mishti, who was murdered by her husband Rajveer in collusion with his lover Mona. Mishti is reborn and calls off her marriage to Rajveer, but is everything so easy? Mishti is confronted with many secrets she was unaware of. Anirudh comes into her life, with whom she shares a deep connection. What exactly is Mishti's relationship with Anirudh? Did Mishti know Anirudh in her past life as well? And what will happen when Rajveer truly falls in love with her? Will Mishti give him a chance? Or will she take revenge? Is this Rajveer's new ploy? To find out, read "I Have Fallen in Love with You."<br />
Page 1 of 6
"If you want your wife back safe and sound, have ten lakhs ready." A cruel voice echoed.
Mishthi looked fearfully at the dangerous kidnapper. Mishthi was about to become a mother to twins; hence, her baby bump was larger than that of other women. She was in her seventh month of pregnancy.
"Sorry, our CEO is in a meeting right now." Rajveer's assistant's voice came from the other end of the phone.
"If I don't get my money, be prepared to see her dead." The kidnapper threatened.
"Our CEO is busy." This time, the assistant hung up the phone.
Mishthi started screaming, but sadly, no sound came out of her mouth as her tongue had been cut off.
The kidnapper slapped Mishthi hard. "Kidnapping you has been a waste of my time. Your husband doesn't care whether you live or die."
Mishthi was sobbing.
Just then, her phone rang. The kidnapper picked up her phone with greedy eyes. It was a video call. The kidnapper held the camera in front of Mishthi. He thought that seeing Mishthi's fragile condition, he could extort any price from this person.
Mishthi saw it was Mona, Rajveer's close friend.
"Mishthi, Rajveer is in a very important meeting. It's a deal worth millions, you understand, right? You wouldn't want anything to happen to Rajveer, would you?" Mona said with a smile.
Mishthi stared at her, her eyes wide. 'Is her worth less than a few lakhs?'
"Oh, you know Rajveer has decorated two rooms. We don't know yet if it will be a boy or a girl?"
Hearing about the child, Mishthi's face softened. She placed a hand on her stomach.
"Raj wants the daughter to take after me," Mona said, placing her hand on her stomach.
It felt as if the sky had fallen on Mishthi's head.
"What are you looking at like that? You didn't think I was talking about your child, did you? I'm talking about my child. I'm three months pregnant."
Mishthi screamed like a madwoman and started hitting the camera.
"Getting angry? What did you think? I was talking about your child? These aren't Rajveer's children, that he would care about them?"
Mishthi started shaking her head vigorously in denial. In their three years of marriage, Rajveer had only come close to her once, which was when she conceived. Apart from Rajveer, she had never even touched anyone else.
"Oh my god! You don't even know that the sin in your womb belongs to someone else? Has Raj ever touched you in the last three years? No, because he loves me. But I didn't know you were behind his back with his own brother, Anirudh... Y... you... you... how shameless are you?"
Mishthi kept shaking her head no. Anirudh, that criminal, she had never even met him.
"Okay, I have to go now. Raj is calling me." Mona said with a smile and hung up the phone.
The kidnapper kept saying "Hello-hello," but the phone was disconnected. He threw the phone on the ground and kicked Mishthi's stomach, saying, "You vile woman! Now you can stay here."
The kidnapper left, closing the door. Mishthi writhed in pain, but by nightfall, no one came to her aid. Eventually, the movement of her children stopped, and everything became quiet.
There was complete darkness all around. Mishthi couldn't understand what was a dream and what was reality. Everything seemed like an illusion.
Mishthi realized she was drowning in cold water. She struggled and her head emerged from the water. In front of her was the shining sun, its golden rays falling on the water. Mishthi placed a hand on her stomach, and what was this? How had her stomach become thin? "My children..."
Mishthi put her hand to her mouth. "I... I can speak." She put her finger in her mouth. Yes, her tongue was in her mouth.
Mishthi looked around. This was Rajvanshi House. She was in their swimming pool.
Mishthi glanced at her clothes: a thin white shirt and pink shorts. The white shirt clung to her body due to the water, revealing her figure clearly. This was when she was nineteen years old. Her real parents had brought her to stay with them, and she learned that her marriage had been fixed with Rajveer Rajvanshi. The Rajvanshi family wanted to meet her, and she had come to this house for the first time. But someone had knocked her unconscious and pushed her into the swimming pool. When everyone saw her like that, her honor was tarnished.
Mishthi jumped into the water and swam to the edge. She lifted her head from the water and opened her eyes. A tall, broad-shouldered boy stood before her. His complexion was dark, and his abs shone like gold in the sun.
"Sorry-sorry... I didn't know." Mishthi said, coming up from the side, but she slipped and fell face-first. Fortunately, she supported herself with both hands. Mishthi realized she had fallen on top of the same boy, her head resting on his chest.
A knock came at the door. Mishti opened it; in front of her was her grandfather, Ajit Rathore. In this house, only her grandfather loved her and cared for her. The moment Mishti saw her grandfather, she hugged him and burst into tears. Her grandfather was surprised.
"What happened to our child? Did someone trouble you?" her grandfather asked worriedly. He knew that no one in his family liked Mishti at all.
"I just missed Mom and Dad," Mishti said, offering a half-truth.
"Your Mom and Dad are waiting outside."
"Hmm." Mishti came out. A white car was parked there. Mishti got in. Inside were Teju and Manish, along with their daughter, Khushi.
Mishti hated these people because Manish Rathore had never considered Mishti his daughter. Teju was Manish's second wife; Mishti's biological mother had passed away.
"Mishti, your sister Khushi has gotten the role of the female lead. You have to be her stunt double," Teju said, almost ordering.
A faint smile touched Mishti's lips. In her past life, she had also played the role of a stunt double; all her hard work for six months had earned Khushi the Best Actress award. And that foolish girl had kept thinking Khushi was her sister. Until the end of her life, she hadn't realized that these people had never accepted her. They were just climbing the ladder of success by stepping on her. But not this time; these people would face the Mishti who had come for revenge.
"Your mother is right. Khushi is very delicate and fragile, and anyway, by being a stunt double, you'll gain experience," Mr. Manish added in agreement.
"Oh! Khushi is fragile and delicate, and I... Is my body made of stone?" Mishti said with a smile. But this smile pricked all three of them like thorns.
"What are you saying indirectly? When did I ever say that?" Mr. Manish said, annoyed.
"That's exactly what you meant."
"Look, Mishti, your father is saying this for your own good. You don't have any degree anyway, nor any connections. Think about it, this is a golden opportunity for you to get a chance to be Khushi's stunt double," Teju explained. Khushi was beaming as if she had already become the Best Actress.
"If all the hard work is mine, then why don't you make me the female lead?" Mishti said, playing with a strand of her hair.
Upon hearing this, all three of them burst into loud laughter.
"You and the female lead? Do you even know what acting is?" Teju said, laughing.
"I learned that by watching you, Mrs. Rathore," Mishti's taunt made Teju's face fall, as if her secret was out.
"Mishti, is this how you talk to your mother?" Manish scolded her.
"Which mother?" Mishti looked at Mr. Manish innocently.
"I am married to Teju; she is your mother," Manish said, fuming with anger.
"If you don't consider me your daughter, how is she my mother, Mr. Rathore?"
"You??? I'm telling you, if you want to live in my house, you'll behave, or I'll kick you out."
"Fine, I'll go live with my grandfather," Mishti said, shaking her head as if it didn't matter to her in the slightest.
Manish took deep breaths to control his anger.
"If you have such a problem with me, then consider me dead and say you never met me." Mishti's words made Mr. Manish feel guilty.
"Mishti, alright. If you don't want to be Khushi's stunt double, then... don't talk about dying." Mr. Manish said, conceding defeat.
Upon reaching home, Mr. Manish called Mishti into the study room.
"Mom, Dad doesn't want to give Mishti any role, do they?"
"No, we need to talk about studies."
"Mom, you know I saw Rajveer today? How handsome is he? All models pale in comparison to him." Khushi mistook Aniruddh, whom she met by the swimming pool, for Rajveer.
"Do you like him?"
Khushi shyly lowered her head.
"Don't worry. Rajveer will marry you. Besides, that Mishti is not worthy of the Rajvanshi family."
"Really, Mom?" Khushi said, clinging to Teju's hand.
"Hmm."
Meanwhile, in the study room, Mr. Manish handed Mishti the college admission form. "Fill this out. I'm getting you admitted to the biggest college in this city."
"No, I want to be an actress."
"What? But the Rajvanshi family will not accept an actress as their daughter-in-law."
"I'll handle all that. My decision is final. I want to be an actress."
"Fine then."
At the age of five, Mishti was kidnapped. She escaped and lived in an orphanage. Then, at thirteen, she was adopted by a couple, Raju and Mini, who had a son named Shanu. Raju and Mini raised Mishti with great love. They were a bit rough around the edges, which is why Mishti was also a famous gangster in her neighborhood. In her past life, Manish had severed all ties with her godparents, but this time Mishti didn't want to make that mistake again. Getting ready, she went to meet Raju and Mini. They were very happy to see Mishti. After spending some time there, Mishti left.
Mishti was looking at something on her phone when someone came from behind and shoved her hard. Mishti fell, and her phone screen also broke. Mishti looked up in anger; a boy stood there holding a purse. Ignoring Mishti, the boy started running again.
"Hey, stop!" Mishti also ran after him. The boy hadn't expected this; he started running faster. There seemed to be a shooting happening ahead, and a crowd had gathered. The thief disappeared into the crowd; Mishti followed.
"Damn it, today's day is just bad," the thief cursed his luck.
Mishti climbed onto a wall and jumped from a great height. The crowd stared at her in disbelief.
Mishti landed and grazed her elbow. She saw the thief about to run again, so she grabbed the thief's leg, causing him to tumble.
"Look, my phone broke because of you. I want compensation," Mishti said, showing her broken phone.
The thief looked back; a police jeep had arrived.
"Here, take all this money." The thief tossed the purse towards Mishti and ran away.
As Mishti started taking money out of the purse, she felt something was wrong. She looked up; the police were standing in front of her. 😳😳
"Hey, I've been telling you, I didn't steal this purse, why don't you understand?" Mishti was tired of saying it, but no one believed her. In fact, Mishti was wearing a black full-sleeve shirt and black pants today, along with a black hat, and the thief had also worn similar clothes.
"Give us your family's number, or you'll have to spend three to four days in jail," the inspector said sternly.
Finally, Mishti gave the number. Teju and Manish were not home. Khushi, who had just returned home, picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Mishti Rathore is at the police station. Please come here quickly."
"Police station?" Khushi's ears perked up. She called Teju and informed her.
"I knew she was a gangster and would remain one. See, she's shown her true colors, hasn't she? Listen, do as I say. Call the Rajvanshi family and tell them Mishti is in jail, and her parents are not home."
Khushi did as she was told.
A short while later, an arrogant, handsome CEO arrived at the police station; his assistant was behind him.
"Mr. Rajveer, you are here?" the inspector said, standing up.
Mishti froze for a moment. She slowly looked up; Rajveer Rajvanshi. He was the same five years ago; cold and aloof, as if the world revolved around him. For three years, Mishti tried to win this man's heart, but no; this man's heart was made of stone. He never even looked back.
"I'm here to get Mishti's bail."
"Sir, you should keep an eye on her. Theft at such a young age?" the lady sub-inspector said.
Hearing this, Rajveer looked at Mishti as if she had committed a heinous crime.
"Didn't you say the CCTV footage is coming soon?" Mishti asked the inspector, ignoring Rajveer.
"What difference will it make? You committed the theft," the inspector said. But then the sub-inspector arrived with the footage pen drive. The inspector inserted the pen drive into the laptop; Rajveer also stepped forward to watch.
The video clearly showed the thief was a boy, and Mishti was running after him to catch him.
"Sorry, Miss, it was our mistake. You can go," the inspector said apologetically.
Mishti glanced at Rajveer and left. She came out of the police station; she saw Rajveer's car parked outside. Initially, Mishti thought Rajveer liked this car, but later she found out Rajveer liked it because it was Mona's gift.
"Mishti, it would be best if you don't make such a mistake again," Rajveer said, coming from behind; there was arrogance in his voice.
Mishti looked at Rajveer with cold eyes. "Who called you here?"
"Your family."
Mishti understood and walked away. Rajveer felt as if Mishti had changed. Sitting in his car, he looked back in the rearview mirror. He thought Mishti would take a lift from him, insist on him dropping her home, but Mishti started trying to hail a taxi by the roadside. Rajveer thought Mishti was just acting, but the next moment he was surprised when Mishti actually left in a taxi.
For some reason, Rajveer got angry and drove away as well.
"Bail was granted so quickly?" Khushi said mockingly as she saw Mishti arriving home.
Mishti ignored her and started to go upstairs. Khushi felt insulted. She tried to trip Mishti by sticking out her leg. Mishti gave a wry smile, moved aside, and instead tripped Khushi with her own foot. Khushi screamed at the top of her lungs. Mishti held her with one hand; Khushi's whole body swayed in the air. Khushi looked at Mishti fearfully; her heart was pounding. Mishti smiled and let go of Khushi's hand. Khushi fell down screaming. Mishti also knew the height wasn't much; at most, Khushi would have sprained her ankle. But it was very important to teach Khushi a lesson.
"My hand slipped," Mishti said, covering her mouth.
"I know you pushed me down deliberately. Wait until Mom and Dad come; I'll complain about you."
"Sorry, I did it deliberately," Mishti said with a smile.
Khushi - 😐😐
"This was just the trailer. If you ever get in my way again... consider what else could happen to you?"
Khushi was quite scared by this side of Mishti.
Mishti took out the medical kit. Her elbow had been scraped while chasing the thief. Mishti applied medicine; the burning sensation made her eyes water.
"Mishti! Open the door!!!! Mishti!!!"
Mishti opened the door. Manish Ji stood there, his face red with anger.
"What have I ever lacked that you resorted to stealing?" he asked angrily.
"What's the point of asking me? You don't trust me anyway, do you?" Mishti said as she put the medical kit back in the cabinet.
Seeing Mishti's injury, Manish Ji calmed down a bit.
"What are you wearing?" he said, looking at Mishti's ripped jeans.
"Your wife bought me ill-fitting clothes. Some dresses are too small, some too big."
Manish Ji understood everything. He took out his card and gave it to Mishti. "Go shopping."
Mishti raised an eyebrow and took the card.
Mishti went for her audition first. In her past life, a director had also selected her, but later she found out that Khushi had cunningly made her sign a contract. It clearly stated that she could not take any role without Khushi's permission. And if she broke the contract, she would have to pay ten lakh rupees—ten lakh! At that time, she didn't even have ten thousand. She was nominally Rajveer's wife, but he didn't give her a single rupee. Mishti practiced acting alone. Her dream of becoming an actress remained just a dream.
Mishti got a role. The role was of Arya, who was a villain, but it was the most important role. After leaving from there, Mishti went shopping extensively. She received a call from Manish Ji. As soon as she answered, he roared at her to come back quickly. Mishti made a face. She ate first, and then went home. Khushi was envious seeing Mishti carrying so many shopping bags.
"Where did all this money come from?"
Mishti quietly started to go upstairs.
"Flying high, aren't you? The Rajvanshi family has invited us for dinner."
"Dinner? Why?"
"Why else? They must have found out about your jail incident. They surely want to break Rajveer's engagement with you," Khushi said boastfully.
"Even if my engagement breaks, you don't have even a remote chance."
Mishti's tongue was adept at making even the sharpest tongues speechless. Khushi, in anger, tried to slap Mishti. Mishti smiled, and before Khushi could understand anything, Mishti fell down. Mishti's wound scraped open again. Mishti looked at Khushi, who was staring at her in disbelief. 'Hmph! You're not the only one who knows how to act.'
"Khushi!!!!!" Manish Ji shouted, rushing in and picking Mishti up. Mishti pushed him and said tearfully, "If you were so afraid of expenses, why did you give me the credit card? Now have you sent your own daughter to kill me?"
Slap!
Manish Ji slapped Khushi. "Do you behave like this with your sister?"
Khushi stood there with her mouth agape. It was the first time Manish Ji had laid a hand on her.
"Papa, I didn't do anything."
"Silence! Utter silence! I saw you pushing Mishti with my own eyes."
Teju came running from outside. "What happened? Why are you shouting?"
"Why are you asking me? Ask your darling daughter."
"Mummy, Mishti is acting," Khushi said, crying.
"So you mean I'm crazy for falling down on my own?" Mishti said innocently.
"Absolutely," Khushi nodded vigorously.
Mishti looked at Manish Ji with teary eyes, as if she was about to cry.
"Shameless! Worthless! I didn't know you were like this? I saw everything with my own eyes." Manish Ji started shouting at Khushi again. He picked up Mishti's fallen bags and handed them to her. "Mishti, go, beta, get ready. We have to go to Rajvanshi House."
Mishti said "okay" and went upstairs.
"And you stay at home. There's no need for you to come with us."
Khushi started crying again.
Manish Ji was waiting outside. His eyes lit up seeing Teju approach. Teju was wearing a chiffon saree in a black and red combination, which made her look even slimmer and more beautiful. Teju took great care of her looks. At forty, she looked thirty. Seeing Manish attracted to her, Teju smiled.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Manish Ji kissed Teju's hand. "I can always wait for you."
Teju blushed. Just then, Mishti also came down. She was wearing a white palazzo kurta dress, with a dupatta hanging open from one side, curly hair, and light makeup. Mishti looked drop-dead gorgeous. Seeing this, danger bells started ringing in Teju's heart.
"You look very beautiful. Go and apologize to everyone there," Manish Ji started explaining.
"Apologize?"
"Look Mishti, if you don't apologize, this engagement will break. Then it won't just be your reputation, but our entire family's reputation that will be tarnished," Manish Ji said sternly. He wanted to forge a relationship with the Rajvanshi family at any cost, so that his company could benefit.
"Mishti, your father is saying this for your own good. Don't be rude there."
"Okay."
In an hour, they reached Rajvanshi House. While sitting in the car, Mishti urgently needed to use the restroom. As their car stopped, Rajveer's car also stopped from the other side. He got out of the car and paused for a moment seeing Mishti. 'She dressed up so much for me?' he thought to himself. He expected Mishti to come to him, but Mishti, at a stormy pace, went straight inside the house. Rajveer's eyebrows furrowed.
"Rajveer beta, how are you?" Manish Ji came forward and said.
"Uncle," Rajveer addressed him, but his expressions were completely cold. Manish Ji was used to this.
Meanwhile, Mishti came inside, but this mansion was so large and winding, like a labyrinth. Mishti asked a servant. He pointed in one direction. Mishti moved forward, but then got lost. Outside a gallery, she saw a large hall room. Mishti went there and finally spotted the washroom. But before she could reach it, someone grabbed her and pushed her against the wall. Mishti looked up and her eyes met Anirudh's deep dark eyes. Anirudh was shirtless; his strong body clearly visible. Mishti's ears turned red.
Anirudh was looking at Mishti as if a goat had entered a lion's den.
"What are you doing here?"
"Um... I came here by mistake."
"By mistake? Do you make a lot of mistakes?"
Mishti felt like crying. Oh, she was in such urgent need, and this man was after her. 😭😭😭
"Aren't you ashamed of tormenting a weak girl? If you have courage, fight me face-to-face," Mishti glared at him. Anirudh finally released Mishti.
Mishti stood in a fighting stance. She cracked the knuckles of her hands. "You don't know, when I hit, I turn even the best into pulp."
Anirudh was amused. "Come on."
Mishti took a step forward, then ran back twice as fast and rushed into the bathroom. Anirudh was left watching. 🤣🤣
"Boss, this girl is here? Is there something going on between you and her?" Yash asked as he entered. Yash was Anirudh's closest friend, assistant, everything.
"She's Rajveer's fiancée," Anirudh said while putting on his shirt.
"Rajveer's fiancée? I think she likes you?"
Hearing this, Anirudh's hands paused for a moment.
"It's good though. It will be a lot of fun making a fool out of that Rajveer."
"Hmm, good idea. Why don't you try to make Mishti fall in love with you?"
"I... I was just joking," Yash said, showing his teeth.
Mishti came out of the washroom. She saw that Anirudh had put on an olive green t-shirt, along with black loose baggy pants. Anirudh's personality was wild and cold. Anirudh was a commando, and the same person Mona had accused of having his twin children. Mishti remembered that in her past life, Anirudh had always been alone. He didn't get along with the Rajvanshi family at all, and at a young age, he was hanged on charges of treason.
"Madam, you are here? They are calling you outside," Butler Manoj said, coming forward.
Mishti followed him. Coming into the hall, she saw Rajveer's mother Sonia, Manish Ji, and Teju sitting together and talking.
Sonia had a love marriage with Sanjay Rajvanshi, Rajveer's father. Everything was going well until Sanjay found out that Sonia could not conceive. Sanjay divorced Sonia and started an affair with Damini. Damini was madly in love with Sanjay. Sanjay was a very handsome and successful man. Damini became pregnant. When her family found out, they were very angry. They pressured Sanjay to marry Damini, as Damini's family was very powerful. Sanjay had to marry Damini. But the limit was reached when Sonia showed up on the wedding day. She was also six months pregnant. Her pregnancy had not been detected due to the weak fetus. Damini's father slapped Sanjay hard and started taking Damini away. But Damini refused. She was even willing to be Sanjay's second wife. In anger, Damini's family cut off all ties with her. Damini's condition worsened day by day. She passed away while giving birth to Anirudh. Damini's family took Anirudh with them. He grew up there. Anirudh had no good relations with the Rajvanshi family.
Seeing Mishti, Sonia smiled and beckoned her to come closer.
"Come, beta."
Mishti remembered that in her past life, Sonia didn't like her at all. Mishti tried hard to win Sonia's heart, but Sonia never accepted her.
"Sonia Ji, Rajveer did us a great favor by getting Mishti out of jail," Teju said to Sonia.
"Jail?"
"You don't know?" Teju looked at Manish Ji in shock.
"Mishti, explain it to them," Manish Ji ordered Mishti.
"What should I explain? I didn't do anything wrong?"
"Mishti!!!! Didn't you say you would apologize? Now put your ego aside and apologize," Manish Ji said, standing up in anger.
"Perhaps you are mistaken? Mishti helped the police catch the thief. Today they even sent a certificate. I also saw videos where Mishti was catching that thief."
Sonia said to a servant, and he brought the certificate.
"Look at this."
Manish Ji saw the certificate and was completely ashamed. Here he was considering Mishti a thief, and here the police had honored her.
Sonia said, "Let's have dinner."
Sanjay and Rajveer also came for dinner, but Aniruddha did not.
"Rajveer, call Aniruddha too. He rarely comes home anyway," Sonia expressed her concern.
"Let him be. In his room. He will be like a thorn in our eyes if he comes here," Sanjay got furious just hearing Aniruddha's name.
Inside, Sonia was quite happy.
Rajveer sat next to Mishti. While eating, Rajveer served fish curry onto Mishti's plate, but Mishti didn't even touch it. Rajveer served chicken; Mishti didn't touch that either, but took it herself and started eating. She completely ignored Rajveer's worsening expression. Rajveer got up abruptly.
"I remembered some work."
And he left.
"Mishti, what did you do? Rajveer doesn't serve me either, and you?" Sonia said angrily.
"Sorry aunty," Mishti said innocently, while she was overjoyed internally. It would be good if this Rajveer broke off the engagement himself.
On Friday night, Mishti received a call from Sonia.
"Hello aunty?"
"Hello Mishti, I called you because Rajveer is free on Sunday, so you two should go on a date."
Mishti's face fell. She made a thousand excuses to put Sonia off, but Sonia was also a tough nut to crack. She spoke to Manish Ji, and Manish Ji almost ordered Mishti.
On Saturday night, Mishti was jumping on her bed because she had to go on a date with Rajveer tomorrow. Tired, Mishti sat up and called Rajveer. After two rings, an arrogant voice came from the other end.
"Hello?"
"Rajveer, it's Mishti."
"Yes, tell me."
"Tomorrow I am very busy, so can we reschedule the date for another day?"
Rajveer's nerves tensed. He had worked overtime today because of the date, and this girl... But Rajveer cherished his ego dearly. He said yes and hung up the phone. Mishti felt as if a hundred kilos had been lifted off her. Finally, she slept peacefully.
The next day, Mishti went for a film photoshoot. After leaving there, she was waiting for a cab when a car stopped in front of her. The car window rolled down, and Aniruddha's handsome face appeared.
"Get in."
"I'll go by cab."
"You took advantage of me twice. For that apology, you have to treat me to lunch."
Mishti sat down with a frown. Yash was driving. He stopped the car in front of the most expensive restaurant.
"You two go ahead, I'm going to meet my girlfriend."
Yash wanted to bring Aniruddha and Mishti closer. Aniruddha was twenty-five years old and still hadn't had a girlfriend. Yash was afraid that if he didn't come up with some plan, Aniruddha would remain a bachelor his whole life.
When Mishti saw the restaurant, she took two steps back.
"Shall we go to some other restaurant? This is too expensive."
Aniruddha took her hand and led her inside, as if he hadn't heard anything.
"Sir, your private room is booked. Come this way." The manager said to Rajveer. Rajveer was just going inside when his gaze fell on Mishti and Aniruddha. In an instant, his eyes narrowed.
"Oh! So you're busy hanging out with my brother?" he taunted. Mishti's mind went blank. Just then, a sweet voice came.
"Raj, weren't you supposed to come half an hour later?"
Mishti's face turned pale. In a moment, a whole movie played out in front of her; her torture, her tongue being cut, her children dying agonizing deaths in her womb. Mishti's breathing quickened. When Aniruddha noticed this, he said with concern,
"Are you okay?"
Mishti, as if waking from a bad dream, controlled herself.
"Aniruddha Bhai, you are here too? Is this your girlfriend? She is very beautiful," Mona said, holding Rajveer's hand. If anyone didn't know, they would think they were a couple.
"Really?" Aniruddha looked at Mishti. She neither confirmed nor denied it directly.
"She is truly very beautiful," Mona said, praising her sincerely. She was wearing a white dress and looked very innocent. No one could tell that a devil was hidden behind her innocent face.
"It seems you are also very busy with your girlfriend?" Mishti smiled, and Rajveer was silenced. Meanwhile, Mona started blushing.
"We are not a couple. I am Raj's childhood friend."
"Do childhood friends walk holding each other's hands?"
"I've been used to it since childhood."
"This habit is not good. You must know that your special friend Raj has a fiancée, and she is many times more beautiful than you," Mishti said confidently. Rajveer was smitten by her demeanor. Mishti's milky complexion glowed in that dark corridor, and most beautiful were her blue eyes.
"But she gets angry very quickly," Mishti warned innocently. Mona was surprised.
"How do you know?"
"Because I am Raj's fiancée."
Mona's heart sank. She had heard about Rajveer's fiancée, but she hadn't taken it seriously. But seeing Mishti's beauty today, alarm bells started ringing in her heart. Mona looked at Rajveer.
"Is she telling the truth?"
"Hmm."
Mona took a deep breath and, suppressing the flood of jealousy and hatred rising within her, she moved towards Mishti with a smile.
"Oh, so you are Raj's fiancée."
Before Mona could touch her, Mishti stepped back, as if Mona's touch would make her dirty.
"Let's go," Mishti went inside with Aniruddha. Mona looked at Rajveer with teary eyes.
"Raj... I think Mishti is mistaken. You should apologize to her."
Mona knew Rajveer was extremely arrogant. He had never apologized to anyone, and that's exactly what happened. Rajveer said with a crooked smile,
"Apology? Never."
And he walked out. Mona ran after him.
"Raj."
Aniruddh ordered one expensive dish after another, and in large quantities. Mishti felt like they weren't eating food, but money. Now that she had to pay the bill, Mishti started eating at full speed. But soon her stomach was completely full. Aniruddh was eating slowly, but his diet was good; after all, he was a commando.
When Mishti heard the bill at the counter was thirty thousand, she almost fainted. She made a crying face and took out her card, but before that, Aniruddh had already paid.
"You said this was my treat?"
"Next time."
Mishti realized that Aniruddh wasn't so bad, and a smile touched her lips.
Mishti would leave home every day on the pretext of going for tuition and would go shooting. Khushi started suspecting her. One day she followed Mishti. Her suspicion turned into certainty when she arrived at the shooting set. Mishti was indeed beautiful, and the director couldn't stop praising her acting. Khushi was seized by fear. She knew that if things continued like this, Mishti would become the best actress in no time.
Khushi saw a middle-aged actor, Jake, looking at Mishti with lustful eyes. An idea struck her. Khushi quietly went into Jake's room and placed a note on the table. With a wicked smile, she quietly slipped away. When Jake arrived there, he saw the note: "Let's meet tonight - Mishti."
When Mishti came out of the shooting set, Jake was standing there waiting for her.
"Mishti, I need to talk to you about something."
"Speak."
"Look, I know you are very hardworking, but you don't have connections. I can take you to heights."
"What nonsense is this?"
"Mishti, stop acting anymore." Jake grabbed Mishti's hand. He couldn't control himself.
"What acting? Stay away from me." Mishti stepped back.
"Then what is the meaning of this note?" Jake took a note out of his pocket and showed it to Mishti. When Mishti saw the handwriting, she immediately recognized whose doing it was. "Look, I didn't write all this. I'm not interested in you," Mishti said and quickly left.
Khushi was sitting in her room reading a film script. She deliberately left the door open so that Manish Ji could see how hard she was working. Just as she had thought, Manish Ji passed by the corridor and was happy to see Khushi working hard. Khushi also smiled, but her smile didn't last long; seeing Mishti with Manish Ji... Mishti came in and sat next to Khushi.
"Khushi, I didn't know you worried about me so much?"
Khushi didn't understand what Mishti was doing.
Mishti took out the note, showed it to Khushi, and gave it to Manish Ji. The color drained from Khushi's face.
"Papa, look, Khushi invited me to meet her tonight. She said she was going to give me a role in her film."
"Wow, Khushi beta! That's great. I'm proud of you."
Khushi forced a smile. She was in a no-win situation. "But how can I give you a role? It's not in my hands," Khushi said, making an excuse.
Mishti looked at Khushi with a tearful face. "So, were you mocking me?"
Manish Ji's heart melted. "Mishti, don't be sad. You will get the role. It's my responsibility." He was very happy today anyway; Mishti had called him Papa.
Mishti smiled. "Thank you, Papa."
Khushi's fists clenched. Her plan had backfired on her.
Mishti was working hard in her first film. Manish Ji had also bought Mishti a car. Seeing Mishti going to the car humming in the morning set Khushi's body on fire. She ran to Teju. "Mom, did you see that Mishti? How she's flying high? If it continues like this, she'll surpass me one day."
Teju was pruning plants. She was very calm even after hearing Khushi's complaints.
"Do you see this flower? If you want to get rid of its beauty, then..." Teju cut off a beautiful rose, and the flower fell down. Teju ruthlessly crushed the delicate rose with her feet. Khushi's eyes gleamed with cruelty. "I understand, Mama."
Mishti was returning home from shooting. There was construction work going on ahead on the highway; there was a very big pothole in the middle. Mishti applied the brakes, but the car was speeding like a bullet train. Mishti's hands and feet went numb. The brakes had failed. Mishti pressed the brakes with all her might, but it had no effect. Mishti was drenched in sweat. As soon as the car reached the pothole, Mishti squeezed her eyes shut. Then there was a loud collision, and Mishti was thrown up. One side of the car was completely mangled. Some glass shards pierced Mishti's hands, but all Mishti knew was that she was alive. The car that had hit her was also damaged. Its door opened, and Aniruddh came out. Blood was streaming from his forehead and the corners of his lips.
"Get out, fast!" Aniruddh ordered like a military officer. Mishti grabbed the handle with trembling hands, but before that, Aniruddh opened the door and pulled her out. As soon as she got out, the car, which was hanging halfway, swayed for two seconds and then fell down.
Boom!!!! 💥💥💥💥
The car exploded and started burning fiercely.
Mishti felt dizzy and fainted. Aniruddh caught her in his arms. Yash arrived with a car. Aniruddh sat inside with Mishti, and the car turned towards the hospital.
A masked man was recording this accident. He had not seen Mishti getting out. He thought Mishti had died. He sent the video.
Seeing the video, a wicked smile spread across Teju's face. Manish Ji came in. "Teju, look, I've found these three roles for Mishti. Now you tell me, which role would be suitable for Mishti?"
'Foolish man! He doesn't know here that Mishti has already gone to heaven. Now all this property and this company will go to my daughter Khushi.' Teju was happy just thinking about it. She took the script from Manish's hand and chose the role of Princess Chandratara. Khushi was the female lead in this film; after her, this role was the most difficult, but important. Teju knew that Mishti was not coming back, so why not appear good in Manish's eyes?
The house's landline rang. Khushi picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"This is Sonia."
"Yes, Aunty?"
"I wanted to talk to Mishti. It would have been great if Rajveer and Mishti had gotten to know each other before marriage."
"Aunty, Mishti isn't home. When she comes back, I'll connect you."
"Okay, dear."
After hanging up, Khushi started laughing. "She'll never come back now, Aunty."
Mishti's eyes fluttered open.
"You're awake?" Mishti looked in the direction of the voice. Aniruddha was sitting beside her bed. Bandages were wrapped around his chest and head. If Aniruddha hadn't stopped her car in time, she would have surely died. She didn't know if she would get another chance to live this time.
"I saved your life," Aniruddha said, leaning over Mishti. Mishti flinched as Aniruddha's face came so close. "Thank you."
"I want something else," he said, leaning in a bit more.
"If it's within my power, I will give it," she replied.
"I want you to never hate me. Can you promise me that?" Aniruddha was gazing into Mishti's blue eyes. Mishti nodded in agreement. Aniruddha finally pulled back, and Mishti let out a sigh of relief. "Rest now," Aniruddha said, starting to leave. Mishti noticed Aniruddha limping slightly on his right leg. Mishti remembered that in her previous life, Aniruddha's right leg had been shot. His critical condition after that had forced him to retire from the military.
"Wait."
Aniruddha turned back. "Your leg?" Aniruddha looked at his leg and said with a smile, "I'm fine." The truth was, doctors had advised Aniruddha against any strenuous exercise, or his right leg could be permanently damaged. Yash had definitely wanted to introduce Aniruddha and Mishti, but he hadn't known that Aniruddha wouldn't even hesitate to risk his own life to save Mishti's.
Mishti's grandfather came to visit her, but Mishti wasn't home. It was already night. "Useless! What kind of father are you? Your daughter hasn't returned, and you're sleeping peacefully?"
Grandfather hit Manish's legs with his cane. Seeing this, Khushi said unhappily, "Grandfather, it's not Papa's fault. Mishti is stubborn; she does whatever she wants. What can Papa do about that?"
"Sir, Mishti madam has had a very serious accident. It's almost impossible for her to survive," a man said, entering. Hearing this, Grandfather fainted. Manish Ji supported him. In an instant, panic ensued.
When Grandfather regained consciousness in the hospital, he started weeping inconsolably remembering Mishti. "It's my fault. I failed to fulfill my duty as a grandfather."
"Father, it's not your fault. Who can alter what's meant to happen? Now, who will marry Rajveer?" This was Manish's second brother, Pankaj. He also had a daughter, Chinki, and he wanted Chinki to marry Rajveer. In this house, everyone saw Rajveer as a golden treasure who could fix their lives.
"Mishti's body hasn't even been found yet, and you're talking about marriage? Shame!" Manish said.
"After committing a hundred sins, the cat goes on a pilgrimage! And who is speaking? You, brother, just forget it. Who knows you better than I do? You want to secure your own happiness. I think you might have even caused Mishti's death for this very reason! But listen, Khushi is not your biological daughter; she doesn't have the blood of this family, so she cannot marry Rajveer."
Manish's face went through a spectrum of emotions, and he exploded, "Are you saying anything? Why would I kill Mishti? Mishti is my daughter."
"Brother-in-law! I consider Mishti more than my own daughter, and Khushi loves Mishti dearly too. How can you separate Khushi from this family?" Teju said, shedding tears.
"Enough!!!!! That's enough," Grandfather shouted.
Just then, Sonia and Rajveer also entered. "I heard about Mishti, is it true?" Sonia's question brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Rajveer's eyebrows furrowed, but his face showed little expression.
"We all mourn Mishti's passing, but life must go on. Sonia ji, if you agree, my daughter Khushi will marry Rajveer in Mishti's place. Khushi is even smarter than Mishti." Manish Ji had crossed all bounds of humanity.
Khushi and Teju were very happy.
"If Mishti is no more, then that old promise also means nothing," Rajveer finally said something, but Khushi became furious upon hearing this. "Who are you to interrupt? If I want to marry Rajveer, he will be the one to decide."
Silence fell over the entire ward.
"I am Rajveer," Rajveer growled.
"What was this spectacle? You were saying you liked Rajveer, and you didn't even recognize him?" Teju scolded Khushi. They were both going home. Manish had stayed with his father.
Remembering her humiliation, Khushi's face turned red. "How was I supposed to know? Who was the person I saw by the swimming pool that day?"
"Fool!" Teju chided, then remembering something, she said, "Could it have been Aniruddha?"
"Aniruddha?"
"Yes, Rajveer's stepbrother, he's a commando and very dangerous."
Just then, the car lurched violently, and both mother and daughter were thrown forward. "Hey driver! How are you driving?" Khushi shouted.
"Madam, there was someone in front," the driver said fearfully.
"Did you hit someone? Get out and check," Teju said irritably.
The driver got out. They were on a deserted road at that moment. It was dark all around. There was no one in sight for miles. Suddenly, they heard a girl crying, "Mmm, mmm..." The driver, scared, sat back down, but the car wouldn't start. "Madam, the car has broken down." The driver started sweating.
"A!!!!!"
Khushi screamed at the top of her lungs and clung to Teju. "Why are you screaming?"
"Mommy... I saw Mishti," Khushi stammered, trembling.
"What nonsense are you talking? Mishti is dead." Teju was still calm. Then, the girl's crying was heard again from somewhere, "Mmm, mmm..." In the darkness of that night, the crying sounded particularly ominous and terrifying. The driver had already fled in fear.
Now Teju was also getting scared. She took out her phone. There was no signal. Then,
"A!!!!!!"
Teju screamed. Two bloody hands slid down the front window, and then a face covered in white hair stuck to the glass. Teju fainted. Khushi shook Teju frantically, but it was no use... Khushi opened the door and stepped out of the car, only to find the ghost in front of her. She was wearing a dirty white gown. Her hair covered her face.
"Ah! Leave me alone... I didn't do anything." Khushi turned around. The same ghost was behind her too. Khushi fell to her knees and trembled like a dry leaf. "I didn't do anything... this was all my mother's plan... leave me alone."
Two long, clawed hands reached towards her neck, and that was it... Khushi also fainted.
"Wh-wh-what delicate creatures! They fainted so easily?" Shanhu said, taking off her wig.
The other ghost, Mishti, also took off her wig and smiled.
Manish was sitting in front of his father. Everyone else had left. At that moment, the sound of someone walking came in the silence of the night. The ward door opened. Manish looked up and with a thud!! he rolled off his chair in shock.
"Mishti?"
Grandfather also woke up with the loud noise. Tears flowed from his eyes upon seeing Mishti.
"Mishti!"
Seeing grandfather's condition, Mishti felt sad and also relieved that grandfather loved her so much. She ran and hugged him.
"Grandfather, I am fine."
"That accident?"
"A noble person saved my life."
"Call him, we must thank him."
"Anirudh Rajvanshi."
"Anirudh?"
"Oh, so you are alive? And my mother didn't sleep peacefully all night there." Rajveer, who had come to meet grandfather in the morning, was shocked to see Mishti. First he was happy, but as soon as he heard Anirudh's name, his mood soured.
"I apologize, you won't get the good news of my death so soon." Mishti said, teasing Rajveer with folded hands.
"Rajveer, marriage is a sacred bond of two hearts, no one can force it. If you don't like Mishti, it's okay, you don't need to get married. I will talk to your family." Grandfather was angry seeing Rajveer's rude behavior towards Mishti.
"It's not like that, grandfather. Mother was worried about Mishti all night, that's why I got angry. I am not marrying Mishti only to fulfill the promise made between our families, but also because I like Mishti." Rajveer suddenly softened.
Grandfather showed satisfaction. Mishti, however, was shocked and, scolding Rajveer in her mind, said, 'You don't like anyone, except yourself.'
After Rajveer left, Manish asked Mishti to come home. Mishti hugged grandfather.
"Grandfather, I want to stay with you, please."
"Mishti, don't bother grandfather, come with me." Manish wanted to control Mishti. He knew Mishti wouldn't listen to him if she stayed away. But Mishti also knew everything. She looked at grandfather innocently, and two tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Grandfather, please."
Grandfather's heart melted instantly.
"Mishti will stay with me."
"But Bapuji?"
"I've said it."
"As you deem fit."
Meanwhile, a car was parked in the middle of the road. Its doors were open. It was seven in the morning. The woman's eyes opened with the sun's rays. As soon as she saw the car roof above her, she sat up in a panic. She got another shock when she saw that her clothes were missing, except for her undergarments. Teju looked ahead, Khushi was also in the same state. Teju saw that one or two men were also on their morning walk at some distance. She shook Khushi vigorously.
"Khushi, wake up!!"
As soon as Khushi woke up,
"Ghost!!!!!"
Thwack!!!!
Khushi regained consciousness from the loud slap in the early morning.
"Idiot!! Someone fooled us last night." Teju quickly started getting dressed. Khushi also picked up her clothes, where she found a note.
"I have your beautiful photos. Keep ten lakhs ready, otherwise your photos will be in the newspaper tomorrow morning."
Khushi handed the note to Teju, who clenched her teeth.
"Once I find out who did this drama, I will skin them alive."
Khushi handed Teju the note, which Teju grasped tightly, his teeth grinding. "The moment I find out who's behind this drama, I'll skin them alive."
Both of them received a huge shock when they found out at home that Mishti was alive.
"But how is this possible?" Khushi muttered like a lunatic.
Manish: "What can't be?"
Teju: "Nothing. You go rest. I'll send some tea."
After Manish left, the expressions on both of their faces changed.
Mishti was admitted to the hospital with her grandfather. Teju and Khushi stormed into Mishti's ward. Mishti was sitting by the window, reading a book.
Khushi: "Was it all you who did this?"
Mishti: "What did I do?" Mishti blinked innocently.
Khushi: "Don't be too innocent. You scared us by pretending to be a ghost that night, didn't you?"
Mishti: "A ghost? Are you guys trying to kill someone? A guilty conscience." Mishti looked at both of them with a smile.
Teju: "So, you figured it out? How did you survive?" Teju returned to her true colors.
Mishti: "The one who saves is God. No one can kill anyone until it's God's will, no matter how hard they try. And I have to say, it's a lot of fun teasing you two, so don't worry, I won't leave you."
Teju and Khushi gritted their teeth.
Mishti: "Now, let's talk business. Transfer my money quickly, stepmom, or those photos of yours... you understand?"
Khushi: "You're so shameless!" Khushi stamped her foot.
Mishti: "At least I'm not trying to kill anyone."
Teju transferred the money for the sake of her dignity, and both of them left, defeated.
Teju: "Mom, Mishti has pulled off a big move. She didn't die herself and also robbed us."
Teju: "Mishti is going to work with you in the movie, right? There will be many opportunities. She won't be this lucky every time." Teju said in a venomous tone.
Mishti came to her grandfather's house. Her grandfather's house was in a very quiet and beautiful place. Her grandfather lived alone. There was a caretaker, Shanta, who lived there.
Shanta had gone out, so Mishti set up all her belongings in her room by herself. It was noon by the time she finished.
The room had two windows for ventilation. Mishti opened the window. The fresh air took away all her fatigue. She looked around and saw a house across the street. There was a shadow on the window. Someone seemed to be changing clothes. It looked like a boy. Mishti was about to turn away when the window opened, and she saw Anirudh. Anirudh saw Mishti too, and their eyes met. Mishti's mouth was open. She looked very cute.
Anirudh: "Did you follow me all the way here?" Anirudh looked at Mishti as if she were a street urchin.
Mishti's face turned red with anger.
Mishti: "Who's following you? I'm here at my grandfather's house."
Anirudh: "I know everything. You don't need to be shy. I know I'm very handsome." Anirudh said with a completely serious face. Mishti wanted to punch him in the face. Suddenly, she burst out laughing.
Mishti: "By the way, what are you doing here? Are you following me here?"
Anirudh: "I live here... and why were you staring at me changing clothes? You urchin!!" Anirudh slammed the window shut.
Mishti was left with her fist waving in the air.
Mishti: "Hmph! I've never seen a more shameless person in my life."
Mishti came downstairs to eat. "Grandfather, you didn't tell me Anirudh is our neighbor?"
Grandfather was shocked. "Neighbor?"
"Yes, Anirudh lives in the house behind ours," Mishti said as she sat on the chair.
"But that house has been closed for a long time. Leave all that and eat."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Mishti was sitting by the window, reading her script.
"Listen."
Mishti looked up. Anirudh was standing by his house window.
"Yes."
"Your phone? Do you want it or not?"
Mishti remembered that her phone had been missing since the accident. She thought it was lost. "Just give it from there, I'll catch it."
"No way, come to my house yourself and take it. If I throw it from here, it will fall."
Before Mishti could say anything, Anirudh left. Mishti's face fell. Grandfather saw her going out and said, "Mishti, where are you going at this hour?"
"To Anirudh's place. I need to get something."
"Okay, be back soon."
Anirudh's house door was open. As Mishti entered, Anirudh was coming down the stairs. He was wearing a grey t-shirt and dark green trousers. He looked very hot and handsome. Mishti averted her gaze. "Do you live here alone?"
"Yes."
"My phone?"
Instead of giving the phone, Anirudh started walking towards Mishti. Mishti's eyes widened, and she stepped back. Then she bumped into something. Anirudh pulled her towards him, holding her by the waist. Mishti looked behind; a black cat with two round eyes was looking at her. After looking at Mishti for two seconds, the cat flicked its tail and went inside. Mishti's lips pursed.
Mishti pushed Anirudh away and started to leave. "I want to eat food cooked by you?" Hearing Anirudh's request, Mishti stopped. She looked at Anirudh with questioning eyes. "I'm giving you a chance to say thank you." Mishti glared at him. "I don't have time."
"Then I'll come to your house for lunch tomorrow," Anirudh said without batting an eyelid. Mishti left, glaring at him as if she could eat him. As soon as she left, a smile appeared on Anirudh's face.
The next day, Mishti signed the contract with her manager, Rama. Rama was a very good manager at King Entertainment. King Entertainment was a top entertainment company, whose boss was mysterious.
Rama received a call from King's Vice President. "Yes, Boss?"
"Do not give Mishti any intimate scenes."
"But that's common?" Rama asked, surprised.
"Find a double for such scenes, but this is King's order."
"King's? Okay."
After hanging up, Rama fell into thought. What was Mishti's connection to King? King never met anyone?
In the afternoon, when Mishti returned home, Rajveer's car was parked outside. Rajveer and Sonia had come inside.
"Mishti, thank God you're okay. I was so scared," Sonia expressed her concern.
'If she cared this much, why didn't she visit me when I was in the hospital for so many days? Drama queen!!' Mishti thought and said with a smile, "Thank you, Aunty, I'm fine."
Everyone sat down for lunch when Mishti's phone started ringing. "Excuse me." Mishti moved aside. "Hello?"
"You promised to have lunch. It's half-past twelve, I'm hungry."
"You!!!" Mishti couldn't believe it. Anirudh was still serious about yesterday's conversation. Then she started feeling guilty. "I have guests at home right now."
"Guests? Who guests?"
"My fiancee," Mishti said in a mosquito-like voice. She didn't know why, but she felt like she had done something wrong.
"Hee hee..." Anirudh let out a cold laugh. There was anger in his laughter.
"You can come if you want," Mishti said as a formality, but who knew...
"Since you're asking now, I'm coming reluctantly."
Mishti's eyes widened. "You don't have to force yourself to come... Hello? Hellooo?" Mishti stared at the blank screen as if Anirudh would suddenly emerge from it, and she would beat him up.
"Now that you're saying it, I'm coming, albeit reluctantly."
Mishthi's eyes widened. "You don't need to force yourself to come. Hello? Helloooo?" Mishthi stared at the blank screen, as if Aniruddh would suddenly emerge from it and she could beat him up.
Mishthi looked at the table; everyone was looking at her. "Shanta Kaki, please set one more plate, someone is coming." Shanta Tai left. When Mishthi sat down, Grandfather asked, "Who is coming?"
"Our neighbor," Mishthi said, clearing her throat lightly.
"Aniruddh?"
"Is Aniruddh your neighbor?" Rajveer almost jumped out of his chair.
Before anyone could say anything, footsteps were heard. The handsome Aniruddh, dressed in a black t-shirt and black trousers, caused a moment of silence.
"Oh! We have some big celebrities here?" Aniruddh broke the silence and sat down in the chair next to Mishthi very naturally. Rajveer's expression soured considerably. Sonia felt the same.
"Weren't you living in your apartment? Is there a special reason for coming here?" Rajveer looked at Mishthi, emphasizing the word 'special.'
"The reason is very special," Aniruddh replied, as if he hadn't heard the sarcasm.
Mishthi ignored both of them and started drinking water. *'If you two want to fight, go fight outside, why are you dragging me into this?'*
"I can't thank you enough for saving my future sister-in-law's life."
Mishthi was taken aback. Aniruddh patted Mishthi on the back. "Take it easy."
"Saving Mishthi was my personal decision; it has nothing to do with you."
Rajveer's fists clenched. Sonia patted his hand, signaling him to calm down. "Let's start eating."
"You've retired from the army. If you want, I can offer you a job in my company." Rajveer had always considered himself far superior to Aniruddh. Despite being born to the same father, their destinies were entirely different. Rajveer had his father's love and money; he had been raised like a prince. On the other hand, Aniruddh's mother had been taken away from him in childhood. Sanjay had never even caressed his head with affection. Aniruddh's maternal grandfather was a strict Major General. Aniruddh had lived a hard life since childhood.
"There's no need," Aniruddh said without even thinking.
"Don't answer so quickly. Right now, you are alone, but when you get married and have children, you will have to work, won't you?"
"You seem very worried about me?"
"After all, I am your elder brother," Rajveer said with a smile. Just then, his phone rang. Rajveer rejected the call. The phone rang again. Mishthi glanced sideways; the name Mona was visible. "Pick it up, it might be an important call." Rajveer picked up the phone. "Yes?"
"Raj, where are you?"
"At my fiancée's place."
A moment of silence followed. "I'm on the highway. My car broke down and it's raining outside. Can you come, please? I'm very cold."
Rajveer looked at everyone for a moment. He couldn't ignore Mona's delicate situation and got up. "You stay right there; I'm coming."
Mishthi: "Where are you going?"
"A friend needs me. I'll come for lunch some other time."
"Seems like a very special friend?" Mishthi was having a good laugh at Rajveer's expense.
"Wait, Raj. I'll go too. I had to go to my friend's place." Sonia also got up. After both of them left, peace finally descended. Grandfather was not at all pleased with them leaving without finishing their meal. As a retired soldier, he valued discipline highly; wasting food like this was a very bad habit.
Aniruddh finished all the food. Grandfather was very happy to see this. As he was leaving, Aniruddh said to Shanta Kaki, "Kaki, the food was very tasty." Kaki was very pleased. "Come again, son." Aniruddh said yes and left.
Mishti was reading, her window closed. Someone started knocking loudly from outside. Mishti ignored it at first, but when the noise didn't stop, she opened the window and said irritably, "What is it?" She was surprised to see who it was. It was Yash.
"You? Why were you knocking on my window?"
"I didn't know you lived here. Can't I even knock on a window now?" Yash said shamelessly. Then, after thinking for a moment, his eyes lit up. "One minute, you followed our boss here, didn't you? I knew you were interested in our boss."
Mishti's jaw dropped. "Ugh! You're just like your friend, shameless! I'm staying at my grandfather's place. What business is it of yours?"
"What's going on?" Anirudh's voice came from behind.
"Boss!"
"I'm going on a mission." Anirudh said, looking into Mishti's eyes. Hearing this, Mishti jumped up. "But Rajveer said you had retired?"
Anirudh didn't answer that, instead saying, "It could take me a month, or two months, or a year." He was looking very deeply into Mishti's eyes. Mishti's heart started pounding, which angered her. "Why are you telling me this? Actually, it's good, your absence will bring peace to my life."
"Do you have a heart or not? Our boss got injured trying to save you, and now he has to go on a dangerous mission so quickly, and you're giving him bitter words instead of saying a couple of nice ones?" Yash said angrily to Mishti. Mishti went inside. "Hey, wait..." Yash was still speaking when Mishti came back with something in her hand and threw it towards Anirudh. Anirudh caught it. It was a small red pouch, filled with cotton, with a copper coin tied inside. Anirudh looked at Mishti questioningly.
"This amulet was given to me by my godparents. I've had it since childhood. It will keep you safe." Mishti began twisting her fingers. Ever since this amulet was lost in her past life, everything had started to go wrong for her—first her accident, then her kidnapping. That's why she had so much faith in this amulet.
"You must keep it very safe. Return it to me as soon as you get back." Saying this, Mishti went inside. A smile spread across Anirudh's lips. He clutched the amulet in his fist.
Days passed by like this. Mishti was working hard, fully engrossed in her acting career. Rajveer's birthday was approaching, and a big party was being organized. Mishti came to the mall to do some shopping for the party. Just then, some exclusive designer dresses had arrived. Mishti spotted a dark red dress and liked it immediately. "Show me this dress," Mishti said to the salesgirl. "Yes, ma'am." Before the salesgirl could show Mishti the dress, Sandy snatched it. "Pack this up."
"Show me this dress," Mishti said to the salesgirl. "Yes ma'am," before the salesgirl could show Mishti the dress, Sandy snatched it. "Pack this."
The salesgirl looked at Sandy indignantly. "Madam, please choose another dress. They liked this dress first, and besides, this dress will look more beautiful on them," the salesgirl said, looking at Mishti's fair complexion and tall height. Hearing this, Sandy boiled with anger. "Did anyone ask for your suggestion? No? So do as you're told." Then, looking at Mishti, "This mistress won't be able to afford such an expensive dress anyway." Sandy's voice was loud. Hearing this, everyone else started looking at Mishti strangely. Mishti didn't get angry, but said with a smile, "Do you know who a mistress is? She's your friend, Mona... I'm Rajvir's fiancée, but who is your friend?"
"You'll compete with Mona? You don't have the status. Where is that princess and where are you, a street ruffian? What more can be expected from a motherless girl?"
"Mona has both her mother and father. Didn't they teach her enough manners not to cast her wicked gaze on someone else's fiancé?"
"You cheat!!" Sandy raised her hand at Mishti. Mishti grabbed her wrist and pinned it behind her back. "You said one thing right, I am a ruffian. So think a thousand times before messing with me." Mishti whispered softly near Sandy's ear. Sandy's face turned pale with pain. Mishti let her go with a jerk. Sandy twisted her hand, checking if it was broken.
Now Sandy didn't dare to mess with Mishti. With a pout, she bought that red dress. She thought Mishti would fight her for the dress, but Mishti took another dress in baby pink.
From there, Mishti reached her godparents' house. Upon arriving, she saw Shanu and Rocky blowing up balloons. Rocky was the famous goon of the area, but after learning a lesson from Mishti, he was afraid of and also liked Mishti. "Mishti, how did you get here so quickly?" Shanu wanted to give Mishti a surprise birthday party. "Why are you guys doing this decoration? Is something happening today?" Mishti said, confused. Hearing this, Rocky pounced on Shanu. "You made a fool of me?"
"I didn't make a fool of anyone. Today is truly Mishti's birthday. She came to our house on this very day," Shanu said hurriedly. Rocky was a very tall, broad, and strong man; Shanu only came up to his chest. Mishti quickly separated the two. "Rocky, Shanu is telling the truth. It's my birthday today. I forgot because of work." Rocky let go of Shanu. "See, didn't I tell you?" Shanu said, glaring at Rocky.
Mini and Raju also returned home after buying party supplies. Mini took Mishti to the room. "You sit here. I have a gift for you." Mini opened the cupboard, took out a jewelry box, and placed it in Mishti's hands. "Open it and see. Your father prepared this for you." Mini opened the box, and for a moment, her eyes were dazzled: a red ruby set! In the center was a red ruby pendant with a design of small leaves; there were matching earrings with the same design. She had had this red ruby since childhood. Mishti had even offered to sell it due to financial hardship, but Raju had refused. "No, no matter what happens, we won't sell this ruby. It's a memento from your parents. What if they try to find you through it?" Raju not only stopped her from selling the ruby but also made a beautiful complete set for it. Mishti's heart filled with emotion. "And this is from me," Mini showed Mishti a keychain. Just as Mishti was about to take it, Mini stopped her and said, "First, see its magic." Mini pressed a small button, and a penknife emerged from the keychain. "Keep this with you always, it will be useful for self-defense." Mishti hugged Mini, crying. "Does it feel good to cry at this age? Come on, stop crying."
"Mom, I will buy a big bungalow for you and Dad," Mishti said, resting her head on Mini's lap. "Okay, my dear doll." Mishti felt Mini didn't believe her. She opened her phone and showed it to Mini. "Don't you trust me? Look, eighty thousand rupees, the earnings from my first film." Mishti transferred all the money to Mini.
"What have you done? Keep it with you. It will be useful in times of joy and sorrow."
"I have more. You keep it."
"Alright, then I'll save it for your wedding," Mini said happily. Mishti held her forehead.
When the two came out, all preparations were done. Mishti put on a birthday cap, Shanu started the music, Mishti cut the cake, and then everyone started dancing.
"Mishti, your phone is ringing," Shanu said, handing her the phone.
Mishti took the phone from Shanu's hand. It was Aniruddh's phone. As soon as he answered, Aniruddh heard the commotion from the other side. "Why is there so much noise?"
"It's my birthday today."
"But your birthday is in August, isn't it?"
"How do you know?" Mishti said in surprise. Even her parents didn't know her real birthday.
"That... I saw it on your ID."
"Oh, on this day, my godparents adopted me from the orphanage."
"Happy birthday."
"My gift?" For some reason, Mishti felt mischievous.
"I'll come and give it."
"Hmm, by the way, why did you call me?"
To hear your voice, but Aniruddh couldn't say that, so he made an excuse and said, "How is Kitty?"
Kitty was Aniruddh's cat, which he had left with Mishti.
"She's great. Look, don't forget my gift. I want it from your hands." Mishti wanted Aniruddh to return safely. Aniruddh's heart melted seeing her concern. "I'll come soon."
Upon reaching home, Mishti went straight to the shower and collapsed onto the bed. She was extremely tired. Kitty jumped onto the bed and sat beside Mishti. Mishti picked her up and started stroking her head. Just then, the phone's ring shattered the silence. Mishti saw it was Rajveer's call, and seeing it, her mood worsened further.
"Hello?"
"Where are you?" Rajveer's voice was filled with anger. Mishti felt like punching his face right then. She wondered what made him so arrogant.
"I'm at home, where else would I be?"
"Did you have an argument at the mall?"
"Oh, so you found out."
"How could you ruin Mona's image? Do you know the effect your words had on her? Everyone is saying all sorts of nonsense about her, calling her a mistress interfering between us?"
"And what about me? She gets me insulted by her friends, what about that? They call me an orphan, a fatherless girl, and God knows what else, what about that? Not only that, her friend says I'm interfering between you two."
"Your situation is different, you've been used to hearing all this since childhood, what's new about it?"
"Scoundrel, cheat, worm from a dirty drain..."
"Mishti!!!!!!" Rajveer yelled.
"Oh, you're angry, but don't worry, I'll give you so much training that you won't find anything new in this," Mishti said innocently.
Rajveer's head almost exploded with anger.
Mishti then became serious and spoke in a cold voice,
"Keep that two-penny attitude of yours to yourself. You are following in the footsteps of your father who played with the lives of two women... but mark my words, I am neither Damini nor Sonia."
There was a moment of silence. Rajveer suddenly started laughing. "I know you're scared that Mona might snatch your place... that's why you want to remove her from your path... but don't forget, you also have a thing going on with Aniruddha."
"Meaning, you admit that you have a thing going on with Mona?"
"You're twisting my words."
"You've come to fight me for Mona. Now I'm angry, tell me, what should I do?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's perfectly clear. If you have such a problem with me, then let's cancel this engagement."
Rajveer was stunned. Then, with a sheepish laugh, he said, "And then you'll be in Aniruddha's arms?"
"Mr. Rajveer, if I break off the engagement with you and go with someone else, that's my prerogative. You mind your own business."
Mishti knew Rajveer wouldn't break the engagement. Even in her past life, no matter how much he stayed away from her, he married her. There had to be a reason, and there was one in this life too.
Seeing Mishti's nonchalance, Rajveer was taken aback.
"I will stay away from Mona, you also stay away from Aniruddha, and don't talk about breaking this engagement again, I don't like it."
Mishti gritted her teeth in anger.
"I heard Aniruddha has gone on a mission. It's a very dangerous mission, do you think he'll come back alive?" Rajveer taunted.
"He definitely will," Mishti said with complete confidence. Rajveer, in anger, hung up the phone.
The next day, Mishti was having lunch at a restaurant with her manager Rama and her new assistant Minti. Rajveer had a meeting in a private room in the same restaurant. After finishing the meeting, when he came downstairs, he heard Mishti's voice. His steps moved towards her.
"Mr. Rajveer?" Rama looked at Rajveer in surprise.
Mishti, who had stood up to leave, sat back down.
"Let me drop you home. I also have to talk to you," Rajveer said, hands in his pockets, with great arrogance.
"About your childhood friend Mona, or about your mistress?"
Rajveer's expression soured. "Is it necessary to talk like this?"
"This is how I talk. Say what you have to say and go."
"I want to talk in private."
"Are you thinking of doing something wrong with me in private?" Mishti said innocently, covering herself. Rama and Minti started laughing.
Rajveer gritted his teeth. Mishti smiled and went with him. Sitting in the car, she said impatiently, "Say what you have to say."
"I want you to apologize to Mona at my birthday party and make it clear that whatever you said to her was your fault."
"And why do you think I will listen to you?" Mishti raised her eyebrows.
"I know what you want. If you do as I say, the position of my wife is yours," Rajveer said, leaning towards Mishti.
A fire of indignation flared in Mishti's heart. Rajveer was the same in his past life. He thought the world revolved around him. Seeing Rajveer lean towards her, Mishti didn't take long to understand his intentions. 'This dirty man wants to kiss me? Disgusting!!' Mishti's waist bumped against a box. Mishti suddenly moved the box forward. It was a gift box. "A gift? Is this for me?"
Rajveer's expression changed as he saw the gift. "Wait..." but it was too late. Mishti had opened the gift. "Wow!!" It was a very beautiful royal blue evening gown. Mishti remembered that in her past life, Mona had worn this same gown to Rajveer's birthday party, and she had worn a second-hand dress that was too tight. Everyone had made fun of her. Now it was time to change everything.
"This is very beautiful. I liked it a lot. Sorry, I misunderstood you. I thought you called me here to take Mona's side, but you brought a gift for me? Thank you," Mishti said, looking into Rajveer's eyes with her deep blue eyes.
Seeing the childlike joy on Mishti's face, Rajveer's heart fluttered. 'This wild cat has spoken to me properly for the first time. If a dress is worth it for her, so be it.' Thinking this, Rajveer smiled in agreement.
"You wear this dress to my birthday party," Rajveer's throat went dry imagining Mishti in this gown.
Once again, he started leaning towards Mishti.
"Sir, Mishti Madam's house has arrived," the driver said, stopping the car. Mishti thanked the driver in her mind and quickly got out of the car. Rajveer glared at the driver angrily.
Rajveer had dropped Mishti at Manish's house, and a mischief was brewing in Mishti's mind. Mishti came inside. Seeing Khushi, she started hiding her bag as if she were hiding a treasure. "I'm going to my room."
Khushi heard voices from outside Mishti's room. When Mishti went to take a shower in the bathroom, Khushi entered and opened the bag. Her eyes widened as she saw such a beautiful gown. A beautiful royal blue gown studded with small diamonds. Mishti came and snatched the gown from her. "Do you know how expensive this dress is? I will wear it to Rajveer's birthday party."
"But it will be small for you. Let's do an exchange?"
"I knew you wanted to snatch my dress. Whatever it is, I will wear it," Mishti said, hugging the dress to her chest.
"In exchange for this dress, I'll give you... yes... I have an advertisement for a game. I'll give you that."
Mishti hesitated a bit. "But this dress is very expensive. There's only one piece in the whole world."
"Then what else do you want?"
"Three lakhs cash and that game advertisement. My car was ruined because of you, and this is a very cheap deal. If you agree, say so, otherwise... I'll wear it myself."
"Done," Khushi told her manager to get her advertisement to Mishti and also transferred three lakhs cash. After everything was settled, Mishti reluctantly gave the dress to Khushi. Khushi jumped with joy and left with the dress. As soon as she left, Mishti burst into laughter. In her past life, this game had become very famous and built Khushi's career. "Now the party will be fun."
The day of the party had arrived. By seven in the evening, everyone had started arriving at the party hall. Rajveer, the hero of today's party, looked stunning in a blue three-piece suit. Businessmen were praising him for taking his business to new heights at such a young age. Mona was wearing a white and blue formal dress today. With light makeup, she looked very beautiful. Seeing Mona, Rajveer's expression softened.
"Raj, Happy Birthday!" Mona said, giving Rajveer a side hug and a gift.
"Thank you."
At that moment, the atmosphere stirred as Khushi made her entrance into the party. In a royal blue gown, she looked exceptionally beautiful today. Like a model, all the boys were going crazy looking at her. Some even thought Rajveer's marriage to Khushi was finalized. Manish and Teju were very happy hearing compliments for their daughter.
"Khushi, come here, dear," Manish called out lovingly.
Khushi strutted over to them, posing flirtatiously. She was very happy today; she had never received so much attention.
Seeing Khushi in that dress, Rajveer fumed with anger. He felt his money had gone to waste. Meanwhile, Mona turned pale. This was the exact dress she had chosen.
Seeing Rajveer approaching her, Khushi became shy.
"Rajveer,"
"Where did you get this dress?" Rajveer asked, enunciating his words carefully. His expression was stern, his lips tightly pressed.
Khushi was startled by this sudden question.
"Someone gave it to me," and she had paid a hefty price for it too.
"Someone??" Rajveer chuckled with a cold laugh and walked away. Everyone started gossiping. Khushi felt very awkward.
At that very moment, another girl walked in, looking like an angel descended from heaven. In a baby pink dress, Mishti looked drop-dead gorgeous. Her aura was that of a queen, and her beauty was such that once it captured someone's heart, it was impossible to forget. Her blue eyes, slim figure, tall height, and curly hair gave her the most distinct and unique look.
Mishti, smiling, came to Khushi and said admiringly,
"You look very beautiful in this gown."
Now, everyone's attention was shifted from Khushi and Mona to Mishti. Manish was both surprised and happy.
"Mishti, I didn't even recognize you."
"This is Rajveer's fiancée."
"Rajveer is so lucky."
Hearing the voices, Rajveer looked towards Mishti. Upon seeing Mishti, his heart started beating faster. In the baby pink dress, she looked exactly like a doll. Before he could go to her, a sharp voice intervened,
"I heard you won first prize in the piano competition? Care for a challenge?" Sandy glared at Khushi's dress.
Mishti understood that Sandy was doing all this for Mona. Mona was quite manipulative; she knew how to use her friends very well, and she herself acted so innocent and naive that no one would ever suspect her.
Mishti understood that Sandy was doing all this for Mona. Mona was a very resourceful person; she knew how to use her friends very well, and she always acted so naive and innocent that no one would ever suspect her.
As Mishti had thought, Mona pulled Sandy aside and started explaining, "Sandy, don't make a scene."
"You're too naive, you keep quiet. I'll deal with her. How dare she wear your dress?"
"You speak, challenge accepted?" Khushi saw that everyone was looking at them. Now if she refused, she would be humiliated, and if she accepted, she knew she would lose. Khushi was in a no-win situation. Seeing Mishti, a mischievous idea came to her mind.
"What????? Mishti, you play the piano better than Sandy? You want to challenge Sandy?" she exclaimed. Everyone stopped looking at them and started looking at Mishti.
Mishti gave a crooked smile.
"Okay, challenge accepted."
Seeing Mishti's confident smile, Rajveer was forced to think, 'How many faces does this girl have?' But the more Rajveer got to know Mishti, the more attracted he became to her. She was different from everyone else.
"Sandy, leave it," Mona said fearfully.
"She snatched Rajveer from you. This is the best chance to teach her a lesson." Sandy patted Mona's hand and said with her hands clasped, "Shouldn't the winner of this challenge get something?"
"What?"
"If I win, Khushi has to give me this gown right now."
"I have no problem," Mishti smiled. Khushi almost fainted, 'It all comes back to me.'
First, Sandy went on stage. She placed her fingers on the piano, and a melodious tune echoed throughout the hall. It was wedding music. Everyone was convinced that Sandy would win.
As soon as the song finished, the entire hall erupted in applause. Mishti also clapped and praised, "Excellent!"
Sandy said with her head held high proudly, "You can admit defeat now, it will be less embarrassing."
"I'll try," Mishti nervously twisted her fingers.
Sandy came down laughing. Mishti sat in front of the piano. The entire hall went dark, and a spotlight fell on her, making her shine like the moon.
Looking at the faces of Rajveer, Mona, and Khushi, Mishti's past life flashed through her mind. A slow tune began, filled with immense pain; a house far from the city for three years, alone, in a desolate place, her being alone in the house, her living alone during pregnancy, her painful death. The music started to get louder, much louder; her rebirth, then the attempt to kill her, the disgusting faces of Rajveer and Mona. The music began to slow down again. With the music, everyone seemed to come out of a trance. No one expected Mishti to play such difficult music so easily. Even though Khushi was jealous of Mishti, there was still a smile on her face because she wouldn't have to give this dress to Sandy. A mischievous smile appeared on Mishti's lips. She finished the music by playing the last note incorrectly. It was clear that she had lost deliberately.
"Daddy, did you see? Mishti is deliberately making a fool of me?" Khushi stamped her foot. Manish ji was also angry.
"Mishti, go and play the piano again."
"I will play like this every time," Mishti smiled. Manish ji fumed with anger.
"Come on, to the washroom. According to the bet, you have to take off this dress." Sandy dragged Khushi away. She had never been so humiliated. Manish and Teju were looking at Mishti with murderous eyes.
"Mishti, you didn't do the right thing. Go home," Manish ji said furiously.
"Mr. Rathore, are you threatening my fiancée?" Rajveer said, stepping in front of Mishti.
Manish was surprised. Rajveer was threatening him for Mishti?
"You come with me." Rajveer grabbed Mishti's hand and led her into an empty room. Before Mishti could understand anything, Rajveer pinned her against the wall. Rajveer's gaze fell on Mishti's soft, pink lips, and he leaned towards them. Mishti stomped hard on his foot with her high heels.
"Get lost!!!"
Rajveer did not expect this at all. He didn't let Mishti go, but pinned her hands against the wall. Mishti's face turned red with anger. She hit his knee and...
Aaaah!!!!!
Rajveer immediately let go of Mishti and bent down. He was in so much pain in his sensitive area that he couldn't speak for a moment. This was the first time anyone had dared to do this to Rajveer. He glared at Mishti with red eyes.
"What are you looking at? Don't even think about touching me against my will," Mishti said coldly.
"We are engaged," Rajveer said with difficulty.
"So?"
Rajveer's ears turned red.
"This is normal between couples."
"Being a couple isn't enough to be intimate, Mr. Rajveer. What's important is the love between them... and you? The sight of you disgusts me."
Rajveer's face turned dark.
"Do you know who I am? What I can do to you?"
"What will you do? Break this engagement? I have no problem," Mishti smiled and walked away. Rajveer punched the wall hard. The desire to have Mishti grew even stronger in his heart.
Mishthi stepped out of the room. Mona was standing there.
"Mishthi, I apologize on behalf of Sandy. Sandy is a bit spoiled, but she has a good heart," Mona said, bowing her head.
"I wasn't hurt, but Rajveer misunderstood her. Now he's angry with you. Go, explain it to him."
"What?? I'm going right away."
As soon as Mona went inside, Mishthi hid outside. She took out her phone. Before she could take a photo, she heard someone approaching. Mishthi put her phone away and ran outside. Her eyes were teary, and her nose was red, as if she had cried a lot. People were confused seeing her leave like that. At that moment, Rajveer came out with Mona, laughing and smiling, and everyone understood everything.
Rajveer went on stage and said into the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all very much for attending this party."
The entire hall erupted in applause.
"Today, I want to make an important announcement." As he said this, Rajveer's gaze fell on Mishthi. Mishthi was completely calm, while Mona's fists clenched.
Seeing Mishthi, Rajveer extended his hand. Mishthi came on stage. Holding Mishthi's hand, Rajveer announced, "This is my fiancée, Mishthi Rathore."
Everyone started clapping. They began praising Mishthi and Rajveer's pairing.
It was as if a million arrows pierced Mona's heart. 'No, this can't happen!' Mishthi saw Mona in the crowd, who looked very hurt at that moment. Suddenly, Mona fainted and fell. Rajveer's expression changed. With lightning speed, he rushed to Mona and lifted her into his arms. "Mona??? What are you all looking at? Call the doctor!" he roared and started to leave. Sanjay stopped him and said, "Rajveer, behave yourself! There are other people here to see Mona."
"Dad, please."
Ignoring them, Rajveer picked up Mona and walked away. Mona was overjoyed. 'No one can take my place in Rajveer's heart.'
Mishthi was left standing alone on the stage. Everyone started gossiping, feeling sorry for Mishthi, but Mishthi's expression didn't change at all. She smiled. "Congratulations to Mr. Rajveer for finding his true love. With this, I cancel this engagement."
Everyone stared at Mishthi, their eyes wide. Mishthi got off the stage and started to leave. Sanjay came to her and stopped her, saying, "Mishthi, don't make any hasty decisions. I will talk to Rajveer."
"Thank you, Mr. Rajvanshi, but I don't think Rajveer is worthy of my feelings, so I don't want to waste my time on him." Mishthi didn't stay there for another moment.
Meanwhile, Rajveer laid Mona on the bed and was about to leave. At that moment, Mona put her arms around his neck and started kissing him. Rajveer, startled, pushed her away. "You were faking being unconscious?"
"Raj, I couldn't see you with anyone else. I love you, right?" Mona said with teary eyes. Rajveer's expression softened. "But Mona, you shouldn't have done this."
"Raj, you said you didn't like Mishthi, but today you introduced her to everyone?" Mona said reproachfully.
"Raj, you said you didn't like Mishthi, but today you introduced her in front of everyone?" Mona said in a complaining tone.
"Mishthi is connected to Aniruddh. Finding Aniruddh's weakness isn't easy; so, I won't let Mishthi go that easily," Rajveer said and started to leave.
"Is Aniruddh the only reason?"
Rajveer nodded in affirmation and left, but his heart didn't feel good saying that.
"Alright, Raj. Aniruddh and Mishthi, I will make sure you both are out of my way, together."
Coming outside, Rajveer felt the atmosphere had changed slightly. All the guests were looking at him strangely. Rajveer glanced around the hall, but couldn't spot Mishthi anywhere. "Raj sir, the boss is calling you," the butler said upon arriving. Rajveer walked towards the study room. As soon as he entered the room, something flew towards him; Rajveer caught it just in time. It was a book.
"Idiot!!!! Because of you, that cheap girl broke off the engagement in front of everyone?" Sanjay was fuming.
"What??? Mishthi broke off the engagement??" Rajveer's mouth hung open.
"How dare that girl break off the engagement? If anyone is going to break off engagements, it will be us."
Sanjay looked at Rajveer. "Rajveer, convince that girl somehow. This is a matter of our family's honor. After that, we'll see what to do with her."
"Dad!! I will handle everything. You don't need to do anything."
"Alright, go."
The next day, Rajveer apologized to Mishthi, and the matter ended there. Mishthi knew it wouldn't end so easily, but she was determined not to go through with this engagement.
A few days later, Mishthi had to go to Kashmir for a shoot. After staying in a hotel at night, everyone had reached the shooting location, except Mishthi and her assistant, Minty. They were traveling separately by cab. Suddenly, Mishthi felt the journey was taking too long. She checked the location on GPS, and her eyes widened. "Stop the car!" But instead of stopping, the driver accelerated.
When Mishthi regained consciousness, she was on a battlefield. Her head was pounding with pain. She struggled to open her eyes. The entire field was stained with blood. The sounds of bullets firing and bombs exploding were all around. Mishthi's heart sank.
Mishthi got up and started to move away from there. She heard footsteps behind her. It was two terrorists. One of them had a gunshot wound on his arm, and the other was attending to him. They had spotted Mishthi. Mishthi started running.
Boom!!!
A bullet embedded itself in the tree in front of Mishthi. Mishthi felt tears welling up. She raised her hands in surrender. One of the terrorists aimed a gun at her. "Let's go!!"
A military officer, holding a gun, appeared before them. "Major, lower your weapon! Otherwise, I'll blow this girl's head off."
Mishti couldn't see his face with the cap on Major's head. The Major fired a shot and a terrorist fell. The terrorist holding Mishti saw this and pressed the gun harder against her temple.
"Don't move, or I'll blow her head off!"
Mishti looked at the Major with teary eyes.
"Save me!"
"Don't be scared, I am here," the Major said in a deep voice. Mishti was stunned. It was Aniruddh's voice.
"Lower the gun, I'll shoot," the terrorist threatened again.
Aniruddh lowered the gun.
The terrorist took the gun off Mishti and aimed it at Aniruddh. Mishti's heart stopped. She hit the terrorist in the stomach with her elbow, loosening his grip. A shot rang out, and in an instant, Aniruddh was beside her. In Aniruddh's embrace, Mishti's fear vanished. She felt very safe. Mishti saw that the terrorist was not dead yet.
"Major, shake hands with me. You won't lack money."
"Surrender or die?" Aniruddh's eyes were cold.
Mishti was seeing this side of Aniruddh for the first time.
The man didn't speak and a bullet went through his chest. Blood spurted out. Mishti, wearing shorts, had blood raining on her legs. Mishti got goosebumps.
They weren't safe yet. Dense jungle surrounded them, and they were in the middle of it. Aniruddh moved forward with Mishti, looking around. Just then, another terrorist held a gun to Mishti.
"Oh! So this is the Major's weakness?"
Mishti felt that she was finished, as this seemed to be the leader of these terrorists. He fired at Mishti's head. Mishti closed her eyes in fear. Aniruddh turned with Mishti, but the firing didn't stop. One after another. Mishti held Aniruddh tightly. Ten minutes later, everything finally went quiet. Mishti looked back; that terrorist had also fallen. Blood was flowing from his entire body. Mishti averted her gaze. She noticed that Aniruddh's face had turned pale.
"Aniruddh?" She touched his cheek.
"I am fine, let's go." As Aniruddh moved forward, Mishti's eyes widened. Aniruddh's right leg had been shot, and he couldn't even put that leg down straight on the ground. Tears welled up in Mishti's eyes. Seeing this, Aniruddh held Mishti's hand and said,
"I am fine, really."
Mishti put Aniruddh's arm over her shoulder.
"Don't put weight on this leg, you'll bleed more."
A smile appeared on Aniruddh's lips.
There was a cave, not very large, but safe. As soon as they entered, Aniruddh collapsed on the ground. His breathing was heavy. Aniruddh reached into his pocket, pulled something out, and a groan escaped him. Mishti watched everything in astonishment. Aniruddh pulled hard and pushed something towards Mishti. His face had turned pale. Mishti looked at his palm. It was the same amulet that Mishti had given him. The amulet's cloth had torn. The cotton inside was soaked in blood, and the coin... a bullet was lodged in it, and Aniruddh had just pulled it out.
"Daredevil!" Mishti whispered.
"Daredevil!" Mishti muttered.
"Help me take off my pants," Aniruddh said. Mishti stared at him for a moment, but thinking how Aniruddh ended up in this state because of her, she sat down and unbuckled his belt. Mishti's face turned red with embarrassment. 'Mishti, you idiot, Aniruddh is the patient,' she scolded herself and pulled off Aniruddh's pants. Aniruddh opened his eyes and, seeing Mishti's red face, chuckled inwardly.
As soon as the pants were off, Mishti saw Aniruddh's thigh was covered in blood, with a bullet mark in the middle from which blood was continuously flowing. The skin around it had swollen and turned red. 'If the bleeding isn't stopped in time, Aniruddh's life will be in danger. What should I do? Aniruddh's clothes are nylon,' Mishti racked her brain and her gaze fell on her white cotton shirt. Mishti took off her shirt, turned it inside out, and tied it around Aniruddh's wound. Aniruddh opened his eyes in pain, and his eyes widened upon seeing Mishti. Mishti was wearing a thin white top underneath, through which her perfect figure and fair, soft skin were clearly visible. Aniruddh's throat went dry. Sensing Aniruddh's gaze, Mishti's cheeks turned red as tomatoes. She growled at Aniruddh, "Close your eyes."
Aniruddh sat up with difficulty, took off his jacket, and gave it to Mishti. "Wear this, anyone could come in."
Mishti put on Aniruddh's jacket. The jacket was too big for her; it looked like a child wearing their father's clothes.
Just then, Yash entered. "Boss?"
Seeing Yash, Mishti felt confident that she was out of danger. But Yash, seeing Mishti in Aniruddh's jacket and Aniruddh in half his clothes, misunderstood. He turned away shyly. "Boss, what were you two doing?"
"Clear your mind and come here." Aniruddh's cold voice made Yash approach him. He was shocked to see Aniruddh's wound. "How did this happen?"
Yash helped Aniruddh up. While putting on his pants, Aniruddh said, "The gunshot bleeding has stopped."
"Was that their work?"
"Hmm. It's good, now this chapter is closed. We can go back in peace now."
"Does that mean you're retiring from the army now?" Mishti said, watching them talk.
"Hmm." Aniruddh looked at her intently.
"How did you get here? Do you know how unsafe this place is?" Yash scolded Mishti.
"I didn't come here intentionally. I was kidnapped and left here." Mishti was sure this was Mona's doing.
"Mr. Manish, your daughter has been kidnapped." Hearing this on the other end, Mr. Manish was extremely shocked. "What did you say? Khushi has been kidnapped?"
Teju, who was sitting nearby, also jumped.
"Not Khushi, your other daughter, Mishti." the person on the other end said.
Upon hearing this, both breathed a sigh of relief, but thinking about her engagement with Rajveer, Mr. Manish started worrying about Mishti.
