RANAWAT MANSION

Two days later, the Ranawat Mansion was a hive of frantic activity. The staff worked feverishly, their usual professionalism sharpened by a touch of anxiety because this year’s E.R. Enterprises 30th Anniversary party was being held right on the family estate. The hustle and bustle was palpable, echoing through the grand halls and across the sprawling manicured grounds.

Inside, the Ranawat family gathered for breakfast. The younger generation was absorbed in a lively discussion about their designer outfits, while the elders spoke in hushed tones, finalizing the evening’s logistics.

Suddenly, a heavy silence fell over the room. All eyes turned toward the grand staircase as Ekansh descended. His face was a perfect mask of cold composure. He offered a stoic "Good morning" to the table. His Badi Maa served him breakfast personally, and only once he began to eat did the rest of the family quietly follow suit.

After the meal, Ekansh, Taksh, and Samarth retreated to the study. Meanwhile, Amrita Devi and Aruna headed to the gardens to oversee the floral arrangements, leaving the girls to their final glam sessions.

SHARMA HOUSE

Mrs. Sharma had already alerted her children to start getting ready early. They were heading to the home of their father’s oldest friend and partner to celebrate three decades of business success.

Raghav and Sanskriti were already dressed and waiting downstairs, becoming victims of their children’s "Late Lateef" habits. Eventually, Aarav made an appearance, sitting on the sofa to lace up his shoes. Noticing his sister was still missing, he bellowed her name: "Miku!"

And then, she appeared.

SANSKRITI’S POV

Our daughter came downstairs and twirled to show us her dress. My husband, ever the doting and indulgent father, immediately began showering her with praise.

"Miku, change your dress," I said firmly, cutting through the compliments.

"Why, Mumma? You liked this dress when we bought it," she asked, her lower lip trembling slightly.

My husband quickly jumped to her defense. "Nahi nahi, beta, bahut accha dress hai."

[No, no, my child, it’s a very good dress.]

"Nahi bacha, you are looking very good. Koi zaroorat nahi hai change karne ki," he added, unable to bear the thought of her being sad.

[No, my child, you look wonderful. There’s no need to change.]

"Sharma saab, ab toh bas bhi kariye! Aapko kuch pata nahi hai," I scolded him, giving him a look that silenced his protests.

[Mr. Sharma, just stop it! You don't understand the situation.]

"Beta," I said, turning back to Mihika, "Hum ja toh formal event ke liye hi rahe hain, par Ranawat's bahut traditional log hain. Wahan sab traditional-formal hi wear karenge, toh aapko bhi kuch waisa hi pehnna chahiye. Nahi toh aap wahan awkward feel karogi."

[My dear, we are going to a formal event, but the Ranawat's are very traditional people. Everyone there will be wearing traditional-formal attire, so you should wear something similar, otherwise, you'll feel out of place.]

Mihika took a moment to process my explanation and then scurried back upstairs.

"Mihika pehli baar Ranawat's se milne ja rahi hai, usse kuch traditional hi pehnna chahiye. Ab aap kuch mat bolna," I warned my husband.

[Mihika is meeting the Ranawat's for the first time; she should be in traditional wear. Now, don't say another word.]

He nodded silently, finally understanding my strategy. While we waited, Aarav looked at us curiously. "Mom, why is it so important for Miku to wear traditional clothes? She looked fine. Can you explain what’s going on?

I stammered, looking at Raghav to take the lead.

"Aarav beta, tumhe pata hai na, main Samarth Ranawat ke office gaya tha? Tab Samarth ne..." Raghav began, explaining the marriage proposal regarding Ekansh Ranawat.

[Aarav, my son, you know I went to Samarth's office recently? At that time, Samarth...]

Aarav listened intently. When Dad finished, he looked relieved rather than upset. "Dad, Ekansh might be the best choice for Mihika, but whatever Miku decides will be the final word. I’m standing by her choice."

"Yes, beta, hum bhi wahi chahte hain," we both agreed, feeling a weight lift from our shoulders.

[Yes, son, we want the same thing.]

Mihika returned, looking breathtaking in a classic traditional outfit. After a round of final praises, we departed for the Ranawat Mansion.

RANAWAT MANSION

The Sharma family was greeted by the butler and led toward the garden. Mihika walked in awe, her eyes wide at the sheer scale of the estate. The decorations were magnificent, with every fairy light and floral garland perfectly placed.

"Welcome, Raghav!" Samarth Ranawat called out, greeting my husband with a warm embrace.

"Welcome, Sanskriti," Aruna added, hugging me like a sister.

"And who are this handsome young man and beautiful young lady?" Aruna asked, turning her attention to the children.

"Meet our children, Aarav and Mihika. Baccho, ye Samarth Uncle aur unki wife, Aruna Aunty hain," I introduced.

[Children, this is your Samarth Uncle and his wife, Aruna Aunty.]

Aarav and Mihika folded their hands respectfully.

"Where are your children, Samarth?" Raghav asked.

"Arre, Bhai saab, yahin honge. Main bulati hoon," Aruna said, spotting her kids nearby.

[Oh, they must be right here. I’ll call them.]

She introduced them: "Taksh, Saavi, and Kirti."

The young adults smiled at each other, but before we could formally introduce them, we realized they were already laughing together.

"Hey, Mihika!" Kirti exclaimed, while Saavi pulled her into a hug.

"We meet again, Miss Sharma," Taksh said, extending a hand.

"Yes, Mr. Ranawat," Mihika replied with a shy smile.

"Aap kaise jaante ho ek dusre ko?" Saavi asked, confused.

[How do you know each other?]

"We met at E.R. She came to deliver some files," Taksh explained briefly to his sisters.

"Tum kaise jaanti ho ek dusre ko?" Taksh asked, surprised by his sisters' closeness to Mihika.

[How do you two know each other?]

"Mihika ne Saavi ki help ki thi us din mall mein, tab se hum contact mein hain aur friends hain," Kirti explained proudly.

[Mihika helped Saavi at the mall that day; we've been in touch and have been friends since.]

MIHIKA’S POV

The party was in full swing when the ambient lights dimmed, leaving only the stage illuminated. Samarth Uncle took the microphone, giving a powerful speech about E.R.'s journey. Finally, he reached the climax.

"Please welcome to the stage, the CEO of E.R... EKANSH SINGH RANAWAT."

A man with broad shoulders and a commanding presence stepped into the spotlight. I barely heard a word he said. His voice was deep, raspy, and sent a shiver down my spine. His gray eyes seemed to pierce through the crowd. I was so caught up in staring at his perfectly styled hair and sharp jawline that I didn't realize he had finished.

Have some shame, Miku! Staring is rude, I scolded myself as he stepped down and moved toward the bar.

Kirti and Saavi suddenly grabbed my arms. "Mihika, meet our Dadi," Saavi said, pulling me toward an elegant older lady who was already watching me intently.

I felt a wave of nerves. I approached her, folded my hands, and then leaned down to touch the feet of Ambika, Ekansh’s grandmother.

"Jeeti raho, beti," she blessed me with a warm, genuine smile.

[Stay blessed, child.

EKANSH’S POV

She stood apart from the crowd, radiating a simple, quiet charm. I had noticed her the moment she stepped into the garden with her family. Even while entertaining VIP guests, my eyes kept finding her watching her timid steps and the way she smiled at my sisters.

After my speech, I retreated to the bar to find Abhay, Taksh, and Aarav. We fell into a conversation about business, but my focus remained fractured. I found myself checking on her every few minutes. I saw how nervous she looked when meeting my Dadi Maa. I was observing her far more than was strictly necessary.

Eventually, Bade Papa signaled for me to come over. She was sitting with her mother, looking slightly overwhelmed.

"Raghav, Sanskriti, meet my elder son, Ekansh Singh Ranawat," my Bade Papa introduced.

I folded my hands in respect to the elders. Then, my overly enthusiastic Badi Maa turned to her. "Ekansh, meet Mihika Sharma. She is the daughter of Raghav and Sanskriti."

"Hi," Mihika whispered, her voice trembling with nerves.

"Hmm," I replied. I didn't give her a polite smile. Instead, I let my gaze linger on her, enjoying the way her eyes darted away in a panic. I wanted to see just how intimidated she was.

After a brief, polite conversation with Mr. Sharma, I decided to have mercy on her. I took my leave, allowing her to finally take a breath now that I was no longer looming over her.