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Chapter 17 - The Truth about Shanaiya

Abhilash had just discovered that Shanaya Thakur was never involved in the crimes committed by her family. Realizing her innocence, he was determined to protect her. With a calm but curious tone, he turned to Aryan.

Abhilash: "Mr. Aryan, are your guards also holding Shanaya in custody?"

Aryan (calmly): "Yes. She was abroad, but my men are bringing her to Mumbai."

Abhilash: "I have a request to make."

Aryan: "Go ahead."

Abhilash: "Please… spare Shanaya. She may be part of the Thakur family by name, but she was never involved in their sins. I believe she deserves a chance."

Aryan: "This vengeance was yours, not mine. They only tried to kill my friend, so I retaliated. If you want to protect Shanaya, I won't stop you. In fact, I'm giving you complete authority over the rest of the Thakur affairs. But I'll be taking over their remaining business empire."

Abhilash: "Understood, Mr. Aryan."

Aryan: "Now go and freshen up. We'll head to Mumbai International Airport soon to receive Shanaya."

Abhilash (surprised): "Okay… sure, Mr. Aryan."

Without wasting time, Abhilash went to freshen up. Meanwhile, Aryan ordered his guards to clean up the office. Soon after, Aryan and Abhilash descended the building and stepped into a taxi—driven, surprisingly, by Darjan Singh.

Abhilash: "Mr. Aryan, why are we in a taxi? Just say the word, and I'll arrange a luxury car for you."

Aryan: "I know you can. But there's someone I want you to meet."

Abhilash: "Who?"

Aryan: "Check who's driving the taxi."

Abhilash turned and was startled.

Abhilash: "Mr. Darjan Singh?"

Darjan Singh: "Drop the 'Mr.' We're going to be working as friends now."

Aryan: "Exactly. The business I've taken from the Thakur family and IMAA will now be under your supervision. I can't stay in Mumbai, so I want the two of you to become allies."

Abhilash: "Alright, Mr. Aryan."

Darjan Singh: "So, what's our first move?"

Abhilash: "We need a new name for this business group."

Aryan: "I hope this group shines like a star in the sky. My suggestion: 'Star Group.'"

Abhilash: "That's a brilliant name."

Aryan: "Now, listen carefully. Darjan, you'll continue training the masters according to the routine I gave you, and you'll focus on expanding our influence—both in the real world and the underworld. Abhilash, take this business to the skies. I'm granting you full power of attorney. Ask for funds whenever you need them."

With that, they reached the airport. Soon, the plane landed and passengers began streaming out. Among them were two martial artists escorting a stunning woman. Upon seeing her, Abhilash couldn't control himself. He ran toward her and wrapped her in a tight embrace. The woman, caught off guard by the sudden touch of a stranger, looked up.

As soon as she recognized Abhilash, her eyes welled up. Aryan, witnessing the emotional scene, signaled to Darjan and his guards to step away and give the two some privacy.

After a moment in his arms, Shanaya pulled back, discomfort flashing across her face.

Shanaya: "I'm sorry… I was terrified of the guards, and I thought you were one of them. That's why I hugged you."

Abhilash: "It's okay."

Shanaya: "But… you're my elder sister's husband. Hugging you like that—it feels wrong."

Abhilash: "You don't need to worry. As of today, she is no longer my wife. That chapter is closed."

Shanaya wasn't saddened by her sister's death. In fact, she felt a quiet sense of relief knowing Abhilash was no longer tied to her.

Without dwelling on his past, Shanaya turned to him for help.

Shanaya: "Abhilash, can you help me? The two guards who brought me here… are they still around?"

She looked around anxiously but found no one.

Abhilash: "Don't worry. They brought you here because of your last name. But everything has changed now."

Shanaya: "Alright. But I need to tell you something—about your father and how he died."

Abhilash: "I already know. The Thakur family drugged him for our property and wealth."

Shanaya: "But… how?"

Abhilash: "I'll tell you everything. But first, there's someone I want you to meet."

Suddenly, Abhilash noticed Aryan and Darjan were nowhere to be found.

Shanaya: "Who do you want me to meet?"

Abhilash (confused): "I… I don't know."

Before he could process it, a driver approached him.

Driver: "Mr. Abhilash, Master Darjan Singh asked me to give you this key."

The driver handed over a car key.

Driver: "Your car is parked and ready."

Shanaya looked puzzled.

Shanaya: "Who is Master Darjan Singh?"

Abhilash: "He's my friend. I also want to introduce you to a teenage boy. They're both very important."

Shanaya: "Then where are they?"

Abhilash: "Maybe they remembered something urgent…"

He took the key and led Shanaya toward the airport's parking area. As they arrived, the driver pointed to the car and left without another word.

Shanaya: "Your friends… and their men—they're so mysterious."

Abhilash: "Yes, they are. But come, let's sit in the car. I'll tell you everything—from the day I met Aryan to the war against the Thakurs."

As they sat in the car, Abhilash began recounting everything.

When he finally fell silent, he turned to Shanaya, waiting for her response.

---

What will Shanaya's reaction be?

Will she be able to forgive Abhilash?

What will Abhilash do with the rest of the Thakur family?

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