Singh Villa – Morning
After completing his morning workout, Aarav Singh stepped into the hall and found Shanti Kaki setting the dining table.
Aarav: "Good morning, Kaki."
Shanti Kaki (smiling): "Good morning, Aarav baba."
Aarav: "Haven't Aadhu and Ruhi woken up yet?"
Shanti Kaki: "No, child. Both are still fast asleep."
Aarav: "You go ahead and finish breakfast preparations. I'll wake them up."
With a soft chuckle, Aarav headed to Aadhya's room.
The sight before him brought a smile to his face—Aadhya was sprawled across the bed, one half of the blanket on the floor and the other clinging to her leg.
Pulling open the curtains, he walked in with a teasing tone.
Aarav: "Beta, it's morning. How long are you going to sleep? Get up, kid."
Aadhya mumbled sleepily and hugged him, her eyes barely open.
Aadhya: "Just five more minutes, bhai... please."
She sat up slowly.
Aadhya: "Good morning, bhai."
Aarav: "Good morning, kid. Now hurry up—it's your first day at the office, remember?"
Aadhya suddenly sat up straight.
Aadhya: "Oh shoot! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?"
Aarav (raising a brow): "Really? And what exactly am I doing now?" Aadhya (grinning): "Okay, okay… I was just kidding!"
As Aadhya rushed to get ready, Aarav knocked on Ruhi's door and called her up too. She jumped awake and darted to the washroom.
Soon, the trio gathered at the breakfast table.
Aadhya and Ruhi (together): "Good morning, Kaki!"
Shanti Kaki: "Good morning, children. Sit down, I've made your favorites."
After breakfast, they moved to the living room where Aarav picked up the morning newspaper.
Two bold headlines stared back at them.
One announced:
"Adhvik Roy Wins Businessman of the Year—For the Sixth Consecutive Time."
The other:
"Mayor of Delhi Arrested for Corruption; Son Faces Multiple Assault Charges."
Ruhi and Aadhya exchanged stunned looks.
Ruhi (reading aloud): "Ten women have come forward to file cases against Aakash Malhotra… and the Mayor's bail plea has been rejected!"
Aarav (calmly): "It's for the best. This was long overdue. Men like him need to learn that power doesn't grant impunity."
The girls nodded silently, relief washing over their faces.
Then Ruhi spotted the article about Adhvik and gasped in excitement.
Ruhi: "I knew it! Of course, he won the award again."
Aarav and Aadhya (teasing): "Your Adhvik? Since when do you know him?"
Ruhi (blushing): "Oh no, not like that! I just admire his dedication and the way he works. He's so focused and professional."
Aadhya: "You're right. I respect his work ethic, too."
Aarav (frowning slightly): "Don't you think you're praising him too much? No one even knows what the man looks like. He avoids the media like the plague."
Ruhi and Aadhya (laughing): "Don't worry, Bhai! You'll always be our first superhero."
Aarav (mocking): "I'm not jealous."
He glanced at the clock and cleared his throat.
Aarav: "Now go, or you'll be late for your first day."
Aadhya (gently): "Bhai, we want to build our identity. So please—no car, no security. Let us struggle, at least for a year."
Aarav (firmly): "Absolutely not. I can't bear the thought of you two going through difficulties."
Ruhi: "Just this once, please, Bhai. We'll prove ourselves."
After a long pause, Aarav gave in.
The girls hugged him and grabbed their bags. As they left, Aarav watched silently, then made a phone call.
Aarav: "They're on their way. Their safety is your responsibility—but they must never know you're watching."
Voice on the other end: "Understood, sir."
Roy Mansion
The air was festive.
Adhvik's victory had sent Roy Group's stocks soaring. Investors were pouring in, and the Roy family had now solidified their place among India's top industrial houses.
At breakfast, the entire family sat at the long table. Laughter, celebration, and pride filled the room, but Adhvik remained distant, lost in thought.
Eva (whispering to Kiara): "Did you see? Aakash Malhotra is in jail."
Kiara: "And his powerful father, too. Looks like Bhai made it happen."
Karan (smirking): "Then it's confirmed. He likes her."
Diya: "Her name's Aadhya Singh. I feel like I've seen her before…"
Before they could say more, Dadiji interrupted.
Dadiji: "What are you kids whispering about?"
Shubham ji (changing the subject): "Eva, Diya—you're joining the office today. All the best, girls."
Eva & Diya (together): "Thank you, Dad!"
Diya: "Dad we wanted to talk to you."
Shubham ji: "Go ahead."
Eva: "We don't want anyone in the office to know who we are. We want to work like regular employees and learn everything from scratch."
Shiv ji (smiling): "Now we know our daughters have truly grown up."
Shubham ji (proudly): "It will be just as you wish."
The Roy family smiled proudly, filled with admiration for the next generation stepping into the business.