The families came back to Jaipur after an exciting trip to Manali and slipped back into their daily lives. Maya focused on her ongoing projects, while Adranksh dived into his office tasks.

Tomorrow, Maya’s family was leaving for Bangalore, so she planned to spend the day with Vedha and Ishani to make the most of their time together. 

The trio set out to explore Jaipur, enjoying shopping, sightseeing, and laughter. By afternoon, they stopped at a trendy restaurant for lunch and settled into a cozy booth.

As they looked over the menu, Maya leaned toward Ishani, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Ishu, how are things between you and Avyaansh?”

Ishani sighed and stirred her drink absentmindedly. “It’s the same. He still thinks I cheated on him. Honestly, I’m so fed up.” Her voice dropped, frustration mixed with sadness. “I love him. I really do. But I don’t know how much longer I can handle this.”

Vedha quickly reached over and pulled Ishani into a side hug. “I know just the thing to cheer you up—hot gossip and ice cream.” She grinned and wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

Maya and Ishani exchanged amused glances and nodded eagerly. 

“Alright, Vee, spill. What’s the gossip?” Maya asked, resting her chin on her hand.

Vedha bit her lip, pausing for a moment before blurting out, “Okay, it’s not exactly gossip, but it’s news.”

Ishani narrowed her eyes. “News?”

“GO ON,” Maya and Ishani urged together.

Vedha took a deep breath, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “I, uh, might have kissed Aadrik, and we might be dating.”

The restaurant faded into the background as Maya and Ishani gasped in unison.

“WHAT?!” 

“When? Where? How?” Maya bombarded her with questions, eyes wide with excitement.

Ishani, still processing the news, finally managed, “On the lips?”

Vedha hid her face in her hands before peeking up at them. “Manali. After 21 Dares. And… yes.”

Maya let out an exaggerated gasp. “YOU DIDN’T TELL US SOONER?”

Ishani leaned in closer, her eyes shining. “Okay, now you have to tell us everything—details, feelings, reactions—leave nothing out!”

Vedha groaned dramatically, but she couldn’t help smiling. “Fine. But only after we get our ice cream.”

Maya smirked. “Fair deal.”

Maya and Ishani waited eagerly for their ice cream, their eyes practically sparkling with excitement. Vedha couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm, knowing exactly what would come next.

As the waiter placed their bowls in front of them, both Maya and Ishani leaned in, their voices low yet urgent.

“Spill,” they demanded together.

Vedha sighed, dragging a hand down her face. “I swear, you two are worse than reporters.”

Maya waved her spoon at her impatiently. “Stop stalling, Vee.”

Ishani nodded. “Yeah, you kissed Aadrik Singh Rajput. We need details.”

Vedha exhaled, finally giving in. “Fine. So, after you guys left, I was sitting there alone, trying to think of lyrics for my new song. I was lost in the melody, tapping my feet to the rhythm, completely caught up in the bonfire’s glow. I thought I was alone… until I heard a voice. When I looked up—there he was, leaning against the balcony door with that smirk.”

She paused, rolling her eyes at the memory. “That stupid, arrogant smirk. I swear, I wanted to wipe it off his face.”

A few minutes later..

Maya and Ishani stared at Vedha in shock, their ice creams forgotten.

“YOU KISSED HIM?” Maya shrieked.

Ishani, still in disbelief, muttered, “I’m sorry, what?”

Vedha groaned, covering her face. “I regret telling you guys.”

Maya grabbed her hands. “No, no, you don’t. Now spill—was it good?”

Vedha hesitated before muttering, “Too good.”

Ishani gasped dramatically. “VEDHA. YOU’RE DOOMED.”

Maya smirked. “Oh, she’s so doomed.”

Vedha groaned again. “I hate both of you.”

They just laughed harder.

It had been a week since Maya’s family left. 

After dinner, Maya and Adranksh returned to their room, each carrying their laptops. They both settled on the bed, the glow of their screens lighting up their faces in the dim room. An hour passed in comfortable silence, filled only with the sounds of typing.

Feeling drained from work, Maya finally shut her laptop and stretched, grabbing the remote. She flipped through channels until she found a live race broadcast, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Adranksh, still focused on his screen, barely noticed until Maya’s movements caught his attention. He glanced at her, then at the race, before sighing and closing his laptop. Without a word, he slid closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Maya smiled at him, shifting slightly to get comfortable before handing him the popcorn bowl that she had asked the servant to bring earlier.

As the camera zoomed in on the starting grid, Maya's focus sharpened. Her favorite driver was set to start from 14th position. She sighed before clenching her fists in determination.

“Come on, you have to win today,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes glued to the screen.

Adranksh chuckled. “Malyshka, he can’t hear you.”

“Shush.” She nudged him playfully before turning back to the race. “Who’s your favorite driver?”

“I don’t really have one,” he admitted with a shrug. “But if I had to pick, I’d say the guy starting from 5th position.”

Maya nodded thoughtfully before refocusing. The red lights flickered, then turned off, and in an instant, the cars roared to life, speeding down the track.

Her driver quickly moved from 14th to 10th place within a few laps. She gasped, excitement bubbling over. “Yes! That’s how it’s done!”

Adranksh watched her, more captivated by her enthusiasm than the race itself. A small smile played on his lips as he reached for more popcorn.

When three drivers ahead of Maya’s favorite began battling for 6th position, he seized the moment, effortlessly flying past them. The commentators erupted in shock, and Maya let out a delighted squeal.

“He’s insane!” she cheered.

Now he was right behind Adranksh’s choice. With DRS enabled, he closed the gap and overtook him within seconds.

Maya turned to Adranksh, smugness radiating from her. “Told you he’s the best.”

Adranksh chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled her back against his chest, letting her lean into him while they watched the race unfold.

With only five laps left, her driver trailed the racer in third place, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Three laps later, he made his move, executing a flawless overtake.

Maya was now on the edge of her seat. “Come on, just two more to go!”

With determination burning through the track, he chased down the second-place driver. By the start of the second-to-last lap, he closed the gap and passed him with precision.

The final lap began, and Maya’s driver was now in second place—but the leader had a 3:05:21-second advantage.

“That’s too much,” Adranksh murmured, slightly intrigued.

“Not for him,” Maya countered.

With one final push, her driver accelerated, reducing the gap incredibly fast. As they approached the last few turns, he took an unexpected dive inside and took the lead.

Maya jumped up, gasping with excitement as the checkered flag waved.

“He won!” she shouted, turning to Adranksh with pure joy on her face. “I told you he would! I knew it!”

Adranksh watched her for a moment, fully absorbed by her happiness. Then, shaking his head with a warm smile, he pulled her back down into his arms.

Adranksh suddenly turned to her, a playful glint in his eyes. “Maya, do you want to go racing tomorrow?”

She blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Wait, racing?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Thought you might enjoy some real speed instead of just watching it on TV.”

Her surprise quickly changed to excitement. “Are you serious?”

“Dead serious,” he confirmed, smirking at her enthusiasm.

Maya’s face lit up. “I would love to.”

Adranksh chuckled at her reaction. “Good. We’ll leave in the afternoon.”

She grinned, already buzzing with excitement. “I hope you’re ready to lose.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Malyshka, you really think you can beat me?”

Maya smirked. “Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”

Adranksh just shook his head, pulling her closer. “We’ll see, darling.”

NEXT DAY

Maya had been buzzing with excitement all morning. Adranksh sent her a location, and without hesitation, she jumped into her Ferrari and sped off. The roar of the engine matched the thrill in her heart as she raced toward what promised to be an unforgettable day.

Elsewhere...

I step into the dimly lit building, my footsteps echoing on the cold concrete. Aadrik and Avyaansh follow closely behind, their faces unreadable. The scent of blood and dust hangs in the air. 

"Khamma Ghani, Hukum," Thar greets us with a slight bow as we enter. His voice is steady, but there's urgency in his eyes. I nod in acknowledgment and move deeper inside, scanning the scene before me. 

"Sir, Blue has been silent for the past few months," Thar reports cautiously. My jaw tightens. “And? Did you find the information I asked for?” 

Thar hesitates for a moment before replying. “Yes, sir. It was the Oberois. They wanted revenge against you and—” he pauses, “—they plan to claim the Karnataka throne.” 

My fingers twitch at the mention of the throne. That alone isn't enough motive. If they really wanted power, they wouldn’t have needed to kill Vikram Dadu. There’s something more going on here. 

Siddharth Oberoi has been lurking around Maya like a lizard. There has to be a reason for it. 

“Find Blue,” I command, keeping my voice low and sharp. 

With that, I step toward the unconscious man slumped before me. 

Ranvijay Shekhawat. 

A slow, cold smirk spreads across my lips as I look down at him. “Ranvijay,” I say, letting his name linger like poison. 

His head lifts weakly, blood trickling down his face. Despite the pain, he manages a twisted grin. 

"Rajput," he hisses, his eyes filled with venom. 

I chuckle briefly, crouching to meet his gaze. “Must be eating you alive, isn’t it? Watching me rise while you rot in the shadows?” 

Ranvijay laughs, his voice dry and taunting even with blood smeared on his lips. His gaze meets mine, firm and unafraid. 

“You think you've won, Rajput?” he sneers, tilting his head. “You’re just a pawn in a game much bigger than you realize.” 

I smirk and grab his collar, pulling him closer. “And yet, you’re the one tied up at my feet.” My voice is calm, but my instincts are on high alert. 

Ranvijay’s smile remains unchanged. 

“The throne? Revenge? You think that's all this is?” he whispers, amusement in his tone. “You’re blind, Rajput. The real war hasn’t even started yet.” 

I tighten my grip on his collar. “Then enlighten me,” I murmur, my voice steely. 

He leans in slightly, his breath ragged but his eyes filled with a strange satisfaction. “Why don’t you ask your precious Maya?” 

The air stills. 

Aadrik and Avyaansh exchange glances, their bodies tense. I keep my face expressionless, but a storm brews inside me. 

“What do you mean?” I ask slowly, my grip tightening. 

Ranvijay laughs again, this time louder, enjoying every second. “Ah, Rajput,” he taunts. “You really don’t know, do you?” 

I slam him against the chair, my patience running thin. “Speak before I make you regret breathing,” I warn, my voice dropping to a deadly whisper. 

He winces, yet that smirk stays. “You can break my bones, spill my blood, but the truth?” He shakes his head. “That’s something you’ll have to uncover on your own.” 

Silence thickens between us. I sense Avyaansh shift slightly beside me, waiting for my next move. 

I take a deep breath, keeping my anger in check. “Keep him alive,” I order Thar before stepping back. “I’ll get my answers soon enough.” 

Ranvijay grins through the pain. “I’ll be waiting.” 

I don’t look back as I turn to leave. My mind races with possibilities. If what he said is even partly true... Maya. What does she have to do with this? 

As I walk out of the dark building, the cold air hits me, but the fire inside me burns hotter. I need to find out the truth. And I need to do it before it’s too late.
-----

I sat in the car, parked in front of a massive mansion, waiting for Adranksh to return. My mind was heavy with unanswered questions when my phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. 

“Ma’am, a man named Thar has been looking for you,” a tense voice told me. 

I let out a quiet laugh, my fingers tapping on the steering wheel. “And who does he work for?” 

“Adranksh Singh Rajput.” 

My breath hitched, and my smile faded. Why is Ansh looking for me? 

I took a slow breath to regain my composure. “Let him through. Keep me updated,” I instructed before ending the call. 

Leaning back in the seat, I let my thoughts drift back to the thing that had been haunting me for years—Vikram Thatha’s will. He had left me vast properties, wealth, and, most importantly, a sealed document, which I was not allowed to open alone. 

It must be opened with Ansh. 

Why him? What was his connection to it? And why was there a secret so dangerous that Vikram Thatha made sure I wouldn’t face it alone? 

I was left with a three-digit pin code, but to unlock it, I needed a six-digit pin code. Did Ansh have it? 

A sudden knock on the window jolted me back to the moment. I turned to see a woman outside, a bright smile on her face. 

I rolled the window down. 

“Madam, sir asked me to take you inside. He’ll be here in about ten minutes.” 

I nodded, got out of the car, and locked it. Dressed in a white crop top layered with a black Ferrari jacket and blue wide-legged jeans, I adjusted my sleeves before following her inside. 

Just as I was about to enter, a familiar sound stopped me. 

Barking. 

My heart skipped a beat as I instinctively turned toward the noise. 

“Ma’am, you shouldn’t go there,” the woman warned. 

But I was already moving, ignoring her words as I walked toward the garden. 

I love dogs. 

As I got closer, my eyes found two Dobermans, their sleek black coats shining under the garden lights. They had been barking just moments ago, but when their eyes met mine, they went quiet. 

My breath caught in my throat. 

No way… It can’t be them. 

FLASHBACK:

Laughter echoed in the garden as little Maya and Ansh ran across the grass, their footsteps light and carefree. Suddenly, a faint whimpering sound made Maya stop. 

“Did you hear that?” she asked, tugging at Ansh’s hand. 

He frowned. “Come on, Maya, let’s go.” 

But Maya had already let go and hurried toward the sound. Beneath a bush, two tiny Doberman puppies huddled together, abandoned and shivering. 

“Aww, Ansh, look at them!” Maya cooed, crouching down with wide eyes. 

Ansh hesitated. “Maya, we shouldn’t—” 

“Oh, shut up, Ansh. They’re so cute.” 

Ignoring his protests, she carefully picked up one of the puppies. It had a tiny scar above its eye. 

“You poor little thing,” she whispered, cradling it in her arms as the puppy barked softly. 

Maya turned to Ansh with pleading eyes. “Pick up the other one, please?” 

With a resigned sigh, he bent down and lifted the second puppy. 

As they played with them, Ansh found himself… liking them. 

Later that evening, they brought the puppies inside, ready to plead with their parents to keep them. 

The moment Maya brought the puppy close, her mother Kamakshi sneezed. 

“Maya. No,” she said firmly, making Maya’s face fall. 

Hearing the commotion, the rest of the family gathered in the room. Ajendra noticed Maya’s teary eyes and let out a small chuckle, gently patting her head. 

“How about this, Maya? I’ll take the puppies with me to Rajasthan and care for them. You can visit whenever you like,” he suggested. 

Maya sniffled, thought for a moment, and then nodded eagerly. “Really? Thank you, Dadu!” she beamed, hugging him tightly. 

With renewed excitement, she turned to Ansh. “Come on! Dadu agreed! Let’s go clean them up.” 

She grabbed his hand, pulling him along, her joy contagious. 

“Mmm, I think I’ll name him Scar,” Maya said, cradling the tiny puppy. “Not like Mufasa’s brother, though—he’s not evil.” She grinned, stroking the small scar near his eye. 

Adranksh glanced at the other puppy in his arms. “Then I’ll name this one Bruno.” 

Maya tilted her head. “Why Bruno?” 

He paused before shrugging. “I don’t know. It just… feels right.” 

She chuckled. “Bruno and Scar. Sounds perfect.” 

End of Flashback. 

Back in the present, I stood frozen as the two grown Dobermans continued to stare, their heads tilted slightly. 

Then, as if they recognized me, they let out a soft whimper and started wagging their tails. 

A lump formed in my throat. 

They remember me. 

The dogs began to tug at their chains, eager to break free. 

“They’re dangerous, ma’am,” the caretaker warned, stepping in front of me. 

“Remove the chains,” I instructed, my voice firm. 

“But ma’am—” 

“Do as she says.” 

A deep voice echoed behind me, commanding and unwavering. I turned to see Adranksh standing there, looking sharp in his three-piece suit. I smiled but quickly focused back on Scar and Bruno. 

The caretaker hesitated before sighing and unfastening their collars. The moment they were freed, the two Dobermans sprinted toward me. I barely had time to kneel before they tackled me to the ground, their excited barks filling the air. I laughed as they licked my face, their warmth wrapping around me like a childhood memory came back to life. 

Adranksh watched, his gaze softening at the scene. 

Out of nowhere, Bruno suddenly abandoned me and jumped onto Adranksh instead. 

“Hey! That’s not fair. Come back!” I whined, pouting at the betrayal. 

Adranksh chuckled, effortlessly catching Bruno as he nuzzled into him. He scratched behind his ears, clearly enjoying the moment. 

“Well, it’s fine,” I huffed, hugging Scar tightly. “My Scar is enough for me.” 

Scar let out a soft bark, as if agreeing, before licking my cheek again. 

Adranksh smirked before looking at the stunned servants, who watched in disbelief. 

“Get their toys,” he ordered. 

The staff hesitated, exchanging glances. They had always known these dogs to be fiercely protective and unfriendly toward strangers. Yet here they were—completely devoted to me, as if no time had passed at all.