Ekansh’s POV:-

          I was in my office, buried in files and paperwork, when the door suddenly burst open. As expected, Siddh strolled in, late as always, acting like the world was his couch.

"Hey… what’s up, bro?" he said, flopping onto my sofa casually.

I didn’t look up. "You are my assistant, Siddh. And still, your boss reaches office before you."

He placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Come on… I was stuck in traffic."

I raised an eyebrow, still scanning the file.

"You always give the same excuse."

His face turned into fake puppy eyes. "I’m not lying, seriously."

I rolled my eyes. "Next time, get stuck in traffic permanently."

He chuckled. "Relax, boss. By the way… you’re taking me with you tonight, right?"

I looked up. "Where?"

He leaned forward, exasperated. "Seriously? You forgot? Today’s your sister’s college function."

Oh. Right. Ruchi had mentioned her big performance. I wasn’t the type to attend public events, but for her… I had no choice.

"Fine," I muttered, adjusting my watch. "Be ready at 7:00 pm sharp."

Siddh saluted dramatically. "Aye aye, captain."

---

[Evening]

We drove in my black car, the city lights reflecting off the windows. I wore a crisp white shirt, black blazer, and my Rolex glinted under the lights. Siddh, beside me, was humming some old Bollywood tune.

At the college, the principal greeted me with a bouquet, his voice nervous. "We are honored, Mr. Rathor."

I gave a polite nod and sat at the front. Already, some guests were speaking, but I hardly listened. My mind was elsewhere.

Then my name was called.

"Please welcome our guest of honor… Mr. Ekansh Singh Rathor!"

I walked to the stage. The applause was deafening, whistles echoing from every corner. Taking the mic, I spoke simply:

"Hello students, my name is Ekansh Singh Rathor. Congratulations on your 49th anniversary. My only wish is… work hard, rise higher, and never stop dreaming. All the best."

I handed the mic back, ignoring the endless claps, and returned to my seat.

---

I waited, restless, until finally—

"Now, please welcome… Ishani Choudhury and Ruchika Rathor!"

Ruchi. And another girl. My eyes instantly scanned the stage.

🎶 Manavaa laage… o manavaa laage laage re saanvare, laage re saanvare le tera hua jiyaa ka jiyaa ka jiyaa ka ye gaanv re… 🎶

The spotlight fell on her.

A girl in a black saree. Elegant, bold, breathtaking. The glitter caught the light, her blouse revealed the curve of her back, her waist bare yet delicate. She moved with grace, every spin of hers like poetry.

For the first time in my life, I couldn’t take my eyes off someone.

Her hair flew around as she twirled, her silver jhumkas swinging. She looked nothing less than an angel descended onto my stage.

My jaw clenched. Why her? Why now?

🎶 Manavaa laage o manavaa laage laage re saanvare, laage re saanvare le khelaa Maine Jiya ka jiyaa ka ye daav re… 🎶

The lights shifted to my sister, who looked beautiful in red. But still, my eyes betrayed me—they searched for the girl named Ishani again.

And when she returned in the spotlight… my heartbeat lost its rhythm. Every gesture of hers, every flick of her wrist, every arch of her foot—burned into me.

The performance ended in a dramatic pose—Ruchi standing tall, Ishani kneeling before her. The auditorium erupted in cheers.

But I sat frozen. My chest heavy, my fists tight.

Who are you, Ishani? And why the hell do I feel like you already belong to me?

---

Siddhant’s POV:-

             While Ekansh was busy brooding, my eyes searched only for one person.

Ruchika.

My princess. My forbidden love.

Yes, we were secretly together for a year now. If Ekansh ever found out… I was a dead man. But what could I do? She had slipped into my life, my heart, without permission.

When she danced, in her red saree, her eyes sparkled mischief, her smile held danger. I almost forgot to breathe.

At the end of the song, she looked directly at me… and winked.

My lips twitched into a smile. Discreetly, I blew her a flying kiss.

No one noticed. But she did. And her cheeks turned pink.

---

Ekansh’s POV:-

           Later, I was talking to a few guests when I felt a soft tap on my shoulder.

I turned.

"Hi bhaiya… I thought you wouldn’t come," Ruchi said, hugging me tightly.

I wrapped my arms around her. My voice softened, only for her. "You asked me, Ruchi. How could I not come?"

She pulled back, her eyes sparkling. "By the way, this is my best friend… Ishani."

She dragged someone forward.

And then… there she was. The girl from the stage. Up close. Even more flawless.

I smiled slowly, unable to stop myself.

"Ishani…"

I whispered her name like it was already mine. Like it had been carved into my soul.

She froze under my gaze, awkwardly nodding. But I knew. I knew at that very moment—

She had unknowingly stepped into my world.

And once someone entered my world… there was no turning back.

---

ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ

Author’s Note 💌

Hellooo my loveliesss 💟

I really enjoyed writing this chapter!! This one was longer because I wanted to show Ekansh’s obsession starting, Siddh’s secret love, and of course, our queens Ishani & Ruchika slaying the stage 💃🔥

💭 What do you guys think about Ekansh’s reaction to Ishani? Did you also feel those butterflies when he murmured her name? 👀

💭 And Siddhant-Ruchika… kya hoga unke love story ka jab Ekansh ko pata chalega? 😳

Please VOTE, COMMENT, and SHARE if you liked it 🫶

Your love motivates me to write more!

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Love you alllll 💟

Stay tuned for the next update 😏🔥

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