The Next Day, 7 PM — USA
In a grand, palace-like mansion, there was a remarkable hustle and bustle that evening. The house staff rushed from one corner to another, decorating everything not just neatly—but perfectly.
Because today, someone very special was bringing the most important person of his life to this home.
The entire mansion sparkled with lights and smelled of fresh flowers. It looked like something straight out of a Disney fairy tale.
Just then, a gleaming car rolled into this dream palace—a stunning BMW, shining even brighter than the palace lights, as if it had been bought just today.
From the car stepped out Aaditya. He walked to the other side, opened the door, and extended his hand.
Holding his hand, Anamika stepped out.
Her eyes widened at the breathtaking view in front of her. She froze in place, mesmerized, when Aaditya gently took her hand and said, "Come… let me show you the house."
Anamika looked at their joined hands. Sensing her hesitation, Aaditya quickly looked away, awkwardly let go of her hand, and started walking ahead.
"Come on… there’s someone I want you to meet."
Anamika’s face fell. Maybe she didn’t like that Aaditya had let go just because she hesitated for a moment. But hiding her disappointment, she quietly walked beside him.
They had barely reached the entrance when a girl came running and hugged Aaditya tightly.
She was stunning—soft glowing brown eyes, long silky hair, and skin that gleamed and glowed like sandalwood.
A girl so beautiful, anyone could lose their heart at first glance.
Even after pulling back, she didn’t let go of Aaditya’s hand. She held it like it belonged solely to her.
Anamika didn’t quite like what she saw—but since she didn’t know the full story, she stayed silent.
Aaditya gestured toward Anamika and said, “So… this is my special guest for today!”
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
At this, the girl let go of Aaditya and stepped toward Anamika, examining her closely, almost suspiciously.
Anamika began to fidget nervously, her fingers tangling with each other. Her eyes kept drifting to the floor, avoiding direct eye contact.
After her little inspection, the girl stood in front of Anamika, extended her hand and said, without even a polite smile, "Hello. I’m Ira. I’ve been living here for two years for my studies. Not much else worth sharing. So… what’s your name? And how did you end up here with Aaditya?"
At that moment, Anamika kept her eyes lowered. Aaditya glanced sharply at Ira, who cheekily winked at him and signaled him to stay quiet.
Seeing that, Aaditya let out a sigh and thought, “God knows what this wild cat is planning now…”
Anamika hesitated and said, “My… my name is Anamika. I… I… um…”
She looked at Aaditya, who was watching her with hopeful eyes. When their eyes met, Aaditya smiled—his smile giving her a strange courage.
She smiled too, gave a small nod, turned to Ira, shook her hand firmly, and looked her straight in the eyes.
“My name is Anamika. I’m a manga artist. I’ve just started working on my own manga. And Aaditya and I… we’re here to explore the art exhibitions.”
The "art exhibition" was just a cover—an excuse made up by Aaditya and Anamika to hide their real reason: meeting Aniket’s dad.
This same lie had convinced Saaniya to let them go too.
Seeing the confidence in Anamika’s eyes brought relief to Aaditya. He playfully wrapped his arm around Ira’s neck and said, “So… if my wild cat is done interrogating her, can we go freshen up now?”
Ira, quick like a cat, swatted him off. “Let go, you dog! I never stopped you. Your room’s already prepared!”
Aaditya let her go and told Ira while glancing at Anamika, “Alright then. I’m going to freshen up. Show Anamika her room, okay… my lovely wild cat!”
Ira squinted her eyes and replied, “Yeah yeah! Go now. I’ll take your little delicate flower to her room.”
Delicate flower? Anamika looked around in disbelief—was that what Ira just called her?
Aaditya chuckled, patted Ira’s head, and walked off saying, “Okay! I’ll be back soon… Anamika, get freshened up too—we’re going out for dinner tonight!”
After he left, Ira took a deep breath and said, “Alright, listen up, delicate flower!”
Anamika pointed at herself as if asking, “Me?”
Ira forced a smile and replied, “Yes, you! Now listen… (points toward the stairs) go straight up and turn right. The first room on the right is yours. Got it?”
Anamika nodded like a child. Ira turned and walked away without another word.
Anamika raised her hand as if to say something… but then stopped.
Keeping her thoughts to herself, she climbed the stairs. But instead of turning right, she wandered left—distracted by the palace’s beauty.
The walls were gorgeous, but what truly caught her eye were the framed photos—pictures of wall paintings.
They felt strangely familiar to her, though she didn’t think much of it and moved ahead.
She entered a room whose door was already open.
And the moment she stepped inside… her eyes widened in shock.
Right behind the king-sized bed was a massive photo of Aaditya and Ira—Aaditya lifting Ira in his arms as she posed sweetly, both smiling blissfully. They looked… genuinely happy.
For some reason, that image hurt. Anamika instantly turned to leave—only to run into Ira again.
“Wow, you really forgot such a simple direction, delicate flower?! Looks like I’ll have to escort you myself!”
She looked around.
“Anyway… this is my room. If you ever need anything, come find me—but not at night! I love my beauty sleep too much. Now come on, follow me.”
Saying that, Ira began to walk away.
Before following her, Anamika looked back once more at the shining room… but among all the sparkle and luxury, her eyes only saw that photo.
She turned away… and quietly followed Ira.
Ira is just 20 years old…
But what exactly is her relationship with Aaditya?
Why was such an intimate photo of the two of them in her room?
And…
Will this affect Aaditya and Anamika’s fragile bond?
