9:00 AM..Anamika’s House…
Rudra stood at the door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
After a moment, the door opened — Saaniya stood there. Seeing him, she looked a little surprised and said, “Mr. Rudra? What happened? Why are you here so early instead of being at the hospital?”
Rudra hesitated a little. “Didn’t Ruhi tell you?”
“What?” Saaniya frowned suspiciously — but before he could reply, her phone rang.
She gestured him to come in, saying, “Let’s talk inside!”
Rudra followed her in and shut the door behind him.
He glanced around — the living room was empty except for Saaniya, who was still talking on the phone.
While she finished her call, Rudra began to walk toward the kitchen, when Saaniya called out, “Mr. Rudra… now tell me — what brings you here this morning?”
Rudra asked awkwardly, “Are you all going shopping today?”
Saaniya replied, “Not me! Anu is going with Ruhi and Ira. But why are you asking? What business do you have among a bunch of girls?”
Rudra thought to himself, “That’s exactly what I told Ruhi… but would she ever listen to me?”
Just then, Ruhi came out of Saaniya’s room — clearly just woken up, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
As she walked into the living room, she saw Rudra and froze. Her messy hair and sleepy face made Rudra smile mischievously.
She turned around, heading back to her room, when Rudra called out, “Hey, wait! Where are you going, madam? Look, Saaniya — she’s the one who asked me to come shopping with you guys!”
Saaniya raised a brow at Ruhi. “Really?”
Ruhi walked closer with a sheepish smile.
“Yes, I did… but how was I supposed to know he’d show up this early — like some unemployed guy with nothing better to do!”
Rudra shot back, “Excuse me! I’m not in the habit of sleeping all day! Normal people wake up and get ready around this time.
Besides, you never told me what time to come!”
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“Forget that!” Saaniya interrupted. “Tell me, why exactly did you invite him?”
Ruhi shrugged innocently. “Someone has to carry the shopping bags, right? Last time, we ended up buying way too much!”
Rudra looked offended. “Excuse me! You’re taking a well-mannered man from a respectable family just to carry your bags?! I thought maybe—”
Saaniya cut him off immediately, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“You thought what, Mr. Malhotra?” she asked, flashing him a sly, intimidating smile.
Rudra swallowed nervously. “I-I just thought… maybe you wanted my suggestions… but it’s fine!
I can carry the bags too… no problem at all!”
Saaniya’s expression softened into a sweet smile. “Good! Since you’re coming anyway, might as well be useful.
And Ruhi — don’t completely ruin his enthusiasm. If he wants to give fashion suggestions, let him!
Though… knowing him, those suggestions won’t be of much use!”
Ruhi laughed. “Exactly! I don’t really expect much from his sense of style anyway!”
Rudra sighed inwardly, “Looks like my daily dose of humiliation got delivered early today. Well done, Rudra… well done.”
He took a deep breath as Saaniya grabbed her bag, ready to leave for work.
Before leaving, she told Ruhi, “I’m heading to the hospital. You, Anamika, and… (looks at Rudra) Mr. Rudra — I’ve already made breakfast. Eat before you leave for shopping. And… be careful.”
“Don’t worry!” Ruhi smiled. Rudra added confidently, “She’s safe with me. You can relax.”
Saaniya sighed. “Good. And wake Anamika up already — she’s been sleeping forever!”
“I will!” Ruhi said, following her to the door.
After Saaniya left, Ruhi went to wake Anamika and sent her to freshen up.
When Ruhi came out of Anamika's room, Rudra was nowhere to be seen. Curious, Ruhi started looking around.
Finally, she found him standing in front of a locked door — his arms crossed, staring at it with a serious expression.
Ruhi frowned. “Why are you staring at that door?”
Rudra turned toward her — his entire expression suddenly changed.
He smiled playfully. “So, sweetheart… you’re taking me shopping just to carry bags, huh?”
Ruhi smirked. “Consider it as a payment for yesterday's cooking class!”
Rudra pouted. “Wow. You’re so mean! But fine… what choice do I have? Anyway… let’s sit in the living room.”
He quickly walked off toward the hall. Ruhi looked puzzled, glanced once more at the locked door,
then followed him out.
Meanwhile, at Aditya’s House…
Aditya was getting ready for work.
Rivan lay on his bed watching TV.
While adjusting his watch, Aditya said, “Are you planning to move out of my room anytime soon?
You’ve turned it into your personal lounge! Because of you, I had to sleep in the guest room last night!”
Rivan grinned. “Hey, big bro, it’s my first time here — I deserve some privileges!
By the way, why doesn’t Ira live here with you? Why does she stay at Aniket bhai’s house instead of her own?”
Aditya went silent for a moment. Then softly said, “She doesn’t like this house.”
“Then buy one she likes! At least your little wildcat will stay with you then!” Rivan teased, changing the TV channel.
Aditya sat on the bed and snatched the remote from him. “Because this house means a lot to me, Rivan.
It’s the only thing left of my parents.”
He changed the channel again.
Rivan made a face. “No news channels in the morning, please!”
Aditya stood up. “You should start watching the news!
Anyway, Mr. Shah should be here soon to pick you up. Go get ready!
And one more thing—” He threw the remote back to Rivan.
“That puppy you went out to find last night? Mr. Shah had already sent it to the animal care center.
That’s why you couldn't find it yesterday. And next time, don’t sneak out without telling anyone.”
“Got it, big bro!” Rivan turned off the TV.
“I’m heading to the office. Breakfast’s ready downstairs — eat before you leave,” Aditya said as he walked to the door.
Just as he was leaving, Rivan called out, “Hey, big bro… aren’t your parents’ biggest memory actually your wildcat, Ira?
Why not move houses for her sake?”
Aditya turned back and smiled. “I’ve thought about it. I’m planning to buy a new house — but it’s a surprise for Ira.”
Rivan gave a thumbs up. “Got it, boss! I won’t tell Baby Doll. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Aditya smiled and left the room.
When he went downstairs, Mr. Shah was waiting for him.
“Sir,” said Mr. Shah, “I’ve found out where the boss's father is. I’ve collected all the data on him.”
“Good,” Aditya replied. “Email everything to me.
And don’t tell Rivan we’ve been investigating his father.
I don’t want him to know anything until I’ve confirmed what kind of man his father really is. Only then… I’ll decide whether Rivan should meet him or not.”
“Okay, sir,” Mr. Shah said quietly — but his expression revealed his disapproval.
In his mind, he was thinking, “Why give a second chance to a man who once sold his own son?”
But he had no say in this matter — because no one could go against Aditya’s decision.
