20 days later…
Today was Suhani's results day, and once again, she had topped her class. Everyone had come to celebrate—Suhani, Tara's mom, Tara herself, and Vikram—all gathered at a restaurant.
Tara looked around and asked Vikram, "Why is it that whenever I come to a restaurant with you, it's always completely empty?"
Vikram smirked, "Because you're here, that's why."
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you booked the entire restaurant for us."
Vikram chuckled, "We're just paying attention to Suhani's celebration, that's all."
Suhani ran up excitedly, waving her trophy. "Didi, Jiju! Talk to me—I topped again! And look, this is my trophy! And now I've moved to 7th grade!"
Tara smiled warmly. "We are proud of you, Suhani."
Vikram nodded. "Yes, Suhani. We're really proud of you."
Suhani turned to Vikram. "You also helped me a lot with exams, thank you."
Vikram waved it off. "You're already intelligent, Suhani. Even if I hadn't helped, you would still have topped."
Tara placed her hand over her mother's hand, her voice softening, "Papa would have been so happy today… if he were here…" For a brief moment, everyone became emotional and silent.
Vikram quickly shifted the topic. "Alright, let's cut the cake and celebrate!"
Tara nudged tears "Yes, Suhani, cut the cake. We're all waiting!"
Suhani's eyes lit up. "Yes! You got such a beautiful cake, thank you, Jiju!" And with that, she cut the cake. Afterward, she hesitated, unsure who to feed first.
"I don't know who to give the first bite to… everyone's my favorite!"
Tara laughed softly. "No one. We'll feed you because this celebration is for you, and you deserve the first bite."
Everyone fed Suhani the cake, and laughter and joy filled the room.
After some time, Vikram leaned closer and asked, "Suhani, tell me… if someone makes a mistake and sincerely says sorry, should we forgive them?"
Suhani nodded. "Of course, you should forgive them."
Vikram smiled. "Then… forgive Prithvi too."
Suhani looked at Vikram, Tara, and her mother.
Vikram asked, "Should I call Prithvi?"
Suhani hesitated. "Have you all finished your fight?"
Vikram nodded. "Yes, Suhani. Our fight is over, and Tara has forgiven him too… so will you?"
In a low voice, Suhani said, "I will."
Vikram called Prithvi.
Prithvi entered the restaurant, guilt written all over his face. He slowly walked toward Suhani. She stood silently as he approached.
He knelt down, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Suhani. Please forgive me… I hurt you, and I can't even forgive myself for that. I truly missed your calls. I lied and manipulated you… I'm sorry again."
Prithvi's sobs grew heavier as he spoke.
Suhani gently wiped his tears. "Don't cry, Prithvi Bhaiya. It's okay. Everyone makes mistakes, and you even apologized. I forgive you," she said with a smile.
Prithvi hugged Suhani tightly. "Thank you so much, Suhani…" His eyes still glistened with tears.
Suhani giggled. "Come on, Prithvi Bhaiya, I topped again. Let me feed you some cake."
Prithvi joined in, and the celebration continued happily.
---
11 PM
Tara and Vikram returned to their room.
Vikram, deep in thought, realized, I've always been the workaholic, but Tara… she's even more relentless than me. She's been working on her laptop continuously for so long… now I understand why it bothered her before.
"It's very late, Tara. Please go to sleep," Vikram said gently.
Tara shook her head. "You sleep. Let me finish my work."
"You'll ruin your health. There's no need to do all the work in one day. Slow down," Vikram warned.
"I'll work in your study room; I don't want to disturb you."
"No, it's 11 PM. It's late, and I'm worried about your health," he insisted.
"Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Mrs. Sethi. Everything has to be finalized then," Tara explained.
"Go to sleep. I'll reschedule your meeting with Mrs. Sethi. I've known her since childhood," Vikram said as he switched off Tara's laptop and pulled her close.
Tara pouted. "Then I'll have to finish the remaining work in the morning. The meeting is tomorrow."
"You've become more workaholic than me," Vikram remarked.
"Almost done… then I'll rest," Tara replied.
"Fine. Then go somewhere with me later," he suggested.
"I still have so much work left… I'm not going anywhere with you now."
"Why? Why don't you want to go with me?"
"It's not that. Once I finish all my work, then we can make plans."
"Okay… then let's plan for Bali," Vikram said with a teasing smile.
"Bali? Then I absolutely won't go," Tara said firmly.
"What's the problem? You're so close to me when we sleep… if you go to Bali, what will happen?"
Tara glared. "Vikram, I seriously doubt that if we go anywhere, you won't let me explore. I just don't want to stay in the hotel room and not wander around."
"I won't do that," Vikram reassured her.
"Don't try to convince me, I know you too well… now let me sleep. I have work in the morning."
"Who doubts their husband?" Vikram teased.
"I do, because I know exactly what my husband is like… so stop the drama," Tara said firmly.
"Drama? I love you, Tara, and you call my love drama?"
"I won't fall for any blackmail… you can't fool me now," she countered.
"I've never fooled you," Vikram said softly.
"Who knows me better than you?"
"The way I love you, you don't love me back the same," he murmured.
Tara blushed. "Yes, Mr. Suryavanshi… your love starts right from my neck."
Vikram chuckled.
"Stop laughing and sleep, or I'll go finish my work," she warned.
"Alright… go to sleep," he whispered.
Two minutes later, Vikram teased, "Can I start my love from your neck?"
"Mr. Suryavanshiiii!" Tara protested.
Vikram laughed softly. "I'm just joking… good night." He kissed her cheek.
---
Morning – 8 AM
Vikram warned, "Take care of yourself; otherwise, you'll really fall sick."
Tara groaned. "I just feel weak… I'm okay. It's because I haven't slept enough."
Vikram sat beside her. "You need to slow down. If you get sick, how will you manage work for the foundation girls?"
"I'll take a few days rest after meeting Mrs. Sethi today… then I won't work so much," Tara said.
"I'll call the doctor," Vikram suggested.
"I'm fine… maybe my glucose dropped," she explained.
Vikram frowned. "Oh… again?"
"Again what?"
"The time your heartbeat sped up… it was when you started feeling for me, wasn't it?" he teased.
"Vikram, just go to the office… I don't know anything," she said, flustered.
"Alright, I'll get ready. Have breakfast—I'll bring it to your room."
"And you never let me answer your questions," vikarm muttered.
"you already know the answers to everything… i can't hide anything from you".
Back then I couldn't believe that you have feeling for me.
I was just wondering if you feel something special for me… but seeing your control, I thought I was overthinking."
"And what makes you doubt me?" Vikram asked.
"Your eyes… because eyes don't lie," tara replied.
"Yes… right. Eyes don't lie. Alright, what time is your meeting with Mrs. Sethi?"
"Around 2 PM," Tara said.
"Should I come?"
"No… I'll handle it. I'll tell you if I need help."
"Hmm… I'll get ready for the office then."
After getting ready, Vikram said, "I'll take care. If you're not feeling well, I'll cancel the meeting and send a doctor. Let me know."
Tara nodded.
Vikram kissed her forehead and left for the office.
Tara had breakfast and immediately got back to her pending work.
1 PM…
Tara and Vikram were on a phone call.
Vikram (concerned): "Tara, are you feeling alright?"
Tara (briskly): "Yes, I'm perfectly fine."
Vikram: "Should I come with you?"
Tara: "No, that's not necessary. I'm getting ready for the meeting. We'll see each other tonight, Mr. Suryavanshi. Bye."
Vikram (gently): "Alright, bye. And please take care of your health—you really do look weak."
Tara: "I will."
She hung up.
Tara was extremely excited to meet Mrs. Sethi. For nearly 30 years, Mrs. Sethi had been working tirelessly for the protection of girl children and to improve their lives. Because of her efforts, she had received both national and international awards.
---
Tara and Mrs. Sethi – Meeting
Tara: "Thank you, Mrs. Sethi, for giving me your time."
Mrs. Sethi (smiling): "Tara, you can call me Aunty. Didn't Vikram tell you about me?"
Tara: "Yes, he did. He told me about your achievements… and that he has known you since childhood."
Mrs. Sethi (warmly): "Good. Actually, I should be the one thanking you—for thinking about this cause. You know, Sulekha and I were together in college. We were best friends."
Tara (surprised): "Oh my God! Really? Vikram never told me that!"
Mrs. Sethi (with a small laugh): "That's Vikram for you. But when I heard about this initiative, I became emotional. Sulekha was such a powerful woman—her thoughts, her vision… she had no competition. But what happened with her left many people with lifelong trauma, myself included."
Tara (gently): "I understand, Aunty."
Mrs. Sethi (eyes misty): "Sulekha was at the peak of her career when she decided to step away. In just two years, she had brought Suryavanshi Company into huge profits—something incredible for such a new company. Her vision and strong foundation kept the company afloat even in its toughest times. I often think, if Sulekha were alive and still in the business world today, she would have been one of the most powerful businesswomen in the world."
Tara (softly): "I didn't know all this…"
Mrs. Sethi: "Of course you didn't. Very little information about her exists online, and people hardly speak of her—because of what happened to her.
As women, we face far more challenges than men. Sulekha could have been at the very top, but then she became pregnant. Naturally, she couldn't remain as active in the business. This happens to countless women. If she had taken the selfish decision to continue her career and ignore motherhood, society would have judged her harshly.
Tell me, Tara, how many men do you know who would leave their careers at the peak for their child? Not even one. But the child belongs to both parents.
Sulekha, however, was happy with her decision, because she truly wanted to be a mother. That's what women are—we find happiness in our children and our families. And then… the betrayal she suffered from her own husband… well, I won't talk about Narayan. What he did, I will never forgive in this lifetime."
Tara gently held Mrs. Sethi's hand.
Tara (emotionally): "I think my mother-in-law was even greater than I ever imagined."
Mrs. Sethi (nodding): "Yes. Enough personal talk—let's discuss the foundation."
They began discussing programs and documents that could benefit Tara's foundation. Tara listened with excitement, her eyes sparkling. She was so engrossed that she had kept her phone on silent.
Meanwhile, Vikram had been calling her repeatedly. After five unanswered calls, he finally called Mrs. Sethi.
Mrs. Sethi (on phone): "Yes, Vikram, she's right here with me. Alright, I'll tell her."
Mrs. Sethi (to Tara): "Tara, check your phone. Vikram has been trying to reach you."
Tara: "Oh, I had put it on silent. I'll call him back."
Mrs. Sethi (standing up): "Alright, Tara. I'll leave now. If you ever need more information or help, call me directly."
Tara: "Of course, Aunty. And thank you so much."
As Mrs. Sethi was leaving, she paused with a smile.
Mrs. Sethi: "Tara, Vikram is a good man. Take care of him. And remember—he loves you."
With that, she walked away, still smiling.
---
On her way back to the Suryavanshi Mansion, Tara called Vikram.
Tara: "Mr. Suryavanshi, why are you angry just because I didn't answer your call?"
Vikram (firmly): "I wasn't angry—I was scared. At least you could have told me your phone would be on silent. I almost came to your meeting venue myself, then decided to call Mrs. Sethi."
Tara: "But you never told me that Mrs. Sethi and my mother-in-law were best friends."
Vikram: "Is that really so important?"
Tara (sighing): "I'll talk to you at home. Bye."
Vikram (frustrated): "What? She just cut the call! She doesn't care about me at all."
---
Back at the mansion…
Tara (thinking to herself): "I'm so exhausted today."
Vikram was already in their room.
Tara (softly): "Vikram, are you in the room?"
Vikram (coldly): "I don't think you see me in this room, or even in your life."
Tara (tired): "Vikram, what is this?"
Vikram (hurt): "You've been ignoring me, haven't you?"
Tara: "No… please try to understand. I'm just tired. Yes, I'm sorry for not telling you I had my phone on silent. But Vikram, I'm not tired of you. From tomorrow, I'll give you all my time."
Vikram stepped closer, his voice soft.
Vikram: "I'm not asking for all your time. I just… get scared. You know how much you mean to me."
Tara (gently): "I'll take care, I promise. But right now I just need rest."
Vikram: "Should I bring you some coffee?"
Tara: "No, I only want to sleep."
Vikram: "At least eat something first. It's only 7 PM."
Tara: "I already ate. Now let me rest."
She changed and lay down.
Vikram: "Alright, sleep."
Later, Vikram worked on his laptop, had dinner, and returned to bed. Seeing Tara deep sleep, he whispered to himself:
Vikram (softly): "You're in such deep sleep… that's good. You need the rest."
But then, Tara turned in her sleep and hugged him tightly.
Vikram smiled, remembering.
Vikram (thinking): "I still remember that night… you hugged me the same way in your sleep, even though I was angry. My heartbeat raced so fast, and all I wanted was to hug you back. Every night I fought a battle with my feelings… and every night, I lost. Even now, I'm ready to lose that battle, every single day."
He kissed her forehead gently and hugged her back, drifting to sleep.
---
Next morning, 8 AM…
Vikram (shaking her lightly): "Tara, wake up. You've been sleeping for more than twelve hours."
Tara (half-asleep, pulling him closer): "Then sleep with me. You're my favorite pillow."
She hugged him tightly.
Vikram (worried, brushing hair from her face): "Tara, are you alright?"
Tara (eyes still closed): "Yes, just sleepy. And you really are my favorite pillow."
Vikram (smiling): "But I need to go to the office."
Tara: "Then go late."
Vikram (teasing): "Mrs. Suryavanshi, are you in a romantic mood this early morning?"
Tara (murmuring): "No… I just want to sleep."
Vikram (sighing): "Get up. You didn't even eat dinner last night, and you're still sleeping."
Tara (sitting up slowly): "Fine. I'll go downstairs and have tea. Do you want coffee?"
Vikram: "I already had mine."
Tara: "Alright, I'll go talk to Dadi too. I've been so busy, I haven't spent time with her."
She went downstairs.
---
Dining Hall
Dadi (concerned): "Tara, you look weak. Take care of yourself."
Tara: "I will, Dadi. The foundation work is almost complete now—only routine tasks will be left."
A female staff member approached.
Staff: "Ma'am, your tea."
Tara: "Thank you."
She took a sip, then frowned.
Tara (to staff): "Did you add something extra in this? The taste feels different, and the smell isn't pleasant."
Staff (smiling): "No, ma'am. It's your usual tea."
Dadi (raising her brows): "Is that true, Tara?"
Tara (confused): "Yes… it really tastes strange. But why are you smiling, Dadi? And why are you smiling too?"
Dadi (softly, emotional): "Tara… are your periods late?"
Tara (thinking): "Yes… by a week."
Dadi kissed her forehead, tears in her eyes.
Tara (shocked): "Dadi, what is this?"
Dadi (smiling through tears): "I think you're pregnant, Tara."
Tara (stunned, whispering): "Pregnant? Me?"
Dadi: "Yes. Haven't you taken a test?"
Tara (mind racing): "No… I haven't checked."
Her thoughts spiraled.
Tara (to herself): "Pregnant? How? …Why am I even asking 'how'? But… am I really?"
---
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