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“It was important, Jhanvi. Trust me, I wouldn’t have let him go otherwise.”

The pale looks on her face confirm there’s much more happening in this house than I know. So, after breakfast, I insist Daadi tell me everything, and she agrees.

“Aarav is the one doing all this,” she says.

My heart flutters recalling that man and how he has locked me in his bracelet. I had to bathe wearing it, can you imagine?

“He has taken over our clients. Our investors are no longer interested in financing us,” she adds.

I am tense.

“But why is this happening now? I mean, what about the loyalty the clients and investors have shown to DG group so far? Doesn’t it matter?”

Daadi sighs audibly.

“Mohit made a mistake recently by investing in a bad project, and we took that risk trusting him. We had to bear heavy losses, Jhanvi and the investors got a chance to stop trusting us. Aarav, who’s always ready to find the gaps in our business, used this opportunity to turn the investors against us.”

How can Mohit be that reckless? I understand anyone can make wrong choices at some point of time but Mohit can never take risks in a project without careful consideration. Something doesn’t fill in.

“You won’t believe what price I had to pay because of the Investors backing out at the last moment. I had to mortgage this mansion to incur the recent losses.”

I am shocked. This mansion is mortgaged? Tears rolled down Daadi’s cheeks.

“I feel so sick to do that. How will I face my husband when I die?”

“Daadi,” I give her a tight hug and stroke her back. “Everything will be alright.”

Daadi is the strongest woman I have known so far, and seeing her in tears breaks my heart. When she feels better, I pull away and ask.

“Why didn’t you tell me anything before? I could have helped. Dad has left enough in my name, and we could use it.”

“No,” she shakes her head reluctantly. “You are going to be Mohit’s bride. How can I ever ask for financial help from you?”

“Why not?” I demand. “You and Mohit are my only family. If I don’t use that money for you, whom will I share it with then?”

“That’s unnecessary now, Jhanvi. The matter is sorted. In three months, we’ll repay the debts and get this mansion back.”

I’ll be happy if this happens and pray for things to fall back in their place soon in terms of their Business. After some more talks, Daadi leaves to make a few calls. Tomorrow the pre-wedding rituals will begin.

A guard enters the living room to drop the shopping bags. I had left a few dresses for alteration at the store yesterday. I have to try them on and check if they fit me perfectly, so I take the bags to my room and quickly unpack the stuff.

Hold a second.

These are not the dresses I bought yesterday. They are different. I check them all, and none of them are the ones I chose. Did the store send me someone else’s clothes by mistake? Could be. I find a note in one bag.

‘To,

Soon to be, Mrs. Raichand.

I changed your selections. Hope you don’t mind.’

Oh my God. Mohit? He did this? I don’t recall when and how, but that’s how Mohit is. He likes surprising me. I recall him sending me surprise cakes and gifts during my birthdays. But this time, his selection looks unique and more appealing. All the dresses and sarees he has got are either red or maroon. I wonder why? Mohit has never shown his affinity towards this color though it’s my favorite. Maybe now that I am going to be his wife, he wants to appreciate my choices. I can’t thank him enough. So, I quickly dialed his number, hoping he has time to speak to me despite his busy schedule.

Mohit answers after a few rings.

“Jhanvi, hi. Can I talk to you later? I am in between something really important.”

“Sure, but thanks for the dresses. I loved them.”

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