This chapter is still unedited so Read it on your own risk.

Make sure to comment so that I will upload next chapter soon

AUTHOR........P.O.V.......

"Sandeep Mehra," Isha hurriedly said to the receptionist, who nodded and provided the room number. She quickly ran toward the given room number, wiping her tears and trying to control her sobs. Her heart pounded with each step, her emotions barely held in check as she approached the door

"Baba," she whispered, looking at her father lying on the hospital bed, wrapped in bandages. She slowly walked towards him, struggling to process so many shocks at once. First, the breakup, then that horrifying scene, and now her Baba in the hospital. He was the only person she turned to when her mind sought peace. Tears welled up in her eyes as she approached, her heart aching with each step

She held his palm with both hands, and a small sob escaped her lips, followed by a flood of unbearable tears. The weight of the day's events crashed down on her as she clung to her father's hand, seeking comfort in his presence even in such a fragile state

"Baba , Ye sab kya hogaya " She cried , looking at him like a small child while clucking his hand tight seeking for comfort

"Mam, are you with him?" a voice came from behind. She turned to see a doctor standing in the doorway, concern etched on his face

"Ji ha. How is he?" she asked urgently, walking towards him. Her voice trembled as she wiped away her tears, looking at the doctor for answers

"Mam, it was an accident case. A person brought him here. Please sign here," the doctor said, handing her a clipboard. She signed with trembling hands, struggling to process everything that had happened. It was still hard for her to come to terms with it all

"When will he regain consciousness?" she asked, her voice filled with worry

"After 2 hours, mam," he said, providing some relief in the midst of her anxiety

"Sir, where is the person who brought him to the hospital?" she asked anxiously, hoping to atleast thank the person who had brought her father in

"Sorry, he was waiting outside until you arrived, but now he's not here," he told making her nod

"Thank you, doctor," she said softly, offering a faint smile as he walked away

"Why is everything going wrong today, Shivji?" she whispered while sitting beside him, holding his hand. She carefully examined his injuries, each one causing her heart to ache even more

"Baba " She said when she felt his finger movement against her palm. He slowly opened his eyes, his hand gripping her palm tightly as he winced in immense pain from his head injury

"Aaram se, Baba," she said soothingly. Soon, doctors entered the room and began to examine him

"He is fine but needs rest, and make sure to give him the supplements on time," the doctor said reassuringly. She nodded, relieved to hear the news but still filled with concern for his recovery

"How are you feeling, Baba?" she asked, sitting in front of him with a mixture of concern and relief in her eyes

"Thik hai "He weakly said

"How did all these happened ?" She asked him

"I don't know, Isha. When I was coming back, I tried to apply the brakes at a stop, but they failed, and out of nowhere, a truck hit my car. After that, I don't know anything," he explained, recalling the sequence of events that led to the accident

"It doesn't seem like an accident, Baba. Should we inform the police?" she asked, making him look at her instantly

"No," he firmly said, a hint of certainty in his voice. Deep down, he was aware of who might be behind all of this

"But Baba -

"Isha bachha, I said no. Now, no questions," he said firmly, and she reluctantly let the matter go for the time being as now her father heath meant everything to her

" Are you feeling dizzy ?"She asked and He just shook his head in no

"Baba do you have seen that person who brought you to hospital? " She asked

"No, Isha, I don't know what happened after that. Who brought me here, nothing," he said with a sigh, his troubled thoughts evident in his demeanor

"What did Doctor said ?" He asked changing the topic as He doesn't wanted to extend it right now

"He said you would get discharge till tomorrow morning " She said and he nodded

"Baba, you rest. I will be back after paying them," she said, and he nodded. She left, leaving him to drown in a pool of his own thoughts

"But mam, the payment has already been done," the receptionist said, handing her the bill and causing her to furrow her brow in confusion

"But who paid ?" She asked being baffled

"The man who brought him here" the receptionist said going back to her work after passing a smile at her , leaving her being confused

"Excuse us, ma'am. There are others waiting," the receptionist gently said. Isha nodded, walking away while still pondering the identity of her father's unknown well-wisher

"What happened Isha ?" Her father asked when she walk in thinking something

"Baba they said that man who brought you here paid for you" She said and his face tensed as his heart acknowledge the person behind all these

"Baba why he -

"Isha, I want to sleep," he said, causing her to frown at his evasive reaction whenever she tried to bring up the topic related to that person

"Ok Baba" She half heartly said properly covering him then walked towards the couch

The next day, her father was discharged from the hospital. As they returned home, her mind was completely focused on his recovery, even though she desperately wanted to discuss the incident. However, seeing his tense and worried face, she lost her courage to broach the topic and let it go. Meanwhile, Sandeep was deeply concerned about his daughter, who would soon have to confront the harsh realities of life. Despite his efforts to protect and shield her with everything he had, all his sacrifices seemed in vain when the demons of her life finally found this pure soul

"Baba, here are your medicine and breakfast," Isha said, coming out of the kitchen and interrupting his thoughts about her. He looked at her, guilt filling his heart as he recalled his sinful actions. He knew at that time it was wrong , but he had to follow the orders to keep everyone safe around him

"They will take her away from me " he thought, looking at her face as she called him to come back from the veranda

"Come on, Baba, or your breakfast will get cold," she said in a scolding tone, causing his eyes to moisten

"How do I still have you, Isha, after committing so many horrible crimes?" he thought, a tear rolling down his cheek, unseen by her as she stood some distance away.

"Haan, aata hu, bachaa," he said, wiping away his tears and forcing a small smile

"Isha Bachha , I want to tell you something very important " He said and she looked at him eating her breakfast

"Baba wait a min " She said as her phone rang when he was about to tell her . He sigh and look at her who walk speaking about some reports

"Sorry, Baba, but I really need to go. One of my patients is suddenly in a critical state, and I urgently need to operate on him," she hurriedly said, running towards her room to gather her things before he could reply

"At least have your breakfast, Isha," he said as she was putting on her flats

"Duty first, Baba," she said quickly as she grabbed her keys and rushed out

"Maybe it's too soon for you to know the truth," he said, watching her fleeting figure at the doorstep

Meanwhile............

Ekaksh returned to his place, but his mind was still haunted by the memory of the girl with those familiar black eyes. He had a nagging feeling that he had seen those eyes before, but he couldn't recall where or when, and this thought frustrated him to the core. Her touch and presence felt eerily familiar to him, stirring up long-forgotten emotions, yet he couldn't place her. What intrigued him the most was her fragrance, which captivated him deeply

"Just fucking kill that bastard! and over this within 20 minutes " he screamed in anger as he stormed out of his den, his beastly form causing others to shiver in fear

"Boss -

"Not now. I want to go to the mansion," he harshly said as he settled into the car. Laksh swiftly instructed the guards and driver before taking the passenger seat alongside him

"Why the hell is she still flashing back to back in my mind?" he said in an irritated tone, rubbing his head with closed eyes. It is not the first time He had come across such incident , of course people has seen him killing openly in his premises only to end up giving up their life . But definitely it is first time if someone has managed to captive his mind till now

"Get the hell out of here," he gritted, loosening his tie with a deep breath, trying to control himself from lashing out. It was frustration but towards himself

Days passed with the same relentless rhythm: he struggled to forget the girl, while she endeavored to overcome the haunting incident that still plagued her despite her efforts to bury herself in work. Every glimpse of blood brought the past rushing back before her eyes. Meanwhile, Sandeep counted down the days he had left with his daughter

After 3 months .......

"Baba, now we can stop your medicine as the doctor said you are fully healed. But you still have to take care of your diet," she said firmly, guiding him to sit on the sofa after they returned from the hospital

"Jo Aagya, Meri Doctor Sahiba " He said making her shake her head at him with a chuckle

"Let me bring water for you," she said, walking into the kitchen

" Hmm, take this," she said, forwarding the glass, and and He silently gulped his medicine but accidently the water spilled over his shirt as he was thinking something related to his daughter

" Baba " She sneered taking back the glass and giving him a done look . After accident he really looks tened and always lost in thinking that worries her a lot but even if she trys to ask him about the matter he always avoids the topic

" Wait here , I will bring a shirt for you " she said making him nod and she walked away .

He took off his shirt, revealing his well-toned body, crafted with veins and a smooth skin tone. Even though his abs weren't visible, it was clear he had one of the most desirable bodies in his youth. Years of hard work had paid off, making him age like fine wine. Placing the shirt on the table, he was about to walk towards the kitchen when he heard the doorbell ring.

" Baba dekhiye to kon hai darwaze par " She loudly said from his room and He walked towards the door and opened it

" Sandeep ji " The lady name , Urmila greeted turning around towards him only to gasped making his eyes went wide with a gulp , lust for his body was clearly visible in her eyes for his body as the way his eyes were stuck to his body , her eyes travelling down each passing second

" Aa-Aap ?" He fumbled badly , resisted the urge to shut closed the door on her face as it was hard to stand her eye-fuc*ing session , but then she will create scene in the entire locality for this action of his

" Wo main ahhh" She uttered in a coted sweet tone , coming towards him and accidently tripped on her steps that her both palms rested on his chest making his breath got hitched and hand shake at her touch . He despised it , it was clearly visible

"ISHA!" he cried out loudly, still stiff in his place. Isha ran out of his room, holding only his shirt, her eyes widening at the scene. The woman was still in the same position, her palms placed on Baba's chest who just cursing her with every inch of his skin

" Urmila chachi " Isha loudly burst out and pushed away the lady from her Baba who wasted no time to hide behind his daughter while She glared at the lady who was still trying to steal some glimpses of him

" Ye kaisi dhurth karm kar rahi hai " She sneered angrily , blocking the view of the lady then looked back at her Bab who was still looking traumatized . She instantly passed him his shirt

" So-Sorry Sandeep ji wo main Phisal gayi " She said, still lost in looking at him , who was hurriedly wearing his shirt without caring about her sorry after turning around . The broad muscular back was enough to hitched anyone's breath easily

" Aapki umar bhi hogayi hai Aunty . Dhayan rakha kigiye " Isha said blocking the view of Urmila who was still trying to look at him who was still hiding behind his daughter . No wonder , He hates most of the women of his locality, even some girls too

" Kis liye aayi thi aap ?" Isha asked looking at the lady weirdly who was still shamelessly trying come into the house even if She was showing no intentions to let her enter

" Aapke Baba ke liye " Urmila said looking at Sandeep with dreamy eyes while Sandeep glanced at her being baffled while Isha in disbelief

"Excuse me, Aunty?" Isha called out instantly, signaling to her father to move away through her gaze. He obliged, starting to walk away making the Lady at door give disappointed look

" Aree ! Where are you going ? . I - I wanted to say I have come here to give him this prasad -

" Thank you ! Thank you ! ab aap jaiye . He has to take his medicines " Isha said hurriedly taking the plate and trying to close the door

"Isha ,atleast Let me have a small chit chat with hi . Atleast let me ask him How is he ? Is he -

" Everything is fine, Aunty. I am a Doctor , Do you think I will let anything happen to my Baba , of course not " Isha explained the lady .No way she is going to let her in or else She will definitely have to ward off evil eyes from her Baba for the second time

" But Isha -

" Aunty ! aapka make up pighal raha hai " Isha said , making a shocking face too avert the Lady's attention in which she succeed

" Kya " Urmila exclaimed touching her face and Isha nodded and before the lady eyes again fixed on them , she closed the door and turned around

"Chali gayi?" Sandeep asked timidly, emerging from the kitchen. Isha nodded, and both father and daughter sighed together. That lady was a pain in the ass, having pestered them for years to marry off her Baba to her . She was first in the long line of women who desired him in the whole locality

" Baba I really don't understand a fact " She said in a disbelief tone , placing teh prasad on the center table while Sandeep started to walked towards his room

" What Bacha ?" He asked , properly buttoning his shirt

"You don't even go to the gym, so how come you're so fine that not just aunties, but even some girls drool over you every day?" she asked in a whining tone. Her question made him freeze in his tracks as a wave of past memories washed over him, filling his mind with images and feelings he had long tried to bury

" Tum na gym jaya karo Deep . I don't want you to ruin my first night " She playfully taunted , resting her chin on his broad well-built shoulder when He was giving her a piggy ride on his back. He shook his head with a chuckle

"My first night ? " He asked looking back her then walked ahead making her sighed and gently tightened her hold around his neck

" Achha ! Achha ! Our first night Mr to-be-husband" She corrected and giggled lightly then placed a kissed on his cheek from behind , pouting for a kiss on her lips without caring about the eyes watching them around

"Baba," Isha called, wiggling his hand, pulling him out of his chain of thoughts. She smiled at him with a concerned frown, her eyes questioning, "What happened?" He just shook his head, trying to dismiss the memories that had resurfaced

"Kuch nahi, I was just saying I have a light headache. I'll go rest," he said, making her nod. He was about to walk away when the doorbell rang again, causing Isha to huff in irritation

" I will see," she said , walking towards the door , again expecting the same lady

"Ji haan," she said after opening the door, her face soon clouded with a frown as she looked at the men in black suits with earpieces and black goggles

"Isha Mehra?" one of the men asked with a straight face and a cold voice

"Yes ! I am Isha Mehra," she hesitantly said. Suddenly, the man whispered something to the other one, and he walked away

"What happened Isha ? Who is -

Sandeep's breath stopped midway, and he looked at the men with a hard gulp and a tense expression. He hurriedly positioned himself to shield Isha behind his back and attempted to close the door, but they forcefully pushed their way into the room, standing like statues

"Isha, andar jao," he said fearfully, trying to push her away

"I am not going anywhere, leaving you alone with them. And who are they?" she asked, looking at them with concern

"How could you enter someone's house without permission, huh? Just go out or else I will call the police!" she loudly screamed, her voice wavering between its soft, sweet tone and an attempt to sound firm

"Isha , no please go inside " Sandeep said but still she remained reluctant

"No one is going anywhere," came a dominating, rough voice, diverting everyone's attention toward him

Isha looked at the old man in his late 50s, who exuded a dominating and cold aura that could be felt from afar. He approached them, his gaze soft as he looked at her, then turned fierce as he glared at Sandeep, causing him to gulp nervously and looked down immediately . His one of the fear has come true , Here. standing in the form of as Saarthak Singh Ranawat , The King of Ajmer and the former Supreme of Mafias

"Khama Ghani Hukum sa" He greeted in a hard tone bowing down but fear was visible completely which was confusing Isha alot

"Baba" Isha whispered looking at her father trying to understand the unfolding situation

"Isha bow down bachha " Sandeep whispered holding her palm still looking down

"Princesses don't bow down, Sandeep. Did you forget?" he said in a stern tone, causing Sandeep to shiver and apologize, while Isha looked between them with a frown

"Maafi, Kukum sahib," Sandeep said immediately, kneeling down with bowed head, leaving Isha completely shocked by his sudden action. The elderly man permitted him to stand whose detestful look towards her father was hard to digest by Isha

"Who is he, Baba?" Isha asked anxiously, unable to wait any longer to understand the reason behind all of this.

"Ruko" He said showing his palm to Sandeep who bowed his head and move aside a little from her and signed her to stand at her place when she was about to move towards him

"Aap Isha ho na?" he whispered, trying to maintain his demeanor, but his eyes welled up at the sight of her innocent face and why not when he has seen her after so long

"She even resemble you Sonakshi " He thought looking at her softly , remembering the face which once use to held the same serenity and innocence

"Ji" She meekly said in her soft tone and a traitor tear rolled down his his eyes making her look at him in worry

"You even sound like her " He thought and a light chuckle escaped his lips . His heart was overwhelmed as the mind was captured with the past events

"I am Saarthak Singh Ranawat " He introduced himself to her with a soft unbearable smile after looking her for more than 20 years

"Isha Mehra " She innocently said making him shake his head in no

"Isha Singhania " He endured with a proud look putting his hand on her head making her gasp and look at her father abruptly

"Hukum sa " Sandeep instantly said after the name rolled down from his lips

"What?. I gave you time but You didn't do that what you promised so , of course someone has to do that " He angrily said but Sandeep didn't move away as it was related to his daughter

"Isha is not ready for this, please -

"Don't show me these fake tears , She is not your -

" Hukum sa , Aap jo chaahe kar le par ye na kahe "Sandeep said dropping down to his feet begging him with joined his palms in please , It was hard for him to even hear those cruel words , let alone live with the thought that she is not his daughter

" Baba , What are you doing? "Isha said instantly down beside her father with her tears stricken face as it was hard for her to look at her father in this state

Saarthak move away as he doesn't not like her in his feet .Isha look at him with her tears in anger then beg her father to stand again but he was just kneeled down helpless

" Sandeep "Saarthak said and he weakly stand in front of him trying to hide Isha behind him as if someone is trying to snatch his precious . Well His mind mocked tooo - They are here only for that

"You know you can't hide the truth from her forever," Saarthak said firmly, feeling a twinge of pity for her tears. Despite this, his gaze towards Sandeep remained unwavering, his hatred clear

"What truth Baba ? And why he is saying Singhania " Isha said wiping her tears demanding the answers as it was now enough with this scenario

"He is saying right Bachha " He hardly whispered trying to control his sobs

"Hnn?" She exclaimed , looking at him with a confused face

"I -I a-m

" He is not your father " Saarthak dropped the bomb which completely shocked her , making her gasp and she instantly faced her Baba . No way , she is going to accept anyone's word

"Baba -

"He is right, Bachha," Sandeep said, silently, tears of pain flowing down his cheeks. He looked down as his past sins captured his mind, making him ashamed of his whole existence. It was hard to even meet the gaze of the girl before him after committing a horrible crime of which she was still unaware

"No-no- , He- he is ly-

"No , He is not Isha " Her father confirmed standing in front of her who just shook her head in denials as it was hard for her to contain the new found information . How can she easily accept it ? .The truth is demanding to say her whole identity was a lie

"Isha -

" Chup. Main apne Baba se baat kar rahi hu na "She angrily said to Saarthak shocking the guards at her courageous attempt while Saarthak just passed a small smile at her

" Even your anger resemble your father " He nodded at her and moved away a little a far to give her space with her Baba

" Isha . You cannot talk to him like that "Sandeep scolded in a stern tone making her sob and looked at him with an angry look , still tears gushing like no tomorrow . Sandeep heart broke at the sight and He instantly hugged his daughter

" I am sorry Bachha but this is the truth "He said cupping her cheeks , trying to make her understand who was still shaking her head in no .

" Tell me , Did He threaten you ? O-Or Is he the one who did the accident ? Or - Or-

" Shhhh ! Calm down Mera bacha .Nobody did anything to me . Even, He is the one who saved me and took me to the hospital . They are good people , Don't worry " He gently explained in a calm way , making sure the panic reduced somewhat and she breathed properly . He hated this vulnerable sight of his daughter but he has no way left .

" Naitik Singhania and Sonakshi Naitik Singhania are your real parents. Your father is the King of Pali and the owner of Singhania enterprises and Techsphere while Your mother is a professional Classical dancer " Saarthak said, making her look at him immediately while her Baba stood behind her holding her shoulder as support . She needed it , and now most .

"Then -

She tried to form words but nothing came out as her heart filled so much with emotions that even her thinking power was getting blurred . Sandeep sensed her question and turned her around who was looking at him painfully , telling through her sight to say - It is all lie - He was just pranking her with his new friends , But her hope shattered when He cupped her face after wiping her tears and said

"Isha, look here, Bachha. I wanted to tell you this for a long time, but I didn't have the courage. I'm sorry. But now, it's time for you to know the truth about your parents and your real identity," Sandeep softly explained, knowing how fragile his daughter is. This thorn of truth will surely tear her petal-like heart

"Let me explain Sandeep " Saarthak said diverting their attention towards him

"Your parents belong to a royal family from Rajasthan. You are a princess who was stolen by your father's enemies two days after your birth . We had been trying to find you from more than two dea des Dear and now finally The search come to end " He explained and at the last of his sentence his eyes welled up while the tears never left her eyes

" Main nahi manti " She rebuked without at him and looked back her baba with begging eyes

"Baba , Please say no . He is lying" she innocently said making the both man pitty at the innocent soul

"I wish I could spare you, Isha, but it is the truth. I am sorry," he said, breaking her hopes and avoiding eye contact with her. In that moment, her trust in him shattered

"Ishaaaaa" Sandeep said trying to hold his daughter who abruptly landed on her knees and her stare chrome lifeless . Snadeep wasted no time to hold his daughter and hugged her tightly who broke down in his arms

Saarthak looked at them and his heart ached at the scene but soon the sense of pity turned into anger for Sandeep . Only if he had not betrayed them , then everything will be life before and happy . Every second was making it difficult for him to not kill Sandeep but looking at the girl crying in his embrace , He was resisting the urge .

"Sandeep" Saarthak said in a hard tone , going towards them and Sandeep looked up , begging through his gaze to now stop . At least for the girl who He called his princess . But Sarthak was firm with his decision to close the topic today

"I need to talk something very urgently to you " Saarthak ordered , making him frown and thinking now what is more important left to talk

"Jii" He nodded , controlling his tears while still consoling his daughter who was not ready to leve him

"Isha , Please inside Bacha " Sandeep softly uttered making her looked at him

"Ba-

" We will talk about this later freely , I promise I will answer all of your questions . But for now please go inside " He said cupping her face and she disheartedly nodded and He helped her to stood up

" Jaao " He said gently and she went to her room

"I'll be straight to the point," Saarthak said, facing Sandeep, who feared only one thing: Would he take her away now?

"I am ready to do anything Hukum sa , but please don't take Isha away from me . I know I have committed a sin but I am changed . Please Hukum sa , She is the only light of my light . I beg you " He begged, kneeling before him without a second thought and Sarthak could feel the love He has for Isha . And He hated that

"Do you really think I will approve any of your pleadings after that sin" Saarthak said glaring at him

"I beg you Hukum sa .She is my only reason to live , she is my everything " He said holding Saarthak 's legs

"I want Isha to marry my son" He loudly announced and Sandeep looked at him in shock. Marrying his son ? You mean a monster who don't hesitate to give death if its benefits him

"No . My daughter will not marry a person like him " He fight back making him glare down at him

"My daughter is way too much innocent and pure to shoved her in that sinful and dark world Humkum sa " He firmly said knowing very well about the cruelty of the world in which his son live holds

"I didn't ask Sandeep, it my decision " Saarthak said moving away from him who stand before him

"If Naitik Sir was here , he never would have impose his decision on his daughter like this Hukum sa .And moreover Isha has right to choose her life partner as per her wish" He said making Saarthak sighed lightly .Even if he despise him most but he too understand his protectiveness for his daughter, of course no father who know about the darkness of that world will let their daughter go there willingly

"Even I don't want to, but we both know this is the only way to protect her from those who are waiting for just one chance to take her life," Saarthak said. Sandeep looked away, his mind in total agreement with Saarthak

"Now that they know about her, one mistake and I will lose her again, this time forever. I can't take risks when it comes to my daughter. I promise you, until I find out more about them, let her stay with him. After that, we will decide what to do," he said, trying to make him understand

"But how can it be wise? To protect her from one danger only to throw her into a world where her life will be at stake every moment. She will be in a realm where death will loom over her every second," Sandeep reasoned, wearing a worried expression

"And it's the same realm known for its merciless death sentence if an intruder tries to cross its premises. If you are considering the attacks then too remember the conditions of the attacher of meeting the Lord of that realm " Saarthak said in a cold tone with a tint of pride

"But -

"Make her ready for marriage. I will inform you of the date soon. We cannot delay in sending her to the Dark Realm. And make sure nobody finds out this truth until the time she is sent there," Saarthak said, turning away and buttoning his blazer

"What if she will not agree" Sandeep said in a dead tone

"Don't worry, I won't be too cruel to her, but she will have to marry Ekaksh," he said, walking away and leaving a heartbroken Sandeep behind

" Hukum sa ! Please think for one more time . We together can save her too " Sandeep said with a last hope as his heart was not ready to give away his daughter that too , to a person who doesn't know the meaning of kindness and knows rules the death like a devil . No his daughter is a angel and she is too pure to be his wife

"Sandeep, we have security, but he instills terror. His name alone is enough to give nightmares to his enemies. Ekaksh Sanvi Singh Ranawat is the kind of person no one wants to mess with, as they are aware of the consequences . He doesn't kill but makes sure his prey beg for that. And in this situation He is best for her , Ekaksh is best for Isha " he replied in a calm yet firm tone, leaving no room for discussion, and started to walk away

A tear slipped from his eye as he watched his retreating figure, who simply walked away, imposing his decision on them. Soon, some past events flashed in his mind, causing him to close his eyes

"Isha," he softly called, looking at his daughter who was staring at the moon, sitting on the big window ledge of her room. She immediately turned to him, her red, moist eyes making him feel a pang of guilt as he took in her fragile condition

"She didn't deserve this Bholenath " He thought walking towards her , clutching his emotions tightly for the moment

"Baba, How can he say that I am not your daughter " She whipped looking at him who control his tears and took a sharp breath , trying to calm his racing heart

"Come here Bachha " He said holding her both hand and walking towards the couch and made her sit on it

"Let him say whatever he wants , I am your father and You are my child . And it is the truth " He said sitting beside her who instead faced him after sitting on the couch with folded legs

"What if we are not blood related but it will never change the truth that Isha is my daughter " He said looking at her in determination who didn't take her eyes back from him

"Now please stop crying, Bachha, or else you will catch a cold," he said gently. She slowly rested her head on his thigh with a small sob, and he began to massage her scalp soothingly . Just the way He use to do whenever she feels low

" How did you find me Baba ?" She asked making him sighed, He was expecting this question

"I found you on a bench outside a hospital. You were just an infant of two or three days. At first, I didn't want to take you with me as I was struggling to make a living in a new city. But looking at the sky, which was about to pour heavily, I couldn't leave you there. So, I took you with me. And guess what? You became my lucky charm. I had been trying to get a job in a foreign country for years, and the night I brought you home, I got an offer. They demanded my presence the day after tomorrow, and I had no one to rely on. So, I had to drop you off at the doorstep of Aashiyana."

He explained, reminiscing about the past events that seemed like they happened just yesterday. His mind mocked how well he had molded the story-it wasn't the full truth but not a total lie either

"I am sorry Isha but I am scared what if you will hate me after knowing the truth " He thought wiping away his tear which was about to fell

" Then why did you come back to me after ten years ? " She asked and glanced back at him who sadly smiled at her

" Because all these ten years , there was not a single day when I didn't think about you . The little girl who held my finger in her sleeping state when I committed the sin of dropping her on the doorstep in the middle of the night " He said recalling the moment when He felt that father instincts for the first time nad rest of his ten years spent in working hard to earn a shelter and go back to his home country

"At first, I was afraid if they would even allow single parenting or if you would accept me. But it seems like your Shivji was really merciful to me. Everything worked out blissfully, and after years of having you, you became the only ray of hope in my life," he said, looking at her with deep affection. He kissed her forehead as both father and daughter reminisced about their joyful moments over the past years

" Baba ! " She called and instantly sat on the couch folding her legs , facing him

"By your words, you seem like a commoner. Then how do you know Mr. Ranawat?" she asked, her confusion evident. If he had been struggling for a livelihood, how did the royals know him ? And why didn't he go to them if he needed help ?

"My parents, or better said, our bloodline, had sworn to serve the Ranawats with their lives, but I didn't want to keep any connection with them. Mr. Ranawat has seen me many times, but we had very few interactions," he said, carefully mending his words. How could he tell her that he was one of the most deadly informers and a special agent for one of the Ranawat princes? Revealing those dark secrets would only make her loathe him

" Why didn't you tell me the truth before ? " She asked and He just make her head laid in his lapse

"Because you were not ready for that and I had become selfish for your love that I didn't want anyone to snatch you Isha . But look Karma always playback and now everything is revealed " He said again stating to massage her scalp

" What about my parents ? What is their story ? Do you know them too ? Or-

" Shhhh ! I know you have lots of questions , Let me start with their story first " He said making her ssshed and she nodded

"As Mr. Ranawat said, your father was the King of Pali, and your mother was a professional classical dancer. But there's much more interesting to know about them. They were the true example of how love knows no boundaries if it is true. Your mother was the epitome of purity and beauty. Classical dancing was not just her passion but her devotion and self-esteem. One day, her passion mesmerized the King of Pali, your father, who lost his heart at the mere glimpse of her beautifully engrossed in her dance " He narrated while she carefully listened , without her knowing a small smile twitched her lips

" Days passed, and he tried to persuade her, but she always turned her back on him, reminding him of the boundaries between them. She wasn't wrong-their union was like the unison of sky and land. But with a lot of effort and struggle, he finally confessed his love for her, and she accepted it " He said recalling the efforts that went on before his bare eyes . How could he forget those days when He too had find a source of love for the first time

" However, fate had other plans. Not everyone in your father's family was as kind and ethical as he was. They drew a line between the rich and the poor, and your grandmother was the prime example of this divide. I still remember the moment when she insulted your mother in a large gathering, calling her names and humiliating her in front of everyone " He said feeling a pang in his heart while Isha too passed a sad look when class decides the future than a classic love

" Fir kya hua Baba , did they separate ? " She asked being curious

" That is the main thing isha .When all these happened Naitik was not there but when He came to know this , He immediately went to Sonakshi and proposed her for the marriage but She rejected without a second thought . As it was really not acceptal for her to go to the same place again where her devotion , her art , her Dance was installed and was termed as 'Mujra' . Her mind was each second living teh names that they called her and her family ' mujarewqali , ' vaisiya ' and many things . And Sonakshi Chaudhari , put her self-esteem above her love " He said and at last his tone contained a glint of pride

"But in all this, Naitik suffered the most. His love for her was above everything. He begged her, but she stood firm in her resolve. He waited for her to accept him during those heavy pouring nights, but she just held an umbrella and stood along with him until he went away, never wavering in her stance. In the end, when everyone thought he had forgotten her, he did something no one could have imagined." He narrated while Isha listened with rapt attention, her eyes wide with curiosity and fascination

" What Baba ?" She asked

" He left his King position and sacrificed his royalty for his love and directly went to Sonakshi who first tried her best to make him understand but seeing the unconditional love in his for her , Her heart melted and soon they got married " He said

" Then did my father's family accept them again ?" She asked with a nervous gulp

" Accept ? They even tried to kill them and create hurdles in their life " Sandeep said shaking his head while Isha parted her lips at his words

" Then How did they get away from all these ?" She asked

" Because all the time there was one person who was helping to complete their story . A person who was impossible to competitive with whether in craziness or cruelty " Sandeep answered

" Who ?" Isha sked with so much curiosity

" Niharika Singh Rawanat , the protection of their love story . The princess of Ranawats whom even they need to protect their territory . She was someone ,Nobody wanted to mess with that time, " Sandeep said , unknowingly touching his forehead only to feel wetness as sweat beads formed there . Hell , Her name still gives me trauma

" She helped them in their struggling period and with his hard work and intelligence , Naitik started his own business which flourished within time and soon they welcomed a girl child after one year of their marriage " He smiled genuinely remembering the time and their happy ending after fighting so much for their love

" Me ?" She asked and Snadeep shook his head in no with a smile

"Not you, Bachha. Your eldest sister, Shreeja Singhania, was the symbol of their love. You were born more than eight years after their marriage, and you had a twin," he revealed, making her eyes go wide with shock and surprise

" T-Twin ?" She fumbled . She really didn't know how to react at this time

" Yes , A twin sister named Alisha " He said and further continued telling her the story which she listened with utmost interest

" So basically I have two sisters . One elder and another 2 minutes younger than me " She said and Snadeep nodded

" Baba , If I have all of them, why did only Mr.Ranawat come today ? Where are all of them ?" She asked blinking her eyes who licked his dry lips , hesitating to tell another incident

"About Alisha, she was also taken away the day you were. Mr. Ranawat told me Mr. and Mrs. Singhania were found dead in a car accident. And as for Shreeja, nobody knows where she is. It's as if she has disappeared from the outer world," he informed gently.

Isha gulped, the pain of hearing about her parents' deaths hitting her hard, especially after learning about them just a few hours before. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions and confusion

"Baba, why are all these things happening? First his betrayal, then that horrible incident in the park, your accident, and now this. Why is fate being so cruel to me?" She sadly expressed , keeping her head on his shouted making him frown at a certain word

"Park incidence ? What happened there, Isha ?" He immediately asked makingher looked at him , in all those she forget to even tell about this

"Did they reach her ?" He thought as feared contained his heart fully

"Actually that day when he cheated on him , I went to park .I was crying when I heard some noises , I followed them and saw a person killing a old man who was literally on the verge to die , When I tried to save him ,that black mask person pointed the gun on my head to kill me " She told him who was shocked at her words

"Why didn't you tell me about this before Isha " He almost shouted making her flinched while He wiped his face in frustration and fear

"I didn't want to worry you as you were already injured " She said looking down and tears fell down her cheeks and his gaze softened . He didn't wanted to shout at her but the situation made him lose his cool and he regret it

"Isha I am not scolding you Bachha , but what if something had happened to you . How many times I need to tell you that Good deeds are good until they cause bad to you Isha ,and this would have taken away your life " He firmly explained, holding her shoulder . This is one of the reason why he didn't wanted to give his daughter to that lord ofDark realm , She even gets scared if someone talks her in a high pitch tone and That person has insane anger issue

"Sorry , Baba " She whispered and he sighed , then cupped her face and made her looked at him after wiping away her tears

"Don't cry .You said he was about to shoot you then what happened ? " He asked gently and she further continued

"After that I felt like something triggered him and he instantly kill that old man in front of my eyes Baba , That was horrible . How could someone be so cruel that they don't hesitate to take someone life " She cried remembering his cruelty and that killing sound , It still trigger her panic attacks

"Its ok Isha . Shhhh ! . I am worrying How you were dealing with all these from months " He said taking her in a warm hug

"Apart from that , Did you see something else or something odd " He gently asked , breaking the hug and she tried to remember the event even if it was giving thrilling shiver down her spine

"Yes, Baba, after that, suddenly many people in black suits and with guns surrounded us. They seemed very scary and dangerous, but the odd thing was that they were all wearing different kinds of masks. I didn't see their faces, not even the face of the person who killed-" her voice broke as the memories resurfaced.

" Assassins "Sandeep whispered as her words were growing his fear more . Through her describe , He can easily sensed they were trained men of a Dark world organization

"But the thing which is still confusing me is, why didn't he kill me?" she said, still wondering why he spared her. His rage-filled eyes staring into hers had shown he wanted to destroy her, but what made him spare her ?

Sandeep's eyes moistened as he realized that those men might have been after his daughter. They may have spared her once, but what if they came back? He knew they would definitely kill her next time. Revenge is a fire that never extinguishes, and the person who wants it will go to any extent to achieve their aim.

" I am sorry Isha but I don't have any way left. I know its fool of me to protect you from a revenge to throw you in a hell where its ruler never forgets to torture at any mistake "He thought looking at her who was still lost in the thoughts of that park incident

"Isha, you know I never force you to do anything, Bachha, but today I want you to do something," he softly said, making her look at him with concern . She nodded and He continued

"Will you do it?" he asked, extending his hand toward her

"I will do anything you say Baba " She said without any hesitation putting her palm on his making him feeling more guilty , she blindly trust him with her everything

"Get married Isha" He dropped his words making her her face paled and the small smile disappeared in air

"Baba" She murmured in utmost shock

"Isha I request you bacha ,please marry to Mr.Ranawat son " He joined his palms

"But why ?" She asked looking at her father vulnerable state

"I cannot tell you everything now, but just know that your life is in peril. Someone is after you to take your life. He wants revenge on your parents, and after their death, he has been hunting you. Now he knows about you, and I fear he will come here anytime to get you," he said in a restless tone, making her worried. She had never seen her Baba in such a state in all the years she had known him

"Who ? " She asked , trying to calm him and He sat again beside her

"Someone who has a strong enmity with your fa-father Naitik Singhania and your father family even favored him to me your father-mother live living hell " He said with a sharp breath remembering that person

"Isha please don't think anything just do this , I promise you will be happy. He is a goo- nic- I mean he is Mr.Ranawat son . You will be safe there " He said but somewhere in his heart he is still doubting his words . Will she ever stay happy there ?

" But I really don't want to leave my Banaras, '' she exclaimed in sorrow . Banaras is her love and leaving it means leaving the way of living of life

"Who said you are leaving, this is your house Who can come here anytime you want but for now This place is not safe for you , they already know you live here " He explain making her lost in her thought

"Bholenath ki Ichchha samajh ke haan bol do, Isha. I promise this is the last time I am forcing you for anything, but trust me, I am compelled to do this, my child," he said softly, placing his palm on her head

She closed her eyes, and images of the Ganga Ghat, the lanes of Banaras, and the divine Shivling of her Shivji appeared before her, accompanied by the ethereal Ganga Aarti. These sacred visions strengthened her resolve, and with newfound hope, she nodded

"If this is what you want, then I am ready for this marriage," she said in a low tone, opening her eyes. He passed a small smile, kissed her forehead, and cupped her face gently. She nodded at him with a small, reassuring smile, feeling a mix of apprehension and trust

"But I want to meet him before marriage " She said and Sandeep nodded at her words .At least He could do this much for his daughter after making her sacrifice the biggest decision of her life .

"I will talk about this Mr.Ranawat " He said and she nodded and after spending some time together . She went to her bed

"Baba " She called when he was about to leave the room . He looked back at her

"I am your Daughter" She said with her red eyes making him walk towards her with a small smile . Of course she is his daughter

"You are my daughter Dr.Isha Mehra" He firmly said without caring about others view and words and kissed her forehead who passed a small smile and closed her eyes and soon drifted in a deep slumber

" My daughter " He whispered , stroking her head and a tear escaped his eyes . How much he puts on a facade that Mr.Ranawat words didn't affect him but atl last his heart was bleeding when He said those cruel words

How was the chapter ? Hope you like it .

Make sure to vote and comment and do tell me your favourite part of the chapter

Thank you .

Subh.