Sitara sat in the royal garden, the gentle sound of the fountain beside her, soaking in the scent of roses and the warmth of home. But her eyes were fixed on her phone screen, waiting for a call, a message—anything from one person.

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice broke her thoughts.

"Oye London return raani, mujhe bhool gayi kya tu?"

Sitara looked up and gasped.

"Kavya!"

Before she could get up, Kavya had already flung herself at her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Three saal! Teen saal bina mile! Teri shaadi ho gayi kya London mein?"

Sitara laughed. "Mujhe lagta tha tu serious ho gayi hogi ab tak, but tu toh waise hi pagal hai."

Kavya plopped down beside her, dramatically flipping her hair.

"Excuse me? Main toh ab aur bhi classy ho gayi hoon. Par tu! Tu toh literal royal feel de rahi hai, Princess Rajvanshi."

"Please, mujhe wo sab sunke ajeeb lagta hai."

"Achha baba, chhod. Ab bata, koi hai kya teri life mein?" Kavya asked, nudging her shoulder with a wink.

"Bilkul nahi." Sitara rolled her eyes. "Aur waisi baaton ka time hi kahan mila."

Kavya smirked. "Toh phir Abhay Rathore ka kya?"

Sitara blinked, her smile freezing for a moment. "Kya matlab?"

Kavya leaned in, teasing, but her voice dropped slightly.

"Suna hai tum dono ka alliance fix hua tha bachpan mein. Tu bhool gayi kya? Ya tujhe bataaya hi nahi gaya?"

Sitara stared at her. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Main... main kuch nahi jaanti is baare mein."

Kavya noticed the change in her expression and placed a gentle hand over hers.

"Chill, Sittu. Shayad bas rumaal jitna sach ho iss rumor mein. Par agar sach ho… toh tu aur Abhay Rathore? Uff. Total fire combo."

Sitara tried to smile, but something inside her stirred — curiosity, confusion… and a strange chill.

Ready for next chapter???