As the sun began to set on the second day, the Rajvansh family gathered in their living room, exhausted and defeated. Dhruv's eyes were sunken, his face gaunt, and his body language screamed of desperation.
Dhruv's car screeched to a halt in front of his family's mansion, and he leapt out, his heart racing with anticipation. He burst through the front door.
Dhruv's eyes locked onto his father's, his mind racing with questions. "What information did you receive about niya?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
His father's gaze shifted towards the TV, and Dhruv followed his glance. The screen flickered to life, displaying a shocking image that made Dhruv's blood run cold.
The face of the kidnapper, the person responsible for Vani's disappearance, niya, stared back at him with a sinister grin. Dhruv's eyes widened in horror as he took in the chilling sight.
"Niya?" Dhruv stammered, his mind reeling with shock and anger.
His father's face was grim. "Yes, we do not know why and from where this video was sent to us, about which I have no clue, Polish is trying to find out about this video."
Dhruv's fists clenched in rage as he gazed at the niya's face, seared into his memory forever. He vowed to do everything in his power to bring Vani home safely and make niya pay for their heinous crime.
The video began to play, and the niya's face filled the screen, a menacing smile spreading across her features.
"I'm sure you've all heard the news by now," niya sneered, their eyes glinting with triumph. "that she had been kidnapped, that someone must have hit her on the head with a hammer and she must have fainted when she was coming downstairs."
Dhruv's fists clenched in rage as he listened to niya's taunts. His father's face was set in a grim mask, his eyes blazing with determination.
Niya's voice continued to drip with venom. "I've been watching this family for a long time. I know all your secrets, all your weaknesses. that someone took the vaani with him from your back gate."
Niya's voice took on a sinister tone, their words dripping with malice. "Dhruv, you should have stayed out of this," she sneered.
"You should not have married her, you should have kept her away from you. She should have never tried to take you away from me. But now, it's too late. You've made me angry, and now Vani will pay the price."
The whole family is confused that Vaani and Dhruv are already married, but when, how and why they don't know anything.
Dhruv's eyes widened in horror as niya's words hung in the air. He felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the true extent of niya's twisted obsession.
Niya's voice dripped with malice as she spoke, her words hanging in the air like a challenge. "Before I go, I want to show you something," she said, her tone dripping with sadistic pleasure.
The camera jerked and swayed, as if Niya was moving it herself. Dhruv's heart sank as the camera panned across the room, finally coming to rest on a figure slumped against the wall.
Vani.
Dhruv's breath caught in his throat as he took in Vani's battered form. Her head lolled to one side, her eyes closed, and her skin pale and clammy. A trickle of blood seeped from a gash on her forehead, staining her clothes and the floor beneath her.
Her clothes were torn and disheveled, her body bruised and battered. Dhruv's mind recoiled in horror as he took in the extent of Vani's injuries.
Niya's laughter echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound. "Looks like Vani's had a bit of an accident," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But don't worry, she's still alive... for now."
Niya's voice took on a manic tone, her words spilling out in a frenzied rush. "You don't need to worry about Vani's safety," she cackled. "I'll make sure she's taken care of... in a special way."
Dhruv's mind recoiled in horror as Niya's plan unfolded. "I'll put her on a counter, surrounded by other girls, all destined for a life of servitude," she gloated. "The counter will be loaded onto a ship, bound for a distant land, where Vani will become the property of a stranger."
Niya's eyes blazed with a psychotic intensity, her voice dripping with malice. "She'll be at the mercy of a man who will use her for his own twisted desires," she hissed, her words painting a picture of unspeakable terror.
Niya's voice dripped with triumph as she delivered the final blow. "And by the time you receive this video, it will already be too late," she gloated. "The ship will have set sail, and Vani will be on her way to her new destination."
Dhruv's heart sank as the reality of the situation hit him. Vani was gone, taken from him before he could even react. The thought of her being transported to a foreign land, at the mercy of strangers, was too much to bear.
"You've lost, Dhruv," Niya's voice taunted. "You'll never see Vani again. She's gone, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."
The screen flickered and went black, leaving Dhruv staring at the darkness, his mind reeling with despair and desperation.
Dhruv's face had lost all its color, his eyes vacant and empty. He collapsed onto the couch, his mind a complete blank. The weight of Niya's words had crushed him, leaving him feeling helpless and defeated.
The room was silent, the only sound of the quiet sobbing of shobha.she stood frozen in shock, their faces etched with worry and fear.
Dhruv's father stood at the front, his eyes fixed on his son's slumped form. His face was pale, his lips trembling with rage and despair. Shobha and nikhil stood beside him, their faces mirroring his anguish.
Anant,Dipti and Bhoomi were not there, they were in the hospital with her as the doctor had told her to stay in the hospital until his delivery took place.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy with grief, the weight of their collective sorrow palpable. They stood there, frozen in time, unable to move or speak, as the reality of Vani's fate sank in.
Anmol, stormed in front of him, his eyes blazing with anger and worry. He strode up to Dhruv, his fists clenched, and grabbed his collar, spinning him around.
"Where is my sister?" Anmol demanded, his voice low and menacing. "What have you done with her?"
But Dhruv didn't react. He didn't flinch, didn't speak, didn't even look up. He just sat there, his eyes vacant, his face expressionless.
Anmol's grip on Dhruv's collar tightened, his anger and frustration boiling over. "Answer me, Dhruv!" he shouted, shaking him violently.
But Dhruv remained still, his body limp, his mind numb. He was broken, shattered by the weight of Niya's words and the loss of Vani.
But seeing the condition of Dhruv, Anmol's own eyes filled with tears He stole the Dhruv and sat down holding his head.
Dhruv's body seemed to be moving on autopilot, his legs carrying him towards the stairs as if driven by a morbid curiosity.
He climbed the stairs, his footsteps heavy and mechanical, until he reached the door to Vani's room.
With a sense of inevitability, Dhruv pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was just as Vani had left it, her belongings scattered about, her bed unmade.
But Dhruv's gaze was drawn to one thing: a photograph of Vani, smiling and radiant, that sat on her bedside table.
Dhruv's eyes locked onto the photograph, and for a moment, he felt a spark of life reignite within him. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a crushing sense of loss and despair.
Dhruv's eyes wandered aimlessly around the room, his mind still reeling from the video call with Niya. His gaze fell upon a small, dusty CD player on the shelf, and suddenly, he remembered the tape recorder Vani had made for them.
Before leaving, Vaani had made a tape recorder for him which she kept in her room and dhruv found it when he was in her room lost in her memories.
With trembling hands, Dhruv inserted the CD into the player and pressed play. Vani's soft, melodious voice filled the room, and Dhruv's heart swelled with emotion.
"Mummy,bhai,, dadaji, dadiji,mom, Dad, uncle, aunty, durga di,dipali di, Shivam,Ayla ji, rudra,priya and....D... Dhruv,," Vani's voice began, "I know I'm going to be gone soon, and I wanted to leave you all with something to remember me by."
Dhruv's eyes welled up with tears as he listened to Vani's words, her voice cracking with emotion.
"I love you all so much, and I'm grateful for every moment we shared together," Vani continued. "I know I'm not going to be here to see you all grow and thrive, but I want you to know that I'll always be with you in spirit."
"I know I won't be with you people either, but please keep me among you and miss me a little",
"Keep feeding my swan, they and anu will miss me but make them understand that I am with them",her voice starts cracking,
"And Dhruv, take care of yourself, I will always keep an eye on you from above, remember me but please don't cry, take care of your health, take care of the whole family",
"If I ever come back, I will definitely meet you all. I love all of you.",
The tape recorder crackled and popped, but Vani's voice remained steady, pouring out her heart to her loved ones.
Dhruv felt his heart shatter into a million pieces as he listened to Vani's farewell message.
Dhruv's gaze remained fixed on the photograph, his eyes welling up with tears. But instead of crying, he suddenly burst out laughing. It was a cold, mirthless sound, devoid of any humor or joy.
His laughter grew louder and more manic, echoing off the walls of Vani's room. It was as if he had lost all grip on reality, his mind shattered by the weight of his grief.
Dhruv's body shook with uncontrollable laughter, his eyes streaming with tears. He stumbled backwards, collapsing onto Vani's bed, still laughing hysterically.
The sound of his laughter was chilling, a haunting reminder of the devastating blow he had suffered. It was as if he had lost himself, his sanity shattered by the loss of the one person he loved most.
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four years later.....
Four years later, the city awakened to a new day. The first rays of the sun fell on the city's streets, and people began to start their daily lives.
As the streets came alive, people headed to work. Some read newspapers, while others stared at their mobile phones.
In the markets, shops began to open, and traders started their day. Some shops played music, while others resonated with the sounds of people's conversations.
The city's morning hustle and bustle symbolized the start of a new day, where people were ready to fulfill their dreams.
As the morning sun cast its warm rays upon the Rajvansh mansion, a sense of serenity pervaded the air. The soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing melody that seemed to lull the world into a peaceful slumber.
But then, a sudden, sharp sound pierced the air, shattering the tranquility of the moment. It was the sound of a conch shell being blown, its loud, resonant tone echoing through the halls of the mansion.
Dipti, who had just finished her morning puja, smiled to herself as she blew the conch shell, signaling the start of a new day.
The sound was a traditional one, meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the household.
As the sound of the conch shell faded away, the mansion seemed to stir back to life. The servants began to bustle about, preparing for the day ahead, while the family members slowly emerged from their rooms, ready to face whatever the day might bring.
Dipti stepped out of the puja room, she was immediately mobbed by two tiny tots, who clung to her legs with an unyielding grip.
The four-year-old isha's twins, with their big, round eyes and mischievous grins, looked up at Dipti with an unwavering adoration.
"dadi,dadi!" they chimed in unison, their tiny voices rising above the din of the mansion.
Dipti smiled, her expression softening as she gazed at the two little bundles of energy.
She reached down, scooping up the twins in her arms, and showered them with affection.
The children giggled and squealed, their laughter infectious, as Dipti twirled around, her dupatta flying behind her like a colorful kite.
Dipti's eyes sparkled with amusement as she gazed at the two little munchkins clinging to her.
They were Isha's children, and they had been shadowing their mother's every step, refusing to let her out of their sight.
Today was a special day - their first day of school - and Isha had been trying to get them ready, but they were stubbornly resisting.
They had escaped from their mother's clutches and ran to their dadi, Dipti, seeking refuge in her loving arms.
"hum school nahi jayenge, Dadi," Ayansh and Aditya chorused, their big brown eyes pleading with Dipti to save them from the horrors of school.(we will not go to school)
Dipti chuckled, her heart melting at the sight of her precious grandkids. She knew she had to come up with a plan to convince them to go to school, but for now, she was happy to just cuddle and spoil them rotten.
"It's okay, then don't go to school today, we will go tomorrow", she said and kissed on their chubby cheeks.
"maa please not today, they have been saying the same thing and have not been going to school for the past week", she says coming there, their uniform was in her hands.
Just as Dipti was trying to reason with the two little ones, a clear, firm voice cut through the air. "We should get going, Dadi. I don't want them to be late for school on their first day."
Dipti's eyes turned to the speaker, and she was taken aback by the maturity and confidence emanating from the 10-year-old boy.
Anubhav, Rajvansh's eldest child, stood before her, dressed in his crisp school uniform, his eyes shining with a sense of responsibility.
He took a deep breath that now he will convince both of them but he also felt that he might get into the innocence of both of them.
The two younger children looked up at Anubhav with a mixture of admiration and awe. They had always looked up to their older brother, and his words carried weight.
He was growing up to be a fine young boy, and his presence seemed to bring a sense of calm and order to the chaotic morning scene.
Anubhav's gentle voice wrapped around his younger siblings like a warm blanket, soothing their fears and anxieties. "Come on, guys, we have to go to school. It's going to be fun, I promise."
The twins looked up at Anubhav, their eyes wide with uncertainty. But as they gazed into his calm, reassuring face, they began to feel a sense of comfort and security.
"But why do we have to go?" Ayansh asked, their voice trembling slightly.
Anubhav smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because, we need to learn new things and make new friends. And besides, Dadi and Mom will be proud of us."
The twins looked at each other, then back at Anubhav. Slowly, they nodded their heads, their faces set with determination.
"Okay, bhaiya," they said in unison, their voices filled with a newfound sense of courage.
Anubhav grinned, his heart swelling with pride. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get going. We don't want to be late on our first day."
As the twins scampered off towards their room, Isha turned to Anubhav with a look of gratitude. "Anubhav, I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Anubhav smiled, his eyes shining with a sense of responsibility. "You'll never have to find out, bari mom," he replied, his voice steady and reassuring.
"Thank you, beta," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion
Anubhav's face flushed with pleasure, but he simply smiled and nodded, his eyes shining with happiness..
As the warm exchange between Isha and Anubhav came to a close, the scene shifted to the Rajvansh office, where Shivam the chairman of the Rajvansh Empire, the patriarch of the family, sat at the helm of a high-stakes meeting.
Seated around the polished mahogany table were Nikhil and Aarun, their faces intent and focused as they pored over the financial reports and proposals laid out before them.
Shivam's voice was firm and commanding as he addressed the gathering. " we need to finalize the merger plans by the end of the week. I expect each of you to review the documents and come prepared with your recommendations."
Nikhil nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the reports. " I've reviewed the projections, and I believe we can negotiate a better deal if we—"
Aarun interrupted, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "I'm not sure that's feasible, Nikhil. We need to consider the risks involved and—"
Shivam held up a hand, his eyes narrowing as he listened to the debate unfold. "Let's hear each other out, We'll discuss the pros and cons and make an informed decision."
The meeting continued, with the three men engaging in a lively discussion, their voices rising and falling as they navigated the complexities of the business deal.
As the meeting drew to a close, aarun's eyes swept around the table, ensuring that all points had been discussed and decisions made. With a nod of satisfaction, he adjourned the meeting, and the men began to gather their papers.
Shivam, now free from the meeting, made his way to aarun's side. "Dad, I'll head out now. I promised bhabhi I'd pick up the kids from school."
Aarun's face softened, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Ah, good. They'll be thrilled to see you. How's their first day of school going, do you think?"
Shivam chuckled. "Isha said they were a bit resistant to the idea at first, but Anubhav helped calm them down. He's growing up to be a fine young man, just like his uncle."
Aarun's eyes gleamed with pride at the mention of his grandson. "Yes, Anubhav has a good heart. I'm glad he's taking care of his siblings."
With a nod, Aarun turned to leave, but Shivam's voice stopped him. "Shivam?"
"Yes, papa?"
"Drive safely, and give the kids a hug from me."
Shivam smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Will do, papa. Love you."
"Love you too, beta," Shivam replied, his voice low and affectionate.
The scene shifted to Anmol's apartment, the warm glow of morning sunlight spilled through the windows, casting a golden light on the bustling household.
Durga, resplendent in her office attire, stood by the door, checking her watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Anmol, similarly dressed, gave her a reassuring smile as he slipped on his tie.
Meanwhile, in the center of the hall, a tiny tot of two years held court, babbling excitedly in bhoomi's arms.
Inakshi, Durga and Anmol's daughter who is two years old, both of them got married three years ago.
She cooed and cuddled the little one, trying to distract her from the impending goodbye.
"Bye, bye, Ina," Durga said, bending down to kiss her daughter's chubby cheek. "Mama will be back soon."
The little one's face scrunched up, and she wailed, clinging to her grandmother's neck. Bhoomi soothed her, whispering softly in her ear.
"Don't worry, beta, Mama will bring you lots of goodies tonight," Anmol chimed in, trying to pacify his daughter.
"bye mom we will come soon",they both said together and hugged her while bhoomi patted their back.
"Don't worry, he won't miss you, her two kangaroo brothers will come and she will get busy with them", bhoomi said pinching Ina cheeks making her pout..
The scene shifted, the sterile whites and gleaming steel of a hospital operating theater came into view. Rudra, India's most renowned gynecologist, emerged from the OT, his scrubs stained with the remnants of a successful surgery.
His eyes, red-rimmed from the intensity of the procedure, shone with a deep sense of satisfaction. The soft beeping of monitors and the muted hum of hospital equipment provided a soothing background melody as he made his way to the nurses' station.
A warm smile spread across his face as he accepted the congratulations of his team. "It was a textbook procedure," he said, his voice low and smooth. "The mother and baby are both doing fine."
As he changed out of his scrubs, Rudra's mind wandered to his own family, his thoughts filled with love and gratitude for the life he had built.
He was a man at the pinnacle of his career, with a reputation for excellence and a heart full of compassion.
Rudra emerged from the hospital's sliding glass doors, a bright smile illuminated his face. Dipali, his dear friend, stood waiting for him, her eyes shining with warmth.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, as Rudra approached her. "I've been waiting for you. You're right on time."
Rudra chuckled, feeling a sense of relief washed over him. "I couldn't let you down, Dipali. Besides, I'm starving! Where are we headed for lunch?"
Dipali grinned mischievously. "I was thinking we could try that new Italian place downtown. I've heard great things about it."
Rudra's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect. Let's go."
As they strolled towards Dipali's car, Rudra turned to her with a proud smile. "By the way, I heard you won the Best Designer award at the architectural convention last week. Congratulations!"
Dipali's face glowed with pleasure. "Thanks, Rudra! I'm still on cloud nine. It was a huge surprise."
Rudra's eyes shone with sincerity. "You deserve it, Dipali. Your talent and dedication are inspiring. I'm honored to call you my friend."
Dipali's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thanks, Rudra. That means a lot coming from you."
His car moved ahead from there and then the scene shifted to a different car, a black coloured Mercedes followed by a three car which was going in its security.
Inside, Anant, the ceo of the Rajvansh Empire,sat in the back seat, his eyes fixed on his laptop meanwhile Varun scribbled was driving his eyes fixed on road, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Sir, regarding the upcoming project," Varun began, "I've compiled a list of potential investors. Shall I schedule meetings with them?"
Anant's gaze never wavered from the laptop,but his voice was crisp and decisive. "Yes, Varun. Set up meetings with the top three investors. I want to make a strong impression and secure funding for this project."
Varun nodded, his fingers flying across the string. "Consider it done, sir. I'll also prepare a comprehensive presentation to showcase our proposal."
Anant's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. "Good. I want to leave a lasting impression on these investors. This project has the potential to revolutionize the industry, and I won't let it slip through our fingers."
Those people have settled themselves in their new life, their old life is far away but the missing feeling in a corner of their heart still haunts them it was for felling vaani which they could never find.
Even after the vanishing of vaani, those people did not stop looking for her but even after searching for many months, they could not find vaani.
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