The Rathore Palace was alive that evening. Servants bustled in the corridors, the chandeliers glowed brightly, and yet, beneath all the grandeur, a strange heaviness floated in the air.
🌸 Ishika’s Heart
Ishika sat in her chamber, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The diamond bangles Abhimaan had given her the day before glittered on her wrists, but her eyes… they carried doubt.
Am I making him suffer? He agreed to marry me because of circumstances… not because I deserve him. Maybe his heart belongs to someone else…
A soft knock broke her thoughts. Yuvraj peeked in, his mischievous smile in place.
“Didi sa… why are you hiding here? Bhai sa is looking for you.”
Ishika smiled weakly. “yuvraj, I… I’ll come in a while.”
But Yuvraj frowned. “Now you’re not only my didi sa… soon you will be our Bhabhi Maa.”
Ishika’s eyes widened. “Bhabhi Maa?”
Ekansh entered just then, his deep voice calm but certain. “Yes, Ishika. From today, you are not just our elder’s bride. You are like a mother figure to us. The one who feeds us, scolds us, protects us. You are our Bhabhi Maa.”
Her lips trembled as emotions surged. For two brothers who had lost their mother early, this title was sacred. She placed her hands on their heads softly. “Yuvraj… ansh… this is too big an honour for me.”
But Yuvraj hugged her tightly, grinning. “Get used to it, Didi sa. You’re stuck with us now.”
💍 The Proposal
That night, the Rathore brothers and Anchal gathered in the royal courtyard. The stars glistened above, and the air was scented with jasmine.
Abhimaan walked in, his steps echoing power. Ishika lowered her eyes nervously.
Then, to everyone’s shock, Abhimaan dropped down on one knee before her.
Ishika gasped. “Hukum sa… what are you—”
Abhimaan looked straight into her eyes. His voice was deep but gentle.
“Ishika, you think this marriage is my duty. But the truth is… it’s my choice. You are not my burden. You are my calm, my strength, my queen.”
Tears welled in her eyes.
“Will you marry me… not for protection, but for love?”
Her lips trembled. She wanted to call him something more personal, more intimate. And for the first time, she whispered, “Yes, Maan.”
The word silenced the courtyard. Abhimaan’s eyes softened instantly — this one word broke all barriers. For years, he was ‘Hukum sa’ to the world. But to her… he was just Maan.
He rose, cupping her face, his forehead against hers. The brothers clapped, Yuvraj cheered, and even Ekansh’s guarded expression melted slightly.
⚡ The Threat Unveiled
The celebration was short-lived. Aditya, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. His sharp eyes were fixed on Anchal.
“Anchal. We all know who you are now — the brain behind KNIAM. The business empire the world fears. But I found something today.”
Everyone turned towards him.
Aditya placed his phone on the table. On it flashed a message:
“Your time is ending, KNIAM. We are coming for you. And for those you love.”
Ishika gasped and gripped Anchal’s hand tightly. “Anchu… what is this?”
For once, the fearless businesswoman’s mask cracked. Her lips quivered, her fingers trembled slightly.
Ekansh’s protective instinct flared instantly. “Who sent this?” His voice thundered.
Aditya’s gaze stayed on Anchal. “That’s what I want to know. She’s been receiving these for days.”
All eyes turned to her. For the first time, Anchal looked… small. Not ruthless, not untouchable, but like the girl who was thrown into a government hostel at three years old.
Abhimaan stepped forward, his voice firm yet unusually soft. “Bacha… you should have told us.”
Her eyes widened. “…Bacha?”
Abhimaan’s gaze pierced hers. “Yes. From today, you are not alone. You are my sister. My responsibility. And whoever dares to threaten you will face me first.”
The word shattered her defenses. For years, she had built walls around her aching heart. But this man — who owed her nothing — was calling her sister.
Her throat closed. Tears she never allowed herself to shed burned her eyes. Her voice was a whisper. “…Bhai sa.”
Everyone froze.
Ishika gasped softly. Yuvraj’s face broke into the widest smile. Ekansh’s eyes shone with fierce relief.
It was the first time in her life Anchal had called someone Bhai sa.
🌙 The Warmth of a Family
Ishika pulled Anchal into a hug. “See, Anchu? You were never alone. You have us.”
Yuvraj added happily, “Aur ab hamari ek maa aur ek behen hain — Bhabhi Maa and Anchal !”
Everyone laughed softly at his innocence, but Ekansh’s jaw clenched as he looked at Anchal. He couldn’t stand the idea of anyone hurting her.
Abhimaan placed a protective arm around Ishika and Anchal both. His voice was steel. “Whoever is threatening you, Anchal… will not succeed. As long as you are under this roof, you are safe. This is a Rathore’s promise.”
Aditya leaned back, satisfied. “Good. Because now that we know the enemy is watching… we can prepare.”
But deep inside, everyone knew the truth — this was only the beginning.
🌑 Closing Scene
Later, when the palace had grown quiet, Ishika sat in the balcony, looking at the stars. Abhimaan walked up behind her, wrapping his shawl over her shoulders.
“You called me Maan today.” His voice was low, almost teasing.
Her cheeks warmed. “…I don’t know why. It just… slipped.”
He tilted her chin to face him, his eyes burning into hers. “Don’t ever take it back. To the world, I am Hukum sa. But to you… I want to be only Maan.”
Her heart melted, and she leaned into him.
Elsewhere in the palace, Anchal sat awake in her chamber, staring at her phone, the threats replaying in her mind.
But this time, she wasn’t trembling out of fear. Because tonight, for the first time, she had a Bhai sa.
And she whispered into the silence: “Maybe… I deserve love after all.”