"Please, Mom, don't do this! Don't send me to him!" Kiara voice cracked, her hands clutching her mother's arm. "He's a monster. He'll ruin me!"
Her mother's tearful silence sealed her fate. Kiara was thrust into the hands of Reyansh, a man feared as...
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The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room as Kiara stirred under her blanket. Her alarm clock blinked 8:30 AM in bright red digits, but it wasn't the buzzing that woke her-it was the voice of her elder brother, Ranveer, booming from downstairs.
"Kiara! Wake up! Breakfast is getting cold!"
Kiara groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. She was notorious for sleeping in, and today was no exception. But as she turned to check the time, her eyes widened.
"Oh no, I'm late again!" she muttered, rushing out of bed. Her long black hair was a wild mess, and her favorite pink pajama set didn't exactly scream "birthday girl."
As she stumbled down the stairs, still yawning, she was greeted by Ranveer, sitting at the dining table with a smug grin.
"Late again, Princess?" he teased, sipping his coffee. "Or did you think turning twenty means you can sleep the day away?"
Kiara smirked, leaning against the railing. "Well, excuse me for trying to enjoy my beauty sleep on my special day!"
Ranveer raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. "Special day? Oh no! Did I forget something? Wait, what is it again...?"
"Stop teasing me, Bhai!" Kiara laughed, throwing a cushion at him. "You know it's my birthday!"
Ranveer caught the cushion with ease, his grin widening. "Oh, that's right. And because I'm the best brother ever, I've planned something special for you. Call your friends and clear your evening-you're in for a treat."
Kiara's face lit up. "Really? What is it? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
"Patience, Kiara. Surprises don't work if I tell you everything," Ranveer said, winking. "Now, eat your breakfast and get ready for university. You're not skipping classes just because it's your birthday."
By evening, the Singhania mansion was transformed. The sprawling lawn was adorned with fairy lights and elegant floral arrangements in Kiara's favorite shades of blush pink and white. Lanterns floated above the pool, and a live band set up near the stage strummed soft melodies.
Kiara, dressed in a shimmering pastel gown, looked like she'd stepped out of a fairytale. Her sister, Amayra, fussed over her hair, pinning the final strands into place.
"You look gorgeous, Di!" Amayra said, clapping her hands. "Ranveer Bhai has really outdone himself this time."
As Kiara descended the stairs to the garden, her friends erupted into cheers. Ranveer stood at the center of it all, his arms outstretched dramatically
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the birthday girl: Kiara Singhania!"
The crowd laughed and clapped, and Kiara's cheeks flushed with happiness.
"Bhai, this is amazing!" she said, running to hug him.
"Anything for my little sister," Ranveer said, ruffling her hair. "Now, enjoy your party. And don't forget to cut the cake efore your friends devour everything else!"
