"Whispers of Fate"

Shimla - Night

The wind howled outside, and a storm brewed in the hills, but inside, Mannat sat by the hearth, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. Aarush had drifted to sleep in her lap, but her heart was far from peace.

Mannat (softly, to herself):
"To him, I was just a name on a deal... a vessel for his heir... nothing more."

She shut her eyes, pain flaring through her chest.

Mannat (whispers):
"If only you had asked me to stay... just once... I would've never left, Vihaan."

But he hadn't.

He hadn't come after her. Not once in five years. Not a call. Not a message. Not even a glance back.

Or so she thought.

---

Rajput mansion- Same Night

Vihaan stood in front of the portrait of Mannat. His fingers brushed the glass frame, his eyes heavy with unshed tears.

Vihaan:
"I should've stopped you. I should've told you that you were never just a deal... never just a name on paper. You were it, Mannat. My peace. My home."

He turned slightly, watching Mehar sleeping peacefully-

Vihaan (softly):
"You live in her, Mannat. Every smile, every word... is you."

---

Back in Shimla

Mannat lit an incense stick and placed it by the window. Her fingers trembled.

Mannat (whispering):
"Do you ever think of me, Vihaan? Or did I become a forgotten mistake?"

She had no idea he had mourned her.
She had no idea he believed she died.
She had no idea... he still loved her.

And somewhere in the stormy distance, fate was already moving, preparing for the day their paths would collide again.

When love, loss, and truth would no longer hide.

---

Next Day - Rathore Empire

He stood near the glass panel of his cabin, sipping his coffee, when his assistant entered with a file.

Assistant: "Sir, there's a new project coming up in Shimla. A big luxury resort chain. All details are inside."

Ranveer took the file without a word, flipping it open. His eyes paused at the location.

Ranveer: "Shimla..."

He closed the file.

Ranveer (coldly): "I'm going there. Schedule everything. I'll leave in two days."

---

Rajput Office

Vihaan's attention shifted from the laptop to the file his secretary handed him.

Secretary: ""Sir, there's a new project coming up in Shimla. A big luxury resort chain. All details are inside

Vihaan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin.

Vihaan: "Shimla..."

He stood, taking the file.

Vihaan: "I'm handling this. Tell them I'll be there myself."

A beat.

Vihaan (softly, to himself): "Mehar is coming with me. I never trust with her to anyone... not after Mannat once asked me to."