Meeting.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Nutan Bhavan

The Singh family was in full chaos because their beloved daughter was returning from the US after six years.

A lady descended the stairs with the aarti thaal. She wore an organza orange heavy saree with a light choker piece. Her doe-like eyes were filled with kindness and happiness.

She gave aarti to the whole house. As she moved, she spotted Ramu Kaka—who handled the kitchen chores—the plate in his hand about to slip. She hurried and caught it just in time.

“Dhyan rakhiye, Kaka. Lag jaati abhi aapko. Meri Laado aa rahi hai aaj chheh saal baad, aur aap aise kaam karenge toh kaise chalega, Kaka?”

“Ji, Malkin. Dhyan rakhunga,” he replied.

And then, a heavy voice came from behind—

“Aap tension mat lijiye, Priye.”

She turned. A mid-50s man stood there, wearing a three-piece suit. His hair was neatly combed, his brown eyes full of happiness and energy. Looking no less than a Greek god, he stepped forward towards his lady.

“Aapke chehre par muskaan achhi lagti hai, chinta nahin. Aur aap hain ki chinta hi karti rehti hain. Chaliye, humein aaj ki aarti dijiye.”

[Meet Mr. and Mrs. Singh – Parents of Noor]

Mrs. Nutan Singh [45]: A housewife and small business owner of handmade sarees, known as Smriti Clothes.

Mr. Nitesh Singh [52]: Chairman of Singh Pharmaceuticals Limited.

“Karnikaaaaa! Karnikaaaa! Mummyyyyy!” a voice echoed as someone entered the house. “Mummy kahaan ho, sab main aa gaya!”

“Kya ho gaya, kyun zor se chillaa raha hai?” Nitesh asked.

“Papa, meri princess aa rahi hai aur main na chillau? Aaj toh main usko pareshan karunga.”

“Karke dikhaiye aap zara,” came a teasing voice from behind. His wife appeared, draped in a crimson saree, looking no less than a queen. Even in anger, she looked adorably cute.

Her hair flowed with the breeze, her bangles making a rhythmic jig-jig sound. “Kyun karenge aap usse pareshan? Meri pyari si behen ko karke dikhaiye… ek hafte tak aapke liye room mein no entry. After all, main uski Bhabhi-Maa hoon.”

“Yesss, main bhi aapko andar nahi aane dunga!” A small voice added. Two-year-old Kian, the beloved son of her brother and sister-in-law, hugged her leg tightly. “Buiii meri hai!”

[Meet her Brother and Sister-in-Law]

Mr. Karan Singh [32]: CEO of Singh Pharmaceuticals, also runs an NGO.

Mrs. Karnika Singh [25]: Housewife, founder of an NGO, also helps her mother-in-law in the family business.

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At the Airport

Two young ladies sat waiting. One wore a strawberry-printed coord set, her hair tied in a ponytail, her hand resting on her Hermes bag. The other’s eyes were glued to her phone.

Suddenly—

“Nooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

Noor jumped up, embarrassed as all eyes turned towards her. She glared at her best friend.

She slapped her lightly. “Kyun chillaa rahi hai? Bhoot dekh liya kya?”

“Naahiii,” Swara grinned. “Ek sundar ladka dekh liya! Tu bhi dekh!”

She shoved the phone in Noor’s hand. Noor’s eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of those deep eyes—before Swara snatched it back.

“Haina sundar? Main toh issi ko apna jijaji bnaungi. Tujhe pasand aaya na?”

“Tu pagal hai… yeh kahan se kahan le ja rahi hai,” Noor muttered.

Just then, their flight was announced, and both moved to board.

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Raghuvanshi Mansion – Mumbai

Curtains lifted, music played at low volume, and a voice counted softly. In the middle of the room, a shirtless man did push-ups, sweat dripping from his hair. Strength, discipline, and raw charm radiated off him.

He was none other than Rudra Raghuvanshi—business tycoon, ruthless and cold CEO of Raghuvanshi Pvt. Ltd.

He had his penthouse, yet today he stayed in Raghuvanshi Mansion—because his family was going to see a bride for him.

His mother walked in with a protein shake.

“Rudra beta, le shake.”

“Mummy, main aapse kitni baar bolu ki mujhe abhi shaadi nahi karni. Aap ho ki maanti hi nahi.”

“Main kab keh rahi hoon ki tu ussi se shaadi kare? Bas dekhne ki bol rahi hoon. Ek baar mil toh le… agar tujhe pasand aaye toh aage baat hogi.”

“Haan, hamari biwi bilkul sahi keh rahi. Koi force nahin hai,” his father added.

[Meet Mr. and Mrs. Raghuvanshi]

Vivek Raghuvanshi and Soumya Raghuvanshi – Owners of Siren Diamonds. Soumya is both chairman of the company and the heart of Raghuvanshi Mansion.

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Dining Area – 9 AM

A graceful lady sat at the head of the table. Her crisp white hair was tied in a sleek bun. She wore a baby pink chikankari embroidered saree, with a pearl necklace and earrings. Wrinkles lined her face, but they only enhanced her beauty. Her fingers tapped lightly in rhythm as she waited.

“Good morning, Dadi Maa,” came a sweet, milky voice. Her granddaughter, dressed in a floral summer dress, joined her with a smile.

“Good morning, my princess,” Dadi Maa replied warmly, gesturing her to sit.

Soon, the family gathered for breakfast. Between bites, Dadi Maa declared:

“Kal hum ladki dekhne jaa rahe hain Rudra ke liye. Rudra, tum lunch ke baad uske ghar jaaoge. Is baar tumhari excuses nahi chalengi. Mainne tumhara schedule check kiya hai—kal tum free ho.”

“Par Dadi…”

“Kuch Dadi-vadi nahi. Bohot sun liya. Yeh final hai.”

“Par Dadi, mujhe shaadi nahi karni,” Rudra snapped.

“Kyuuun nahi karni? Ek din sabko karni hoti hai. Tumhari bhi umar ho gayi hai. Woh ladki badi sanskaari hai, doctor hai. Tumhe pasand aayegi. Mil toh lo ek baar, phir bolna shaadi karni hai ya nahi.”

[Meet Mrs. Sumita Raghuvanshi and Miss Niharika Raghuvanshi]

Sumita Raghuvanshi (73): Head of the Raghuvanshi Mansion. Her word is law—no one dares cut her off.

Niharika Raghuvanshi (22): Rudra’s younger sister, medical student at Singh Pharmaceuticals and Hospital.

Rudra’s brows furrowed. He sighed, stood from his chair, buttoned his blazer, and without a word… walked out of the mansion.

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