Chapter 1
Some bonds are written in destiny, but others are bought with gold.”
Veda is a simple college student fighting a dark family reality, bound by a promise to look after her abusive uncle.
Sarthak Khurana is a ruthless, arrogant billionaire who believes that every person and every emotion carries a price tag.
Their worlds were never meant to cross. But when Sarthak's innocent 5-year-old son, Vansh, mistakes Veda for his late mother, a chaotic chain of events begins.
From a fiery clash in a mall to a dangerous web of forced marriage, family betrayal, and murder mysteries—this is a journey where Sarthak must protect his empire, and Veda must find the ultimate price of her freedom.
Characters in this Part]
Veda: A hard-working, resilient college student who works at a jewelry shop and lives under her abusive uncle's shadow.
Diva: Veda’s loyal best friend and classmate who always stands by her.
Sarthak Khurana: A powerful, arrogant billionaire businessman who rules his empire with an iron fist.
Sameer: Sarthak’s trusted childhood friend and close business partner.
Vansh: Sarthak’s innocent 5-year-old son who is desperately longing for a mother’s love.
Chapter 1: The Unexpected Encounter
The mall was loud. But my life was louder.
“Veda, do you even realize how many days it’s been since you showed up at college?” Diva’s voice cut through my thoughts. “The dean might actually expel you this time. My dear, I can’t manage without you anymore. At least come for a week!”
I forced a smile, looking at the bustling crowd. “I know, Diva. But what can I do? If I don’t work at the jewelry shop, how will I pay the rent and buy groceries?”
“What does your uncle even do?” Diva sighed, crossing her arms. “He can’t even provide basic needs for you?”
My throat tightened. The reality of my home life was a heavy stone in my chest. “If only he actually did something… He just parties and gambles all the time. He wastes every single penny. He would do anything for a bet. He even sold my late aunt's jewelry.”
Diva went quiet. The anger in her eyes softened into pure pity. “Why don’t you say something to him?”
“Uncle and Aunty adopted me,” I whispered, staring at my shoes. “We used to be so happy. But ever since Aunty passed away in that terrible accident, Uncle changed completely. He doesn't treat me like family anymore. If I speak up, he raises his hand.”
“Then why don’t you just leave him?”
I looked away, holding back the tears that threatened to spill. “I can’t. I promised Aunty on her deathbed that I would always take care of him. I owe her too much to walk away like a coward.”
Diva squeezed my hand gently. “I will pray to God that your life becomes easier soon.”
“One day it will. I believe in Him,” I said, intentionally shaking off the heavy mood. I pointed toward a nearby boutique. “Alright, look over there! That dress is so pretty. Let’s go check it out!”
Meanwhile, in a sleek, glass-walled office across town.
"Get out of here! You are fired!” Sarthak Khurana’s voice roared, echoing through the corporate hallway.
The employee stammered, trembling. “Please, sir… I am so sorry. My wedding is next month—”
Sarthak let out a cold, humorless laugh. “That’s your problem, not mine. Get out of my sight!”
His childhood friend, Sameer, walked into the cabin just as the crying employee rushed out. “Sarthak, what is wrong with you? You fired him over such a minor mistake?”
“I don’t keep people around who can’t do the simplest tasks right,” Sarthak replied coldly, adjusting his luxury watch. “And please, drop the topic. Tell me, where is my son?”
“Dad, I am here!”Five-year-old Vansh came running into the office, throwing his small arms around Sarthak's legs. “You forgot again, didn’t you, Dad?”
Sarthak’s harsh expression instantly melted as he looked at his son. “No, baby. I know what today is. We are going shopping.”
An hour later, the three of them entered the exact same high-end clothing store where Diva and I were browsing.
I held up a simple pastel dress, checking the price tag. I sighed deeply. “Ugh… still too expensive. Why is looking pretty such a luxury?”
Diva grinned. “Because the world doesn’t give discounts for being broke and gorgeous at the same time.”
Before I could laugh, something small crashed heavily into my legs. I stumbled back, and a plastic toy went clattering across the floor.I looked down to see a little boy looking up at me. Before I could ask if he was okay, a sharp, arrogant voice boomed behind him.
“Vansh! How many times do I have to tell you not to run off?A man in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit stepped forward. He was breathtakingly handsome, but his aura was dripping with arrogance.“He just bumped into me. No harm done,” I said calmly, handing the toy back to the little boy.The billionaire looked at me coldly, scanning my simple clothes with judgment. “Great. Next time, maybe make sure you’re not standing right in the middle of the walkway.”I raised an eyebrow, matching his glare. “Oh wow. Rude, dramatic, and entitled. What a charming combination.”Sarthak’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”Diva frantically whispered in my ear, her voice shaking. “Veda, shut up! That’s Sarthak Khurana. He’s a billionaire. His attitude is priced higher than gold.”I smirked, looking straight into his cold eyes. “Maybe your billions can buy you some manners too. You might want to place a bulk order.”
Sarthak scooped Vansh up in his arms, his jaw clenched. “Let’s go, Vansh. We don’t talk to people who think sarcasm is a personality trait.”I shot back, “And we don’t talk to people who think money is a superpower.”He glared at me like he wanted to obliterate me on the spot. He turned and walked away, but right before he rounded the corner… he paused, looking back at me for a split second.A few minutes later, Diva went to check out the shoe section while I wandered into a quieter clothing aisle.Meanwhile, Sarthak’s phone buzzed with an urgent business call. Annoyed, he paced toward the outer corridor of the mall to talk. Sameer, assuming Vansh was right behind Sarthak, wandered off into the men's section to look for a jacket.Suddenly, Vansh realized he was completely alone in the massive, crowded mall.“Dad? Where are you? Sameer chachu?his tiny voice cracked.He looked around anxiously, seeing nothing but strangers. Panic took over, and large tears began rolling down his chubby cheeks. He started sobbing.From a distance, I caught sight of him. “Hey, look… isn't that the same little boy? But… why is he crying?”I quickly walked over and knelt down to his eye level. “Hey, baby! What happened? Why are you crying?”“M-my papa… I can’t find him,” he hiccuped, wiping his nose.“Okay, okay. Shh, don’t cry. First, take a deep breath.” I smiled warmly, pulling a small chocolate bar from my bag. “Here, have this.”Vansh looked at it longingly but shook his head. “Papa said I am not allowed to eat chocolate.”
That’s okay. Just try it once. Just a little taste. Your papa won't know.”Vansh hesitated, then took a tiny bite. His eyes widened. “Wow! This is really, really yummy! Thank you!”Before I could respond, he threw his small arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. “Thank you, Mom!”My brain short-circuited. “M-Mom? Sweetheart, I am not your mom. Where is your real mom?”“I don’t have one…” Vansh whispered into my shoulder. “Can you be my mom?”I stood there, completely speechless, my heart aching for this little stranger.“Vansh! What are you doing here?!” Sameer came sprinting down the aisle, breathless.Vansh broke the hug. “I was looking for you and Papa. I got lost.”Sameer sighed with immense relief. “You scared me to death, buddy. Come on, let’s go.”
Before leaving, Vansh suddenly leaned in, kissed my cheek, and waved happily. “Bye, Mom! I am going now!”I froze, stunned. Sameer, who had clearly heard the word 'Mom,' froze too. He stared at me, his eyes wide with absolute shock, before hurriedly leading Vansh away.Diva walked up behind me a second later. “So… when exactly did you have a secret kid? Anyway, we aren't even done shopping yet! Come on!”“Yeah… yeah, I'm coming,” I mumbled, still feeling the warmth of the little boy's hug.As the little boy waved goodbye, crying out 'Mom' one last time into the crowded mall, I felt a strange chill down my spine. Trouble had just waved at me—and deep down, I knew my life was never going to be the same again.To be continued...
