LOVE BEHIND THE HATE

THE LOVE BEHIND THE HATE

EPISODE ONE

Two Worlds

The Raichand mansion stood proudly at the heart of the city.

It was more than a house.

It was a symbol of power.

For generations, the Raichand family name had been associated with wealth, influence, and one of the most successful business empires in the country.

That morning, the mansion was alive with celebration.

Fresh flowers decorated the entrance. Marigold garlands hung from the balconies, and the soft glow of diyas illuminated the family prayer room.

Inside, the entire Raichand family had gathered.

Madhavi Raichand, the head of the family, sat at the front of the small prayer room with her grandchildren and children gathered around her.

She wore an elegant silk saree, her posture straight and commanding as always.

In front of them stood a beautifully decorated altar.

The family priest completed the final part of the puja while everyone listened quietly.

Dan sat beside his parents.

He was dressed in a crisp traditional kurta, but even during the family prayer, his phone remained close to his hand.

Business never really left his mind.

Beside him, his younger sister Kiara quietly smiled.

Across from them sat Jeremy's empty place.

He was still abroad.

Eric leaned toward Aarav and whispered something.

Aarav immediately shook his head, trying not to laugh.

Madhavi noticed.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Eric."

Eric immediately straightened.

"Yes, Grandmother?"

"Is there something more interesting than the puja?"

He smiled innocently.

"No, Grandmother."

"Good."

He lowered his head.

Aarav covered his smile.

The priest continued the prayers.

The family had just secured one of the biggest business contracts in the history of the Raichand company.

For Madhavi, it was more than a business victory.

It was proof that her family's legacy remained strong.

When the prayer ended, everyone bowed their heads respectfully.

Madhavi reached toward the flame and passed her hands over it before touching them to her face.

"May this family always remain united," she said quietly.

Everyone looked toward her.

"May our business prosper."

She paused.

"And may no one ever bring shame upon the Raichand name."

The family remained silent.

Dan stood and touched his grandmother's feet.

Madhavi placed her hand on his head.

"You are the future of this family."

Dan nodded.

"I won't disappoint you."

His mother, Meera, smiled proudly at him.

His father, Rajiv, placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Come. The investors are waiting."

Dan nodded.

The family began leaving the prayer room.

Kiara hurried after her brother.

"Dan!"

He turned.

"What?"

She smiled.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

"You didn't even smile."

Dan looked at her.

"Why should I?"

"Because you just secured the biggest deal of your career."

"It's business, Kiara."

She rolled her eyes.

"Of course. Everything is business with you."

Dan walked away.

Eric watched him disappear.

"That man desperately needs a girlfriend."

Aarav laughed softly.

"Dan would probably negotiate the relationship contract first."

Everyone laughed.

Everyone except Madhavi.

She simply watched her eldest grandson walk away.

She loved him deeply.

But she also knew something about Dan.

He had become so focused on responsibility that he had forgotten how to live.

---

Zoya

Several streets away from the Raichand mansion, another morning had begun.

There were no marble floors.

No expensive cars.

No grand prayer room.

No servants moving quietly through enormous hallways.

There was only a small bakery.

And behind the counter stood Zoya.

She carefully placed freshly baked bread into a basket.

Her simple clothes were clean and neatly arranged, and her long hair was tied back.

She smiled as an elderly customer approached.

"Good morning, Zoya."

"Good morning, Uncle."

"Your bread is getting better every day."

Zoya laughed.

"Then you have to keep buying it."

"I always do."

He paid her and left.

Zoya watched him go with a smile.

Baking was not a glamorous job.

But she loved it.

It was something she had built with her own hands.

Something that belonged to her.

Something no one could take away from her.

She glanced at the clock.

Her smile disappeared.

"Oh no."

She quickly packed the remaining bread.

She had promised her aunt she would be home early.

---

Zoya returned home carrying several bags.

The moment she entered, her aunt looked at her.

"You are late."

Zoya stopped.

"I'm sorry, Auntie. The bakery was busy."

Her aunt scoffed.

"Always excuses."

Zoya lowered her eyes.

"I'll prepare lunch."

"You'll do more than that."

Her aunt pointed toward a pile of clothes.

"Wash those."

Then toward the kitchen.

"Clean the kitchen."

Then toward the floor.

"And mop the house."

Zoya stared at everything silently.

Her aunt's daughter walked past them wearing a beautiful new outfit.

She smiled.

"Mom, I'm going out with my friends."

Her mother immediately softened.

"Okay, sweetheart. Be careful."

Zoya watched them.

She said nothing.

Her aunt turned toward her.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing."

"Then stop standing there and work."

Zoya quietly picked up the clothes.

She had learned long ago that arguing only made things worse.

But she had also learned something else.

Her circumstances did not determine her worth.

---

Later that afternoon, Zoya finished her work.

She changed into a simple outfit and picked up her electric scooter.

She had one last delivery to make.

The city was busy.

Cars moved through the streets.

People hurried along the sidewalks.

Zoya rode carefully through traffic, carrying a small box of freshly baked pastries.

She was smiling to herself.

She didn't know that somewhere ahead of her, another person's life was about to collide with hers.

Dan Raichand was driving his black luxury car through the same street.

His phone rang.

"Yes?"

His father's voice came through.

"Dan, the Singapore clients want the documents before tonight."

"I'll send them."

"You haven't forgotten dinner with the family?"

"No."

"Good."

Dan ended the call.

His eyes returned to the road.

He was thinking about the business deal.

The contract.

The future of the company.

Nothing else.

Then—

A scooter suddenly moved into his lane.

Dan slammed on the brakes.

The car stopped inches away from Zoya.

Zoya's eyes widened.

She looked back.

Dan stepped out of the car.

His expression was furious.

Zoya slowly removed her helmet.

"What is wrong with you?"

Dan stared at her.

"You almost caused an accident."

Zoya blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"You were riding carelessly."

"I was riding in my lane!"

"Do you even know how to drive?"

Zoya's expression changed.

She looked at the expensive car.

Then at him.

"Maybe you should learn how to apologize before asking someone else if they know how to drive."

Dan's jaw tightened.

People nearby began looking toward them.

Neither of them noticed.

Because neither of them was willing to back down.

And neither of them knew that this small argument was about to become the beginning of something neither could escape.

Something that would change two families.

Two lives.

And eventually—

their hearts.

TO BE CONTINUED...