Kashvi and Ved's mother walked into a quiet cafeteria, choosing a corner table to talk privately.
Ved's mother looked at Kashvi for a long moment before finally asking, her voice gentle but heavy with doubt,
"But… how can you be Ved's wife? Ved has loved Anvi since childhood."
The words hit Kashvi straight in the heart. Her face fell, the brief hope in her eyes fading away.
"Yes, aunty," she replied softly. "But Ved married me only because of Dada ji's pressure."
She hesitated for a second, then gathered courage and looked up at her.
"Aunty… may I ask you something?"
Ved's mother nodded immediately.
"Yes, beta. Ask."
"If Ved and Anvi love each other so much," Kashvi asked with genuine curiosity, "then why didn't Dada ji allow their marriage?"
Ved's mother let out a long, tired sigh. Sadness reflected clearly in her eyes as she spoke,
"Because, beta… Anvi is not the girl Ved thinks she is. She is only after his property and the company. Dada ji knows this truth. But Ved is so blind in love that he refuses to listen to anyone."
Her voice trembled as she continued,
"That girl has filled Ved's mind with poison against me and his father. He hates us both now. Yes, we know our divorce affected him deeply during his childhood, and we accept that it was our mistake. But despite everything, we both love Ved more than our own lives."
Suddenly, she reached out and held Kashvi's hand tightly, her eyes filled with hope.
"Kashvi… only you can do this now. That girl Anvi will destroy Ved completely. Please, do whatever you can and separate Ved from her."
Kashvi's eyes widened in shock.
"B-But aunty… how will I do this? Ved hates me."
Ved's mother smiled weakly, squeezing her hand.
"You are the only one who can, beta. Your sweet nature can make anyone fall in love with you. This is a mother's request."
Kashvi straightened her posture, determination replacing her fear.
"Alright, aunty. I will try my best to bring Anvi's truth in front of Ved and separate them."
Ved's mother's face lit up with happiness.
"Don't call me aunty," she said warmly. "Call me mummy."
"J-Ji… mummy," Kashvi replied shyly, her cheeks turning pink.
After returning home, Kashvi sat alone, lost in her thoughts.
Dada ji was right, she thought.
Joining the company was the perfect idea. The more time I spend with Ved, the farther I can push Anvi away from him.
Night had already fallen when Ved arrived home. Without saying a single word to Kashvi, he lay down on the sofa. A while later, he got up and said coldly,
"Be ready by 9 a.m. You're coming to the office with me."
Kashvi's heart skipped a beat. She blushed and quietly went to sleep.
Next Morning
Ved woke up and froze for a moment.
Kashvi was sitting near the mirror, getting ready. She was wearing a soft pink formal dress, her hair neatly styled, her face glowing with simplicity and grace. She looked… beautiful.
Ved looked away instantly and walked off to get ready, saying nothing.
As they were about to reach the office, Kashvi suddenly asked him to stop the car a little distance away.
"Drop me here," she said softly. "I don't want anyone in the company to know that we're a couple."
Ved frowned.
"Why? Are you embarrassed that I'm your husband?"
"No," Kashvi replied sadly. "But you belong to Anvi, not me. It will hurt her."
The moment Anvi's name left her lips, Ved unlocked the door and signaled her to get down. Without another word, they headed to the office separately.
Ved didn't tell anyone that Kashvi was his wife. He walked ahead silently, while Kashvi followed at a distance, maintaining a careful gap.
Just then, Anvi came running toward Ved and hugged him tightly. In front of everyone, Ved kissed her forehead affectionately.
Kashvi's heart clenched at the sight.
As if that wasn't enough, Ved turned to Anvi and said casually,
"By the way, Kashvi will be my secretary from today."
Kashvi stood there, forcing herself to stay composed, even as something inside her slowly broke.