The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the ancient city of Jhansi. The streets were already bustling with activity, as vendors set up their stalls and the morning prayers echoed from the temples. Among the early risers was Kashi, a 20-year-old girl with a spirit as resilient as the historic walls that surrounded her city. Her day started long before dawn, a necessity given the weight of responsibilities she carried on her young shoulders.
Kashi lived in a modest home with her mother, Anjali, whose chronic kidney disease demanded frequent dialysis treatments. Their life had been a series of uphill battles ever since Kashi's father, Ravi, had abandoned them emotionally and financially. Though he begrudgingly paid for a portion of Anjali's treatments, his contributions were inconsistent and came with threats of total withdrawal. This precarious support meant that Kashi had to work tirelessly to cover the remaining costs and ensure her mother received the care she needed.
Every morning, Kashi rose before the city did. She began her day by tending to her mother, carefully helping Anjali through the discomfort of her illness. This morning was no different. The soft sounds of the neighborhood waking up filtered through their small home as Kashi moved quietly around the kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast.
"Good morning, Maa," Kashi greeted, entering the dimly lit room where Anjali rested. Her mother, frail yet dignified, offered a tired smile in return.
"Good morning, beta," Anjali replied, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "Did you sleep well?"
Kashi nodded, although sleep was a luxury she seldom indulged in fully. "I made your favorite tea," she said, carefully handing her mother a cup. "It will help you feel a bit better."
As Anjali took a sip, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You work so hard, Kashi. It's not fair that you have to shoulder all these responsibilities because of me."
Kashi's heart ached at her mother's words. She reached out, gently squeezing Anjali's hand. "Maa, please don't blame yourself. I do this because I love you. You're my world, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're okay."Anjali shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I just wish you didn't have to sacrifice so much. You deserve to live your own life, to chase your dreams."
Kashi forced a smile, trying to hide the sadness that threatened to overwhelm her. "You are my dream, Maa. Seeing you healthy and happy is all I want."
The door slams open, and Ravi, Kashi's father, storms in, his face contorted with anger.
Ravi: (shouting) You two are nothing but a burden on me! (points at Anjali) You, with your never-ending medical bills, and you, Kashi, always whining about money and work!
Kashi: (softly) Papa, we're trying our best. I'm working two jobs to help out. We just need a little more support for Ma's treatment....
Ravi: (interrupting) Support? Ha! You think I have money to waste on you two? (glares at Anjali) She's the reason I'm stuck in this hell. If it weren't for her illness, I'd be living a decent life!
Anjali: (weakly) Ravi, please understand, I never wanted to be a burden. I'm doing everything I can....
Ravi: (sneering) Doing everything? By sitting around and draining my money? I should have abandoned you long ago!
Kashi: (pleading) Papa, please don't talk like that. Ma's trying her best to fight this disease. We just need some compassion....
Ravi: (sarcastically) Compassion? Don't talk to me about compassion! You're as useless as she is. Always asking for more money, more help. When will you two learn to fend for yourselves?
Kashi: (tears in her eyes) Papa, I'm doing everything I can. I promise, things will get better.....
Ravi: (yelling) Better? The only way things will get better is if you two stop being a burden on me! (turns to leave) Remember, my support isn't guaranteed. One more complaint, and I'm done with you both!
Ravi storms out, leaving Kashi and Anjali in a heart-wrenching silence. Kashi kneels beside her mother, holding her hand, both their eyes filled with unshed tears.
Kashi: (whispering) Don't worry, Ma. I'll find a way. We'll get through this together.
Anjali: (weakly smiling) You're my strength, Kashi. We'll face this storm together.
After ensuring her mother was ok and comfortable, Kashi hurried to get ready for her first job at the local café. She dressed simply, her attire modest and practical, reflecting both her economic constraints and her unassuming nature. As she stepped out of their home, the crisp morning air filled her lungs, momentarily lifting the weight of her burdens.
Meanwhile, in the grand palace of Bundelkhand, Vishwanath Rai Singhania, the 29-year-old powerful and dominant multi-billionaire king, was beginning his day as well. His mornings were a stark contrast to Kashi's, filled with meetings and the responsibilities of running a kingdom. Today, however, his agenda included something personal.
In the grand dining hall, Vishwanath's younger brothers, Raghavendra and Rudra, were already seated, enjoying their breakfast. Raghavendra, the more serious and contemplative of the two, was engrossed in a book, while Rudra, the spirited youngest, was animatedly discussing his latest adventures.
"Good morning, Bhaiya," Rudra greeted with a wide smile as Vishwanath entered. "Why you look in so hurry today?"
Vishwanath nodded, taking his seat at the head of the table. "Good morning, Rudra and Raghavendra. Yes, I have some important matters to attend to."
Raghavendra looked up from his book, his expression curious. "Important matters? More issues with the company?"
"Yes, among other things," Vishwanath replied, a hint of determination in his voice. "I need to go undercover to investigate some fraudulent activities that have been causing significant losses."
Rudra's eyes widened with excitement. "Undercover? That sounds like an adventure! Can I come with you?"
Vishwanath chuckled, shaking his head. "Not this time, Rudra. It's a delicate matter, and I need to handle it discreetly. Besides, I need you here to keep things in order."
Raghavendra nodded in understanding. "Be careful, Bhaiya. We trust you'll get to the bottom of it."
"Thank you, Raghavendra. I'll be back soon," Vishwanath assured, appreciating his brothers' support. "In the meantime, make sure to take care of everything here."
Their parents, Maharaja Rajendra Rai Singhania and Maharani Shalini Rai Singhania, were notably absent from the dining hall. They had already left early in the morning for a religious pilgrimage, a practice they followed annually to seek blessings and guidance for their family and kingdom.
With a final nod to his brothers, Vishwanath left the palace, his mind focused on the task ahead. Disguised as a commoner named Veer, he arrived in Jhansi, determined to uncover the truth.
Veer blended seamlessly into the bustling city, his simple attire and unassuming demeanor allowing him to move unnoticed. He found a modest room to rent and settled in, his thoughts already formulating a plan. His first destination was a local café, a popular spot where he hoped to gather information.The café was a small but popular place, known for its strong chai , fresh samosas as well as its renowned cupcakes and pastries.
By mid-morning, the café was bustling with its usual crowd of regulars and passersby. Among them was a new face, a man whose presence was hard to ignore. He sat in a corner, observing the surroundings with a keen interest when his eyes fell on a Beautiful and Petite girl who moved gracefully around the café, her eyes filled with determination despite the weariness that lined her face. There was something about her that piqued his curiosity-a quiet strength that resonated with him.
"Excuse me, miss," Veer called out as the girl passed by his table. "Could I get a cup of chai, please?"
The girl turned, her polite smile unwavering. "Of course, sir. I'll bring it right away."
As she prepared his chai, Veer continued to observe her. She was a picture of resilience, juggling multiple tasks with a calm efficiency. When she returned with his tea, he seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation.
"This place has a great atmosphere," Veer remarked, taking a sip. "Do you work here full-time?"
She shook her head. "No, sir. I have another job in the evening. This is just my morning shift."
Veer raised an eyebrow, impressed by her work ethic. "That sounds exhausting. How do you manage?"
Her Beautiful smile faltered for a brief moment before she composed herself. "It's necessary," she replied simply, not wanting to divulge too much about her personal struggles to a stranger.
Veer nodded, respecting her privacy. "You're very dedicated. It's admirable."
"Thank you," She said softly.
What's your name? Veer asked.
Kashi, she said, before excusing herself to attend the other customer's.
Author's Note
Dear Readers,
With this first chapter I want to thank you all for joining the world of Kashi and Vishwanath. Their journey promises a rich blend of romance, struggle, and transformation.Stay tuned for more twists and turns as their story unfolds. Your support means
everything to me.
Happy reading! 📖
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