Chahat ran away hurriedly, wanting to avoid facing anyone. She needed a moment to collect herself, to be alone. But when she returned, she was met with an air of excitement and hushed yet intense discussions filling the atmosphere. A wave of anticipation had swept through the gathering.
The reason? The rumored arrival of Singhania's younger son.
Everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic young master, a figure who had become almost legendary within the family. Whispers spread like wildfire—how he had once stepped forward at the tender age of fifteen to support an empire on the brink of collapse.
It had been a dark time for the Singhania family. Senior Singhania had been bedridden with illness, and the devastating loss of his beloved daughter had only pushed him further into despair. Many believed the family's reign would crumble under the weight of misfortune.
But fate had other plans.
The young master, Abhiman Singhania, had risen from the shadows of his grief-stricken household and taken the reins of the empire. A boy then, now a formidable man, he had not only stabilized their standing but strengthened it beyond imagination.
And today, he was here.
The fervent discussions came to an abrupt halt as a commanding presence filled the space.
"He's here!" A girl's voice broke through the murmurs, her tone a mixture of awe and exhilaration.
"Who?" another girl asked, glancing at her friend.
"Abhiman Singhania," she whispered breathlessly.
The second girl chuckled, folding her arms. "You've been chanting his name non-stop, and now that he's actually here, why are you suddenly so nervous?"
The first girl—Kripa—stiffened, watching intently as the man in question strode forward. Every movement of his exuded authority, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd as he made his way toward his father.
"He's coming here!" Kripa whispered, barely able to contain her excitement.
Her friend scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. He's heading toward his father, not you. And honestly, I doubt he'll even spare a glance in your direction."
Kripa's face burned with embarrassment, but she quickly composed herself, standing tall and determined. Her eyes followed Abhiman's every step, and she took a deep breath, calming the racing of her heart.
"Not now," she murmured, a confident smile curving her lips. "But soon, he will not only look at me—he will give me his full attention."
She believed in her beauty and her pedigree. She had both the looks and the background to attract a man like Abhiman Singhania. Winning his attention would not be difficult. It was only a matter of time.