Chapter 1:The Name She Hid
It was a bright Monday morning, and the large mansion echoed with the clinking of cutlery and the rustling of newspapers. But the atmosphere was anything but calm.
"I don't get it, Appa! Why can't I just go like a normal college student?" Aakmi P Venkatesh stood in the living room, arms crossed, her college bag slung lazily over one shoulder.
Her father, Adv. Venkatesh Krishna P, Supreme Court lawyer and the son of the former Chief Justice of India, didn't even look up from the newspaper he was reading. "You are going like a normal student. That's exactly the point."
Aakmi frowned. "No, what I mean is—why are you making such a big deal out of this? Everyone talks about their families. Why not me?"
He folded the newspaper neatly and placed it aside, adjusting his spectacles as he looked at her. "Because you are not everyone, Aakmi. You're the granddaughter of Adv. Krishna Iyer and my daughter. I don't want that name being thrown around in college corridors."
"Seriously?" she scoffed, dropping into a chair. "So I'm just supposed to act like I'm nobody?"
"You're not nobody," he said sharply. "You're just... someone who doesn't need to shout about her background to be respected. Earn your space on your own."
She rolled her eyes but said nothing.
"I'm serious, Aakmi," he continued. "This is a new beginning for you. No fights, no drama. Be a good girl. You already made enough of a scene in higher secondary."
Aakmi winced at the reminder. That fight in 12th grade hadn't been forgotten, especially not by her father.
"I didn't start that fight—"
"But you finished it," he cut in sternly. "College is not a battleground. It's where you learn, grow, make networks... not enemies."
She sighed and stood up. "Fine. I'll be your normal girl."
Venkatesh gave her a look. "And remember—don't even mention my name or your grandfather's. If someone asks, just say your father's a lawyer. Keep it simple."
Aakmi nodded, but as she turned toward the door, her eyes sparkled with defiance. Normal was not her style—but maybe, just maybe, it was time to try something different.