Bound By Fate

Chapter 14

Preeta's POV

The Kapoor Mansion had never looked more beautiful.

Diwali was only a day away, and every corner of the mansion buzzed with excitement. Servants moved up and down the corridors carrying flower garlands, fairy lights, colorful lanterns, clay diyas, and trays of sweets.

Standing in the middle of the grand hall, Preeta held a small notebook in one hand while supervising the decorations.

"No, the marigold garlands should go a little higher."

"Place the diyas along both sides of the staircase."

"The rangoli should begin from the entrance."

The servants nodded respectfully before hurrying off to complete their tasks.

Although she had barely rested since morning, she couldn't help smiling.

Festivals had always been her favorite.

Even when no one appreciated her efforts back at the Malhotra Mansion, she always found happiness in decorating the house and helping prepare sweets for everyone.

Just then, her phone vibrated inside her pocket.

She glanced at the screen.

Shalu Calling...

A smile appeared on her face.

She walked toward the balcony before answering.

"Hello, Shalu."

"Good afternoon, Di."

"Good afternoon."

Preeta immediately noticed something unusual.

"What's wrong?"

"You don't sound alright."

There was silence from the other end.

Then Shalu spoke softly.

"You won't believe what I'm about to tell you."

Preeta frowned.

"What happened?"

"Guess who's back."

"Who?"

"Ishita."

Preeta froze.

For a moment, she couldn't even breathe.

"What?"

"She's back?"

"Not only is she back..."

"She's back in the Malhotra Mansion."

Preeta leaned against the balcony railing.

Shalu explained everything.

How Ishita had returned unexpectedly.

How she cried before Rajesh.

How she claimed she had never eloped and only lied because she didn't want to marry Ranbir.

How she convinced him that the money she borrowed had been invested in business.

How Rajesh had finally forgiven her and welcomed her back into the family.

When Shalu finished speaking, there was a long silence.

"Aren't you angry, Di?"

Shalu finally asked.

Preeta looked at the blue sky.

"If Papa has forgiven her..."

"Then who am I to question his decision?"

"But she never liked you."

"And now..."

"You're married to the man she was supposed to marry."

"I'm afraid she'll blame everything on you."

Preeta smiled sadly.

"I know."

"But worrying won't change anything."

"I'll talk to you later."

"Take care of yourself."

After ending the call, she stood quietly for a few moments.

"So..."

"Ishita is back."

She whispered to herself.

"Will Papa forget me again now that his favorite daughter has returned?"

Before she could think further, one of the maids approached hurriedly.

"Madam."

"The flower garland above the entrance has come loose."

Preeta smiled gently.

"I'm coming."

She climbed the wooden ladder while carrying a basket filled with fresh marigold flowers.

As she reached the top, she carefully untied the damaged garland.

But her thoughts kept drifting back to Ishita.

Would her sister hate her even more now?

Would she try to take everything back?

Lost in thought...

Her foot missed one of the ladder steps.

The ladder shook violently.

"Oh!"

The basket slipped from her hands.

Flowers scattered through the air.

Her body tilted backward.

She closed her eyes.

But instead of crashing onto the marble floor...

She felt a strong arm catch her around the waist.

Another arm supported her back.

Slowly opening her eyes...

She found herself staring directly into Ranbir's face.

His brows were tightly knitted.

For a brief second...

Neither of them spoke.

He carefully helped her stand upright before immediately letting go.

"What is wrong with you?"

He asked coldly.

"Can't you even take care of yourself?"

Preeta lowered her eyes.

"I..."

"I was distracted."

Ranbir glanced once at the ladder before looking back at her.

"If you can't concentrate..."

"Then don't climb ladders."

"One day you'll seriously hurt yourself."

Without waiting for her reply, he turned around and walked away.

Preeta watched him disappear upstairs.

A tiny smile appeared on her lips.

"He was worried..."

She whispered.

Then she quickly shook her head.

"No..."

"He probably just didn't want an accident to happen."

Little did she know...

Standing upstairs...

Neha had witnessed everything.

She saw the concern that flashed across Ranbir's face before he hid it behind his usual coldness.

Her heart became uneasy.

No...

This girl is slowly changing my son.

I won't let her take him away from me.

---

Ishita's POV

Back at the Malhotra Mansion, I was relaxing in my room when one of the maids knocked gently.

"Madam."

"There's an invitation for Mr. Rajesh."

"I'll take it."

She handed me a beautifully decorated golden envelope before leaving.

Curious, I looked at the sender.

The Kapoor Family.

A smile slowly spread across my lips.

I opened the envelope carefully.

Inside was an invitation.

The Kapoor family was inviting the Malhotra family to celebrate Diwali at the Kapoor Mansion the following evening.

Perfect.

Exactly what I needed.

Holding the invitation tightly, I hurried toward my mother's room.

"Mum."

Sunita looked up from folding some sarees.

"What happened?"

I handed her the invitation.

She smiled.

"The Kapoors have invited us."

I gently held her hand.

"Mum..."

"I want to go with you."

She looked surprised.

"You want to visit the Kapoor Mansion?"

I nodded, lowering my head.

"I know I made a terrible mistake."

"I embarrassed them."

"I embarrassed everyone."

"I just want to apologize."

"If they forgive me..."

"Maybe everyone can finally move on."

Sunita looked at me carefully before sighing.

"I'll speak to your father."

She walked toward Dad's study while I waited anxiously outside.

Through the slightly opened door, I could hear their conversation.

"Rajesh..."

"Ishita wants to come with us tomorrow."

There was a long silence.

"I don't think that's necessary."

Sunita continued patiently.

"She's trying to make amends."

"She only wants to apologize."

Another moment of silence followed.

Finally...

Dad sighed.

"If she truly wishes to apologize..."

"Then she may come."

"But she must behave herself."

"I don't want another scene."

"I understand."

Sunita replied happily.

She walked out smiling.

"The preparations have begun."

"You'll come with us tomorrow."

I immediately hugged her.

"Thank you, Mum."

After she left, I couldn't stop smiling.

Everything was happening exactly the way I wanted.

Tomorrow...

I would step into the Kapoor Mansion once again.

Tomorrow...

I would see Ranbir.

And most importantly...

I would see Preeta.

The girl who had stolen the life that should have been mine.

I slowly folded the invitation and smiled to myself.

"Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, dear sister..."

"Because tomorrow..."

"The game truly begins."