CHAPTER 1
Mumbai, Raghuvanshi Mansion-
Raghuvanshi Mansion stood proudly amidst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
The sun's rays danced off its ornate architecture, reflecting its grandeur.
Servants were running from here to there inside the mansion, which indicated that everyone was busy with their own work.
Amidst this organised chaos, a woman in her fifties stood by the opulent sofa in the middle of the hall.
Draped in a regal blue saree, she emanated an air of authority as she directed a servant with precise instructions.
The woman is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Raghuvanshi family, Mrs. Anant Sulekha Raghuvanshi.
"Sulekha, how are the preparations for the puja going?" a voice inquired from behind.
Sulekha turned around to find her mother-in-law, Mrs. Saraswati Raghavendra Raghuvanshi, the matriarch of the household, standing on the grand staircase.
Saraswati's presence commanded respect, and her grace was unparalleled.
"Yes, mother, all the preparations for the puja have been meticulously taken care of." Sulekha responded, a warm smile gracing her lips.
Saraswati's eyes glimmered with approval.
"Very good. With you overseeing things, I never have to worry."
The corners of Sulekha's lips lifted a bit more at the praise.
Her dedication to the family and its traditions was evident.
Saraswati's gaze swept around the hall, and her brows furrowed slightly.
"Why is your sister-in-law not visible here?"
A flicker of concern passed through Sulekha's eyes, and she took a moment before answering,
"That, mother..."
Before Sulekha could finish her sentence, another voice rang out, cutting through the air like a bell.
"I'm here, mother."
Both Sulekha and Saraswati turned their attention to the source of the voice.
A woman in her early fifties stood by the entrance of the mansion.
She exuded an air of casual elegance, dressed in a flowing white chiffon saree that seemed to catch the sunlight.
Sunglasses shielded her eyes, and a pristine white purse hung from her hand.
It was as if time hadn't touched her, leaving her as graceful and glamorous as ever.
The woman is the youngest daughter-in-law of the Raghuvanshi family, Mrs. Arun Sunaina Raghuvanshi.
Seeing her younger daughter-in-law, Sunaina, coming in from outside, Saraswati's stern voice cut through the air.
"Sunaina, what is this? On the day of the puja, you are coming from outside?" her tone laced with disappointment.
Sunaina hurriedly stepped inside, her expression a mix of contrition and anxiety.
"Mother, wo... actually, last night the kitty party went on for a long time. I ended up sleeping at my friend's house, and I woke up very late this morning."
"Morher, this mistake will not happen again." Sunaina added quickly, her voice trembling with fear.
Sunaina knew well the stringent rules that Saraswati had set for the Raghuvanshi household.
Every member was expected to abide by these rules, and any deviation was met with consequences.
Today, Sunaina violated one such rule: Punctuality.
Saraswati's gaze remained unyielding as it bore into Sunaina's eyes.
"Today, you have broken the rule of this house, and you will definitely be punished for it."
Her words hung heavily in the air, a portent of the impending punishment.
Turning her gaze to Sulekha, Saraswati continued,
"Go to the kitchen and tell the cooks that today's puja's prasad was prepared by Sunaina Bahu herself and alone."
Both Sulekha and Sunaina's eyes widened in shock.
The puja's prasad was no small feat; it was meant to be distributed among thousands.
Preparing it single-handedly was a near-impossible task.
Sunaina's eyes welled up with tears, her distress mirroring the magnitude of her punishment.
"But mother..."
Sulekha began to interject, only to be silenced by a stern gesture from Saraswati.
Saraswati's voice held a stern finality as she addressed both daughters-in-law,
"My orders should not to be violated."
With that, she turned and ascended the stairs, leaving Sulekha and Sunaina standing in the hall.
As the heavy silence enveloped them, Sunaina's frustration erupted.
"It's all because of you," she said, her tone laced with blame.
"What are you saying, Sunaina?" Sulekha's voice wavered, laden with pain.
Sunaina's anger burned bright.
"I am right. You're happy today, aren't you? Because Mother punished me so severely."
Sulekha's heart ached at Sunaina's accusation.
"What are you saying? You're my blood sister. How could I ever find joy in seeing you in trouble?"
Tears welled up in Sulekha's eyes as she spoke.
Sunaina's bitterness cut deep.
"Oh, please! I know you all too well. There's no chameleon in the world quite like you. And as for being your blood sister, I curse my fate every day for it."
With those words, Sunaina stormed away, her anger propelling her out of the room.
Left alone in the hall, Sulekha's tears fell freely, her heart heavy with the weight of their fractured relationship.
***
Raghuvanshi Industry, Head Ofice-
The head office of Raghuvanshi Industry exuded an air of opulence akin to that of a luxurious 7-star hotel.
The architecture boasted elegance, with marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and plush furnishings that exquisitely blended modern aesthetics with timeless luxury.
Employees bustled around, immersed in their tasks, adding a dynamic energy to the sophisticated environment.
Amid this hive of activity, the entrance doors swung open to reveal a man in his early fifties, clad in a finely tailored dark blue suit.
His commanding presence was undeniable as he strode in, a mobile phone pressed to his ear, engrossed in conversation.
The employees, accustomed to such moments, paused their work, each face lighting up with respect and acknowledgment of his presence.
As the man passed through the space, a wave of greetings and nods followed him.
"Good morning, sir," the employees chimed in unison, their voices carrying a blend of respect and familiarity.
However, their well-wishes seemed to dissipate in the air as the man continued walking without even a hint of acknowledgment.
The employees, momentarily taken aback by the cold reception, exchanged glances but quickly returned to their tasks.
Such dismissive behaviour was nothing new to him.
The man is Mr. Arun Raghuvanshi, the younger son of Raghavendra Raghuvanshi and COO Of Raghuvanshi Industries.
***
President's Cabin-
Arun approached the cabin door and knocked gently before entering.
The door swung open to reveal a spacious and impeccably designed interior.
The room exuded an air of sophistication that reflected the stature of the individuals who occupied it.
A broad, polished table dominated the centre of the cabin, and at the chair sat an elderly man in his late seventies.
His back was turned to the entrance, engrossed in his own thoughts.
His demeanour held a sense of authority, and it was evident that his presence commanded respect.
On the other side of the table, a man in his late fifties, dressed in a sleek black suit, studied a file with intense focus.
He seemed absorbed in the details, and his commitment to the matter at hand was undeniable.
This was Mr. Anant Raghuvanshi, the elder son of Raghavendra Raghuvanshi and CFO Of Raghuvanshi Industries.
With a sense of familiarity and purpose, Arun made his way to the vacant seat beside his elder brother, Anant.
Anant glanced briefly at Arun's arrival, his attention momentarily diverted from the file.
The room seemed to hum with an unspoken understanding as the three men coexisted in this space.
Just as Anant resumed his reading, the air shifted as the old man, Mr. Raghavendra Raghuvanshi himself, swivelled his chair around to face his sons.
He is The President of Raghuvanshi Industries, Mr. Raghavendra Raghuvanshi.
His features came into focus, and there he sat—a living legend, the embodiment of years of hard work and dedication.
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