Vikram was getting ready for the office.
Tara, watching him adjust his tie, asked softly,
"Vikram… when will you finance the foundation I'm about to start?"
Vikram glanced at her. "Things like this don't work in such a casual way."
Tara raised a brow. "Oh really, Mr. Suryavanshi? Then how do they work?"
Vikram sighed. "Look, first of all, the foundation will carry my late mother's name. I need to check everything properly."
Tara folded her arms. "Fine. So… you doubt me?"Then I will apply in bank.
"No," Vikram said firmly, "but even in a bank, you can't just apply like that. They'll ask for assets."
Tara smiled lightly. "Then I'll keep your company papers ready."
"First show me your plan," Vikram replied. "Then I'll think about it."
Tara stepped closer, challenging him. "What do you mean think about it?"
"Exactly what you just understood," Vikram said calmly.
Tara straightened, determination shining in her eyes. "Okay, Mr. Suryavanshi. I'm ready to work hard for this. I'll raise the funds if I have to. Because this isn't just about money—it's about a woman's legacy that can inspire the new generation. Your mother wasn't an ordinary woman."
Vikram studied her carefully. "So, you're serious about this?"
"Of course. Two hundred percent serious."
"That's what I wanted to check," Vikram murmured.
He pulled out his checkbook, signed a check, and handed it to her.
"See the amount yourself. And once you build a team, I'll fix professional meetings for you."
Tara's face lit up with happiness. "Alright. Thank you."
But Vikram wasn't finished. "Tara… join my company."
She froze. "Your company? Absolutely not."
"Do you know how hard it is to get a job in my company?" Vikram teased.
"Of course it's hard. You're the boss," Tara shot back.
Vikram's tone grew serious. "Listen. If you join the company, you'll gain real work experience. You'll meet people, handle professional discussions. You'll learn things that will help with your foundation."
"Then I'll apply to some other company," Tara said stubbornly.
"I'm ready for that too," Vikram replied. "But if I let you work elsewhere alone, my enemies might take advantage. It already happened once. I won't take that chance again."
Tara gave him a sharp look. "So if I join your company, what position will you give me?"
A smile tugged at Vikram's lips. "Personal assistant."
Tara narrowed her eyes. "No. I reject that offer."
Vikram chuckled. "Fine. Then sit for the selection process. If you pass, you'll be appointed. And if you don't—?"
"Even then, I will not become your personal assistant," Tara interrupted firmly.
Vikram leaned a little closer. "And why not?"
Tara lifted her chin. "Because I don't want Suryavanshi Company to suffer. If I become your assistant, you'll spend more time mixing our personal relationship with professional work. That won't be good for the company."
Vikram smirked faintly. "I'm very professional at the office. Come with me and see for yourself."
But Tara shook her head. "No. I want to focus on raising the Sulekha Young Foundation."
"Alright," Vikram conceded gently. "Do whatever you want. There's no pressure. If you can't do it, it's fine. If you want to, that's also your choice."
Tara softened. "I'll try on my own."
"Good. I'll send you contact numbers of some amazing women I personally know. My company funds their foundations too. You can learn a lot from them."
"That would be really helpful," Tara admitted. "I'll arrange meetings with them."
"Come on, drop me to the car," Vikram said suddenly.
Tara There were guards, the garden, and the watchmen.You are always trying to come close to me." "Why? In front of everyone?"
Vikram grinned. "Because you're my wife."
Tara mimicked him in a mocking tone, "'You're my wife.' That doesn't work anymore. You used to be all rough and tough."
"And now everyone think I've become your slave?" Vikram teased.
"Go to the office. I have work too," Tara said firmly.
But Vikram held her hand. "Come on. Walk me to the car."
Tara sighed. "Alright."
At the car, Vikram turned to her. "I'm leaving. I'll send you all the information… and help too, if you need it."
"No, I'll try myself," Tara said. "Just send me the contact numbers."
"Fine." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Bye, Vikram. Go now," Tara said"
But Vikram bent close and whispered in her ear, "Can I kiss you on your lips?"
Tara instantly leaned back. "No."
Vikram chuckled.
"You always tease me," she muttered, flustered. "Now go to the office."
He sat back in the car, still smiling at her.
Tara thought to herself, Vikram looks best when he's smiling… I never want to see him sad or crying.
---
At Suryavanshi Company
Vikram entered his cabin and sat quietly for a while, deep in thought. Finally, he picked up the phone and called the police station.
"Officer, I'm withdrawing my complaint. The necklace has been recovered. Release Mrs. Sunanda."
"Are you sure, Mr. Suryavanshi?" the officer asked.
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Alright. We'll take a written promise from her that she won't repeat this again."
"Fine," Vikram agreed.
---
12 PM
Vikram called Tara.
"Vikram," Tara said excitedly, "the women whose numbers you sent me—they were wonderful! They shared everything with me. Thank you."
"I withdrew my complaint," Vikram informed her.
"That was good of you," Tara replied warmly.
"And I've called Prithvi to meet me," Vikram continued. "I'm returning the 45% shares of his company bought by Suryavanshi company. No conditions. I just want to live peacefully—for you, for Dada ji and Dadi. He already knows about the complaint being withdrawn."
"That's nice, Vikram. You're not talking about revenge anymore, you're talking about settlement. That's really good," Tara said.
"Thank you for everything," Vikram said softly. "Shall I come home to help you? Or send someone else?"
"No, I'm reading right now. Let me finish. If I need help, I'll ask. Come home later, then we'll talk. Bye."
And she cut the call.
Vikram set the phone down with a sigh. "Idiot… she doesn't even realize I'm missing her. I can't even focus on work. Even her nonsense talks feel good… Daily, I feel myself changing because of her—and in good ways."
---
1 PM
Prithvi entered Vikram's cabin.
"Sit down," Vikram said curtly. "I don't want to hear any nonsense. Here—these are your 45% shares. I'm returning them without any terms and conditions. Just let Tara, Dada ji, and Dadi live peacefully. And tell your mother the same. You already know I withdrew the complaint."
Prithvi looked at him and spoke quietly, "Will you ever stop hating me?"
Vikram froze in shock.
Prithvi continued, his voice breaking, "Fine, don't accept me as a brother. But at least… don't hate me. Did you ever think how much it hurt me? Knowing I had an elder brother who never wanted to see me. All because of mistakes my mother and our father made. How long will you keep punishing me for something I had no control over? Was my birth in my hands?"
Vikram's silence deepened.
Prithvi went on, tears welling in his eyes. "I know you suffered a lot because of my mother… and our father was equally responsible. But look at me—I've been completely ruined. And yet… I never hated you. I was angry, yes. Furious, because you never accepted me. That anger pushed me to make mistake after mistake. Even kidnapping Tara… and I feel guilt for it now. But at that time, I was blinded. My mother always told me you were the enemy. And because of your cold behavior, I started to believe her."
Vikram sat speechless, hardly believing the words coming from Prithvi.
Prithvi wiped his tears. "I made mistakes… so many that even saying sorry isn't enough. I need to apologize to Dada ji, to Dadi… and to Tara too. Suhani—" his voice broke—"Suhani used to say I was the best bhaiya in the world. But when she called me a bad man… it pierced my heart. I even misused a little child's innocence."
He shook his head, guilt consuming him. "I don't want these shares, or any property. Whatever little I have left, I'll work hard to make profit. I promise, I won't trouble you or anyone again. And neither will my mother."
Prithvi stood up, turning to leave.
"Wait, Prithvi," Vikram's voice stopped him.
Prithvi looked back.
"I also made mistakes," Vikram admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "I wanted revenge… even from a child who was never at fault. I'm sorry too."
Tears rolled down Prithvi's cheeks. "Can I… can I call you bhaiya?"
For a long moment, Vikram said nothing. Then he smiled faintly and nodded.
Prithvi broke down, hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry, bhaiya, for everything. I know my mistakes are unforgivable… but I promise, I'll never do anything again that hurts anyone."
Vikram, though surprised, hugged him back. "Stop crying, Prithvi. Drink some water."
Prithvi took the glass Vikram offered, still trembling with emotion.
---
Two hours later… at the Suryavanshi Mansion.
Tara could hardly believe her eyes. For the past thirty minutes, Prithvi has been sitting on his knees in the living hall, holding his ears as punishment, she thought. And this is all because Dadaji insisted on it.
Dadi kept pleading softly, "He has already apologized so many times. How much more do you want, Dadaji? Do you want his life as well?"
But Dadaji's voice was stern. "After such a big mistake, this is still too small a punishment."
Prithvi lowered his gaze, refusing to move. "No, Dadi. Let me be. I deserve this. And yes, you and Dadaji also made mistakes. You both covered up all of mine. That's why I thought I could do anything and get away with it. Even Bhaiya—Vikram Bhaiya—always covered for me too."
The entire staff of Suryavanshi Mansion stood silently, stunned at what they were witnessing. For them, this was nothing short of history. Bhaiya? The word itself was like a rare jewel, something that perhaps happened once in a thousand years.
Prithvi finally turned toward Tara, his voice trembling. "I am sorry, Tara. No—Tara bhabhi."
Everyone burst into surprised laughter at his sudden correction.
Prithvi rolled his eyes. "Is it really fair, Dadaji? You're making fun of me now? Even the watchman has left his post to witness my punishment, and the whole staff is standing like they're watching a movie!"
Dadi finally bent down and tried to lift him. "Enough, Prithvi. Get up."
But he shook his head stubbornly. "No. Dadaji has given me this punishment, and I will complete it. And there's one more truth I must confess—I kidnapped Tara bhabhi. But it was only for the hydro project. I swear I never meant to harm her. I was foolish enough to believe Bhaiya would never file a police complaint. I thought I could blackmail him instead. I never realized how low I had stooped. Since childhood, no one ever scolded me or corrected me. If they had, maybe I would have stopped before making such big mistakes. I am… really, really sorry."
His voice cracked as tears spilled down his cheeks.
Vikram stepped forward, his tone gentle. "Dadaji, I think his apology is enough. Let's end this punishment."
Dadaji sighed, his own sternness softening. "Hmm. I think you're right. Get up, now."
Prithvi tried to rise, but after kneeling so long, his knees gave way. He lost balance and fell. Everyone—Dadaji, Dadi, Vikram, even Tara—hurried forward to lift him and guided him onto the couch.
Prithvi wiped his eyes. "Now I finally feel like I am truly a part of the Suryavanshi family… though I don't know if Suhani will ever forgive me. I miss her, her little calls, her laughter…" His voice broke again. "I don't even know if I'll have the courage to face her."
Tara leaned forward reassuringly. "She will forgive you, Prithvi. Don't worry."
Dadi's eyes glistened with tears. "I have waited so long for this day—for you and Vikram to finally see each other as brothers. Today, that moment has come."
Prithvi quickly held her hands. "Dadi, please don't cry."
"These are tears of happiness," she said, giving him a light slap on his cheek. "But this slap is for all the wrong things you've done."
"I know, Dadi," he whispered. "I hurt so many people… but I regret everything. Please, just give me one chance."
She nodded. "I will. I know why you became like this. Parents play such a big role in shaping their children's hearts…"
Prithvi muttered sadly, "Then the mistake was yours and Dadaji's too. Why didn't you keep me here, the way you kept Vikram Bhaiya? If I had grown up beside him, I would have been like him. Instead, here I am, on my knees in front of all the staff, getting scolded and slapped."
The words struck Vikram deeply. His voice hardened a little as he turned toward the staff. "Enough of this family drama. Everyone, get back to work." The hall slowly emptied.
Prithvi then hugged Dadi tightly. "Even you abandoned me, Dadi…"
Dadaji sighed. "You two talk. I'll take my leave."
Tara followed Vikram quietly, and the two went upstairs, leaving Dadi and Prithvi to continue their heartfelt conversation.
"Dadi," Prithvi said softly, "Bhaiya has really changed. He laughed with me, accepted me… I never thought that day would come."
Dadi smiled through her tears. "And hearing the word bhaiya from your lips… it feels so good. Tara has changed Vikram completely."
Prithvi nodded. "Yes. I can see it. And I'm happy. Because all I ever wanted was Bhaiya's attention, his acceptance…"
Dadi placed her hand on his head lovingly, and the two continued talking in the hall.
---
Meanwhile, in Tara's room—
"Mr. Suryavanshi," Tara said, folding her arms, "it's already 3 p.m. Don't you think it's time you went back to the office? Instead, you're busy disturbing me here."
Vikram leaned back lazily. "I'm not disturbing you. I'm just… missing you."
Tara smirked. "Wow. It's as if we've been apart for a hundred years."
He shook his head. "No, really. I wanted to thank you. For the first time in my life, I feel relaxed… at peace. I never thought my relationship with Prithvi could heal. But because of you, I realized all he ever wanted was love, while I only gave him hatred. And he was right—no one chooses to be born."
Tara nodded gently. "Yes. That wasn't his fault."
"That's why," Vikram continued, "I've decided to let go of the past. Oh, and remember you told me to frame that photo of me and Mom? I'll do it."
Tara smiled. "I already sent the picture for framing."
His brows lifted. "Without my permission?"
"You would have refused," she teased.
Vikram chuckled. "And you think I have the courage to refuse you?"
"That's better. Now go to the office. Who sits this close and still talks so casually?"
"I do," he whispered, leaning closer. "I like seeing your face from a zoomed angle."
She pushed him aside. "Move. I have work."
He refused. "No."
She sighed. "Fine, then you understand only one language." And with that, she tugged sharply at his hair.
"Ouch!" Vikram winced, finally pulling away. "Pagal ladki! Who pulls hair this hard?"
"You never listen to me," she shot back.
He smirked. "At this rate, I'll have to file a domestic violence case against you. First you hit me, now you pull my hair…"
"Then listen to me the first time," she huffed.
Instead, Vikram pushed her back down gently onto the bed. "Or better, just hug me and think of me as your favorite pillow."
Tara blushed furiously.
His eyes softened. "Wow. It's been so long since I've seen your cheeks turn red like this."
She tried to distract herself. "You know, we don't even have a single framed photo together in our room.
Vikram Should I frame one from the wedding?"
"No," she added quickly, "I don't want those photos."
"Fine," Vikram teased, "then let's get married again. This time, properly. With a beautiful wedding photoshoot, honeymoon, everything we missed…"
Tara stared at him. "Another marriage? With you?"
He gasped in mock shock. "What do you mean with you? You plan to marry someone else?"
"Mr. Suryavanshi, marrying you once was heavy enough. I won't risk it a second time."
"Please, Tara," his voice softened. "It will be our love marriage this time. And yes, I know I ruined our first night. I was a fool, an idiot. I'm sorry. You can punish me however you like… but I'll never forgive myself for that night."
"You even left me in the cold balcony," she reminded quietly.
"I remember," Vikram said, his voice breaking. "Ten minutes only… but it felt like eternity. I was so worried you'd fall sick. Even in my anger, my love for you was stronger. But yes—I ruined that night. Believe me, I wanted to talk to you, desperately. Every time I thought of Prithvi, my mind fought with my heart… but my heart always lost. I hurt you, Tara. And that hurts me even more."
Her voice turned soft. "Vikram, I forgave you long ago. And yes, you hurt me… but you've healed me a hundred times more. I remember the Vikram who never left me or my family alone after Papa passed away. That Vikram is who I want to keep in my heart."
He whispered, "Thank you. Then… marry me again?"
"No," she said, smirking.
"Then what about the photoshoot?"
"You're not innocent enough to want marriage just for photos," she teased. "
"Vikram We already have one good picture together—frame that."
"Our first date picture?"
"No. You looked too serious in that one."
"Let's just click one now."
She pulled out her phone. "Fine. Lie down beside me. We'll click one here and whichever looks best, we'll frame."
He smiled. "Deal."
They clicked a few pictures together, lying side by side. Tara checked them carefully.
"This one," she said firmly. "I want this framed."
Vikram groaned. "Unfair, Tara. I'm looking at you in this one. Not the camera."
"Exactly," she grinned. "That's why I love it."
---
By evening, the photo frames arrived. Tara hung them carefully.
"This one of you and your mother goes on the wall by the bed," she said softly. "And ours—on the front wall."
Vikram frowned. "So that everyone who walks in will see it first? And you even picked the biggest size possible!"
"You don't like it?" she teased.
"I never said that," he sighed. "Everyone will laugh at me, but… fine."
As the room grew quiet, Tara admired the photos. "They look perfect."
"Yes," Vikram said, wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her cheek. "Perfect… because they make you happy."
---