"Hey Supriya beta, Anshika was with you, right? Where is she? Bring her over, let her meet Om too."
The Mayor said this with a warm smile.
"She… she was with me, Uncle, but I don't know where she went just now…" Supriya replied, trying to smile as she looked around for her.
"Anshika is here, Dad."
Ayush's voice came from behind the Mayor.
Everyone turned. Ayush stood there… and beside him—Anshika.
Om looked too. But unlike the others, his face didn't change at all. No surprise, no excitement. Just a calm, unreadable stare. The moment he had heard her name earlier, he already knew—it was that Anshika. The one from his past. So seeing her now didn't shock him. He just stood there, drink in hand, like nothing mattered.
"Oh my dear child, where were you, Anshika? Did you forget? I was going to introduce you to our special guest today. Come here."
The Mayor called her closer with affection.
Anshika was already nervous. Her heartbeat refused to slow down.
What if Om says something? What if he reveals everything here? How will I even face anyone? I won't even be able to stand here… and now he's become so important to Bade Papa… I won't even be able to look him in the eye again…
Her thoughts kept spiraling.
Still, forcing a smile, she walked up and hugged the Mayor. She couldn't even dare to look at Om.
But Om… he was watching her. A faint, dangerous smile played on his lips.
And the truth? He could hear her thoughts—every single one of them.
It was taking everything in him not to laugh out loud.
He had no intention of exposing their past.
But seeing her this scared?
He was enjoying it a little too much.
Then the Mayor turned to Om.
"Om beta, I've always loved daughters. I wanted one of my own… but well, fate had other plans. And I never trusted all those modern methods much either. But my younger brother fulfilled that wish. He gave me this flower-like girl. She's even dearer to me than a son. Meet my niece… my daughter, Anshika."
Then he looked at her.
"And Anshika, this young man standing before you—he saved your Bade Papa's life. He's incredibly talented. Won't you thank him? His name is Om. I hope one day, you see his abilities with your own eyes."
"Hello… Namaste, Mr. Om. It's nice to meet you."
Anshika said, forcing a smile, extending her hand toward him.
"Namaste. The pleasure is mine, ma'am. And… you look very beautiful in this dress."
Om replied with a smile—but instead of shaking her hand, he joined his palms politely.
He was teasing her. Clearly.
Anshika understood immediately.
Oh, so the gentleman has an attitude now?
She muttered under her breath.
Om heard that too. His smile widened.
Look at him… acting all high and mighty now. Fine. I'll deal with you later, you arrogant idiot. I'm Anshika. I don't let things go that easily.
She fumed silently.
Om lowered his gaze, hiding his laughter.
"This girl hasn't changed at all…" he whispered to himself.
Breaking the brief silence, the Mayor spoke again.
"Om beta, our Anshika is very shy. She doesn't talk much to anyone. In fact, she's never even made friends with boys. She just focuses on her work. She's such a sweet girl—always takes care of my home."
There was pride in his voice.
"Yes, Mr. Mayor. Your niece truly seems very संस्कारी… very well-mannered. I have no doubt about that."
Om said, looking at Anshika in a way that carried a completely different meaning.
Inside, he was barely holding back his laughter.
Anshika, on the other hand, felt even more nervous now.
He knew everything. Every truth.
Looking him in the eye? Impossible.
Bade Papa, please… for God's sake, stop. At least let me keep some dignity in front of this idiot…
She stared down, whispering to herself.
Meanwhile, Sharda Chachi had been observing Anshika for a while now. She liked her instantly. In fact, she had already imagined her as her future daughter-in-law. She smiled softly.
"Mom, stop overthinking and tell Bhaiya to talk to her alone. That's the only way they'll know if they like each other. Do something… give them a chance."
Saumya whispered into her mother's ear.
Sharda nodded, then walked up to Om and whispered,
"Om beta, I like that girl. Why don't you go talk to her?"
Om looked at her, startled.
"No, no, Chachi! You don't know her. She's just pretending to be nice—"
"Enough! Don't argue with me. I know you very well. Just go and talk to her. Wait, I'll tell the Mayor myself."
Before she could say anything, the Mayor spoke up again.
"Om beta, what will you young people do among us old folks? You and Anshika go, get to know each other. We'll handle everything here. Right, Ahuja ji?"
Vijay nodded, taking a sip of his drink.
"Yes, Mayor sir is right. Go on, you two."
"But Mayor sir—"
Om tried to speak, but Sharda cut him off.
"Yes, yes, Om beta. You should talk to her alone. Don't you agree?" she said, looking at her husband.
Vijay immediately agreed, a little flustered.
"Y-yes, beta. Your Chachi is right. You go, we'll manage here."
"Alright then… shall we, Mr. Om?"
Before Om could protest again, Anshika stepped in front of him and said it herself.
Om looked at her.
There was something strange in her eyes. A spark he couldn't quite read.
And finally, giving in to everyone…
"Alright… let's go."