Shattered Glass, Shattered Hearts

Neesha, flashing a guilty smile, said, "We were just playing…"

But seeing the anger on Vani's face, she quickly fell silent.

"And you two broke their glass and didn't even tell me? And Jeev, since when did you start hiding things from Mom?" Vani said, glaring at him.

"Mom, Maasi told me not to tell you. And she even bribed me… so I, the innocent little kid, agreed," Jeev said, making a pitiful face and complaining about Neesha.

"Bribe? Jeev, what kind of bribe? And where do you learn all these words from?"

Neesha jumped in defensively, "I was just praying! God, how much more will this little mouse get me into trouble? Shut up already! How many buried secrets are you going to dig up today?"

"Mom, Maasi was going to take me to the amusement park," Jeev added.

Vani kept staring at Neesha with suspicion, and Neesha mumbled to herself,

"That's it, little mouse. Are you going to spill all the information today? He's acting like it's all my fault. He's the one who threw the ball, but I'm the one who had to do the explaining. And now he's switched sides!"

She turned to Jeev and snapped, "Little mouse, I'll deal with you later!"

Vani, still glaring at Neesha, said, "Well? Do you want to explain? Or are you just going to stand there?"

Neesha, thinking to herself, panicked:

"Neesha, think of something fast or you're done for today. If he tells Mom, I won't get this month's pocket money. I'm already in Mom's red zone."

Vani, arms crossed, still stood watching her with suspicion.

Suddenly, Neesha said, "Oh right! I feel like I'm forgetting something. Ah! Mom asked me to bring coffee powder from the market!"

She scratched her head, pretending to remember.

"You know how forgetful I am. Just remembered now. I'll go buy it. See you tomorrow! Bye!"

With that, she dashed off like a thunderstorm.

Jeev just stood there grinning slyly.

Vani turned to look at him. He instantly put on his innocent face, standing like a harmless child.

"Do you have something to say?" Vani asked. "Or did you just remember something you forgot too?"

"Mom, my toys are outside. I'll just go bring them."

And with that, he ran outside too.

Vani shook her head and muttered to herself,

"These two… all they do is trouble me. Just wait till that Neesha girl comes back. She loves potato parathas, right? Let me treat her to some spicy chili parathas instead!"

"She's spoiling my child now… Teaching him to threaten? Is that something you teach children?" Vani muttered angrily to herself. "Is this what she thinks is a lesson for kids? Neesha, girl, just wait till I see you tomorrow."

Muttering under her breath, Vani stormed into her room.

Yet again, because of little Jeev, her anger began to melt. Somehow, his innocence always had the power to make her forget her sorrows, if only for a moment.

Truly… if daughters are angels in their father's world, then sons are no less — precious pieces of their mother's heart.

---

Meanwhile… somewhere far away, tension simmered in a luxury office.

"Answer me, dammit! Why aren't you saying anything?" Manav's voice cracked in desperation.

But before he could say more, Jai did something that froze even him in place.

In a flash of uncontrollable rage, Jai flipped the heavy desk in his office with brute force. Glass shattered violently, scattering across the floor like broken trust.

"WHAT do you want to know?!" Jai roared, his voice shaking with raw emotion. "Yes, you heard me right! I've been searching for my wife and child for years. YEARS, Manav!"

His chest heaved, pain written all over his face.

"I only found out recently… that I have a child. A child I've been searching for like a madman for over a month now. I haven't slept, I haven't eaten properly… all I've done is look for them, day and night, hoping for any sign—any clue that they're safe."

"And you think I'll just agree to get engaged to someone else? Just like that?!"

Manav, now clearly shaken, gathered the courage to ask, "Then… this engagement? The one they announced—"

Jai cut him off coldly.

"I didn't even know!" he barked. "Last night, at that party… Dadaji just announced it. Without asking me. Without even knowing my will, he made that declaration in front of everyone."

Jai's eyes burned with silent fury.

"And he threatened me, Manav. Said if I don't get engaged to that girl, he'll remove me from my position — CEO and MD of Rathore Industries."

"And… you agreed?" Manav's voice softened. "You're ready to forget your child?"

Jai's voice dropped to a painful whisper.

"No… I haven't forgotten. Not for a second. I'm just… waiting for the right time."

"I have a month. One month to find them — both of them. No matter what it takes."

He clenched his fists, determination hardening his gaze.

"Otherwise… then Dadaji will truly witness what Jai Singh Rathore's style looks like."

Author's Note to My Dear Readers

Dear Readers,

First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing to read my new novel. Your time and support mean everything to me.

I would like to make a humble request — if you enjoy the story, please don't forget to leave a comment and show your love through coin gifts. Your support encourages me to keep writing with more passion and helps the novel reach more readers.

I also want to share something personal with you. My last four novels were not accepted for contracts because of low engagement — not enough comments, gifts, or reader interaction. It's been a tough journey, but I haven't given up. I'm trying once again with all my heart, hoping that this story will connect with you.

If you're enjoying the characters and the emotions, please let me know through your comments. Every little bit of support makes a big difference and brings me one step closer to my dream.

With love and hope,

– Suman Sahani (Author)