Hi everyone so I wrote this book last year and had already published a few chapters but I had to delete them because of something But now I will publish it again with a few changes at the start of the story like this chapter which I've added hope you all will like this book of mine 😇❤️‍🩹

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                                                                       AUTHOR 'S POV

The Rathore mansion woke up to the faint hum of morning life. As sunlight filtered through the large windows, its golden rays fell on the polished marble floor, signalling the start of another busy day for the family.

The head of the family, Bharat Singh Rathore, was always the first to wake up. Even at the age of seventy, his fierce discipline had not diminished. He stepped out onto the terrace attached to his room, with a straight and firm posture. The morning breeze was cool, and he breathed deeply, enjoying the quiet moments before the house erupted into action. Behind him, his wife, Bhakti Bharat Singh Rathore, followed him onto the terrace, two cups of tea in her hand.

"Your tea, Bharat," she said with a dim smile.

"Thank you," he replied, gazing at the horizon. "The wedding preparations are going to be in full swing soon. I am glad we have this calm before the storm."

Bhakti nodded, her hands holding the warmth of her cup. "I just hope everyone gets along well...especially Abhay and Ekansh."

Bharat's face hardened a little at the mention of the two. The tension between his eldest son and the grandson was visible, and though they hadn't broken it often, it was still weighing on him.

Meanwhile, down in the large kitchen, Ekansh's stepmother Gayatri Abhay Singh Rathore was already engaged. She was preparing the establishment and telling the house staff what she was cooking. Despite being the lady of the house, Gayatri preferred to put in the work herself, especially when it came to her family's dinner.

"Get the milk ready for Maa ji and Papa ji," he told a maidservant, coming over but firmly. "And make sure Avyansh's paranthas are crisp; you know how he likes his paratha."

Her thoughts got stuck on Ekansh for a while. Whatever happened, he was always at the place taking care of his favourite food, even if he wasn't sure when he would join them for dinner. She takes care of him as if he were her own, and that was the charm in every little thing she did.

While Gayatri was working in the kitchen, Abhay Singh Rathore sat in the studio sipping black coffee. In the mornings he was lost in his thoughts, immersed in the work of his mind and his distant manner with frequent monologues. There were unsaid words between them, emotions buried so deep that no one dared to strike up a conversation with him. Despite the early morning, in a working mood.

In other parts of the house, Abhay's younger brother and the coo of the Rathore Group, Vijay Singh Rathore, was finishing his morning walk around the electronics. Despite the chill in the air, Vijay never missed his daily exercise. His wife Mahima was already dressed in professional attire like a doctor, welcoming him at the door.

"You're bound to catch a cold someday, Vijay," she teased, handing him a towel.

"Probably not," he replied, smiling. "If I have to take care of the family business and the twins, I have to stay fit."

In the gym on the 3rd floor, the twins, Vihaan Singh Rathore and Viaan Singh Rathore, were finishing their light morning workout. Their competitive nature extended to the gym as well.

"You're slowing down, Vihaan," Viaan teased, lifting dumbbells.

Vihaan smiled. "We both know I'll always be ahead of you."

"So let's see how you handle the hotels today," Viaan replied, wiping sweat from his forehead. Despite the teasing, the bond between the two was evident. They handled their respective parts of the family business with professional rivalry, but their loyalty to each other was never in doubt.

After the workout, they met their respective families. Viaan's wife Ruhanika was helping their daughter Naina with breakfast and making sure their child didn't make too much of a mess, while Vhiaan's wife Krisha was juggling between her work as a fashion designer and taking care of their son Rehaan.

"Rehaan, come here," Krisha called out to the playful two-year-old who was running around the room with boundless energy. "We have to get ready for the day."

Downstairs, Rudra Singh Rathore and his wife Payal were discussing something in their room. Rudra, the youngest of the Rathore brothers, ran several NGOs with his wife. Unlike the rest of the family, their mornings were calm and relaxed, away from the pressures of the family business.

"Do you think Abhimanyu is coming for breakfast today?" Payal asked, referring to their eldest son, the CFO of the Rathore Group.

"He should be coming," Rudra replied, checking his watch. "However, Abhimanyu has been working late. I am surprised he is not tired yet."

In the corner of the mansion, Abhimanyu Singh Rathore was preparing for the day. He was up since morning, engrossed in meetings and financial reports. Though he was often immersed in work, he made time for breakfast with the family whenever possible, as he knew the importance of maintaining balance in his life.

In the kitchen, as Gayatri was setting the breakfast table, she remembered Ekansh. She smiled fondly, hoping he would join them today. As Gayatri served breakfast, she looked towards the stairs, wondering if Ekansh would join them today. Ekansh, the eldest, was often absent from family gatherings. His responsibilities weighed heavily on him, and tensions with his father had made him more distant.

Upstairs, Sneha Rathore was lying on her bed, trying to get up. Her elder brother, Avyansh, was peeking through the door and smiled when he saw her with the blanket pulled over her head.

"Come on Sneha! If you don't get up now, you won't be able to have breakfast with family," he called out laughing.

"I'm not an early person, bhaiya!" she groaned, but with a little hesitation, she pulled the blanket off.

In the next room, Mayra Rathore was already up and scrolling through her phone, checking social media and group chats. She was an early riser and took her time getting ready. She was always on top of new trends and gossip, and her mornings were filled with the same leisurely pace.

The youngest of the Rathore siblings, Javin, came into Mayra's room without knocking. "Are you ready? We're leaving in twenty minutes!"

Mayra gave him a mischievous look. "Since when do you care about being on time?"

Javin shrugged. "Just making sure you don't slow us down."

As the family gathered downstairs, the atmosphere was lively, full of laughter and light-hearted teasing as usual. Sneha and Avyansh arrived first, still lethargic, but eager for breakfast. Mayra and the youngest, Jaivin, followed them, their mischievous banter echoing through the hall.

"Javin, stop eating all the toast!" Mayra scolded, snatching a plate from him.

"Hey! I'm a growing boy!" Jaivin replied, stuffing another bite into his mouth.

Sneha laughed. "You'll never stop growing if you keep eating like that!"

Avyansh smiled and shook his head. "At least he eats regularly."

The siblings gathered around the table, their laughter filling the air. Despite the age difference between them and Ekansh, they shared an unbreakable bond. Sneha and Avyansh, though mischievous at times, loved their elder brother dearly, and he in turn treated them like his own children.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Ekansh had just finished his workout. He was as organised as he was for the rest of his life, and by the time he showered and got ready, his siblings were halfway through breakfast. As he walked down the hallway, he caught sight of his grandmother, who was heading to her dining room.

Her smile looked warm on the surface, but Ekansh always felt something cold, something unspoken, underneath it. No one else ever noticed her disapproval; she hid it well. And so, as always, Ekansh bowed respectfully and walked past her without saying anything.

Downstairs, the siblings were in the middle of a laugh when Ekansh walked in. The mood in the room changed, all eyes were on him, but the smiles were still on.

Ekansh came in late as usual, dressed impeccably as usual, his face unreadable. He greeted his Dada and Dadi first, paying them due respect, but keeping the conversation brief. However, the siblings wasted no time in gathering around him.

"Bhai!" Sneha ran up and hugged him. "Finally you joined us for breakfast. It looks like you're always running somewhere."

Ekansh smiled, stroking his hair. "I couldn't let you all finish breakfast without me and someone has to keep everything running smoothly."

Avyansh smiled. "It's about you, you should give some time to yourself. You always look like you just ran out of a boardroom."

Mayra interjected, "Maybe we should steal him away for a day and let him rest."

Javin, always funny, said, "Yeah brother! You're too serious. When was the last time you travelled with us? or spent some sibling time with us?"

Ekansh laughed softly as he sat down at the table. "I will after the wedding, I promise."

The siblings continued their light-hearted conversation when Gayatri walked in with a fresh plate of parathas and smiled warmly seeing everyone together. Such moments were her favourite, to see her children laugh and enjoy each other's company.

Abhimanyu walked in from across the room with his office bag in his hand, but his usual serious demeanour softened a little on seeing the family gathered. He sat down next to Avyansh and gave a smile.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who works too much," Abhimanyu joked, looking at Ekansh.

Ekansh shrugged. "We all have our responsibilities."

The light-hearted atmosphere at the table was briefly interrupted when Abhay Singh Rathore joined them for breakfast, his eyes scanned around the room. His presence was always imposing, and though he said nothing, the tension between him and Ekansh was evident.

Mayra smiled at her elder brother and said, "Don't let work stress you too much. You need to rest before the wedding."

Javin interjected, "Yes bhai! We can't have you looking like a zombie during the functions."

Ekansh smiled, but said nothing, as the weight of the upcoming events rested on his shoulders.

Abhay heard his children and Ekansh talking, but he remained seated, his face impassive. A part of him wanted to join them, laugh with his family, but his bitterness towards Ekansh kept him away. The past was still deeply embedded in his mind.

As the meal continued, the room was filled with the vibrant energy of the family, but there was an unspoken tension between Abhay and Ekansh. Abhay was focused on his food and making only brief comments in conversation, while Ekansh was mostly talking to his younger siblings.

At the other end of the table, Abhimanyu watched the conversation between his uncle and cousin, sensing a strained relationship, though he admired Ekansh's ability to handle the complexities of family dynamics without letting it show in his demeanour.

Bharat Singh Rathore looked at his family, his heart swelled with pride. Despite the conflicts and unspoken tensions, there was something beautiful in these moments – the laughter, the teasing, the bond that held them all together.

"Ekansh," Bharat called out, getting his eldest grandson's attention. "Come with me to the study after breakfast. We have a few things to talk about."

Ekansh nodded, knowing that his responsibilities in the family business would never take a backseat. But for now, in this brief morning moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the rare peace of being with his siblings.

The day had just begun, but for the Rathore family, it was always a whirlwind of emotions, work, and bonds that could never be broken no matter how much they were tested.

The conversation continued, but the change was evident. Ekansh kept his focus on his siblings, not letting his father's presence disturb the rare moment of peace he spent with them. Abhay remained silent, walked away without saying anything, his unspoken frustrations wafting in the air.

The mornings were always a mix of the old and the new, of traditions carried forward by India and devotion, while the younger generation brought their own energy and unique style to the table.

The meal ended, and the family settled into their respective chores and routines. As Ekansh left the table, Sneha and Avyansh stayed a little longer, cracked a few last jokes with him and then they too left for the day. The family breakfast tradition was more than just food, it was a time for bonding, laughter and maintaining the delicate balance that held them together.

The Rathore mansion, despite its grandeur, was also a centre of deep complexities and relationships that were as complex as they were unexpressed.

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Gandhinagar, Gujarat......

The first rays of dawn slid through the curtains, casting a soft glow into the Patel family's cosy home. In no time, the silence gave way to the familiar bustle of a new day. At exactly six, the house awoke—slow footsteps scurried down the hallway, the clatter of utensils echoed from the kitchen, and muffled voices signalled the start of another bustling morning.

Aniket Patel, a man of discipline and regularity, was the first to wake up, as he had been for years. His dedication to his role as a government school teacher was unwavering, and every morning he quietly got out of bed, taking care not to disturb his wife Nitya. He headed to the small office he had built in the corner of his bedroom. Cup of tea in hand, he sat at his desk and spent the first half hour grading papers or preparing lessons for the day. The orderliness of his day was evident in his methodical nature. After finishing work, he would go to the kitchen to help Nitya prepare breakfast.

Nitya, who woke up a little after Aniket, would get busy in the kitchen, her calm and kind demeanour changing the atmosphere of the house. She believed in starting the day with a hot, filling meal, which was especially important with so many family members living under one roof. She would make parathas, idlis and tea with her skilful hands, and would always be thinking of her family. Nitya had a special way of making everyone feel loved, whether it was through her cooking or her words of encouragement. Her bond with her daughter Kiansha was especially strong, and she would often think of ways to make the mornings even more joyful for her daughter.

By 7:00 am, everyone in the house was starting to wake up. Sahil, Aniket and Nitya's eldest son walks downstairs, still a little lethargic due to his late-night shift at the hospital. Being a doctor was no easy task, and Sahil took his responsibilities seriously. He greeted his parents with a sleepy smile and walked straight to the dining table, waiting for his morning tea to wake him up. Despite his fatigue, Sahil was always ready with a joke or a kind word for his parents.

His wife Swati too arrived shortly after, carrying their two-year-old daughter Anaya, who had just started waking up. Swati, a CA by profession, was already mentally prepared for her workday. She loved her job, but it often came with many challenges. Still, Swati never let the stress of her job overshadow the time she spent with her family. She always sat down to have breakfast with everyone, a habit that both she and Sahil cherished. Anaya, on the other hand, was still rubbing her eyes, clinging to her mother and mumbling some sleepy words as she slowly woke up.

Jaideep and Dhara Patel, Kiansha's bafe papa and mumma, were busy with their morning routine. Jaideep, a former army officer and now a bank manager, still maintained the disciplined habits of his service days. He would wake up before dawn and complete his morning workout. Dhara, who has always been a hard worker, joined Nitya in the kitchen, where the two women coordinated their routine of preparing food for the family. Dhara and Nitya also ran a small catering business from home, so their morning activities were very hectic as they prepared food for the family and their staff prepared food for their customers.

Their eldest son, Yugant, who owns a successful restaurants in Ahmedabad, woke up the next. His mornings were a little less hectic as his restaurant staff took care of the morning chores. Yugant often had a relaxing meal at the breakfast table with his parents and his wife Ashika. A dedicated teacher at a government school, Ashika loved to discuss her lesson plans over breakfast and often exchanged ideas with her husband and in-laws. Their seven-year-old son, Yug, was full of energy, excited for another day of school. His chatter filled the dining room and he asked countless questions about the world around him, much to the amusement of the elders.

As the clock neared eight in the morning, Jaideep and Dhara's second son, Jay, came out of his room. Jay, who had just completed his MBBS and was about to start work as a doctor, was much calmer than his elder brother. He greeted everyone with his familiar calm smile and had a cup of coffee before joining the others for breakfast. Jay was enjoying the peace of the morning, knowing that once his day at the hospital began, it would not be peaceful at all.

The youngest of the family, Kiansha was often the last to wake up, but she always made sure to be up in time for breakfast.

The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains and created delicate patterns on the walls of Kiansha's cosy bedroom. The sweet chirping of the birds outside served as a natural alarm to wake her from her sleep. She stretched herself, feeling the warmth of her blanket over her and reluctantly removed it. A soft snore caught her attention, and she smiled when her two cats, Cinnamon Roll and Cappuccino, were curled up at the foot of her bed, their soft fur shimmering in the morning light.

"Good morning, you two," Kiansha whispered, gently stroking their heads. Cinnamon Roll, her playful Scottish Fold, stretched out lazily, while Cappuccino, her more shy but affectionate munchkin, looked up at her with sleepy eyes.

When she got up, they followed her between her legs, as if to remind her that their breakfast was just as important as hers. Kiansha laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, okay, it's time for breakfast for you two first."

She quickly put on a pair of comfortable jeans and a bright yellow hoodie, then headed downstairs with Cinnamon Roll and Cappuccino following her. After feeding her furry companions, she sat down to eat breakfast, smiling at the people sitting nearby.

Kiansha, a final year college student, was balancing her studies with her passion for running a small coffee shop, "Latte Coffee and Cakes". Mornings were a chance for her to relax before heading to college or her shop, where her passion for baking shone.

By 8:30 a.m., the Patel family was in full swing. The elders gathered around the dining table enjoying breakfast and discussing plans for the day. Aniket and Jaideep often talked about their work, while Sahil and Jay shared stories from the hospital. The women, Nitya, Dhara, and Swati, discussed household matters and their catering business. The younger kids like Kiansha and Yug kept the atmosphere light-hearted, with Kiansha telling tales from her coffee shop, and Yug excitedly talking about his upcoming school day.

Amidst all this, there was an atmosphere of laughter, warmth, and togetherness that made the Patel family so strong. Every member, despite their busy lives and personal responsibilities, made time for each other in the morning, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Once breakfast was over, everyone got back to their routine. Sahil and Swati rushed to get Anaya ready for the day, while Swati prepared to leave for work. Nitya and Dhara returned to their catering business, Aniket went to school and Jaideep to the bank. Yugant left for his restaurant, and Jai prepared for another day at the hospital. Nitya, who was always the last one to leave the kitchen, smiled as she saw her family leave for the day, knowing that they would all gather again in the evening, just like every day.

It was a bright winter morning as Kiansha was on her way to college. The cool breeze touched her cheeks as she pulled her dupatta a little tighter around her neck. Ahmedabad was bustling, but there was a comfort in the routine.

Kiansha reached her college and found her best friends, Shreya and Tanvi, waiting at the entrance. Both waved enthusiastically as they saw her arrive. Tanvi's elder brother, Dhey, was standing nearby, scrolling through his phone, trying to look aloof but secretly listening to their conversation.

"Kiansha, come here!" Shreya called out, smiling.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Tanvi teased, hugging her. "You had a great time today."

Kiansha laughed softly. "I needed ten more minutes of sleep after studying last night. You two are lucky I made it here."

"Good, you did. We have to meet the professor for that project proposal," he reminded them, finally looking up from the phone, a smile on his lips.

"Yes, yes, responsible sir," Tanvi said, jokingly nudging her brother. "Always the Overachiever topper of the college."

The four walked to their class together, their conversations light-hearted and full of inside jokes. They were like a small, inseparable family, and despite the usual stresses of college life, Kiansha always felt comfortable with them.

In the classroom, the group sat in their usual spot at the back, near the window, from where they could occasionally look outside for some fresh air. The lecture began, but within a few minutes, Shreya and Tanvi began whispering to each other about plans for the upcoming weekend.

"Should we go to the cafe after class? I feel like eating something sweet," Shreya whispered to Kiansha.

Kiansha smiled and nodded. "How about a latte coffee & cake? I can even make something special for you two."

"Now you're speaking my language!" Tanvi smiled, imagining pastries.

Dhey, overhearing the conversation, leaned in. "Count me in. If it's cake, you know I'm in."

After the class was over, the whole group lingered in the hallway, discussing their weekend plans and catching up on the latest gossip from their classmates. It was moments like these that made Kiansha feel grounded—the simplicity of friendship and laughter.

"Okay, enough fun," she said, packing up her stuff. "We still have to discuss that group project with the professor."

"Oops, don't remind me," Shreya groaned, rolling her eyes mischievously. "But okay, let's get this over with so we can focus on important things like cake."

As they made their way to the professor's office, Kiansha couldn't help but feel grateful for the small joys in life. The warmth of her friends, the lighthearted banter, and the routine of college provided her with the kind of balance she needed even though deep down, she knew her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet imagine.

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Words count:-4016🫠

"I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Your feedback is critical to me, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Whether it's about the characters, the pacing, or any part that resonated with you, your input means the world. Every comment helps me grow as a writer, so don't hesitate to share what you liked or think could be improved. Thank you for taking the time to read and support my story!"🫶🏻🌷