CHASE OF STARDUST

pin. The drawing room, drenched in marigold light, had been transformed into a matrimonial theater - trays of perfectly aligne

visit. It was a declar

niya trailed behind him, nervously clutching her clutch like a lifeline, her bangles rattling a chaotic rhythm. And then came her - Rukhsana Khala

d the chai cups. Aanya sat poised, pretending disinterest while watching like it was the season finale of Rishta Roulette.

d a locked door, Ra

for their customary interrogation. Chai was poured, com

gan, his tone that of a courtroom j

ng at a reputable firm, but I plan to launch my own star

of approval.

ward Aanya, eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, your sister a

your brother survive a girl

d Fazeela's passive-aggressive

ed, sipping her tea like it came from a royal es

one's lazy, Rukhsana

ughters worship me. I've raised them like queens, not co

Like an overused ring light. Sit befor

laughter. Even Rukhs

died the moment t

ng Raneya down

tening her dupatta like

felt less heavenly, more mocking. Her bottle-green dress clung like ceremonial chains. The kohl a

ction - a stranger. A d

n tragic heroine mode? If you're auditioning for Banno Ki A

ned her jhumkay slowly, like e

't stop this. They've already decided. You're the final di

Cold. "You've learned to

he clown." Aanya's s

r wrists jingled like tiny alarms. She walked, not like

sations halted the

ed compliments - the kind that silenced rooms

forgot

's giving Mughal-e-Azam hero

throat. "Let's tal

," Qureshi Sahab add

"Whatever suits

dishes floated like confetti -

s were clasped, nails digging into her palms. The room buzze

n it ha

want this

le

as a grenade tossed into the mi

i Sahab froze. Zaryab's

est. "Drama?! And I didn't

nned. Saniya glanced between he

f this is about the menu, we can do chicken

arper now. "It's not

nal. "A good daughter respects decisions

s. The chain. T

ers dropped. He

hisper. "Fine.

d. Smiles returned.

omething had shifted.

en expected. But a st

, it wouldn't