Blood ties can bind, but they can also suffocate.

I drove home, my mother's words echoing in my mind. "We need to talk." Just four words, yet they had thrown everything into chaos. Something so small shouldn't hurt this much, but it did.

As I entered the building, Harish Kaka, the watchman, noticed my tear-streaked face. "Kya hua, Samayra beta? You look upset," he asked softly.

I forced a weak smile, trying to hide the pain. "It's nothing, Kaka. Just a lot on my mind today, "I murmured softly.

His expression softened, though I could see the doubt in his eyes. "Take care, beta. If you need anything, I'm here."

I nodded and hurried to the lift, needing the peace and quiet of my apartment. As soon as I got in, I went straight to the bathroom. I turned on the shower and let the cold water hit me, hoping it would make the pain go away. But it didn't. The pain stayed with me, no matter how long I stood there.

I finally got out and wrapped myself in a towel. My eyes were puffy and my skin felt cold, but that was nothing compared to the chaos inside me. As I walked into the living room, I saw the package from Ishanya. For a moment I was distracted by curiosity.

I opened the parcel and found a stunning silver necklace. The pendant was shaped like a delicate flower, with tiny sparkling stones in the centre. The thin chain was elegant, making the necklace look both simple and beautiful. Alongside it was a note in her familiar handwriting:

"To my dearest Sam, can't wait to celebrate your birthday together! Love, Ishanya."

Tears welled up again, but this time, they were tears of bittersweet memories-of the late-night talks, the endless jokes, and the unwavering friendship. I quickly pulled out my phone and messaged Ishanya, "Thank you so much for the beautiful necklace! miss you girl!"

The rest of the evening went by in a blur, my mind filled with questions that wouldn't let me rest. The next morning, I woke up with a sense of unease. I arrived at the cafe, seeking a moment of clarity.

I stepped into the cafe, surrounded by its cozy atmosphere. Soft morning light poured in through big windows, shining warmly on wooden tables. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air.

By the window, my mother sat poised, sipping her favourite masala chai. She wore a stunning navy blue kurta that flowed gracefully with a matching churidar and dupatta, exuding elegance. The sunlight caught her silver jewellery, making it sparkle like tiny stars, while her hair was neatly styled in a bun. As I walked closer, my anxiety heightened, when I saw him.

Varun, my elder brother standing behind her, his eyes met mine. They were filled with guilt and desperation.

I hadn't seen him for years.

Memories of the boy he used to be flooded back, but now, he looked different-older, burdened.

I sat down slowly, bracing myself. "You wanted to talk?" I asked cautiously, looking at my mother.

"You have to help your brother."

"What kind of help?" I pressed.

"You're the only one who can save him."

"What is it?" I asked, my voice soft, though my heart was racing.

My brother stepped forward, clearing his throat nervously. "It's about my company..."

I cut him off. "Father's company!!"

"Yes, Father's company," he said quietly. "Mother managed it after he passed, but... now it's in trouble."

The words struck me hard, bringing back memories of my father's legacy-Malhotra Media, a renowned publishing house known for its magazines, articles, and online content. It had been founded by my grandfather, and expanded by my father. It was a symbol of our family's success and pride.

But now, it was struggling?

His's voice pulled me back to the present. "It started after we published an article about Siddhanth Oberoi's mother."

My eyes snapped to his. "What article?"

He looked away, shame washing over his face. "We reported that she's alive and in rehab for drug addiction."

A wave of disbelief crashed over me. "Why would you allow such a publication? Don't you know who the Oberois are?"

"My brother's words echoed in my mind: 'Siddhanth Oberoi, the business tycoon-his empire spanned real estate, tech, and finance." He was involved in everything, and his influence was everywhere. But behind the headlines, his personal life was a mystery. There were rumors about his family, suggesting he had a sister, but no one knew the truth about his parents. Were they alive or dead? No one knows.

His shoulders slumped under the weight of his decision. "I thought it was sensational news. It would attract readers and boost our revenue. But when Siddhanth found out, he exploded. He ordered us to take it down, and we did"

The gravity of his words settled like lead in my stomach. "And what happened after that?"

"Siddhanth was furious. He threatened me, saying the only way to save me and Malhotra Media was if..." He hesitated, dread creeping into his eyes.

"If what, Varun bhai..." I started, the words slipping out automatically, but I quickly caught myself, hesitating. "No, I mean... if what, Mr. Malhotra?"

His voice trembled. "If you marry him."

For a moment, I was paralyzed by shock. The absurdity of it felt unreal. "Marry him? Are you serious?" I struggled to comprehend the implications. Siddhanth Oberoi-the very man whose family secrets had triggered this chaos-was being offered as a solution to our problems?

I scoffed, trying to process. "Why would he want to marry me? I have nothing to do with Father's company."

His shoulders slumped. "I... I don't know," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

My anger flared. "You don't know? You're asking me to marry someone to save the company, but you don't even know why he wants this?"

My brother averted his gaze, his silence louder than any words he could have spoken.

I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. My heart pounded in my chest, fury mixing with confusion. How could they even ask me that?

"I can't marry him," I said, my voice firm. "Never." I picked up my bag and walked away, but my mother grasped my hand, her grip tightening. Her touch sent shivers down my spine, but it wasn't gentle. It was forced.

"I don't want to lose my beta," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "I already lost my husband, that too, because of..." She hesitated.

I looked back, shaking off her grip. "Why did you stop?" I asked angrily. "Just say what you think. Call me by the same name you always do-murderer." I turned to my brother, my voice rising. "Why would I even help you? Have you ever considered me your sister after Father died? Did you both ever see me as family? But now, suddenly, you're asking me to marry someone just to save yourself?"

His gaze dropped, the weight of my words settling between us like a thick fog. "I... I know things have been difficult since..."

"Since he died?" I snapped, cutting him off. "You both made it clear I was no longer part of this family. So why now?

"Please, Samayra, consider this proposal. Not for me, but for the company that Father built."

The mention of my father's name hit me hard. Memories flooded back, and a lump formed in my throat. Saving his legacy suddenly seemed important.

Yet, uncertainty crept in. Was I being selfish by refusing? Was I really considering my family's well-being?

I shook off the doubts and picked up my bag. "I have to go," I muttered, avoiding eye contact. Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving my brother and mother staring after me.

I stepped out of the cafe, my mind reeling with thoughts. I pulled out my phone and dialed Rohan, my PA.

"Rohan, book an appointment for me with...," I hesitated, "with Mr. Oberoi."

"Mr. Siddhanth Oberoi, ma'am?" Rohan's voice was laced with curiosity.

"Yes, that's the one. And gather all the information you can about him. I want to know everything."

"It won't be easy, ma'am," Rohan said. "Just try," I pressed.

"What's the purpose of the meeting ma'am?" he asked.

"I need to discuss the proposal he made through my family," I replied.

"Understood, ma'am. I'll also gather information about him for you."

I cut the call. I had to meet him, no matter what. The proposal, my family's legacy, and my own future hung in the balance. I needed answers, and only Mr. Oberoi could provide them.