2 YEARS LATER!

The Oberoi mansion gleamed like a bride, its resplendent façade adorned with glittering lights and floral arrangements that cascaded down the columns. The chandeliers inside cast a warm, enchanting glow that reflected off the polished marble floors, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. The mansion's grandiosity was further amplified by the hustle and bustle of the event staff, who moved with precision and grace, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

Waiters, impeccable in their uniforms of crisp white shirts, black slacks, and perfectly tied bow ties, navigated the crowd with ease. Their charm and courtesy were evident in their every gesture as they welcomed the guests, who arrived in a parade of luxurious cars, each more opulent than the last. The guests themselves were a spectacle, dressed in their finest attire, embodying elegance and opulence. Diamonds sparkled, silks shimmered, and the air buzzed with the murmur of polite conversation and laughter.

Mrs. Anika Oberoi, the epitome of grace and poise, descended the grand staircase with an air of effortless elegance. She was resplendent in a dazzling sari, its rich fabric catching the light and casting a soft glow around her. Her every step was measured and deliberate, her smile warm yet composed. She moved from guest to guest, graciously attending to their needs despite the murmurs that trailed in her wake. She was aware of the whispers, the undercurrent of speculation and curiosity that always accompanied her, but she chose to rise above it, focusing instead on ensuring her guests' comfort.

"Hello, Mr. Bose," Anika greeted warmly as she extended her hand for a handshake. Her eyes met his with genuine interest, a habit she had cultivated to make each guest feel valued.

"Good evening, Mrs. Oberoi," Mr. Bose responded, taking her hand with a smile. "Where is Mr. Oberoi?" he inquired, glancing around the room.

Anika turned slightly, gesturing towards the grand staircase. "There they are," she said, her voice carrying a note of pride.

As if on cue, Mr. Omkara Singh Oberoi and his fiancé, Miss Gauri Rai, made their entrance. The room seemed to hold its breath as the couple descended the staircase, their elegance and charm lighting up the room. Anika's eyes followed them with a mixture of affection and pride as she introduced them to the assembled guests and business associates.

"Presenting Mr. Omkara Singh Oberoi and Miss Gauri Rai, the future daughter and second daughter-in-law of the Oberoi family," Anika announced proudly, her voice carrying over the soft hum of conversation. The guests responded with applause and appreciative murmurs, their attention riveted on the couple.

Amidst the festivities, Gauri spotted her friend Sayani and broke into a delighted smile. She excused herself from Omkara's side and made her way through the crowd, her sari flowing gracefully around her. "Sayani!" she exclaimed, embracing her friend warmly. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Sayani returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she said, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Gauri turned to introduce Sayani to Anika. "Mrs. Oberoi, this is my dear friend Sayani," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Anika greeted Sayani with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Sayani," she said, extending her hand. "Gauri has told me so much about you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Oberoi," Sayani replied, shaking Anika's hand.

"May I have a moment, Mrs. Oberoi?" Sayani requested after a brief pause, her tone turning more serious.

"Certainly, Miss Gupta," Anika replied, her curiosity piqued.

Before the conversation could progress further, Anika's attention was drawn to the stage. She excused herself with a polite nod and turned to focus on Omkara and Gauri, who were awaiting the engagement ceremony. The crowd's attention shifted to the couple as they made their way to the stage, their steps in perfect harmony.

The engagement ceremony was a beautiful and emotional affair. As Omkara and Gauri exchanged rings, the room erupted in applause and heartfelt congratulations. Anika watched with a mixture of pride and nostalgia, her mind briefly wandering to her own engagement many years ago. She pushed the thoughts aside and stepped forward, handing over the symbolic reins of the Oberoi Empire to Omkara. It was a significant gesture of trust and support, and the crowd recognized its importance with another round of applause.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere remained lively and celebratory. Guests mingled, conversations flowed, and the clinking of glasses punctuated the air. Amidst the celebrations, a new acquaintance joined the gathering, capturing the attention of several guests. Rajeev Siddhartha, with his youthful appearance and charming demeanor, moved through the crowd with ease. Whispers about his background and profession circulated, but Rajeev seemed unperturbed, engaging in pleasant conversation with everyone he met.

Anika eventually found herself in conversation with Rajeev. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Siddhartha," she said, her tone both welcoming and inquisitive. "What brings you to our celebration tonight?"

Rajeev smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's a pleasure to be here, Mrs. Oberoi. I'm a private investigator, and I've recently taken on a case that has piqued my interest."

"Intriguing," Anika replied, her curiosity deepening. "Perhaps we can discuss it further later."

"Of course," Rajeev agreed, his demeanor respectful and professional.

Later that evening, as the festivities began to wind down, Anika excused herself to prepare for the following day's press conference. She had made a bold decision to reopen her late husband's case, and the media was abuzz with speculation. She knew the announcement would ignite a storm of questions, but she was determined to face them head-on.

The next morning, the press conference room was packed with reporters, cameras flashing and microphones ready. Anika stood at the podium, her expression calm and composed as she addressed the crowd. "Thank you all for coming," she began. "I have an important announcement regarding the case of my late husband, Shivaay Singh Oberoi."

A murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd. One reporter quickly raised his hand. "Mrs. Oberoi, what leads you to believe it was not a suicide?"

Anika took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room. "There are certain inconsistencies in the original investigation that have come to light," she explained. "I believe it warrants further scrutiny."

Another reporter jumped in. "Mrs. Oberoi, it's obvious you won't disclose the evidence publicly," he said, his tone challenging. "Isn't it too long to reopen a case that might ultimately prove you wrong? You must have doubts about it being a murder, given how often that happens."

Anika met his gaze steadily. "Let me correct you, Miss Gupta. I'm not stating it's a murder case; it could be manslaughter or self-defense," she clarified. "The point is to uncover the truth, whatever it may be."

The flurry of questions continued, but Anika handled each one with poise, her determination unwavering. She knew the path ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to face it. After an hour, the press conference concluded, and refreshments were served to the guests.

Anika instructed Gauri to invite Sayani and Omkara to the living room while Omkara fetched Rajeev. She needed to discuss the next steps in private, away from the prying eyes of the media.

Retreating to a secret room known only to her, Anika surrounded herself with photographs of Shivaay. She selected one where he tenderly kissed her, holding onto it tightly as memories and emotions flooded her mind. She allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, drawing strength from the love they had shared.

After five minutes, Anika composed herself and made her way to the living room where the four were gathered. The air was thick with tension as Omkara, clearly upset, turned to her.

"Anika, you could have informed me about this!" Omkara shouted, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt.

"Look, I'm sorry," Anika began, her tone sincere. "I know I should have told both of you since you are my family, but..."

"But what..." Omkara pressed, his voice rising with emotion.

Before Anika could respond, a servant approached, interrupting the heated exchange. He handed Omkara an envelope with a formal demeanor. "It's addressed to Shivaay and Omkara Singh Oberoi from J.W.," the servant announced, his voice cutting through the tension.

Omkara took the envelope, his expression shifting from anger to curiosity. He glanced at Anika, who met his gaze with a mixture of uncertainty and resolve. The room fell silent as Omkara opened the envelope, the contents of which would undoubtedly add another layer to the unfolding drama.

As the evening turned into night, the Oberoi mansion stood as a beacon of elegance and resilience. Inside, the family grappled with their past and their future, united by bonds of love and loyalty. Anika knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she was determined to uncover the truth and protect her family's legacy. With Omkara by her side and new allies like Rajeev and Sayani, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and strength, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

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