Hi, my lovelies!!! How are?

Here is the Prologue for the book :) Those who have read the book- Anaisha will understand and those who haven't will eventually get it as the story progresses. So, let's dive into it, shall we? 

Aryaman Singhaniya- Anahita Devi's Son

Abhinav Singhaniya- Anahita Devi's Favourite grandson

Anaisha Singhaniya- Anahita Devi's granddaughter; Aryaman's child out of wedlock

Babita Singhaniya- Anahita Devi's Daughter-in-law; Aryaman's wife; Abhinav's mother

Minal (Singhaniya) Rajvanshi- Anahita Devi's Daughter-in-law (ex); Abhinav's wife (ex)

Mumbai- 2020

Anahita Devi couldn't bring herself to forget the humiliation she felt when Minal and her family were mudslingings her family. The Singhaniya's had always had a flawless reputation, but now? They were talking about taking her grandson Abhinav to court. What will happen to the honor of their family?

She collapsed on her bed, loosening the grip on her walking stick. It fell with a thud on the floor.

Divorce? Jail? Will it really happen for the first time in Singhaniya and Agarwal family? Anahita Devi wasn't much concerned about her maiden family, but her husband's family and his reputation were at stake now. She held her chest, feeling tightness, and could feel sweat beads at her nape.

"Listen, Anahita. I am a very simple person. But for me, everything is my family's reputation. You are now part of this family, and it is your responsibility to honor my family and ensure that you will always protect it."

Anahita took his hand in hers, and kissed the back of his palm, - "Abhay, I regard you the highest amongst everyone I have known. And I will do anything and everything that you want."

Abhaiveer smiled, placing a hand over her head and Anahita bowed a little, - "Please, don't be formal. Anahita, we were, are, and always be best friends."

She nodded, - "Yes! And I am promising you as a friend, no matter what happens I will always honor your words and your reputation. This is the only thing you have asked from me and if I can't do that, then shame on me."

"There won't be a need for that, Anahita. Because I trust you."

Tears pooled in her eyes as Anahita Devi recollected her conversation with her husband, who was more of a friend; a friend when no one was there for her. He supported her and even risked his reputation for her, and in return, she couldn't even save his family's status? Abhinav shamed them, but she couldn't handle him. She gave him way too many liberties and then there was Anaisha—

She recalled when Abhinav had informed about her marrying Hasan Rauf, a Muslim boy. How her son, Aryaman reacted to this,

"If she loves him then I don't want her to not marry him."

Anahita Devi knew this was exactly how Abhaiveer Singhaniya would have reacted. She smiled sadly. Amongst all this, at least this one thing that happened was good. It satisfied her to watch Anaisha get married to this man- Hasan. Anahita Devi wanted to hold her granddaughter, take her in an embrace and pour her heart out. She had realized it before but never voiced out, that they were more similar than anyone could have thought.

Now, she regrated taunting her son, Aryaman, and demanding a paternity test for Anaisha. Her own existence was proof that Anaisha Singhaniya was their blood; was Abhaiveer Singhaniya's granddaughter.

It's been ages since she took up pen and paper to write a letter. Old memories gushed through her mind, but she attempted to write, for her granddaughter. But the tightness in her chest was overwhelming and so she gave up. Anahita Devi pushed the chair back and with support of the table and bedpost, she got back to her bed. It was soft and comfortable, but her mind and heart were restless. She felt palpitated, so to relax she rested her back against the wall and closed her eyes.

Anahita Devi thought of Anaisha, and the way she treated her. Fearing her rebel granddaughter will tarnish their reputation, but it was someone she had least expected. Much like how her mother, Iravati Devi hadn't expected her most obedient girl, Anahita, to rebel and hurt her the most.

With few regrets in her heart, there was one thing Anahita Devi wasn't remorseful of falling in love and following her heart. She was lucky, she felt, to experience both romantic and platonic love. Love surely comes in many forms and not one is superior to the other. Both can live together in the heart. Anahita Devi wished she could talk to Anaisha and tell her, how she was happy and envious of her. For she got what Anahita was desperate for. What Aryaman wanted. To be with the one they loved...

Anahita Devi knew something very major was to happen, it was a gut feeling. Slowly, she slid her hand inside her pillow and pulled out a photograph. An instant smile appeared on her face but soon turned into a tearful smile.

My Dearest Anahita,

I was away from you for a year, and the agonizing separation was too much to endure. But little did I know that separation, that longing, the want will be forever. There hasn't been a single moment of my life since you parted from it that I haven't thought of you. That one year at least had a hope to reunite but now, everything is a dark tunnel. Your memories and thought of your presence still comfort me, but alas you aren't physically present. I know you are on the same boat as me, but don't torture yourself, my love, for I might be gone one day, but you have a long life ahead. A life of contentment, good health, and lots of happiness.

I am not worried or insecure that you will move on from me, in fact you might have moved on despite the things you said and that is what I want. If you haven't then, please, my dearest, don't despair even if we aren't together physically, it is our heart and soul that is connected and will always be. Can someone be soulmates regardless of not being married to each other? I don't know, but there is something that I know, and that is my love for you- limitless, timeless, pure, and out of shackles of what the world defines love and lovers as.

I loved you and I will always love you till my last breath. You are and will be the only woman in my life. But I needn't be the only man or love in your life. Your happiness, my dear, is of utmost importance to me. Our separation might not keep me alive, but I want you to live on, for with you our love lives on.

Yours,

Asif Rahman Khan

Anahita Devi held the photo tightly in her hand as she laid back. Gently, she caressed it. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she doesn't bother wiping it. She felt the world spin subtly, but she kept staring at the photograph of the young man; the man who owns her heart.

" Mere Likhe Khat Dobara Se Padhna
Aansu Jo Aaye Toh Thoda Sa Hasna
Jitni Bhi Yaadein Meri Tujhme Basi Hai
Shiddat Bana Le Unhein"
- Shiddat Reprise

So, my lovelies, how was the Prologue? Please drop your comments- Your guesses, expectation, and everything in general. Stay Tuned for the updates. (Starting as soon as I finish writing the book) If you haven't added the book to your library, please do so that you will be updated when I start publishing the chapters.

By the time, please do read the sequel- Anaisha!

PS: Do check the Preview as well, I have also given the family tree for understanding to those who haven't read the sequel.

Double PS: The bunny is cute, ain't he ;)