06

Chapter 2: A Family Bound by Duty

Shivam Agnihotri's world was not just the glamorous realm of fashion—it was also a carefully balanced equation between his personal and professional life. Yet, if he were to be honest with himself, his true love was not Sneha, but his daughter, Aradhana. His relationship with Sneha was built on mutual respect and understanding rather than deep affection. He cared for her, admired her ambition, but love—true, unfiltered love—was something he reserved solely for his daughter.

Sneha had been an integral part of his journey, both as a model in his company and as his wife. She was bold, career-driven, and fiercely independent. She thrived in the high-pressure world of fashion, often prioritizing her career just as much as Shivam did. Their marriage was more of a partnership, a union of two ambitious individuals walking parallel paths rather than entwined ones. He appreciated her presence but often found himself emotionally detached, throwing himself into his work or, more meaningfully, into moments spent with Aradhana.

Aradhana, their three-year-old daughter, was the purest joy in Shivam's life. He adored her—the way her tiny fingers grasped his hand, the sound of her laughter, the way she clung to him after long workdays. He saw in her an innocence and love he craved, something untainted by expectations or responsibilities. But with both parents leading an incredibly demanding life, he often wondered if they were giving her the childhood she deserved.

Meanwhile, his mother lived in a grand mansion that Shivam had built for her—a testament to his success and gratitude. Unlike the quiet, humble life she had once known, she had embraced luxury, indulging in the finer things he had provided. She attended elite gatherings, hosted extravagant soirées, and enjoyed the privileges that came with her son's wealth. She rarely acknowledges the sacrifices Shivam makes, seeing them instead as her right — because he's her son, and sons owe their mothers everything, in her eyes.

Despite their wealth and status, the Agnihotri's were struggling in ways unseen by the outside world. Shivam and Sneha barely found time for each other, and the guilt of not being present enough for Aradhana weighed heavily on them. It was during one of their late-night discussions that the idea of hiring a nanny surfaced.

For Shivam, the nanny wouldn't just be an extra pair of hands—she would be someone who could offer the warmth and care he wished he could provide Aradhana himself. And as the search began, little did they know, this decision would bring unforeseen changes into their lives.


Note to Readers

If you like this story, please provide support by clicking the LIKE button. Also provide your valuable feedback and comments via the Comment Section. It will help me to improve my writing skills.

For future updates and spoiler alerts please do follow me in Instagram.

Write a comment ...

AdiNats

Show your support

My aim is to become a good writer. I want to explore writing different genres and experiment with various storytelling techniques. At the same time, I also want to support other writers as well and be part of a wonderful community of writers.

Write a comment ...

AdiNats

A passionate and voracious reader. I love reading fiction novels. My favorite genres are Crime, Thriller and Romance. Recently, I ventured into writing novels, and this is my attempt at it.