After an hour-long flight, the group, including Ishana's family, arrived in Mumbai. They exited the airport and awaited their vehicles for transport to Joshi Mansion. Just then,

A sleek Range Rover, its polished chrome glinting under the airport lights, stood sentinel. From its hushed interior, a man emerged, his presence commanding. The man was none other than Anand, Ishana's father.

Upon seeing their father, Ishana and her siblings immediately ran to him. He stood with arms open, ready to embrace his children in a tight hug.

"Papa..!!" Akash exclaimed, rushing into his father's tight embrace.

"Kesa hai Little champ...!" Anand chuckled, ruffling Akash's hair.

"Mai accha hu" Akash replied, still enveloped in his father's arms.

"Aur mere sher kesa hai tu??" Anand asked Abhimanyu.

"Mai bhi theek hu dad aap kese ho??" Abhimanyu responded, giving his father a side hug as Akash remained in a firm embrace.

"Mai bhi theek hu " Anand affirmed, stroking his hair.

"Chalo zamuro hato ab meri baari hai" Ishana declared. Akash and Abhimanyu stepped back, allowing Ishana to throw her arms around her father in a tight hug.

"Papa!!!" Ishana exclaimed.

"Haye Mera baccha kesi hai tu gudiya" Anand akedy, stroking her hair.

"Mai theek hu papa" Ishana replied

"Theek hogi kese nahi humara khoon jo peeti hai" Abhimanyu quipped.

"Papa!! Dekho ye kya bol raha hai!!" Ishana protested, stepping back from his embrace.

"Oyee..kyu pareshan kar Raha hai meri bacchi ko??" Anand asked, gently smacking Abhimanyu's head.

"Kya yaar papa aap humesha uski side lete ho humari toh koi side hi nahi leta" Akash lamented, looking at his brother with mock sympathy.

"Kyu mai nahi hu tum dono ke saath ya mere dono bacche nahi hai??" Amrita interjected.

"Areey ha na!!" Akash exclaimed, smiling sheepishly at Vanshika and Vihaan, who were amused by his innocence.

"Aur aap janab aapko kya sirf aapke baccho ki yaad aai humari nahi??" Amrita playfully questioned Anand.

"Areey darling.. aesa ho sakta hai kya ki ye pagal deewana Anand apni Amrita ko bhul jaye?? Anand flirted with his wife.

"Hayere...aapko sharam toh aati hi nahi baccho ke samne bol rahe hai!!" Amrita said, blushing at her husband's comment.

"Areey darling apni biwi se kesi sharam" Anand replied, pulling her into a side hug.

"Aap bhi na...." Amrita said, blushing deeply.

"Hayee...aunty aap toh ek dam lal tamatar ban gayi" Vihaan teased.

"Ha..mummy ek dam mast wala lal tamatar!!" Akash chimed in.

"Hat!! Badmash" Amrita said, gently smacking his head.

"Hehe!!" Akash laughed, hugging his mother.

"Pranam uncle!" Vihaan said, bending to touch Anand's feet in respect. Anand stopped him midway and hugged him instead.

"Khush rahe beta aur baccha hai tu humara aur bacche per nahi chute sirf gale lagte hai" Anand said.

"Namaste uncle!" Vanshika said, joining her hands in respect. Anand then hugged her.

"Khush raho baccha kesi hai meri gudiya??" Anand asked, gently stroking her hair.

"Mai theek hu uncle aap kese ho?" Vanshika asked.

"Mai bhi theek hu aur mera yaar kesa hai??"Anand inquired.

"Papa bhi acche hai aapko bahut yaad karte hai!" Vanshika replied.

"Ab usse yaad toh aayegi hi na afterall mai hu hi itna accha!!" Anand said proudly.

"Accha ab chalo baki baaate toh Ghar pe bhi ho jayegi bacche thak gaye hai unhe aaram bhi karn hai" Amrita suggested.

"Ha ha chalo!" Anand agreed.

"Talooooo!!!!" Akash exclaimed excitedly, while the others simply admired his enthusiasm.

The group departed for the JOSHI mansion.

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Upon their arrival at the mansion, the group settled in. Ishana immediately relaxed, settling comfortably onto a couch with a sigh.

"Uffff...mai toh thak gayi..!" She stated.

"Tu kyu thak gayi kaam toh tune ek bhi nahi kiya hum teen bichare handsome se aur charming se ladko se toh tune apna kaam karya hai aur khud thak gayi wah!!!" Vihaan playfully retorted, mocking her apparent fatigue.

"Oyee kutte muh bandh kar apna!!" Ishana shot back.

"Accha ruk ruk tu abhi,auntyyyyy!!!" Vihaan, escalating the playful dispute, called out.

"Bula bula aunty bhi kuch nahi kar payengi aaj" Ishana, confidently, declared

"Aacha kuch nahi kar payengi?"a voice inquired, causing Ishana's eyes to widen. It was Amrita,who had overheard.

Ishana quickly shifted her tone"Hehe...mummy, woh toh mai..."

"Kyu ri kya bol rahi thi tu mere bacche ko??" Amrita interjected, gently pulling Ishana's ear.

"Oww...mummy...dardh ho raha hai!!!" Ishana winced.

"Accha jab Neha uske kaan khich rahi thi tab toh apne daat phad ke khikhi karke has rahi thi ab kya hua??" Amrita pulled her ear a little harder, reminding her.

"Owww...papa!!!!" Ishana cried out for help.

Just then, Anand arrived, intervening,"Areey..areey ye kya kar Rahi ho darling chodo meri gudiya ke kaan!!" Amrita released her.

Ishana, rubbing her ear to ease the discomfort, noticed her siblings and friends thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

"Mummy aur jod se khicho iske kaan!" Akash chimed in.

"Accha mai khichu tere kaan?" Ishana retaliated by pulling his ear.

"Owww...didiiii!!" Akash protested.

"Oyee chod usse.." Vanshika gently smacked Ishana's head.

"Wah bhai wah! Yaha jab mummy mere kaan khich rahi thi tab toh tu mujhe defend karne nahi aai aur iske liye aa gayi" Ishana then playfully complained.

"Wo isliye kyuki mai aur ayu bhai di ke jigar ke tukde hai!" Akash, hugging Vanshika, proudly stated.

"Didi ka chamcha!" Ishana jokingly labeled him.

"Accha,accha ab jao Jake fresh up ho jao aur fir kuch khaa pee ke Aram kar lena thak gaye hoge tum log" Anand addressed the group.

"Ha baccho jao Jake haath muh dhoo aao,Isha,ja aur Vanshika ko uske room lejao aur tumdono jao Jake vihaan ko uske kamre mai le jao!" Amrita added.

"Yess...mummyyyy!!!!" Ishana, Abhimanyu, and Akash responded in unison.

With that, the younger members of the group dispersed towards their assigned rooms.

"Soo... vanshii ye hai tera room!!" Ishana exclaimed with excitement.

"Wah..kafi accha hai!" Vanshika replied, impressed.

"Haina? Mene hi bola tha mummy ko ye wala room tujhe Dene ke liye!" Ishana proudly stated.

"Hmm.. thankyou" Vanshika acknowledged.

"Ha chal ja aur Jake fresh up hoja" Ishana prompted. Vanshika nodded, and Ishana then left the room, heading towards her own.

Once alone, Vanshika immediately opened her luggage, retrieved a loose shirt and sweatpants, and went into the washroom to change. After emerging, she promptly video-called her parents. The phone rang only twice before being answered. Upon seeing her brother's face, a wide smile lit up her own.

"Hey..bhai!!" Vanshika greeted him.

"Hello tadka!!" Said Rishi.

"Papa nahi hai isliye ud rahe ho itna warna abhi tumko peeth dete!" Vanshika playfully admonished him.

"Haha! So, koi dikkat toh nahi hui na??" Rishi then inquired about her journey.

"Nahi koi dikkat nahi hui" Vanshika confirmed.

"Hmm...sahi hai" Rishi responded.

"Mumma,papa kaha hai??"

"Dono bahar gaye hai" Rishi informed her.

"Toh tum akele ho ghar pe" Vanshika asked.

"Ha aur ab toh kafi shaanti bhi hai tu jo nahi hai yaha bakar bakar karne ke liye"

"Ha ha kyu na tumko toh accha hi lagega"

They continued their discussion for a period, characterized by laughter and mutual teasing. The call concluded when Ishana knocked on the door, calling Vanshika for lunch.

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At dining area, the youngsters along with Anand and Amrita where enjoying their lively moment. Youngsters were teaching eachother and were having a playful banter while the couple's were admiring their childrens.

"Toh baccho college kab se join karne ka socha hai tum logo ne?" Asked Anand.

"Uncle humne do din ke baad Jane ka socha hai" Vanshika replied.

"Accha toh ye do din tumlog ghar pe kya hi karoge,jao Jake ghum ke aao sabhi!" Said Anand.

"Ye sahi hai hum log shopping jayenge!!" Said Ishana excitedly.

"Kya yaar tumlog ka boring sa shopping,mai toh kehta hu ki humlog cricket khelne jate hai!!" Said Vihaan showing his disinterest in shopping.

"Ha cricket khelne jaate hai kafi maza aayega!!" Said Akash excitedly, supporting Vihaan.

"Nahi yaar cricket khelne ka Mann nahi hai, shopping chalte hai na!!" Said Ishana.

"Areey yaar isse toh accha hum log car racing ke liye chalte hai!" Said abhimanyu.

"Ha chalo car racing ke liye bada maza aayega!!" Said Vanshika excitedly.

"Well that's a good idea!" Said Vihaan.

"Par mera aur Ishuu didi ka kya? hume toh aesi cars chalani nahi aati!" Said Akash sadly.

"Areey tu pareshan mat ho tu mere saath Beth ke race ka maza lena"said Vanshika.

"Ha ye sahi hai, Ishu didi vihaan bhai ya ayu bhai ke saath bethengi!"

"Nah mai toh dekhungi ki kaun pehele aata hai aur kon nahi "said Ishana.

"But mujhe shopping bhi karni hai!" Said Ishana looking at his bestie with puppy-eyes.

"Accha fine ab ye bhondu jesi shakal mat bana chal rahe hai shopping ke liye" Vihaan conceded to her request, seeing her disappointment.

"Yayyyyy.....!!!" Ishana exclaimed excitedly.

"Ok then fine pehele shopping fir racing!" Said Abhimanyu.

"Wohooo!!!" Akash exclaimed.

"Chalo accha hai but baccho Aram se chala na gaadi!" Said Amrita.

"Yes...mommm/auntyyy!!!"

Following this,they concluded their lunch and retired to their respective rooms for rest.

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The next day,

Vihaan paced by the door,a groan rumbling in his chest,"Ishuuu yaar jaldi aaa!!!".

" Ha bas ek minute!!!" Yelled Ishana .

Vanshika already slung with her bag,leaned against the wall,"Ye ladki bhi na!!! I mean seriously shopping ke liye Jaa rahe hai aur ye aese ready ho rahi hai jese ki date pe jaa rahi ho!!"

"Iss chudail ko toh aur koi kaam dhandha nahi hai!!" Said Abhimanyu, scrolling through his phone, offered a dry chuckle.

Akash,the youngest,shook his head with a familiar resignation."Didi...toh humesha aese hi hai!!" And the group collectively sighed.

And then, after what felt like an eternity, Ishana emerged in a pair of dark wash jeans, their fit tailored high on the waist before gently flaring from the knee, hinting at a classic bell-bottom style without being overtly dramatic. They hugged her hips, elongating her legs, and the rich indigo denim contrasted sharply with the sleek black top she paired them with. White pointed-toe heels peeked out from beneath the slight bell, adding a touch of unexpected elegance.

"Alright, everyone, let's move! We're getting late!" Ishana announced, a final, triumphant click of her heels echoing on the marble floor.

Vihaan just stared at her, a slow, disbelieving smile spreading across his face. "Listen to who's preaching punctuality now."

Ishana blinked, genuinely bewildered. "What are you talking about?"

"What do we mean 'what'?" Vanshika scoffed, stepping closer. "We've been cooling our heels out here for an entire hour, waiting on you, and now you decide to grace us with your presence and declare we're late?"

A flush crept up Ishana's neck, and her indignant expression softened into a sheepish grin. "Alright, alright, let's just go already!"

With a collective sigh of relief, they streamed out of the mansion. Abhimanyu, ever the pragmatist, tossed the car keys to Vihaan without a word, designating him the chauffeur. Within minutes, they were all comfortably buckled in, the hum of the engine a welcome sound as they finally began their journey to the mall.

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The glittering expanse of the mall swallowed them whole. Ishana and Vanshika, like seasoned hunters, immediately gravitated towards the designer boutiques, their eyes alight with purpose. The boys, however, moved with the enthusiasm of condemned men.

"Okay, first stop," Ishana declared, pointing a manicured finger towards 'Haute Threads.' "I saw the most divine sequined top online last night. It's calling my name."

Vanshika clapped her hands. "Ooh, I need a new evening bag. Something that screams 'I'm fabulous and I know it' but also whispers 'I didn't try too hard.'"

Vihaan groaned, loud enough for them to hear. "Can we at least get coffee first? My soul is not ready for this level of retail warfare."

Abhimanyu, already leaning against a pillar, pulled out his phone. "Just tell me when it's safe to re-engage with the world."

Akash, ever the practical one, surveyed the opulent storefronts. "Seriously, how many versions of the same sparkly thing can one person own?"

Ishana ignored them, already halfway into the boutique. "Don't be such drama queens! This is fun."

Vanshika, trailing close behind, threw a look back at the boys. "They just don't understand the sacred art of 'retail therapy'."

Inside 'Haute Threads,' the air was thick with the scent of new fabric and ambition. Ishana immediately dove into a rack, pulling out a top that shimmered dangerously. "What do you think of this, Vanshiii? Too much, or just enough 'look at me'?"

"Needs more bling," Vanshika decreed, rummaging through another display. "And maybe a feathered sleeve."

From their vantage point near the entrance, Vihaan mimed shooting himself in the head. Abhimanyu, with his phone pressed to his ear, muttered, "Yeah, just five more minutes... or five hours, who knows."

Akash was inspecting the intricate patterns on the floor tiles. "I bet these cost more than my entire wardrobe," he mused to himself.

Ishana held up the sequined top, catching the light. "Okay, but seriously, what are the chances they have it in emerald green?"

Vanshika, now holding up a tiny, jewel-encrusted clutch, sighed blissfully. "Oh, the possibilities! This would go perfectly with literally everything I own and also nothing at all."

Vihaan cleared his throat loudly. "Excuse me, fashionistas, is there a designated 'boy corner' in this establishment where we can quietly fade into oblivion?"

Ishana looked up, genuinely surprised. "You guys are still here? We haven't even started!"

Abhimanyu lowered his phone. "We're technically classified as 'human shopping trolleys' at this point. Just waiting for our moment to be filled with bags."

Vanshika chuckled, unbothered. "Exactly! Now, do you think this clutch comes in cerulean?"

The weight of a dozen shopping bags seemed to press down on the boys as they finally collapsed into chairs at a brightly lit mall restaurant. Ishana and Vanshika, however, looked as fresh as the moment they'd stepped out of the mansion, their faces glowing with post-shopping satisfaction.

"Finally!" Vihaan groaned, practically face-planting onto the menu. "My feet have officially staged a protest and are demanding early retirement."

Abhimanyu, rubbing his temples, muttered, "I think I've developed a new phobia: the sound of a credit card swiping. It's... traumatic."

Akash, who had been tasked with carrying the most awkward, oversized bag, let it slide with a thud beside his chair. "I swear, one of those bags tried to trip me. They're sentient, I tell you. They've absorbed the shopping madness."

Ishana, completely unfazed, picked up a glass of water. "Oh, you boys are being so dramatic! We were efficient! We found everything we needed, and then some."

Vanshika nodded sagely. "Exactly! This is why you need us. Left to your own devices, you'd just buy three identical t-shirts and call it a day."

Vihaan lifted his head, a wild look in his eyes. "You know what I need? A full body massage and about twelve hours of uninterrupted silence. And maybe an immediate brain wipe of every single price tag I saw."

"My phone battery died from boredom," Abhimanyu added, holding up his lifeless device. "It just... gave up. Said it couldn't handle another endless rack of 'must-have' party dresses."

Akash leaned forward conspiratorially. "I saw a guy sitting on a bench outside 'Sparkle & Shine' who looked like he'd been there since last Tuesday. I think he's still waiting for his girlfriend to decide between two identical sparkly phone cases."

Ishana rolled her eyes. "You guys are impossible. This was a productive day!"

"Productive for your wardrobes, maybe," Vihaan countered, flexing his aching arms. "For us, it was an extreme sport. I think I pulled a muscle carrying that denim jacket that weighs more than a small car."

Vanshika just chuckled, already scanning the menu for dessert. "Well, at least you got your exercise for the month, right?"

"Speaking of actual exercise," Vihaan said, a glint entering his eyes as he looked at Vanshika. "Race ke liye taiyaar hai, Vanshii? The track won't be as forgiving as these soft mall floors."

Vanshika's smile sharpened. "Please, Vihaan. I was born ready. Just make sure your car is. You don't want to embarrass yourself in front of Ishana.Warna fir tere Marne Tak ye tujhe iss baat ko suna suna kar tera jeena haram kar degi!"

Ishana perked up. "Oh, right! The race! I'm so excited for that. Kya lagta hai kon jeete ga?" She looked between them mischievously.

Abhimanyu snorted. "After today, I'm just hoping for a quick race. My nerves can't take another hour of intense activity." He eyed Vanshika. "Di Just try not to be too professional, okay? Give Vihaan bhai a chance."

Vanshika scoffed playfully. "Never! Akash, you're still riding shotgun, right? You're my good luck charm."

Akash's eyes widened. "Wait, really? Awesome! I'll be your co-pilot, Didi. We'll show them how it's done!"

Vihaan just shook his head, a determined look on his face. "Dream on, Vanshii, the shopping fatigue gives way to pure adrenaline. And my car is going to leave yours in the dust."

Ishana grinned. "Well, I guess I'll be the judge of that, then. My vote goes to whoever makes the most dramatic entrance at the finish line."

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At the starting line,

The roar of engines vibrated through the air, a stark contrast to the mall's earlier chatter. They'd traded shopping bags for racing gloves, and the scent of perfume for the acrid tang of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel.

Vanshika, cool and focused, ran a gloved hand over the steering wheel of her sleek racing machine. Beside her, Akash, looking a mixture of thrilled and terrified, gave a nervous thumbs-up. "Remember the plan, Didi! Smooth turns, controlled aggression, and no mid-race philosophical debates."

Vanshika just smirked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Relax, little brother. This is just like a particularly intense shopping trip, but with more horsepower and less convincing Vihaan to carry my bags." She revved the engine once, a guttural growl that promised speed.

The Opponents

Across the track, Vihaan's car idled, a more aggressive, tuned-up beast. Vihaan tapped his fingers on the wheel, a competitive glint in his eyes.

Abhimanyu, buckled into the passenger seat, consulted a small tablet. "Alright, bhai, remember the data. Turn 3, optimal entry speed is 85. Hit it on the inside. Didi usually goes wider there."

Vihaan nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Predictable? We'll see about that. Besides, with you calling out, we've got the home-ground advantage." He glanced towards Vanshika's car, a silent challenge passing between them.

The Spectator and the Judge,

Ishana stood near the safety barrier, a vibrant contrast to the stark blacktop of the track. She clutched her phone, ready to record every moment. Her loyalties were, for once, genuinely split. "Okay, this is actually exciting!" she murmured to herself.

"Vanshika's amazing, but Vihaan's got that wild card energy, especially with Abhimanyu as his navigator. This is going to be tough."

She made a mental note. "I'll be watching for precision versus raw speed. And who looks cooler crossing the finish line, obviously. That's a key judging criterion."

The final countdown began, the tension palpable. Vanshika and Vihaan exchanged one last look – a mixture of rivalry and underlying friendship. The flag dropped, and with a deafening roar, the two cars shot forward, leaving a trail of smoke and the lingering question: who would claim victory in this high-speed showdown?

The race was on. Vanshika's car, a blur of polished chrome and roaring engine, shot off the line with the precision of a trained athlete. Akash, gripping the dashboard, let out an involuntary whoop. "Go, Didi, go!"

Vihaan, however, wasn't far behind. His car hugged the track, a testament to his own skill and aggressive style, with Abhimanyu calling out turns and speeds. They matched Vanshika's speed on the straightaways, inch for inch, engine for engine.

As they approached the first sharp turn, Vihaan tried to cut her off, aiming for the inside lane as Abhimanyu instructed. But Vanshika, anticipating his move, smoothly blocked him, forcing him to take a wider, less efficient line.

"Ha!" Ishana cheered, a grin spreading across her face. "Nice one, Vanshika!"

Inside Vihaan's car, Abhimanyu frowned. "She blocked us! Switched lines faster than the data predicted."

Vihaan gritted his teeth. "Smart move. Alright, let's see how smart she is on the next straight."

The next few laps were a high-speed dance. Vihaan would try to outmaneuver her on the straights, using his car's raw power, with Abhimanyu meticulously tracking their position. But Vanshika, with a professional's cunning, would then exploit his weaknesses on the curves. Once, as Vihaan gained on her rear bumper, Vanshika subtly hit her brakes just enough to force him to react, then accelerated away, widening the gap. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it move, a cheeky tactic only a seasoned driver would pull.

"Did you see that?" Ishana gasped, turning, though there was no one right beside her to respond to. "She totally messed with his rhythm!"

Inside Vihaan's car, Abhimanyu braced himself. "She's playing dirty, bhaiii! She brake-checked us!"

Vihaan just gripped the wheel tighter. "No," he corrected, a grudging respect in his voice, "she's playing smart."

As they neared the final lap, Vihaan made one last desperate attempt, pushing his car to its absolute limit, trying to slingshot past Vanshika on the final long straight. His engine screamed, a testament to the sheer effort. He pulled alongside her, inch by agonizing inch, Abhimanyu yelling encouragement and final speed estimates.

But Vanshika had saved her best for last. Just as Vihaan thought he had her, she found an extra burst of speed, a final surge of power, and, with a triumphant roar from her engine, she pulled ahead. She crossed the finish line a full car length ahead of him, a clear and undeniable victory.

The crowd erupted.

Vanshika's car slowed, then turned into the pit lane, Akash already celebrating wildly beside her.

Vihaan's car followed, Abhimanyu unbuckling with a sigh, Vihaan's expression a mix of frustration and grudging respect.

Ishana, beaming, ran towards Vanshika's car as it came to a halt. "Jeet gayi tu, Vanshiii! You totally won!"

Vanshika, pulling off her helmet, her hair slightly dishevelled but her smile radiant, just winked. "What can I say? Some of us are just built for speed... and for getting what we want, whether it's a new bag or a checkered flag."

Vihaan and Abhimanyu walked over. "You played me," Vihaan said, but there was a faint smile on his lips. "That brake tap on turn four? Genius, but evil."

Abhimanyu nodded. "The data didn't account for that level of sass."

Vanshika just laughed. "All's fair in love and racing, Vihaan."

"Alright, Vihaan," Vanshika said, clapping him on the shoulder, her eyes still sparkling with the thrill of victory. "Next time, maybe try anticipating the unexpected."

Vihaan just rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, there'll be a next time, alright. And I'll be ready for your dirty tricks. Next time, Abhimanyu, we anticipate the 'sass'."

Abhimanyu sighed dramatically. "I'll try to program for it, but some things are beyond algorithms, Bhaii." He then looked at Ishana.

"You sure you're okay with Didi being the superior driver, di? You just picked the winner for life."

Ishana laughed, linking arms with Vanshika. "Please! I always knew who the real champion was. Besides," she winked, "now I have bragging rights. My best friend is a racing legend."

Akash, still buzzing with excitement, chimed in, "Yeah, and my sister's going to teach me all her secrets now!"

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the track, the five teenagers walked away from the cars, their easy banter and laughter filling the air. The thrill of the race, the friendly rivalry, and the unwavering bonds of friendship made for a perfect end to their eventful day. Whether it was navigating a mall or a race track, it seemed they were always in for an adventure, together.

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So this was the new Chapter . I hope you guys like it. Do vote and comment.

Insta ID:- author_VelvetVerse