"A battlefield is cruel.
But when the past walks in… it becomes personal."
— Eris
📍 VR Gala — Main Entrance
The heavy double doors parted.
An old man slowly walked through, escorted by two event staff members who looked confused themselves. His clothes were simple, worn — a sharp contrast to the luxury around him. Guests parted instinctively, whispering.
Sara's breath caught.
It was him.
Rajesh Mehta. Her father.
Eris's live watchers started screen-capping immediately.
🔴 Live Tweet Feed (Anonymous):
"She looks like she saw a ghost."
"OMG is that her real father???"
"Drama level: Bollywood x CEO Scandal x Family Meltdown!"
"This is better than any movie. Someone get popcorn."
Ritu, her manager, panicked. "Sara, do you want me to stop him? We can escort him out—"
Sara did not move.
Her heels stayed rooted to the marble.
For a moment — she was not the queen of this ballroom.
She was the 13-year-old girl outside a small broken house, leaving with a backpack and no goodbye.
🎭 Alisha Seizes The Moment
She stepped forward, putting on a sweet voice just loud enough for the cameras.
Alisha (soft, fake emotional): "Uncleji… welcome.
You must be so proud to see your daughter like this."
Gasps rippled.
Sara's jaw tightened.
This wasn't kindness.
This was a dagger wrapped in silk.
Alisha (continuing): "What father wouldn't want to be acknowledged by his successful daughter… right, Sara?"
Reporters leaned in.
This was it. The media's dream — a humiliation scene.
Sara Took a Step Forward
Her eyes were calm.
Too calm.
Everyone expected tears, breakdown, denial, dramatic hugging… ANY reaction.
Instead…
Sara (voice crystal clear, powerful):
"No one brings a man into my life story… without my permission."
The crowd went silent.
Even Alisha blinked.
Sara (turning slightly to the press):
"This is Mr. Rajesh Mehta.
He is my father by blood.
But family is not decided by blood.
It is decided by CHOICE."
💥 Journalists FROZE.
People had expected scandal. Instead, she delivered dignity like a blade.
Cameras Swung to Aarav
Everyone was waiting — Would he step away? Would he distance himself?
Instead, he walked — calmly — to stand beside her again.
Then, the unexpected happened.
Aarav turned slightly — and with the poise of a CEO addressing a board… he greeted her father first.
Aarav (calm, firm):
"Good evening, Mr. Mehta."
Mr. Mehta startled. He looked at Aarav, shaken by the respect in his tone.
Aarav then turned to reporters, voice steel:
Aarav:
"No past pain will be turned into a spectacle here.
This woman stands beside me — not as a shadow, not as charity…
but as a person who fought her own battles.
So today… you address her with respect."
The Crowd ERUPTED
"I've never seen a CEO do this."
"HE DIDN'T PROTECT HER. HE ELEVATED HER."
"This is not romance. This is sovereignty."
Even Sara's father stood stunned — not ashamed… but quietly humbled.
🎭 Balcony — ERIS WATCHES
Alisha (whisper, furious): "This isn't working! They're turning every trap into power!"
Eris (eyes bright with calculated joy): "Exactly."
Alisha: "You WANT them to rise?!"
Eris, smiling slowly:
"No, Alisha. I want them at their highest… so when I strike…
the fall will be legendary."