The Raj Chola mansion woke early that morning. Sunlight poured into the living hall, but the atmosphere was anything but warm. Both families sat together—grandparents, parents, brothers—silence hanging thick in the air.
Grandpa Raj Chola Sr. broke it first.
"This engagement matter cannot be postponed anymore."
Vathika straightened instantly, her smile ready.
"Arjun's engagement was decided long ago," she said softly. "Changing it now may hurt reputations."
Vinosha's mind stirred.
She fears losing status, not love.
Her thought drifted clearly into her brothers' minds.
Vishwa folded his arms.
"Reputation is built on truth, Vathika. Not timing."
Arjun glanced at Vinosha, then spoke firmly.
"My heart was never forced into this engagement. I respect the elders, but I won't pretend."
Grandpa Cheran sighed.
"Then perhaps… Dass should marry Vathika."
Dass remained quiet, eyes lowered.
Vathika's fingers curled.
Redirect me? Like unwanted property?
Vinosha finally spoke aloud.
"I don't want marriage discussions centered around me. I want to focus on family and business."
Vikram smirked.
"See? Our sister just rejected two billionaires and a royal alliance before breakfast."
The tension cracked slightly.
At the Office – The Warning
The Raj Chola headquarters buzzed with urgency. Today was the billion-contract presentation.
Vathika walked beside Vinosha, heels clicking confidently.
"I hope you're prepared," Vathika said sweetly. "This meeting isn't for amateurs."
Vinosha smiled faintly.
"I agree."
But her future sight flared.
She already stole it.
Her thoughts flowed instantly to her brothers.
She copied my lotus crown design.
The crescent lock too.
Check the vault—now.
Don't confront her yet.
Vishnu blinked.
"Did she just—"
"Yes," Vikram muttered. "She just sent us homework."
They vanished down the corridor.
Vinith accessed the system.
"Timestamps confirm it."
Viknesh whistled softly.
"She didn't even change the geometry. Bold."
Vishwa shook his head.
"Or stupid."
Before the Meeting
Vathika adjusted her files confidently.
"You look calm," she said to Vinosha. "Nervous people usually talk more."
Vinosha replied lightly,
"Or they over-prepare."
Vathika frowned.
Vikram leaned in with mock innocence.
"By the way, Vathika… if someone asks where inspiration comes from, it's always good to explain clearly."
Vathika stiffened.
"Of course."
Her eyes darted—just once.
The Boardroom
Vathika presented first, flawless and smooth.
"This design reflects heritage and innovation," she declared.
Vinosha listened patiently.
When applause faded, Vishwa spoke.
"Beautiful work. Could you explain how the crescent lock opens under pressure?"
Vathika hesitated.
"I… will clarify later."
Vinith smiled politely.
"And the lotus crown symmetry—manual or algorithm-based?"
Silence.
Vinosha stood.
"May I present?"
The room shifted.
Her design appeared—entirely new. Premium. Secured. Untouchable.
Dass frowned.
"This wasn't in the vault."
Vinosha met his gaze calmly.
"It was never there."
The investors leaned forward.
"This," one said, "is genius."
Decision made.
After the Meeting
Vikram clapped softly.
"She stole your design, you created a better one."
Vishnu laughed.
"Sibling pride officially activated."
Vathika stood rigid.
"You planned this," she hissed quietly.
Vinosha replied gently,
"I planned honesty."
That hurt more than anger.
Balcony – Evening
Vinosha watched the city lights.
She will strike again.
But now I'm ready.
Behind her, the brothers laughed, protective and proud.
The game had changed.
And this time—
Vinosha was always three steps ahead