Next Morning — Maurya Mansion

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the tall windows of Maurya Mansion.

Inside her room, Palki stood quietly in front of the mirror.

She was dressed and ready.

But today wasn’t just another day.

Today… she was ready to make her final move.

Her fingers slowly touched the bracelet around her wrist. The tiny charm of the mother–daughter sculpture glimmered under the light.

Her eyes softened.

“Mumma…” she whispered.

Her voice carried both longing and determination.

“I’m coming.”

She gently held the bracelet, as if holding onto a memory.

“And this time… no one can stop me.”

There was no hesitation in her voice.

Only confidence.

Palki looked at her reflection again.

Her eyes searched her own face — as if making sure the girl standing there was strong enough for what was coming.

She inhaled deeply.

“You can do this,” she told herself softly.

“You have to do this.”

For a moment, she closed her eyes.

In the darkness behind her eyelids, a familiar face appeared.

Her mother.

Smiling.

Encouraging.

Palki’s lips curved slightly.

Slowly, she opened her eyes again.

This time, the girl in the mirror looked different.

Stronger.

Fearless.

Just then—

Her phone beeped.

A notification.

Palki picked it up and read the message.

A small smile spread across her face.

She turned and walked out of her room.

Downstairs

In the living area, Tia and Ivana were already there.

The moment Palki approached them, Tia looked up and smiled warmly.

“Ready for the concert?”

Palki smiled back.

“More than ever.”

Ivana clapped excitedly.

“Bestie, I’m coming to your concert today!”

Palki blinked in surprise.

“But you’ve already heard that song,” she said.

Ivana placed a dramatic hand on her chest.

“Of course I have! I have the exclusive right to hear your every song before it launches.”

She grinned mischievously.

“But today I want to see you singing on stage.”

“I want to scream from the audience and embarrass you.”

Palki laughed softly.

“As you wish.”

Just then—

Footsteps echoed on the staircase.

Miransh was coming downstairs.

Ivana noticed him first.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Well, bestie,” she said loudly, “you actually have a secret fan in this house as well.”

Tia hid a smile.

Palki frowned slightly, confused.

Following Ivana’s gaze, she turned around.

And saw Miransh standing behind her.

Miransh narrowed his eyes at Ivana.

“What are you talking about?”

Ivana shrugged innocently.

“Come on, bhai. If you like bestie’s song, just admit it.”

Palki quietly looked at Miransh.

For a second, their eyes met.

Miransh’s expression turned cold.

“I don’t have time to listen to such stupid things.”

His voice was sharp.

“My time is precious.”

He paused deliberately before adding,

“I invest it in valuable things.”

A small smile appeared on Palki’s lips.

She looked at him calmly.

“Of course,” she said softly.

“Not everyone has the ability to understand art.”

Ivana’s eyes widened.

Palki turned toward her casually.

“And anyway… there’s a saying.”

Then she slowly looked back at Miransh.

Her smile turned sweeter.

“Bandar kya jaane adrak ka swaad.”

She finished the sentence innocently.

As if she hadn’t just called him a monkey.

Ivana almost choked trying not to laugh.

Tia pressed her lips together.

Miransh simply stared at Palki.

But something about her felt… different today.

Too cheerful.

Too confident.

Which meant only one thing.

She was planning something.

Tia cleared her throat.

“Alright, Palki. You should leave now. Ivana and I will come to your concert.”

Palki nodded.

She took a few steps toward the door.

Then paused.

She glanced back at Miransh one last time.

A mysterious smile touched her lips.

Then she walked out of the mansion.

Miransh watched her leave.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Inside his mind, one thought echoed.

What are you planning… Eyelid?

Music Studio

The music studio was quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner.

Palki walked slowly across the room, a cup of coffee in one hand and her lyrics in the other. She moved from one corner to another while reading the lines carefully.

Her voice was silent, but her lips moved slightly as she memorized every word.

A few steps away, Nayab stood with her arms crossed.

Her eyes followed Palki’s every movement.

Something felt… different today.

Palki looked unusually calm.

Too calm.

She wasn’t nervous about the concert. She wasn’t rehearsing the song repeatedly like she usually did.

Instead, she looked almost… relaxed.

Which only made Nayab more suspicious.

Just then Palki spoke.

Without even looking at her.

“Ask it.”

Nayab frowned.

“What?”

Palki flipped a page of her lyrics casually.

“You want to ask something, right?” she said calmly. “So go ahead.”

Nayab sighed.

“Why are you drinking coffee?”

Palki took another sip, completely unbothered.

“It’s a late-night concert, Nayab,” she said casually. “I need to stay active.”

Nayab narrowed her eyes.

“All your concerts happen at night.”

She pointed at the coffee cup.

“But you’ve never had coffee before a concert.”

“You usually do gargle.”

For the first time, Palki looked up at her.

A small smile appeared on her face.

“This night is going to be… very long.”

Nayab frowned deeper.

“What does that mean?”

Palki shrugged.

“Concert night, Nayab.”

Nayab shook her head slowly.

“You’re weird today.”

“I’m not,” Palki replied immediately.

“I’m just excited for the concert.”

Then suddenly she picked up two dresses lying nearby and held them in front of Nayab.

“So tell me something.”

She lifted one dress in each hand.

“What should I wear tonight?”

Nayab blinked.

“Are you asking me?”

Palki made a dramatic face.

“Of course, Nayab.”

She looked around the room.

“Only you and I are here, right?”

She raised the dresses again.

“This one… or this one?”

Nayab immediately shook her head.

“I don’t know.”

“I don’t understand these girly things.”

“Dress, makeup, accessories… I have no idea.”

Palki laughed.

“Really?”

She tilted her head playfully.

“Aren’t you a girl?”

Nayab’s expression turned irritated.

“Yes, I am.”

“And I don’t need to prove it by wearing floral dresses and makeup.”

Palki pressed her lips together, trying hard not to laugh.

Nayab noticed.

“Why are you asking me anyway?” she snapped.

“Go ask your manager-friend. That’s her job, not mine.”

She folded her arms.

“I’m doing my job perfectly.”

Palki’s smile faded slightly.

“Yes,” she said softly.

“If Sira were here, I wouldn’t have this problem.”

She placed the dresses aside.

“But she’s ill. I don’t want to call and bother her.”

Nayab rolled her eyes.

Just then—

Her phone rang.

She pulled it out of her pocket.

The screen flashed a name.

Miransh.

Nayab immediately answered.

“Good morning, sir.”

Hearing the sudden politeness in her voice, Palki instantly understood who was on the call.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Before Nayab could react—

Palki snatched the phone from her hand.

“Golden or white?” she asked immediately.

There was a pause from the other side.

“What?”

Miransh sounded confused.

Palki repeated calmly.

“Golden or white?”

After a second he answered.

“…White.”

Palki looked at the two dresses again.

She nodded thoughtfully.

“Hmm.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll wear the golden one.”

Miransh rolled his eyes on the other side of the call.

Nayab simply shook her head in disbelief.

Palki returned the phone to Nayab and walked toward the washroom.

Nayab continued the call.

“Yes, sir.”

“She’s gone to try that dress.”

She hesitated for a moment.

“Everything is normal so far.”

Then she added quietly,

“But her behavior is… strange.”

Miransh’s voice became serious.

“Stay with her.”

“Stay alert.”

“Notice everything and keep updating me.”

“Yes, sir.” Nayab ended the call.

Just then—

The washroom door opened slightly.

Palki’s face peeked out.

“Nayab.”

Nayab looked at her, already tired.

“What happened now?”

Palki made the most innocent face possible.

“I think I got my periods.”

Nayab froze.

“What?”

“Why are you telling me?”

“And what do you mean by ‘think’?”

“Can’t you just check?”

Palki sighed dramatically.

“I’m saying I got my periods.”

“But my period kit is in the car.”

She pointed outside.

“Go bring it quickly.”

Nayab stared at her in disbelief.

“Your makeup kit is in your bag…”

“…but your period kit is in the car?”

“What kind of logic is that?”

Palki suddenly raised her voice.

“Shut up!”

“Can’t you see the situation?”

“I’m already dealing with this and you’re arguing with me!”

Nayab immediately felt guilty.

“Okay, okay.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’ll bring it.”

She quickly walked out of the room.

A few minutes later she returned and knocked on the washroom door.

The door opened slightly.

A hand came out.

Nayab sighed and placed the kit in her hand.

After a few minutes, Palki finally walked out.

Nayab looked at her carefully.

“Are you okay?”

Palki nodded calmly.

Then she sat on the couch again.

Picked up her lyrics.

And started reading them as if nothing had happened.

Across the room—

Nayab stood quietly.

Her eyes, sharp again.

More alert than before.

Night — Concert Arena

Night had finally settled.

The concert arena was glowing with lights.

Rows of chairs were filled with excited fans. The audience buzzed with anticipation, their voices blending into a lively hum. The stage stood ready — grand, illuminated, and waiting.

Everything was perfectly arranged.

Everything was going smoothly.

Backstage—

Palki stood in front of the mirror.

She was dressed in a stunning golden gown that shimmered under the dressing-room lights. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her makeup highlighted her sharp yet delicate features.

From a distance, Nayab watched her carefully.

Her eyes never left Palki.

She was standing just a few steps away, alert like a silent guard.

Just then—

Knock.

Someone tapped on the dressing-room door.

Nayab walked over and opened it.

A young staff member stood outside.

She peeked inside and looked at Palki.

“Come,” she said politely. “Everything is ready.”

Palki nodded slowly.

The girl left.

Palki inhaled deeply and started walking toward the door.

But suddenly—

Nayab stepped forward and blocked her path.

Palki frowned in confusion.

Another figure appeared behind Nayab.

Miransh.

Palki’s eyes widened instantly.

Her throat went dry.

She quickly lowered her gaze.

The sudden change in her behavior made Miransh pause.

This was strange.

Very strange.

Just that morning she had been bold enough to call him bandar to his face.

And now—

She looked nervous.

Before he could question her—

A cheerful voice interrupted.

“BESTIE!”

Ivana rushed forward and hugged Palki tightly.

Palki stiffened for a second but then hugged her back.

Ivana pulled away and looked at her from head to toe.

“Bestie, you look stunning!”

Palki gave a small smile.

Just then Tia arrived as well.

She studied Palki carefully.

“Ready, Palki?”

Palki looked at her.

Then simply nodded.

No words.

Just a nod.

Tia noticed it immediately.

Her brows furrowed.

“Why are you so quiet?” she asked gently.

“Are you okay?”

Palki nodded again.

Still no words.

Now everyone looked at her with confusion.

But before anyone could question further—

The announcement echoed through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome tonight’s star performer… Palki!”

The crowd outside erupted into cheers.

Without waiting another second—

Palki hurried toward the stage.

Nayab immediately followed behind her.

Ivana and Tia rushed toward the audience area.

Soon—

Only Miransh remained standing backstage.

His brows slowly knitted together.

What is going on?

This morning she was confident.

Fearless.

Now she looked nervous.

Almost… scared.

Something was wrong.

On Stage

Bright lights flooded the stage.

The crowd roared as Palki stepped into the spotlight.

Hundreds of phones lifted into the air.

Fans screamed her name.

She walked to the center of the stage and slowly lifted the microphone.

For a moment—

Everything went silent.

Then she began to sing.

Her voice flowed through the arena like a soft river.

The audience immediately fell under the spell of her music.

In the crowd—

Ivana was cheering with all her heart.

“That’s my bestie!” she shouted proudly.

Tia watched the stage calmly, a faint smile on her lips.

But Miransh…

Miransh wasn’t listening to the song.

He was watching her.

Every expression.

Every movement.

Every gesture.

Something felt… off.

Her lip-sync felt slightly delayed.

Her expressions were not matching the emotions of the lyrics perfectly.

Her hand movements were slightly different.

Subtle differences.

But Miransh noticed them.

He narrowed his eyes.

“What’s wrong with her?” he whispered.

The concert continued.

Song after song.

The audience remained mesmerized.

Two hours later—

The final song ended.

Thunderous applause filled the arena.

Backstage

Palki quickly walked back toward the dressing room.

But suddenly—

She stopped.

Miransh was standing in front of her.

Waiting.

Her heart skipped.

She gulped nervously.

Instinctively she took a step backward.

Then another.

But suddenly—

Thud.

She collided with someone behind her.

She turned.

Nayab.

Palki was trapped between them now.

Her heartbeat started racing.

Miransh slowly walked toward her.

His gaze sharp and questioning.

But before he could say something—

She blurted out nervously,

“Palki went away.”

Miransh frowned.

Before he could react—

The girl suddenly scratched near her neck.

Then—

A thin layer of skin started peeling.

She grabbed the edge and slowly pulled it off.

A silicone mask.

The entire face came off.

This girl was not Palki.

It was Sira.

She had been wearing Palki’s mask.

Pretending to be her the entire time.

For a moment—

Time froze.

Miransh stood completely still.

Shock flickered across his usually controlled face.

Beside him—

Nayab’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Neither of them could process what they had just seen.

Because while everyone had been watching the concert…

The real Palki had already disappeared.

***

Sitara Note 

Sometimes the most dangerous moves are not made with noise…

They are made in silence.

While the world was busy cheering, while the lights were shining on the stage and the music filled the air — the real game was being played somewhere else.

Palki knew one thing very clearly:

If everyone is looking at you…

no one is looking around you.

Tonight’s concert was never just a concert.

It was a distraction.

A carefully planned illusion.

And while everyone watched “Palki” performing on stage…

the real Palki quietly walked toward the truth she had been chasing for years.

But every move in a game invites a counter-move.

Miransh has started noticing the cracks in the illusion.

And when a man like him begins to question what he sees…

illusions don’t survive for long.

Now the stage is no longer the only place where a performance is happening.

Because somewhere between truth and deception…

a far more dangerous game has begun.

The only question is—

When the truth finally comes to light…

who will be standing…

and who will be exposed?

Tell me in the comments. 

— Sitara Chandria