Author's Pov
The morning sun crested over the pink-hued walls of Jaipur, casting a golden glow across the towering archways of the Rathore Haveli. The grand corridors of the Rathore Haveli echoed with the frantic footsteps of decorators, caterers, and relatives.
Every corner was draped in marigold garlands and shimmering fairy lights, buzzing with the electric anticipation of tomorrow's wedding, a grand affair specially mandated by Mahesh Rathore himself, who insisted his grandson tie the knot within these historic ancestral walls.
Inside the quiet sanctuary of her bedroom, Shivika lay sprawled across the massive four-poster bed. The door of the room creaked open, and her mother, Dipti, marched inside. Planting both hands firmly on her waist, she glared at her daughter who was sleeping peacefully.
"Yeh ladhki, uth jaa meri maa! Shaadi hone wali hai kal teri!" Dipti scolded, her voice sharp with disbelief.
("This girl, wake up my child! Your wedding is tomorrow!")
"Kya kahenge tere sasural wale, Shivi?" She threw her hands up in exasperation.
("What will your in-laws say, Shivi?")
Shivika pulled the pillow over her head, her voice muffled and dripping with sleepy defiance. "Aap fikar mat karo...I will handle my sasural. Aap bas yahan se jao aur mujhe sone do."
("You don't worry... I will handle my in-laws. You just go away and let me sleep.")
Dipti shook her head, storming toward the door. Muttering furiously under her breath, "Kuch nahi ho sakta iss ladhki ka. Bhagwan bachaye uss ghar ko."
("Nothing can ever happen with this girl. God save that household.")
As she stepped out into the bustling hallway, fanning herself with the pallu of her saree, a voice stopped her in her tracks.
"What happened, aunty? Now what has Shivi done to make you this angry?"
Tiya stood leaning against the carved stone pillar, a knowing, amused smile playing on her lips.
Dipti let out a long, dramatic sigh, placing a hand over her heart. "Tiya, beta, ab main tumhe kya bataun? Yeh ladhki subah se uthi tak nahi hai! Mujhe toh dar lag raha hai ki kal sasural jaakar yeh kya gul khilaayegi."
("Tiya, dear, what do I even tell you? This girl hasn't even woken up yet! I'm scared of what kind of trouble she'll cause at her in-laws tomorrow."
She burst into a light, silvery laugh, patting Dipti's arm reassuringly. "Relax, aunty. Don't worry...I will go and wake her up."
A wave of relief washed over her face. "Thank god for you, Tiya. Jao beta, sambhal lo ise."
("Go dear, handle her.")
With a confident nod, Tiya turned on her heel and glided down the corridor toward Shivika's room.
Tiya pushed the door open and stepped into Shivika's bedroom. She was fast asleep, buried deep under the duvet. Tiya shook her head with a smile, walked over to the bed, and gently shook her shoulder.
"Shivi...Shivi, wake up!"
She didn't even budge, turning away and pulling the blanket tighter over her head.
She huffed in frustration, tapping her foot against the floor. Suddenly, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, leaning down close to Shivika's ear.
"Oh my god, Yash!"
Hearing that name, She shot straight up like a spring, a bright, dopey smile plastered across her face.
"Yash? Where?!"
That smile vanished the exact second she heard Tiya bursting into a fit of uncontrolled laughter.
"Oh my god, your face!" Tiya gasped, clutching her stomach.
She groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Uhhh! What the hell, Tiya?!"
She grabbed a pillow and smacked it right across her face. Tiya caught the pillow, still giggling. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I swear!"
Shivika narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms defensively. "Koyi na, has le jitna hasna hai." She pointed a warning finger at her. "Mera bhi time aayega."
(Fine, laugh all you want. My time will come too.)
Tiya rolled her eyes, tossing the pillow aside. "Whatever."
"Kya whatever?" a teasing glint returning to her eyes. "Aisa toh hai nahi ki tu shaadi nahi karegi...apne Mr. Mysterious se!"
Tiya froze. Her breath hitched. "Huh? Kaun Mr. Mysterious?"
"Wohi, jisse tu hamesha chup-chup kar baate karti rehti hai!" She said, raising an eyebrow with a smug expression. "Tujhe kya laga, mujhe kuch pata nahi chalega? Bestie hoon teri, aayi badhi!"
Tiya gulped hard, a cold sweat instantly forming on her forehead. She quickly looked away, refusing to meet Shivika's knowing gaze. "What are you even saying? There's no-"
Before she could finish, her phone let out a loud ringtone. Tiya stiffened. She looked down at the screen, her eyes widening in sheer terror.
Without a second thought, she frantically hit the red button, cutting the call mid-ring, and snapped her head back to Shivika.
"It's...it's really nothing like that, Shivi! I swear!"
She rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. "Oh, come on, I am not a fool! Now stop dodging and tell me his name."
Tiya's phone lit up and rang again, louder this time. She panicked, cutting the call just as fast.
Shivika broke into a wide, triumphant smirk. She leaned in close. "Utha le, utha le jiju ka phone hoga! Kuch important kaam hoga bechare ko!"
(Pick it up, pick it up, it must be your jiju! Poor guy must have some important work!)
She chuckled, grabbing a towel and walk towards the washroom.
"Enjoy!" she called out over her shoulder with a wink, slipping inside and closing the door behind her.
Tiya let out a long breath. Her phone rang again. Seeing the caller ID, she grabbed the phone, sliding the glass door open, and stepped out onto the balcony, making sure the bedroom door was tightly shut behind her
"What the hell? If I am cutting your calls, it means there is a damn reason! Don't you get it?"
"Sorry...but I was missing you. Please, just talk to me for a minute."
She rolled her eyes, her grip tightening on the railing. "Didn't I make it perfectly clear? I told you not to call me again."
"Baby, I love you. I can't do this...I can't just pretend nothing happened between us."
"Shut up. Just...shut up. You have to move on, and so do I. Do not call me again."
Without waiting for a response, she cut the call and blocked the number. The moment the screen went black, the tough facade crumbled. A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Kash ham dono sath reh paate...par..."
(I wish we could have stayed together... but...)
She took a deep, shaky breath, quickly wiping the tear away with the back of her hand, masking her pain behind a blank expression before turning to go back inside.
❤️
Surbhi was pacing the floor, her phone pressed tightly to her ear. She was talking to her older brother, Rudraksh, who had been living in Europe for nearly five years. To this day, no one truly knew the real reason why he had abruptly packed up and left home, completely cutting off most ties without a backward glance.
"What is this, bhai? Your brother and your childhood friend is getting married, and you are saying you are busy?"
"Princess, try to understand. I can't come. I have important work."
"But Bhai, how can you-" Before she could finish her sentence, Shivika snatched the phone right out of Surbhi's hand.
"So...Mr. Rudraksh Singh Rathore doesn't even have the time to attend his own childhood friend's wedding?"
There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line.
"Shivika...It's not like that."
"Oh, really? Because it certainly seems like that!" She cut him off sharply, her voice trembling slightly with hurt. "Rudraksh, you know what? I just hate you. You just randomly one day went abroad without telling anyone, didn't even contact me properly, and now you are not coming to my marriage?!"
"Shivika, try to under-"
"I don't want to understand anything!" She shouted, tears of anger shining in her eyes. "Let me make this very clear to you, if you don't show up before the wedding, our friendship is over."
Without giving him a single second to reply, she slammed her thumb down on the disconnect button.
She turned around and handed the phone back to Surbhi, who was standing frozen in the middle of the room, wide-eyed and utterly speechless.
A slow, triumphant grin spread across Surbhi's face. "WOW, bhabhi...I am 100% sure bhai will come now,"
"He has to come. Otherwise, I swear to God, I will never look at his face or talk to him again."
❤️
The clock on the bedside table showed 2:15 AM. Shivika groaned softly, her throat feeling as dry as sandpaper. Groping blindly on the nightstand, her fingers wrapped around the water jug, only to find it empty.
"Great, just great," she mumbled, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Tossing the light duvet aside, she picked up the empty jug stepping out into the quiet, dimly lit hallway. The mansion was dead silent, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator as she padded toward the kitchen.
As Shivika approached the archway of the kitchen, she noticed a faint sliver of light spilling out. She raised her hand to push the swinging door open, but her movements suddenly froze.
The breath hitched in her throat.
Standing near the kitchen island were Tiya and Yash Singh Rathore-her fiancé, the man she is supposed to marry tomorrow.
They were standing dangerously close, tangled in an intimacy that made the air in Shivika's lungs turn to ice. Yash's broad back was turned to her, shielding Tiya from view, but the angle was unmistakable.
"Yash?" Her voice trembled, cutting sharply through the quiet of the night.
The effect was instant, they jumped apart, gasping as they scrambled to put distance between themselves. Yash whipped around, his face draining entirely of color.
"Sh..Shivika? Tum...tum yahan? Is waqt?" he stammered.
(You? Here? At this hour?)
Instead of answering, she stepped slowly past the threshold, closing the distance between them.
"What were you two doing?"
Tiya's eyes widened. She began to stutter, "Um...woh...woh...haan! Meri ankh mein kuch chala gaya tha, toh Yash meri help kar raha tha! Haan, help kar raha tha!"
(Something got into my eye, so Yash was helping me! Yes, helping me!)
"Yes, yes! Exactly. She had something in her eye. I was just helping her get it out." Yash said.
Shivika didn't say anything. She kept her gaze fixed on them, her expression unreadable. She looked from his sweating face to Tiya's defensive posture.
Sensing the dangerous tension, he took a swift step forward, closing the gap between them. He reached out, his fingers wrapping softly around her hand, putting on his most charming, persuasive smile.
"Baby...don't you trust me?"
Shivika looked down at his hand resting on hers. Then, a slow, smile touched the corners of her lips.
"Of course I trust you, Yash," she whispered, "Why wouldn't I?"
He let out a loud, visible sigh of relief. "By the way, baby...what brings you out here?"
She pulled her hand gently from his grasp, holding up the empty jug "Oh, I just came to get some water."
"Right. Well...I should go back to my room then. Get some sleep." He turned on his heel and practically fled down the hallway.
"Good night, Shivi." Tiya offered a smile.
She practically scrambled out right behind him, leaving Shivika standing alone in the quiet kitchen.
❤️
It was a bright, bustling morning. The atmosphere in the household was electric, filled with joyous chatter and last-minute preparations for Yash and Shivika's wedding, which was set to take place today. Suddenly, the hurried sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Mamta came running breathlessly toward the family gathering, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and excitement.
Before anyone could even ask, Surya chuckled and quipped,
"Arre, araam se mohtarma! Aap toh aise bhaag rahi hain jaise online sale ka aakhri ghanta bacha ho!"
(Arre, take it easy, lady! You're running as if it's the last hour of an online sale.)
A wave of laughter rippled through the group. Vedika shook her head with an amused smile, crossing her arms as she asked.
"Par bhabhi, hua kya hai? Aap aise kyun bhaag rahi hain?"
(But bhabhi, what has happened? Why are you running like this?)
Catching her breath, Mamta clutched her chest and blurted out, "Rudraksh...Rudraksh ne phone kiya tha mujhe!"
(Rudraksh called me!)
Hearing this, everyone fell silent because It had been almost five years, five long years since he had last spoken to anyone in the family, cutting off all contact and disappearing into his own world.
Breaking the stunned silence, Mahesh stepped forward, his voice tight with a mix of disbelief and hope.
"Aur...aur kya kaha usne?"
(And what did he say?)
Mamta's face lit up with a brilliant, tearful smile. "Papa ji...woh India aa raha hai! In fact, woh raste mein he hai, bas pahunchne hi wala hai!"
(Papa ji...he is coming to India! In fact, he is on his way, he is about to arrive!)
Aditya who was coming downstairs froze, "Kya?! Bhai aa raha hai? Finally?! Par...par yeh chamatkar hua kaise?!"
(What, bhai is coming? Finally! But how did this miracle happen?)
Surbhi, who had been leaning against a pillar nearby, started giggling, "Yeh chamatkar hamari pyari bhabhi ki wajah se hua hai."
(This miracle has happened because of our lovely sister-in-law.)
Everyone turned to look at her in utter confusion. Dipti, who had been busy managing the decorators and explaining the final setup details to the servants, walked over.
"Shivi ki wajah se? Ab kya kiya usne?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
(Because of Shivi? Now what did she do?)
Surbhi laughed, crossing her arms triumphantly. "Zyada kuch nahi! Bas ek choti si dhamki di thi unhone! Kaha tha ki agar woh agar unki ki shaadi mein nahi aaye, toh unki dosti hamesha ke liye khatam!"
(Nothing much! She just gave him a small threat! She said that if he didn't come to her wedding, their friendship would be over forever!)
Mamta gasped dramatically, clutching her hands together in pure admiration.
"Tab toh usne bilkul theek kiya! I am so proud of my daughter-in-law!"
(Then she did the right thing)
Vedika nodded in agreement, a fond smile breaking across her face.
"Sahi kaha. Agli baar se hame bhi usey dhamkana chahiye, tabhi woh line par aayega!"
(You're right. From next time, we should also threaten him, only then will he come on line!)
Before anyone could add another word, another burst of laughter echoed in the hall.
Suddenly, a servant came rushing inside, breathless and wide-eyed, stopping right in front of the family.
"Rudr...Rudraksh sahab aa gaye hain!"
(Rudr...Rudraksh sahab has arrived!)
Hearing those words, the entire family sprang to their feet in unison, their hearts racing with a mixture of nervous excitement and overwhelming joy, as they rushed toward the main entrance.
Outside, a sleek black luxury car stood idling. The rear door clicked open, and Rudraksh Singh Rathore stepped out.
Dressed in a sharp, impeccably tailored black three-piece suit that accentuated his towering frame, his chiseled jawline caught the sunlight, and his striking blue eyes scanned the familiar courtyard.
Mamta's breath hitched. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes, she was seeing him after five long, agonizing years. Before anyone could blink, she broke into a run, rushing toward him and throwing her arms around his neck.
He froze for a fraction of a second before his expression softened entirely. He wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Maa..." his voice was a low, soothing murmur.
She sobbed softly against his chest, her fingers clutching the fabric of his jacket as if afraid he would vanish into thin air again.
Gently, he pulled back, holding her shoulders, and used his thumb to wipe away the stray tears tracking down her cheeks.
"Enough, Maa. Look at me I'm back now. Please don't cry," he coaxed with a warm, reassuring smile.
Mamta sniffled, swatting his arm affectionately through her tears. "Main kya karu? Tujhe paanch saal ke baad dekh rahi hoon! Bina kisi ko kuch bataye chala gaya tha...ek call bhi nahi kiya!"
(What can I do? I'm seeing you after five years! You left without telling anyone...didn't even make a single call!)
He lowered his gaze, genuine remorse in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Maa."
"No, I will not forgive you just like that," she said, shaking her head stubbornly, her eyes fierce with maternal love. "First, promise me you will never leave me again."
"I promise, Maa." A soft, genuine smile touched his lips.
Her face lit up instantly. Smiling through her tears, she pulled him in for another tight embrace.
"Agar maa-bete ka milan-milap khatam ho gaya ho, toh humein bhi milne dijiye," Surya spoke up, a teasing edge to his voice as he stepped forward with a broad grin.
(If the mother-son reunion is finally over, allow the rest of us to meet him too.)
Chuckling, Mamta and Rudraksh pulled back. Rudraksh walked straight over to him, bending down slightly to touch his feet in a gesture of respect. Surya pulled him into a powerful, bone-crushing hug, clapping him hard on the back.
"Agar ab kahin jaane ka socha bhi na, toh tujhe jaaydaad se bedakhal kar dunga!" Surya warned playfully, though there was a glint of absolute affection in his eyes.
(If you even think about going anywhere again, I'll disinherit you!)
A ripple of laughter echoed through the family.
Mahesh chuckled from his spot nearby. "Uske liye pehle property tere naam bhi honi chahiye, Surya!"
(For that to happen, the property needs to be in your name first, Surya!)
Surya feigned offense, gasping dramatically. "Kya Papa, aap bhi?"
More laughter filled the air. Rudraksh turned on his heel, walking over to his grandfather, Mahesh, and bowed to take his blessings, touching his feet with deep reverence.
Mahesh placed a warm, trembling hand on his head, his eyes shining with pride.
"So how is my young man?" he asked warmly.
"All good, Dadu," he replied, his voice laced with deep affection.
He moved down the line, greeting Vedika, Vijay, and the rest of the Sharma family.
Just then, a flurry of movement caught his attention. His younger siblings rushed forward, closing the distance in seconds.
Surbhi practically threw her arms around him. "I missed you, bhaiii!"
"I missed you too, princess," Rudraksh said softly, kissing the top of her head.
Surbhi abruptly pulled back, crossing her arms over her chest and narrowing her eyes playfully. "Oh, really? That's why you didn't come."
Aditya stepped up beside her, grinning mischievously. "Yeh toh abhi bhi na aate, agar Bhabhi inhe force na karti toh!"
(He wouldn't even have come now if Bhabhi hadn't forced him!)
Rudraksh raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat. "Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai."
(It's nothing like that.)
"Haan, bas rehne hi do bhai!" Surbhi interrupted, rolling her eyes with a dramatic sigh.
Yash, who was going out for work, abruptly stopped in his tracks. He froze, blinking hard as his eyes locked onto Rudraksh. "Bhaii... aap?"
Rudraksh turned, a fond smile breaking across his face. Yash didn't waste a second, he strode over and pulled Rudraksh into a fierce, brotherly hug.
"Kaisa hai?" Rudraksh asked, patting his back.
"Mast, bhai!" Yash grinned widely, stepping back.
Surbhi snorted from the sidelines. "Mast toh honge hi na! Shaadi jo hone wali hai!"
Everyone burst into laughter at the sudden teasing.
Yash glare at his sister. "Tera kuch zyada hi muh nahi chal raha aajkal?"
(Doesn't your mouth run a little too much these days?)
In response, Surbhi stuck her tongue out at him defiantly.
Shaking his head with an amused smile, "I'm kind of tired from the flight-"
Mamta immediately stepped forward, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Go and rest, beta. Raat ko shaadi bhi hai"
Rudraksh nodded, letting out a soft sigh of relief. With the family chattering happily around him, they all turned and headed inside the grand house.
He turned toward the hallway leading to his room. He had barely taken two steps when a chaotic flurry of footsteps and a familiar, panicked voice echoed from the top of the stairs, instantly freezing him on his tracks.
"Oh god, meri shaadi hai aaj aur hum ab tak so rahe the! Kisi ne uthaya kyun nahi mujhe? Meri pehli shaadi hai yaar, chudail banke thodi jaungi! Maa, apne bhi-"
Shivika froze mid-sentence, her arms flying up in a dramatic, half-gesturing pose. The frantic panic drained from her face, replaced by absolute, paralyzing shock.
The entire family was standing right there, staring straight up at her in stunned silence. And standing right at the front was Rudraksh.
_______________________________________
TO BE CONTINUE--
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