Kashish was immersed in her misery, she tried to distract her mind with office work. Before She decided she would settle in India after getting married to Ariyan but that sentence changed her entire prediction
"Meet her , Meera my girlfriend "
Ariyan words were echoing in her head.
She forced her stubborn brain not to think about the matter, not given a chance to think about Ariyan , a wonderful future she had dreamt of, one of the cards floating away in the waves.
How much she tried, his kid-like smiling face flashed in front of her eyes, but she could not get him out of her mind. She tortured herself with the futile game of"what if?"
" What if I had proposed to him 3 years ago while studying in college? What if he accepts me? What if he had not met Meera ?? what if ...""'
"Ria, tomorrow evening we will go to meet Mr. Ranawat and his Son. I talked with him and they said that Nishant wants to meet you, he likes your photo ...Ria...Riaa..."
Kashish was startled suddenly hearing her nickname, she looked at her father who was keeping his hand on her shoulder
"What happened? kya hua beta ? ?""
Kashish motioned her eyes over the face of her father, she shocked head negative " Nothing , Dad "
"Then , why am I feeling you are looking very disturbed ?""
Kashish smiled lightly and turned her completely to her father , " No Dad Just thinking about tonight's meeting "
Kashish saw his father motioning his concerned eyes , and kept his hand on her head " Ria, if you have any difficulty then I'll cancel this meeting ..I don't want to pressure my daughter. You are free to choose your life partner "
Kashish leaned her head on the shoulders of her father, like a little girl " Dad, for the first time in my life you asked me anything from me . Since childhood I did everything of my choice, and you just accept it ...No Dad I'm not doing anything under the burden of pressure . You have a better experience of life. You see people more than me. Like a successful businessman you are also a good husband , the best father and also a lovely Human being. I believe when you choose a suitable boy for me he will definitely have the best for me "
Kashish gave an assured smile , his father nodded his head and his chest grew wider witnessing her daughter's faith in her parents. He used to think that the next generation should choose their suitable partner upon their will , and seeing his daughter agreeing to arrange marriage in one word makes him surprised . But now his hesitation got clarified, so he decided to think ahead.
***********
Five days later, on a serene Sunday evening, Nishant arrived at the Malhotra Mansion for dinner, his presence was an unexpected surprise for Sanyogita. As he entered, the room was filled with warm smiles and joyful greetings, a testament to the deep affection her new family shared with him. Sanyogita watched in wonder, having never imagined the strong bond Nishant had with the Malhotras.
The warmth and affection with which the family greeted Nishant only added to her inner turmoil.
As Nishant made his way around the room, he was showered with heartfelt welcomes and blessings from all, his face radiating happiness. Prithvi, beaming with delight, requested Sanyogita to cook Nishant's favorite dishes, a gesture that touched Nishant's heart.
With a forced smile, Sanyogita acquiesced to Prithvi's request, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. As she busied herself in the kitchen, the aroma of exotic spices and savory delights filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.
The dinner table was a facade of warmth and laughter, but Sanyogita's heart seethed with resentment, her eyes fixed on Nishant with a mixture of anger and hurt. The evening wore on, a delicate balancing act between her outward composure and the storm raging within.
As Nishant gazed upon the array of dishes spread before him, his eyes widened in astonishment. Prithvi's words only added to his disbelief: "Sanyo cooked every dish for you, Nishant." He couldn't believe his eyes, his voice filled with wonder: "Really, Bhabhi? You're just superb! Bhai, you're a lucky guy... a beautiful wife and such talent... I'm jealous, I must say!"
Anushka playfully shot a glance at Prithvi, her tone teasing: "Nishant Bhaiya, don't praise Prithvi Bhaiya like that... he's very possessive, especially about Bhabhi." Prithvi narrowed his eyes at his sister, his expression mock-threatening.
Sanyogita, meanwhile, was torn between basking in the warmth of her family's smiles and revealing the truth about the man they were showering with affection. She thought to herself: "What should I do? Should I be happy seeing my family so joyful, or should I tell them that the person they're sharing dinner with, the one they're praising so sweetly, deserves none of it?" Her mind wrestled with the dilemma, her heart heavy with the weight of secrets untold.
"Anu, why are you teasing your bhaiya again? How many times have I told you?" Annaya scolded, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Anushka made a face, pouting like a child, while Arayan giggled uncontrollably. "dekha, Mehman, don't open your mouth," Arayan teased, earning a playful glare from Anushka.
"Bhaiya told him not to call me Mehman," Anushka complained, her voice rising in mock indignation, as she turned to Prithvi.
"Arayan, don't call her Mehman," Prithvi chided, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Bhaiya, when you tease me, you never scold her, but whenever I call her Mehman, you stop me," Arayan observed, his voice tinged with playful resentment. "Why the double standards, Bhaiya?"
Anushka grinned mischievously, enjoying the banter. "Ha! Gotcha, Bhaiya!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with triumph.
"Anushka isn't a guest because she's the daughter of this house," Prithvi began, his voice filled with conviction. "And a daughter's love, affection, and care for her family only grows stronger in every situation. No one can fathom the depth of a girl's strength when it comes to her loved ones. She'll walk through fire to protect them, sacrificing her own well-being to keep them safe. If her closest ones are the crystals, she's the thread that binds them together; if she breaks, everything will shatter into meaningless pieces."
Prithvi paused, exchanging a proud smile with Sanyogita, who rolled her eyes good-naturedly, a hint of a grin on her face. But deep down, his words struck a chord, and her chest swelled with emotion.
"If you show her love, she'll bring you happiness. If you offer her shelter, she'll turn it into a home," Prithvi continued, his voice filled with passion. "And if the situation spirals out of control, she'll never let you down before the journey ends. She'll become the greatest strength you can have in your life."
The room fell silent, with everyone nodding in agreement. Ariyan whistled, cheering on his big brother, as Sanyogita's eyes shone with unspoken emotions, her heart swelling with pride and love for her husband's poignant words.
Anushka beamed with pride, "Thank you, Bhaiya!" she exclaimed, with a cheerful spit, as Prithvi affectionately patted her head. She playfully stuck out her tongue at Aryan, who sat beside her at the dinner table. "See, I have more reputation than you in this house!" she teased.
Aryan rolled his eyes, feigning indifference, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Big bro's become a philosopher," he joked, turning to Prithvi. "I'm damn sure, Bhabhi, if you have a daughter, bro will definitely give her his undivided attention," Aryan teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sanyogita chuckled, shaking her head, "You two are something else," she said, laughing.
Prithvi gave a furtive wink to Sanyogita turning her red while she rolled her eyes to hide her shyness, his eyes warm with affection, as Anushka continued to bask in the praise, her face aglow with happiness.
The dinner table was filled with the warmth of their banter, a testament to the strong bond they shared.
"My grandson is right," Shambhavi said, her voice filled with wisdom. "A woman's value isn't just in bearing heirs for the family. Her importance goes far beyond that. A good woman makes a man a better person, elevating him to new heights. She's the backbone of the family, nurturing and caring for her loved ones with unwavering dedication."
Shambhavi's eyes sparkled with conviction as she continued, "But that's not all. A woman is capable of handling the weight of an entire empire, guiding it with grace and intelligence. She's a nation-builder, a force to be reckoned with. And yet, the same woman can unleash a storm if anyone dares to threaten her dignity. History has shown us time and again the power of a woman scorned."
The room fell silent, with everyone absorbing Shambhavi's words. Then, as if on cue, they shared a warm, collective smile - a testament to their love and appreciation for the strong women in their lives. "I love my family," the moment seemed to say, filled with gratitude and respect.
"I used to worry about what I'd do after Anu's marriage," Ananya said, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and relief. "The Malhotra mansion would feel empty, but now I can finally relax, knowing I'll have another daughter by my side." She gently stroked Sanyogita's head with her right hand, a warm, comforting gesture.
The two women, busy serving food, shared a tender moment, their eyes locking in a loving exchange. The room fell silent, with everyone witnessing the heartfelt scene.
But the emotional atmosphere was playfully disrupted by a stubborn outburst: "Who says anyone's leaving this house? I won't leave at all!" Anushka exclaimed, her voice laced with determination.
She turned to Prithvi, her expression comically indignant, as if appealing to her father. "Bhaiya, did you hear what Mom said?"
The room erupted into laughter, and Ariyan chuckled, shaking his head good-naturedly. "Anu, you're such a drama queen!" Ariyan teased, as Sanyogita and Ananya exchanged an amused glance, their bond strengthened by the lighthearted moment.
Prithvi affectionately patted Ariyan's head, emphasizing his sister's dramatic nature, "Drama queen, indeed!" Ariyan winced, rubbing his nose in mock pain, "Ouch, bro!!"
Prithvi continued, a sly grin spreading across his face, "." No, my sister won't go anywhere. And speaking of leaving after marriage, Anu's groom will have to stay with us in our house. Anu will always be close to her family, especially her big brother." He winked at everyone, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Anushka's face lit up with joy, feeling supported and protected by her big brother's words. She beamed with happiness, her heart full of love and gratitude. The room was filled with the warmth of their banter, a testament to the strong bond between siblings.
Sanyogita and Ananya exchanged a knowing glance, their faces reflecting their delight in seeing their children so close-knit. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and love, a beautiful moment in the Malhotra household.
Ariyan's words tumbled out abruptly, "But Bro, in that case, you too have to justify Bhabhi's demands to stay closer to her father." He bit his tongue, realizing his mistake. Sanyogita's smile faltered, her chest tightening as if a vice had been applied.
Prithvi's eyes darted to her, noticing the sudden change in her expression. Her jaw clenched, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.
Prithvi's gaze shifted to Ariyan, his eyes blazing with a warning. Ariyan whispered an apologetic "Sorry Bhaiya... I mean, sorry Bhabhi."
Sanyogita's eyes dropped, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to control the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The dining table fell silent, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken feelings.
Nishant, sensing the tension, asked, "What happened?"
Prithvi's response was a jaw-dropping sigh , "Papa is no more." The words hung in the air like a challenge, a stark reminder of the pain and loss that still lingered.
Nishant's voice was laced with empathy, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Bhabhi. I feel terrible. May God grant his soul eternal peace." His words were a gentle breeze on a summer's day, soft and comforting.
Prithvi, however, remained silent, his eyes fixed on Sanyogita, his mind consumed by her distress. The others attempted to put on a brave face, stretching their cheeks into forced smiles, but the tension lingered.
Sanyogita's stomach twisted into a knot, her emotions churning like a tempest. She felt the weight of her grief, the ache of her loss, and the struggle to maintain her composure. The room was heavy with unspoken feelings, the air thick with the pain of remembrance.
In that moment, time stood still, and all that existed was the shared sorrow, the collective heartache, and the unspoken understanding that some wounds never fully heal.
Nishant, sensing the somber mood, attempted to lift everyone's spirits. "You know, whenever I see Aryan and Anushka's Tom and Jerry fights, I've always thought, 'Why didn't I have siblings?' Look, bro, you're really lucky to have such a wonderful big family," Nishant said in his distinctive American accent, a testament to his 11-year stint in the USA.
Everyone understood, and his words were met with nods of agreement. Despite the subtle shadows of American English in his speech, his love for his birthplace, India, shone through. "Prithvi, you said something so true...I wish I had a sweet sister like Anushka. It's making me realize...padh, I'm filled with regret...What am I doing in the USA? I should be here, in India, surrounded by love and bonding like this. Joint families like yours make even food taste more delicious!"
His words were infused with genuine compassion and a hint of wistfulness, bridging the distance between his adopted home and his beloved India. The room was filled with the warmth of shared emotions, and Sanyogita's eyes, still moist, but her heart was burning with hatred towards Nishant , who had skillfully steered the conversation towards more joyful memories.
" Nishant, you never change... always remain that humble boy," Abhiram said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. He shifted his gaze to Sanyogita, "Sanyo beta!"
"Jii Papa," Sanyogita replied, her voice soft and respectful.
Abhiram continued, "Nishant ko khana jara aur do, ise bhi todh pata chale ghar ka khane ki swadh kya hota hai." (Give Nishant some more food, let him know the taste of home-cooked meals.) He chuckled, "Bachpan mein Nishant aur Prithvi zada tad ek thali mein hi khate they... they're like brothers."
Sanyogita tried to muster a smile, her heart swelling with emotion and anger . She had never imagined that everyone in her family loved Nishant like one of their own. The way Abhiram spoke about Nishant, with such fondness and familiarity, touched her deeply. She felt a sense of guilt , knowing that Nishant was an integral part of their family's fabric.
The room was filled with the warmth of shared memories and the comfort of togetherness. Nishant, too, was visibly moved, his eyes shining with gratitude as he accepted the offering of food and love from his adopted family.
Nishant, with a mischievous glint in his eye, teased Sanyogita once more, "Bhabhi, aap ke haathon mein toh Jaadu hai... by the way, is there a twin sister of yours? Maybe you could set me up with her?" He gave a cheeky wink to Prithvi, who rolled his eyes in exasperation.
But Sanyogita's expression turned icy, her face tightening in annoyance. "No, devar ji... my sister is very innocent... I think even the apsaras from heaven wouldn't be able to satisfy your desires, let alone my sister... she's not your cup of tea." Her voice was laced with a sharp taunt, her heart burning with resentment.
Nishant's smile faltered, his eyes widening in surprise at Sanyogita's sudden change in tone. He seemed taken aback by her sharp retort, his playful demeanor dissipating. The room fell silent, the tension palpable, as Prithvi shot Sanyogita a concerned glance, sensing the undercurrent of emotions.
Prithvi's eyes narrowed, sensing a hint of hatred in Sanyogita's voice, a tone he had never heard before. He was confused, as if he was staring at a stranger, not the woman he loved and thought he knew inside out. Everyone noticed the sudden chill in the air, the tension palpable.
Aryan, attempting to diffuse the situation, joked, "Bhabhi ka matlab hai... Nishant bhaiya ke liye koi ladki ka specially order dekh ke banana pade gi!!" (Bhabhi means... we need to specially order a girl for Nishant bhaiya!) Everyone laughed, except Sanyogita, whose smirk hid the turmoil brewing inside her. Her heart was boiling, her emotions simmering just below the surface.
Prithvi's voice was low and gentle, his hand on Nishant's shoulder, as he revealed, "Nishant, Sanyo's sister is no more. And she loves her elder sister so much..." His words trailed off, but the significance was clear.
Sanyogita's pain and loss were still raw, and Nishant's thoughtless comment had unwittingly ripped open old wounds.
The room fell silent once more, the only sound the heavy breathing of those who cared.
Nishant's face fell, his eyes filled with regret, as he exhaled a sorrowful sigh. "I'm sorry, Bhabhi. I shouldn't have made that joke to you." His voice was laced with genuine apology, but Sanyogita remained silent, her gaze fixed on him like a piercing stare.
Nishant found her gaze unsettling, as if she didn't just dislike him, but hated him with a passion that made her want to destroy him. The intensity of her emotions made him shift uncomfortably in his seat. The room, once filled with laughter and warmth, now felt oppressive, the air thick with unspoken feelings.
In stark contrast, the rest of the family had enjoyed Nishant's company from the bottom of their hearts, reveling in the joy and camaraderie he brought. But Sanyogita's reaction left a lingering sense of unease, a feeling that the day's happiness had been tainted by a deeper, unspoken pain. Prithvi's eyes darted between his wife and friend, sensing the discord, but unsure how to bridge the gap.
Sanyogita retreated to her room, avoiding Nishant's apologetic words, and immersed herself in solitude. The evening's events lingered, a heavy mist that refused to lift. Later, when Nishant returned home around 11 at night, Prithvi confronted Sanyogita, his voice tinged with concern.
"Why did you talk to Nishant so harshly?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers.
Sanyogita feigned innocence, "What do you mean I was talking to him harshly?" Her voice was laced with a hint of defiance, but her eyes betrayed her, oscillating over Prithvi's face like a leaf in a gust of wind.
Prithvi's expression turned serious, his jaw set in a firm line. "You know exactly what I'm trying to say," he pressed on, his tone gentle but insistent. "You've been distant, and your words cut deep. What's bothering you, Sanyo?" The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast shadows on their faces, highlighting the tension between them.
"Kyun, tumhara dost jaisa deserve karta hai, ushe waise hi toh baat karungi naa..." Sanyogita's voice dripped with sarcasm, her smirk a thin veil for the venom beneath. "Nishant is not a monk, jiska pyar tale mein matha teke ashirvad lungi." (I'll speak to him the way he deserves, and Nishant isn't a monk who'll bless me from afar.)
Prithvi's face reddened, his patience snapping. "Sanyogitaaa!!!" he thundered, his shout echoing through the room.
Sanyogita stood her ground, her voice rising to match his. "Don't shout, Prithvi! Chilana mujhe bhi aata hai!" (I can shout too!)
Prithvi's eyes widened, taken aback by her ferocity. "Yeh kaisi language mein baat kar rahi ho... mein kabse dekh raha hoon, tum Nishant ke bare mein kuch na kuch keh te hi ja rahi ho!" (What kind of language is this? I've been seeing you speak about Nishant in this tone for a while now!)
The air was electric with tension, their words hanging like challenges, waiting to be met. The room seemed to shrink, the space between them charged with unspoken emotions, as they faced off, their hearts locked in a silent struggle.
"Kya bolo toh phir tumhara dost ke bare mein... koi doodh ka dhula hua nahi hai..." Sanyogita's voice was laced with venom, her words dripping with malice. "Yeh toh meri sharafat hai ki mein ushe ache se pesh aayi hoon, warna... Nishant jaise ghatiya admi toh insan kehne ka bhi layak nahi hai." (What can I say about your friend? No one's a saint... I'm being kind by speaking politely, otherwise, Nishant is not even worthy of being called human.)
Prithvi's face contorted in shock. "Sanyo, what the hell are you talking about? What do you mean? Why are you throwing mud at my friend?" His voice was incredulous, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Sanyogita's smirk grew wider, her eyes glinting with a fierce light. "Nishant, your friend... he's a killer... he killed my sister..." The words hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown.
Prithvi's glare was thunderous, his face pale with shock. The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two combatants. "What???" The word was a mere whisper, a plea for denial, but Sanyogita's expression remained unyielding, her accusation hanging like a sword of Damocles.