Two lives bound in an unwanted bond...<br /> <br /> Riddhima Bhardwaj... Mumbai's famous fashion designer... A free-spirited, proud girl who considers marriage a burden. She wants to live her life on her own terms, while Shreyas Oberoi, the CEO of Ob... Two lives bound in an unwanted bond...<br /> <br /> Riddhima Bhardwaj... Mumbai's famous fashion designer... A free-spirited, proud girl who considers marriage a burden. She wants to live her life on her own terms, while Shreyas Oberoi, the CEO of Oberoi Industries and the heartthrob of millions, has a heart that beats for someone else.<br /> <br /> What will happen when people from two different worlds are forced to live together? Will hatred turn into love? Or will this unwanted marriage ruin both their lives?<br /> <br /> This exciting story is filled with the ups and downs of love, hate, betrayal, and trust. To know what turn Riddhima and Shreyas's unwanted marriage takes, you must read this captivating story.
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Palampur, is a town situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
The biggest and the oldest mansion ever built in this town, ahead of which the entire village used to bow down with respect, was today decked up like a bride.
In the evening, the mansion was sparkling with golden light.
Inside, in the courtyard a canopy was set up, where a girl, dressed as a bride, was sitting quietly with her face covered with a veil.
A boy, wearing a white shirt and dark blue trousers, was sitting beside her.
His fair complexion had turned dark with anger; his bloodshot eyes were continuously staring at the fire pit.
Anger, helplessness, hopelessness, compulsion, displeasure, irritation - all these emotions were reflected in his eyes.
He was clearly not willing to get married, but for some reason he was sitting there.
The girl sitting beside him appeared as if only her body was present there; she was sitting silently like a lifeless body or a mechanical doll.
She was completing all the rituals silently and the pandit sitting beside the altar was reciting mantras quickly; perhaps he also wanted to leave from there soon.
There was an atmosphere of tension all around.
Every person present there had strange expressions on their face.
Fear, sorrow, helplessness, compulsion, anger, satisfaction, calmness, and smiles were visible here and there.
"The bride's maang (forehead) should be filled with vermilion."
The trembling voice of the pandit reached the boy's ears, and his eyes filled with anger turned towards him.
The poor pandit got scared and moved a little backward.
The boy now looked at the plate in the pandit's hand and filled his fist with vermilion.
This sight made everyone's eyes widen.
Before anyone could understand what was happening, the boy pushed the veil off the girl's head with a jerk and threw the vermilion on her head.
He did not even bother to remove her maang tikka (a piece of jewellery that sits on a woman's forehead) and the vermilion scattered on her hair, forehead, and face; just like his life and dreams had shattered in a moment.
She was still sitting silently, with no expression on her face and no movement in her body.
Her entire face turned red with vermilion, and her eyelids drooped.
The next moment, the boy picked up the mangalsutra (a necklace that married women wear) from the plate and put it around the girl's neck and stood up.
He was in such a hurry that he did not even put it on properly.
The boy stepped out of the canopy and the mangalsutra slipped from the girl's neck and fell into her lap.
Simultaneously, a few drops of tears emerged from under her drooping eyelids and fell on her cheeks and wetted the mangalsutra.
But the boy did not stop.
He moved forward with anger, trampling the floor beneath his feet.
Suddenly, a few people appeared before him.
But he did not care about them and glared at them with fiery eyes and moved out quickly.
The people behind him were worried and kept watching him.
Everyone's attention was on the groom, but no one noticed that the girl who was sitting in the canopy was no longer there.
"Riddhim......aa....."
The wail of a woman echoed in the silence, which drew everyone's attention.
By then, the woman had rushed towards the stairs on the side of the courtyard.
Her dupatta (scarf) was lying there, which had adorned the bride's head a little while ago.
All others also rushed towards her in panic.
To be continued…
Riddhima had locked the room door from the inside. "Riddhima… open the door, beta," Kalindi ji, Riddhima's mother and the elder daughter-in-law of the mansion, cried, banging on the door. "Riddhi beta, what are you doing locked in the room? Darling, listen to your mother, open the door… look, my heart is filled with dread, beta, open the door… my dear, don't do anything rash. If anything happens to you, your mother will die before her time."
Seeing her deteriorating condition, a young man pushed her aside and began knocking on the door himself. "Riddhi, open the door, see how worried everyone is. Whatever anger, resentment you have… take it out on me, just open the door."
"Ritesh, you go from here and tell everyone else to go and rest. They don't need to worry about me, I won't die so soon. I just want to be alone for a while… I hope I have enough right in this house to be alone with myself for a while. After that, I will leave from here."
There was a strange mix of anger, pain, and resentment in this voice. It brought tears to many eyes. Kalindi ji, hiding her face in the folds of her sari, sobbed uncontrollably.
Among the crowd, standing at the back, Jitendra ji, who had been silently observing everything with a stern expression, his eyes filled with fury. Pushing everyone aside, he moved to the front.
"This is the result of your pampering. You never listened to our advice regarding her matters. Because of you, she has become so ill-mannered and stubborn that she cares neither for her parents' honor nor for the family's prestige. The house is full of guests, and your daughter is behaving in such a way that tomorrow we won't be able to hold our heads up in shame. The villagers respect us so much; if this news gets out of the mansion tomorrow, what will they say? That the Mukhiya claims to manage the whole village but couldn't manage his own daughter and family. This girl is determined to ruin the respect we have built over years with her stubbornness."
Kalindi ji could only look at him with tear-filled eyes. Many complaints were visible in those eyes, but her lips were sealed. After blaming her for everything, he angrily struck the room door and his furious, booming voice echoed there.
"Riddhima, stop this drama. Open the door now, this very instant. You never cared about our house's honor and respect, at least don't shame us in front of that family… with whom your relationship has just been established."
He was probably about to say more in his anger, but before that, a woman from the crowd stepped forward and stopped him.
"Let it be, brother. Anger won't solve anything. Let her be alone for a while. She is a child… so much has happened suddenly, she will need time to think, understand, and accept it."
"Yes, Jitu, let it be. She is a child, it's not entirely her fault either. At this time, we should act with peace and patience, not anger. If something like this happened to any girl, she would behave similarly. We should leave her alone for some time. She will come out on her own when she calms down."
The man standing with the woman placed his hand on Jitendra ji's shoulder and explained in a calm tone. His face was still full of anger, but he said nothing further. Just then, the room door suddenly opened, and everyone's attention turned towards it.
Riddhima stood there. Dressed in a red bridal gown, adorned with gold jewelry. Vermilion was still smeared all over her face, she clutched the mangalsutra in her fist, and her eyes, colored in scarlet, stared at Jitendra ji. She stepped forward, picked up her mother, and stood directly in front of Jitendra ji.
"Today I'm saying this, you will never have to say anything to my mother because of me again. If you have a complaint with me, if you have a problem with me, then talk to me directly, because I am no longer a little child who will do as others say. I have grown up, I don't listen to them either, I do as I please, so say whatever you want to say to me, blame me."
The way she met his gaze while saying these words deeply wounded his ego, and his face hardened with anger.
Riddhima then looked at her mother, who was crying.
"Why are you crying? I have done what you wanted. I have gotten married, so why are these tears now? Go, go and prepare for my farewell."
After this, she once again turned her gaze towards Jitendra ji.
"Papa, why do you look so angry? Now I have obeyed you… look… even unwillingly, I stand before you as a bride… be happy, I am married… congratulations, this burden from your head has been lifted today. Now you won't have to bear with your ill-mannered, outspoken, and stubborn daughter anymore. Well, it must be sad for you that the marriage didn't happen with whom you wanted… but don't worry, he will also live up to your expectations. Didn't you see how he left me at the altar… my future life will be very good with your blessings, for which I will always be grateful to you. You have fulfilled your duty as a father very well. You have married off your daughter, you have received the merit of her Kanyadaan. Now bid me farewell from this house with honor and save the honor, prestige, and false reputation of your family… which is more important to you than your living, breathing daughter. Satisfy your ego… celebrate… now the trouble named Riddhima will leave your life and your home… forever and ever."
Every word she spoke was like a slap in Jitendra ji's face. She had vented all her anger, frustration, and bitterness on him… or perhaps there was much more, but she fell silent now. Jitendra ji fumed with anger but couldn't say or do anything in front of so many people.
Riddhima handed over Kalindi ji to Ritesh. The stern expression that had been on her face until now softened.
"As I leave, I ask for one thing, no one should disturb me before the farewell time… you can do that much for me, can't you?"
Riddhima pleaded, and Ritesh accepted with a bowed head. The door was closed again, and everyone else remained silent spectators, just watching.
Riddhima's farewell had taken place. But just as her wedding was unique, so was her farewell. As she left that house, she did not look back even once. She met no one, did not let a single tear fall from her eyes, her face was expressionless. Hiding immense pain, resentment, and anger in her heart, she quietly left that house… where she was born, where her entire family was.
Relatives kept making all sorts of remarks, speaking ill of Riddhima… but she paid no attention to anyone's words, nor did she retort. Yes, as she crossed the threshold of the mansion, she did fill her mother's empty lap with khil-batashe (sweets) and now sat on the back seat of the car, completely lost in thought and sad. Beside her sat the woman who had supported her even there.
She seemed to be from a well-to-do family from her attire. Gentleness shone on her face, and maternal affection was evident in her behavior. This was Nilima Oberoi… who was now Riddhima's mother-in-law by relation, but she didn't even know her. Today was the first time she was meeting her and leaving everything behind to go with her.
When Nilima ji caressed her head with her affectionate hand, Riddhima's eyelids blinked, and her vacant eyes looked up at her.
"Come outside, beta, we have reached the hotel. You will rest here for a while, then we will take you to your home."
Hearing her words, a sarcastic smile flickered on Riddhima's lips, tinged with her pain. She nodded and got out of the car with them. They went upstairs via a private lift. When Nilima ji brought Riddhima into one room, the other two men went into another room.
"What a blossoming child she is, with a face like the moon. How cruel was he to reject this diamond."
Nilima ji gently touched her cheek. She had cleaned the vermilion smeared on her face and hair properly, and the scarlet spread on that milk-white face enhanced her beauty. She was so lovely and captivating that anyone's heart would fall for her at first sight.
Riddhima raised her eyes at Nilima ji's words and said with a grimace, "He was your son."
"We know… but he doesn't realize yet who he has rejected. He hasn't even seen you. When he meets you, sees you, gets to know you, then he will realize that he has rejected his destiny in his foolishness, anger, and pride. And we will then make him apologize to you, holding his ears. How dare he hurt our dear daughter-in-law's heart."
The way she stood by her son against him brought a faint smile to Riddhima's lips.
"Aunty, why did you get your son married to me? I don't even know him or any of you."
Riddhima looked at them with wide eyes. Hearing her question, Nilima ji smiled gently.
"You don't know us, but we know you very well. We have heard a lot about you from your Daddy. He wished for Shreyas to marry you, but your alliance was made elsewhere. But see what a twist of fate has brought? You have come to our house as a daughter-in-law, Daddy's wish has been fulfilled. From now on, you are not our daughter-in-law, but our daughter. You should also call us Mom, not Aunty. All our three children call us Mom… Now you rest for a while, we will order something for your food from your Dad."
She gently stroked her cheek and left the room.
No response from Groq.
Around 11 o'clock, they checked out of the hotel. They reached Mumbai in two hours by private jet. For Riddhima, this was a completely new experience. It was a little exciting, and thinking ahead, she was also a bit nervous. Well, by afternoon they had reached Oberoi Mansion. As the car entered through the large black gate, Riddhima glanced around. The car stopped at the porch, on one side of which was the gate to enter the mansion, built like a palace of white marble, and on the other side, a beautiful white marble fountain. A garden spread far and wide, with arrangements for sitting.
When the car stopped, the guard stepped forward, opened the door, and one by one, all four people got out.
"Beta, this is your home." Grandfather lovingly patted Riddhima's head, and she was involuntarily reminded of her own grandfather. She just nodded. The guard went inside with the luggage. The two men also followed them, and Nilima Ji started walking with Riddhima.
"Have you brought our daughter-in-law?" Dadu and Sankalp Ji had not even crossed the threshold when a curious, slightly weak voice drew their attention. Along with this, an elderly woman of around 70 came and stood before them. Her body was a bit frail, but her personality was impressive; even in old age, her face radiated a glow, and she looked lovely in a silk saree.
"This is Ahilya Ji... Shreyas's grandmother and our dear Dadu's life partner, his life force."
"We have brought her, fortunate one, we have brought your daughter-in-law."
"Then show her, we've been waiting to see our daughter-in-law. Let's see what kind of daughter-in-law you've brought."
Grandmother seemed overly eager and impatient. She had been waiting since morning, perhaps that's why she couldn't wait a moment longer. Before Dadu could say anything, Nilima Ji arrived with Riddhima and couldn't help but smile seeing the grandmother's eagerness.
"Mom, here is your daughter-in-law, look at her properly and tell me if you like your granddaughter-in-law?"
Grandmother's gaze fell on Riddhima, who stood beside Nilima Ji, and she stared at her as if mesmerized. Everyone else stood waiting for her answer, and Riddhima was starting to get nervous. She didn't understand what to do, so she bowed and touched her feet.
"May you be fortunate... May you always be happily married... May you be blessed with many children..." Grandmother happily showered her with countless blessings, which made Riddhima feel a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't easy to accept such a sudden change in life. Especially for a modern, open-minded, self-reliant, bold girl like Riddhima, who herself ran away from the idea of marriage.
Hesitantly, she stood up. Grandmother, taking her in with a glance, cupped her face in her palms and kissed her forehead with love and affection.
"You have brought a very beautiful, well-behaved, and cultured daughter-in-law. At first, we were very upset that our grandson got married without us, and all our dreams remained unfulfilled, but seeing our daughter-in-law, all our complaints have vanished."
While everyone else smiled at her words, poor Riddhima couldn't even manage a smile. Just then, the grandmother seemed to have a thought, and her anxious eyes wandered around.
"Where is Shrey, didn't he come with the daughter-in-law?"
Hearing Grandmother's words, everyone's smiling lips tightened, and they looked at each other with concern. Seeing their disturbed faces, Grandmother's heart was filled with doubt.
"Why are you all so worried and not answering our question?... Shrey went with all of you, didn't he? His aarti will also be performed along with the daughter-in-law's, but we don't see him anywhere, where is he?..."
Now Grandmother also seemed a bit worried. While Nilima Ji and Sankalp Ji looked at each other with concern, Grandfather's mustache bristled with anger.
"Your darling grandson, ran away from the wedding mandap as soon as the wedding was over. He neither put the mangalsutra on the girl properly nor filled her sindoor. If you had seen them at that time, you would have slapped him. Expressing his anger... and his opposition to the marriage, he fled in haste after an incomplete wedding, and has been missing since then. His phone is switched off, his luggage was missing from the hotel. Now God only knows where he is."
Hearing Grandfather's reply, Grandmother looked worried, while the cool dude Grandfather seemed quite angry and upset with Shreyas. After all, he didn't like his wedding antics.
Grandmother remained in deep thought for a few moments, then shaking her head, she said-
"It's okay. So what if Shrey isn't here, the Lakshmi of the house is entering for the first time, so she must be welcomed."
"Absolutely Mom, the daughter-in-law must be welcomed, and she must also receive blessings from God." Nilima Ji agreed with her and, telling Riddhima to wait there, called for a servant and went inside.
Within a few minutes, Riddhima was welcomed into Oberoi Mansion with great joy and warmth after the aarti ceremony and the completion of the housewarming rituals. She also went to the temple and offered prayers to God.
As everyone sat down in the living room to relax, two people, like a storm, rushed in and stopped in front of everyone in the living room.
"Oh no... even with all our rushing, we were late... we missed Bhabhi's housewarming..."
"And we couldn't welcome her properly either."
Their breaths were not yet steady; they had run, so they were panting, but still, they didn't refrain from expressing their regret. Riddhima watched the two of them with wide, surprised eyes, looking bewildered.
"Mom, couldn't you wait a little longer for us?" The boy, once his breathing normalized, expressed his displeasure towards Nilima Ji. The girl also joined in the complaint.
"Mom, Dad... you both have been very unfair to us. First, you didn't tell us anything, didn't take us with you, got Bhai's wedding done secretly without us, informed us late about Bhabhi coming home, and now you've brought Bhabhi inside without waiting for us... We had planned so much for Bhai's wedding, thought of so many special ways to welcome Bhabhi... but you all didn't give us a chance to do anything... That's not fair."
The girl, who looked cute, looked at Nilima and Sankalp Ji one by one and started stomping her feet in childish anger. Riddhima was now starting to understand the situation a little, but she was still surprised by the two of them.
"Your anger is justified in its place, children, but the wedding had to be done in haste, so how could we have informed you earlier?... And how long would we have made Riddhima stand at the door? It doesn't look good for the daughter-in-law of the house to wait at the threshold. Besides, where is your Bhai?"
The mention of Shreyas brought a strange expression to Riddhima's face. She remembered him almost throwing the sindoor and leaving the mandap after putting on the mangalsutra halfway, and her heart filled with bitterness. ...Meaning... it's true he wasn't happy with the marriage, but what was the reason for so much arrogance? And what anger did he take out on what?
Riddhima made a strange face as she thought. While the boy and girl were both shocked to hear about Shreyas's absence.
"Bhai didn't come with Bhabhi?" Both asked in surprise at the same time, to which all four elders shook their heads in denial. Now clouds of worry appeared on the girl's cute face, while the boy also became serious.
"It seems the angry bird isn't happy with his wedding."
After this, he paused for a moment, a captivating smile spreading on his lips, and turned his gaze towards Riddhima.
"What does it matter? If he isn't happy, he will become happy. How long can anyone turn away from such a lovely and beautiful wife? Eventually, even that heartless one will get trapped in the web of affection called wife... Why Dad, didn't I say it right?"
With his eyes, he gave them a signal, and understanding it, they glanced at Nilima Ji and smiled.
"No married man in the world has been able to escape this affection."
While Nilima Ji glared at him angrily at his reply, the boy burst into a mischievous laugh. A faint smile also appeared on Riddhima's lips.
"Mamma, introduce us to Bhabhi." The girl, making a cute face, requested Nilima Ji. To which she smiled slightly.
"Riddhima beta, this is our younger son and your devar (brother-in-law) Ivan, and this is our only daughter and your nanad (sister-in-law) Manvi."
She introduced both of them one by one. First, they joined their hands before her, and then suddenly bent down to touch her feet; seeing this, Riddhima nervously pulled her feet up onto the sofa. The next moment, the sounds of laughter and chatter from those two mischievous ones echoed there.
Riddhima, with her pupils dilated, was still watching them, trying to understand what was happening here. But the other four understood everything. Seeing them laughing like that, Grandmother got up from her seat and, holding both their ears with one hand each, twisted them.
"You two are getting too mischievous. The daughter-in-law hasn't even come home, and you've started teasing her."
Well, they got their ears pulled and also a good scolding from Grandmother. Both writhed in pain.
"Ahhh Grandma... we won't do it again... Grandma, leave my ear, it hurts... Dadu, are you going to stop at nothing?... Grandma, don't be so cruel, God will never forgive you if you mistreat innocent children... you won't even get a place in hell, Grandma... Ah... Ah Grandma, you're pulling so hard... Grandma, we have the right to have so much fun with Bhabhi... Okay, we won't bother her from now on, now leave my ear..."
Both were doing a 'chicken dance' writhing in pain and pleading with Grandmother to release their ears, but Grandmother was in no mood to spare them today and twisted their ears well. Riddhima, at first, watched them, surprised and bewildered, then suddenly, seeing them, she burst out laughing. The sound of her ringing laughter dissolved into the air like sweet music, and everyone's gaze turned towards her. Seeing her laugh so freely, the lips of the others also smiled.
No response from Groq.
Riddhima had let her body go limp in the water, completely submerged. Seeing this, Shreyas panicked. Without a second thought, he placed his phone and wallet down and immediately jumped into the pool. Within seconds, he reached Riddhima and pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist. Riddhima struggled frantically to break free, but Shreyas’s grip was firm. He pulled her with him to the edge of the pool.
Against Riddhima’s will, he lifted her out of the pool and climbed out himself. Riddhima sat on the floor near the pool. Shreyas stood with his back to her. His face was red with anger, his eyes narrowed dangerously, his breathing heavy, and his heart pounded.
Shreyas pushed his wet, messy hair back from his forehead with his fingers, took a deep breath, and turned to Riddhima, shouting in anger,
“Are you mad! Is your brain on vacation or is the top floor completely empty? Do you have such a strong desire to die? There’s a limit to foolishness. If you don’t know how to swim, why did you go in? Now why aren’t you answering? You were so talkative inside. Why aren’t you opening your mouth now? Why aren’t you saying anything about why you jumped into the pool when you couldn’t swim?”
Furious, Shreyas was yelling at her, and her silence only fueled his anger. Riddhima, who had been sitting with her head bowed, now raised her head and glared at Shreyas with sharp eyes.
“It concerns you…” Riddhima’s retort made Shreyas’s blood boil. Riddhima, managing her wet lehenga, somehow got up and was about to turn away with a twisted face when the enraged Shreyas grabbed her arm, pulled her closer, and said through gritted teeth,
“Yes, it concerns me! Because this pool is attached to my room. If anything happens here, the blame will fall on me, and I don’t want to get into any more trouble because of you. That’s why it concerns me… So now, quietly answer my question: why did you enter the pool when you can’t swim? And wearing such a heavy lehenga! Do you even have any idea what would have happened if you had drowned?”
Once again, a wave of pain flashed across her face from his grip on her arm, but she was not weak. She stood firmly in front of Shreyas and met his gaze, replying in his own style,
“I have a very good idea. If I had drowned, I would have died, and you would have gotten rid of me and the burden of this unwanted relationship very easily. By that logic, you should have been happy, so why do you seem so worried? You had a perfect opportunity, why did you save me? You should have let me die…”
Riddhima questioned, raising one eyebrow. Shreyas became exasperated hearing this.
“Stop your nonsense and tell me quietly what you were thinking when you entered the pool?”
“I wasn’t thinking anything. I was just angry, I saw the water and jumped in… to calm down a bit.”
This time, Riddhima turned her face away and made a strange expression. Shreyas was utterly shocked by this nonchalant reply.
“What…?”
“What’s so surprising about that? Cold water cools the heat of the mind, it calms anger… Don’t you even know this much?”
Riddhima said indifferently, then widened her eyes and looked at him as if she were mocking him.
Shreyas, who had been looking at her in surprise and confusion, his expression changed.
“I know a lot, but I didn’t know someone could be such a big fool… but I’ve seen it now… Anyway, what more can be expected from a village bumpkin?”
Shreyas made a strange face, looking at her with contempt, then releasing her arm, he stepped back.
“It’s your life… do whatever you want, just remember to stay away from me and my things, and speak to me with lowered eyes and a quiet voice.”
Riddhima, who was already glaring at him with angry eyes, was now completely incensed. Standing before him with her hands on her hips, chest out, she retorted,
“Why? Do you think you’re the President? Are you a king of some Mughal dynasty? The Sultan of India? Or my master that I should lower my eyes and speak in a quiet voice in front of you?”
Riddhima Bhardwaj was known for giving even the best a tough time. It wasn’t easy to deal with her. Shreyas clenched his fist. Meanwhile, Riddhima, muttering to herself, started to leave.
“Big shot, trying to boss me around… calling me a village bumpkin, I’ll do such things to you that even your seven generations will remember that you dared to mess with Riddhima Bhardwaj… How he was ordering me to lower my eyes and speak in a quiet voice… Hey, get lost… I’d rather eat poison and die than talk to a stuck-up person like you… and my sandals will talk in a quiet voice! I’ll scream at the top of my lungs, do whatever you want.
I never let even my father have his way with me… and look at this gentleman, trying to order me around. You haven’t faced the real Riddhima yet, that’s why you’re so puffed up. If I don’t teach you a good lesson by trampling your arrogance under my feet, then my name isn’t Riddhima Bhardwaj.”
Riddhima huffed and left, and Shreyas, standing behind her, remained in shock.
When he reached the room, Riddhima had already gone into the bathroom. Shreyas’s gaze fell on her bag lying open on the floor, clothes scattered around, and water spread across the room. Seeing his neat room in this state, Shreyas’s brows furrowed.
A short while later, Riddhima came out after changing clothes, her wet hair wrapped in a towel. Her foot landed on the wet floor, and she let out a sudden scream.
“Maa…”
Shreyas, who was pacing back and forth in anger, rushed towards her hearing the scream… but it was his bad luck that his foot also landed on the wet floor, he slipped, and in trying to save her, he fell to the floor, holding her. A soft cry escaped his lips, and he squeezed his eyes shut, clenching his jaw.
Riddhima, who had squeezed her eyes shut in fear of falling, slowly opened one eye upon feeling someone’s body. In front of her was white. Hurriedly opening both eyes, she looked up and her gaze fell on Shreyas’s face, on which pain was clearly visible.
“Hey, Mr. Arrogant… are you okay? Did you break any bones? Are you alive? Did you depart for hell?”
Riddhima’s voice reached Shreyas’s ears, and hearing her nonsensical talk, he opened his eyes in surprise.
“What…?” Shreyas looked at her in surprise with his cat-like eyes. Riddhima, who had been slightly worried seeing him lying with his eyes closed, now breathed a sigh of relief into her constricting lungs.
“Oh, you’re alive… then it’s fine.”
Shreyas was even more surprised and stared at her with wide, astonished eyes. Meanwhile, Riddhima quickly got up from on top of him. Shaking her wet, messy hair, she wrapped it in a towel again. Droplets freed from her hair fell onto Shreyas’s face, and involuntarily, his eyelids fluttered shut.
After a while, he opened his eyes and his gaze fell on Riddhima, who was already stepping away to leave. Shreyas immediately stopped her.
“Hey, where are you going like this? Who will pick me up?”
Riddhima’s forward steps halted upon hearing this. She turned back to him with great charm and smiled slyly.
“Get up yourself, you fell yourself.”
“I fell while trying to save you.” Shreyas narrowed his eyes and glared at her angrily. Riddhima’s expression changed.
“Oh, really…? Then I’ll help you get up a bit… but first, ask me for help politely…” She said, winking and preening. Shreyas was annoyed by her cunning.
“Disgusting!”
“You!”
Riddhima smiled at him and, with a sway, walked away. Shreyas stared at her for a moment, then somehow managed to get up himself. Riddhima closed her bag, dried her wet hair with a towel, and then dried it with a dryer. Unwillingly, she applied a small amount of vermilion to her parting. During this time, her attention was on her task, but she was also glancing sideways at Shreyas, who was standing across the room, who seemed to have hurt himself badly, pain showing on his face, and he was pressing his back with his hand.
Riddhima dried her hair and was about to leave the room, completely ignoring Shreyas, when he stopped her again.
“Hey, where are you going? Who will clean up all this mess you’ve made?”
Riddhima turned to him and said irritably,
“It’s such a palatial house. There must be a few servants. Call someone… tell them the Emperor’s room is dirty and to come and clean it.”
“Why should anyone else do it? When you made it dirty, you will clean it.”
“In your dreams… anyway, if you have such a problem getting someone else to do it, then do it yourself. You have two hands and two legs too, and they’re fine. Besides, if your room got wet because of my wet clothes, your clothes aren’t dripping nectar either… nor is it magical water that dries up before it hits the floor, making only the mess that happened because of me.”
Riddhima said haughtily and left with a sulky face. Shreyas was left exasperated, cursing himself. As Riddhima was descending the stairs, she suddenly flinched at Shreyas’s angry, commanding voice.
“Shyama…”
Riddhima looked in the direction of the voice in surprise. Shreyas was standing by the railing in the corridor.
“Y-yes, brother…” A timid girl ran from the kitchen to the living room.
“Come and clean my room.”
“Yes, brother.” The girl immediately agreed in a flustered manner and hurried towards the stairs. Riddhima, who had been standing there watching silently, was glared at by Shreyas, and she made a disgusted face.
“Stuck-up fellow.”
Muttering, she came downstairs, while Shreyas took his clothes and went into the bathroom.
No response from Groq.
Riddhima was sleeping soundly, having sold her horses. It was almost eight in the morning, but she had no intention of waking up. Shreyas was also asleep, having gone to bed late the previous night.
Their sleep was broken by continuous knocking at the door. Riddhima got up groggily and, stretching lazily, walked towards the gate. When she opened the door, Nilima Ji was standing there, having already bathed and gotten ready.
"Riddhima dear, you're still asleep?" Nilima Ji asked in surprise. Riddhima's state clearly indicated she had been sleeping. Half of Riddhima's sleepiness vanished upon seeing her, and the other half disappeared when she heard the question. She hastily tidied her hair and said nervously,
"No, Mom... I was just..." She couldn't find the words and started looking around restlessly. Just then, Nilima Ji placed her hand on her head.
"It's alright, dear. You must have slept late last night, so you didn't get enough sleep."
"Yes, I slept late last night, so I didn't even realize when morning came," Riddhima agreed. Nilima Ji smiled at her demeanor.
"We just came to tell you that Mom wants the puja to be performed by you today, so quickly bathe, get ready, and come downstairs... and dress up properly in a saree, it should look like it's our daughter-in-law's first day in the house. First, there will be the puja, and then we'll all have breakfast together."
"Yes, Mom," Riddhima nodded like an obedient daughter-in-law. Nilima Ji's gaze began to wander, searching for Shreyas. The bed was empty, but her eyes fell on the couch, where Shreyas was sleeping. A strange expression appeared on her face.
Riddhima followed her gaze, seeing where she was looking. As her eyes fell on Shreyas sleeping on the couch, she was utterly shocked.
"Mom, I didn't force him to sleep there; he slept with me in the bed last night... I don't know when or how he ended up on the couch."
Riddhima hastily offered her defense. Everyone was showing her love, but Shreyas was the son of the house. If he were troubled, perhaps no one would tolerate it. She feared that Nilima Ji might get angry with her.
Nilima Ji, whose gaze was fixed on Shreyas, now turned her eyes to Riddhima. Seeing her flustered face, she gently touched her cheek and said,
"We know, dear, that our sweet girl wouldn't do anything like that, and we know our son very well too. He's not used to sharing his bed and room. He doesn't even let his siblings into his room easily. Shama does all the cleaning; no one else steps foot in this room... Now that you are with him, it will take time to accept this sudden change in life... but we are confident that everything will be fine soon.
Now, you bathe and get ready, and wake him up too. We'll go downstairs and prepare for the puja."
She patted her cheek affectionately and left with a smile. Riddhima made a strange face and, after closing the door, turned around to see Shreyas sitting up, which startled her.
"You were awake?" Riddhima asked, her eyes wide with surprise. Shreyas looked at her strangely for a moment, then, ignoring her, got off the couch. Feeling so ignored, Riddhima scrunched up her nose and muttered to herself,
"Such a stuck-up person... ignoring me as if I'm dying to talk to him... Hmph."
Riddhima was grumbling to herself and cursing him when she noticed Shreyas heading towards the bathroom. Nilima Ji's words echoed in her ears, and she rushed after him.
"Hey, stuck-up, where are you going? I'm bathing first..."
Shouting, Riddhima stood in front of him with her arms spread wide, blocking his path.
"You can't go any further. I'll use the bathroom first."
Shreyas's brows furrowed. He narrowed his eyes and, grinding his teeth in anger, said,
"This is my room, my bathroom, so I'll use it first. Anyway... I don't have time for pointless arguments with you, nor do I want to lounge around the house like you... I have to go to the office, so I'll bathe first."
Shreyas taunted her, grabbed her arm, moved her aside, and was about to move forward when Riddhima clutched his arm with both her palms.
"If you're in such a hurry, go sit in the garden. Mali Kaka will give you a good bath along with the plants, because I'm bathing first here. Mom told me to come downstairs quickly."
"She's my Mom!" Shreyas yelled angrily and shook her hand off. Seeing his anger, Riddhima immediately nodded.
"Oh dear, you're fighting like children. I'm not snatching your Mom from you... go, keep your Mom with you. Just let me bathe, it's very important for me to get downstairs quickly."
"Why? Are you missing a business meeting?" Shreyas asked, glaring at her sharply and clenching his jaw. Riddhima flared up at his taunt.
"Yes, I am, so what will you do?"
Shreyas looked at her with mocking eyes and smiled as if making fun of her.
"Have you ever seen a business meeting in your life... seen, let alone heard, what it is?"
Infuriated by such a severe insult, Riddhima was about to say something but then stopped herself, thinking.
"I'm letting you win for now because I don't have the free time to get involved in a pointless argument with you. Go get in the bathroom, but get out before I finish taking my clothes off. If I'm late going downstairs because of you and have to hear anyone's scolding, I won't let you off."
Threatening Shreyas, Riddhima walked towards her bags kept aside. For a moment, Shreyas was lost in her sharp demeanor and deadly style, then he grudgingly went into the bathroom.
About half an hour later, when he came out after showering, he was stunned by the state of his room. The next moment, his eyes fell on Riddhima, who was standing near the bed, taking things out of her bag and spreading them around. His eyebrows furrowed.
"What have you done to my room?" Shreyas roared angrily, but Riddhima paid him no attention and continued with her work. She brushed him off with an annoyed reply.
"Don't argue with me unnecessarily right now, I'm already very troubled."
"So what should I do about your troubles?... I only care about my room. Pack your things right now." Shreyas also ordered angrily. This time, Riddhima turned towards him, annoyed.
"I'll pack everything, just be patient... Firstly, your mother ordered me to wear a saree, and I can't find a single saree among all my belongings. Mom kept a dozen sarees, I don't know where they went?... I'm already so troubled here, and you've come like Yama to perform a dance of death over my head."
Annoyed, Riddhima lashed out at him. She took out all her frustration on Shreyas and, looking troubled again, started rummaging through her bag.
Shreyas glared at her with burning eyes, boiling with anger for a few moments. Then he went into the changing room. When he came out dressed, Riddhima was haphazardly stuffing everything back into her bag. Seeing this, Shreyas made a strange face and, practically ignoring her, moved towards the couch.
"I need to arrange my clothes and belongings. How long will I keep them in the bag?" Hearing Riddhima's tired voice, Shreyas turned towards her and, glaring at her sharply, said indifferently.
"So what should I do?... Should I arrange your belongings too now?"
"No, just give me some space to keep my things." Riddhima replied quickly. But Shreyas's tone was still stiff and full of arrogance.
"I don't have any extra space. Whoever brought you to this house, go tell them... and if possible, ask for another room for yourself, so I can get rid of you."
"I'm not going to leave your trail so easily and quickly, Mr. Arrogant Oberoi." Riddhima also got annoyed this time and, glaring at him, went into the bathroom.
By the time she came back after bathing, Shreyas had already left. Riddhima let out a sigh and started getting ready. A beautiful dark purple suit. Open hair, a small bindi on her forehead, sindoor in her parting, golden eyes adorned with kohl, soft lips painted in a nude shade, gold earrings, a mangalsutra around her neck, bangles on her henna-decorated wrists, anklets on her feet. Dressed in sixteen adornments like a brand-new bride, just as Nilima Ji had instructed, she looked incredibly beautiful.
When she came downstairs, everyone was praising her. Grandma even affectionately cast an evil eye to ward off any ill luck.
"Mom, I think the bag with the sarees was left in Palampur. I searched everywhere but couldn't find a single saree, so I wore a suit." Riddhima told Nilima Ji with such innocence, her eyes lowered, that she couldn't help but smile.
"It's alright, dear, you look beautiful in this too... It's not your fault... the wedding and farewell happened in such a hurry, and then we couldn't give you anything. That's why we've called the jeweler and Shukla Ji home today. Take as many sarees and jewelry as you wish."
"Mom, there's no need for this." Riddhima tried to say something, but Nilima Ji stopped her.
"We need it, dear, and this is our love for you. We hope you won't refuse now."
She had spoken correctly; now she couldn't say anything even if she wanted to. But Manvi certainly jumped with joy and approached them.
"Mom, can I stay too? I'll help Bhabhi and get something for myself too."
"Since when have you started wearing sarees, Manu, my child?" Ivan came from behind, grabbed her neck, and Manvi squirmed.
"I'll look for new jewelry designs for myself, what's it to you?"
Manvi angrily shook his hand off, and that was enough to start a sibling quarrel. Everyone else held their heads. Meanwhile, Ritesh's face appeared before Riddhima's eyes, and a faint smile spread across her lips.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
"Hey Riddhima... who was that handsome guy you were talking to?" a girl asked, wrapping her arms around Riddhima’s neck from behind and smiling as she watched the departing car. Riddhima was lost in thought about what Ivan had said. Hearing the voice, she snapped out of her reverie, and a look of annoyance and displeasure appeared on her face.
"Meaning, you don't care about your friend? As soon as you arrive, you're asking about a guy... not even bothering to ask how your friend is, even if it's just out of courtesy," Riddhima said sulkily, glaring at her with sidelong glances, shaking off the arm around her neck, and heading towards the apartment. The other girl also ran after her.
"Oh come on, you got upset over such a small thing. I was going to ask about your well-being in detail later. It's just that when I arrived, I saw you sitting and talking with some guy in that new sports car, and my curiosity was piqued, so I asked."
Hearing her excuses, Riddhima glanced at her from the corner of her eye, and the girl made a cute face, baring her teeth. Riddhima shook her head helplessly.
"Good morning, Uncle," Riddhima greeted the guard standing there, and he replied with a smile.
"Good morning, dear. You've come after a long time today."
"Just Uncle, I got caught up in some trouble... Anyway, did you get my apartment cleaned?"
"Yes, dear, everything is done."
Riddhima talked with the uncle for a while, then headed towards the lift, and her friend followed her.
"Riddhima, tell me something, you don't live here, so why do you waste your money every week getting this apartment cleaned for no reason?"
"So that whenever I feel like it, I can come here and spend a few moments in peace, alone with myself."
"Okay, but tell me now, dear... who was that handsome young man? He looked very dashing and rich too."
"Soumya!" Riddhima called her in an annoyed tone, and Soumya put on an innocent face.
"He's my brother-in-law, and he's out of your reach, so there's no need to think anything negative about him," Riddhima warned, glaring at her with serious eyes before stepping into the lift. Hearing the word 'brother-in-law,' Soumya stood there, shocked. Seeing this, Riddhima impatiently called out to her.
"Are you going to stand there like a statue, or are you coming inside?"
When Riddhima's voice reached Soumya's ears, she was startled and came back to her senses. Hurriedly, she nodded and ran into the lift.
"Riddhima, is that smart guy really your brother-in-law?" Soumya asked in surprise. She still didn't seem to believe her. The lift had opened. Riddhima stepped out, nodding.
"Yes."
Soumya ran after her. "Your brother-in-law was so handsome, he looked like a celebrity. If the brother-in-law is so handsome, good-looking, and smart, then your husband must be even more amazing."
Now she looked excited rather than surprised. Hearing her questions, Shreyas's face flashed before Riddhima's eyes.
"Hmm, he is handsome too. Actually, in their family, everyone has wonderful facial features. Grandparents, despite their age, look fit and beautiful. Dad could rival an old-time hero, and Mom is like Madhubala. His sister is also cute, takes after their mom, and both brothers are handsome."
Thinking about everyone, a smile appeared on Riddhima's lips, and Soumya was amazed.
"Meaning, these good looks and smartness are in their genes."
"Hmm."
Riddhima nodded and opened the flat door, stepping inside.
"Tell me one thing, why did you tell me that your brother-in-law is out of my reach? Is it because he belongs to a rich family?"
Riddhima sat leaning against the back of the sofa in the living room. Soumya also sat next to her. Hearing her question, Riddhima replied with her eyes closed.
"No... it's not about being from a rich or middle-class family. If that were the case, I wouldn't be in that house."
"Never mind that... you're no less. Your father is such a big landlord. You have so much money that seven generations can live comfortably. Your own package is in lakhs. You just don't show it, otherwise, you're no less rich."
Hearing Soumya's words, a faint smile touched Riddhima's lips.
"Your parents are also counted among the wealthy, it's just that you don't live with them. Your package is also in lakhs. There's no difference between you and me."
Hearing Riddhima's words, a strange expression appeared on Soumya's face.
"Don't talk about them in front of me."
Soumya's words reached Riddhima's ears, and she suddenly opened her eyes.
"Sorry, dear, I didn't say it intentionally, it just slipped out."
Riddhima seemed a bit tense. Perhaps she had said something she shouldn't have. Seeing her upset, Soumya gave a weak smile.
"It's okay... forget about them and tell me why you said your brother-in-law is out of my reach? If he's handsome and good-looking, then I'm not bad looking either. Don't you know how many admirers I have... lining up behind me, waiting for their turn, just a signal and they'll be ready to sacrifice everything for me."
Soumya showcased her beauty with great flair and preened. She was indeed beautiful and also looked very lovely.
Hearing Soumya's words, Riddhima smiled. "I know, madam, that there's a long queue of your admirers, and you're very famous for your beauty. The list of your admirers is so long that I don't even remember who you were with yesterday and who you're with today... I know everything about you, that's why I'm saying my brother-in-law is out of your reach. You two are opposite poles, whose meeting is impossible, so don't even think about him."
Riddhima was still warning her, and Soumya couldn't tolerate that.
"Why, dear... why are you saying that? What is it about me that makes you tell me to stay away from your brother-in-law?"
"You two are completely different. You change guys like clothes. You can't be with one guy for more than a week. Flirting and dating are fun for you... You don't believe in words like love, affection, and lifetime commitment... You enjoy yourself, and when you get bored, you leave the old one and get involved with someone new. Although I know that even after dating so many guys, you've never crossed your limits with anyone, and often that's been the reason for your breakups. You've also met guys with whom you can only pass time, not spend a life.
But Ivan is completely different from you. He stays away from dating, affairs, and time-passing. He believes in true love and lifetime commitment and is waiting for a special girl with whom he can spend his whole life."
Riddhima seemed quite serious at this moment, while Soumya was stunned and stared at her with disbelief, her eyes wide open.
"Meaning, you're saying that your handsome brother-in-law doesn't have a girlfriend, he's never been in a relationship with any girl. Despite such amazing looks and personality, he's still single."
"Hmm... that's what I'm saying."
"And how can you say that with such certainty? When you only met him a few days ago."
Soumya asked, raising an eyebrow. It seemed impossible for her to believe this. Riddhima replied with a gentle smile.
"Believe it, and stop taking an interest in him now."
"I don't know about interest, but I'm very curious to know about your brother-in-law. I've never seen a guy like him who, despite being so good-looking and rich, stays away from girls and is completely single. Now I have to meet your brother-in-law. Let me see what he's really like..."
Soumya smiled mysteriously, thinking about Ivan in her mind. Seeing the expression on her face, lines of worry appeared on Riddhima's forehead.
"Somu, what's going on in your mischievous mind...?"
"Nothing, dear, I was just thinking that your brother-in-law sounds very interesting from your words."
"I told you, don't take so much interest in him. He's not like the guys you've been in relationships with before."
"Oh, but what am I going to do with him? I'm just wondering if such guys still exist these days?"
"Of course, they do."
"But it's also possible that he's not what he looks and acts like, and he just said that to make a good impression on you, and you blindly believed him."
"Even if that's the case, it doesn't affect you or me, so get him out of your mind."
Riddhima tried to explain seriously, and Soumya waved away the conversation with a smile. Something was brewing in her mind, and Ivan had now become her target.
"Okay, forget all this and tell me, weren't you supposed to get married to someone named Shikhar Shekhar, so what happened all of a sudden?... And you said you wouldn't get married at any cost. You'd even planned to elope, which is why you didn't let me come there either... So what happened all of a sudden?... Whom did you get married to...?"
Who is this Shikhar? And what do you think is going on in Soumya's mind, and what is she going to do with Ivan? Why is Soumya like this? There are also some secrets hidden here, which will be revealed in time.
"Okay, leave all that and tell me, weren't you supposed to get married to someone named Shikhar Shekhar? Then what happened all of a sudden? And you had said you wouldn't get married at any cost. You even planned to run away, that's why you didn't let me come there either... So what happened now all of a sudden? Whom did you take the wedding vows with?"
Soumya, with great cleverness, changed the subject and diverted Riddhima's attention. Hearing her questions, Riddhima replied in a frustrated, sad, and dejected tone.
"Don't even ask, yaar... my fate turned out to be a cheater. Everything was set, but at the last moment, everything went wrong. I myself don't understand what happened to me. And why? By the time I could understand anything, I was married. To a person I don't even know, whom I had never even seen before... I escaped from that Shikhar's child, but I got caught in the clutches of this walking volcano, who drinks my blood like Dracula without a straw, and gets angry over every little thing as if I stole his buffalo."
"He tells me that he doesn't consider me his wife... so what, was I dying to become his wife, that he would boss me around and I would listen silently? I also stand up to him boldly. I give a fitting reply to his sharp words. After all, he too should know that he has to deal with not some ordinary weak girl... but Riddhima Bhardwaj."
She puffed her chest out with pride and preened herself. Remembering the argument with Shreyas, her heart filled with bitterness. But she was proud of herself. Soumya was initially shocked to hear her talk, then after deeply contemplating her words, she questioned.
"So, what you mean is, just as you are not happy with this relationship, this relationship did not happen by your will. Similarly, your husband's will was also not involved in this relationship, which is why he is not accepting you as his wife."
"Yes, something like that... you know, he's such a useless man. He always walks around with such a rotten, inauspicious face that just looking at him makes me want to vomit on his face. He gets so angry, shouts so much that my head starts to ache. He's not talking to anyone in his house. Maybe he's angry..."
"If he didn't want to get married, then why did he? Didn't you ever ask him?"
"How could I ask him? He's out of the house all day, and for the time he's in the room, he keeps such a sour face that I don't even feel like looking at him. Anger is always simmering on his nose, twenty-four hours a day. Whenever I meet him, he flares up over something or the other, and then we end up fighting. We've never sat down like humans and talked calmly until now."
"And what's the point of that now? Whatever the reason or compulsion, the marriage has happened now... But this is the thing, he gets very irritated with me. He thinks I'm a village bumpkin, whom his family has forcibly dumped on him. He doesn't even like looking at me."
"This means he has a very big misconception about you, that you are a village girl. He doesn't know who you really are?"
Soumya looked at her with wide eyes, and Riddhima nodded in affirmation.
"Hmm."
"Meaning, you know this, so why haven't you tried to clear your brother-in-law's misconception and tell him about yourself?"
Soumya asked, startled, which made Riddhima suddenly flare up at her.
"He is not your demon brother-in-law... And why should I tell him anything? He insulted me by calling me an uneducated rustic. Do I look like an uneducated rustic?"
Oh well, Riddhima seemed to be on a different wavelength. She must have taken Shreyas's words to heart the first day. Pausing for a moment, she pursed her lips and continued.
"I will never tell him anything about myself. Let him think whatever he wants to think on his own. He thinks he's very smart, judging anyone without knowing them and forming any perception. Anyway, why would I want to ruin my entire life with that arrogant, stubborn, pig-headed, ill-mannered, and rotten man? As soon as I get the appointment letter, I'll get on a flight and fly away... I'll give wings to my dreams. After that, let him rot here alone, I don't care..."
"Meaning, you'll leave everything?" Soumya was utterly shocked by Riddhima's plan. Riddhima, however, nodded nonchalantly.
"What else? What did you think, I'd ruin my life by fulfilling this unwanted bond? I'd give up my dreams for that arrogant man? Absolutely not. I'll just endure him for some time, and then I'll leave from here very far away. On my way out, I'll give him a divorce, then he too will be free from this forced, unwanted bond, and I too will go far away from here."
She has a complete plan. Many thoughts started running through Soumya's mind at once, and the expression on her face began to change.
"Okay, so you have a complete plan, but have you thought about what you'll do if what you want doesn't happen? What if feelings develop in your heart for them before your appointment letter arrives, or if they refuse to break this relationship? What will you say to your family and theirs? This is life, nothing happens according to plans here. Have you thought about what you'll do if your plan fails this time too?"
She had raised valid questions, which also forced Riddhima to think. Seeing her lost in deep thought, Soumya placed her hand on her shoulder and said in a gentle voice.
"Okay, forget all this and tell me, who is that lucky person?... who got my best friend without any effort. Let me at least know the name of the person whose name is now attached to yours."
Soumya had changed the subject once again. Perhaps she was trying to lighten her mood and succeeded, because hearing her question, Riddhima forgot all her troubles and confusions.
"Shreyas... Shreyas Oberoi..."
"Shreyas Oberoi... CEO of Oberoi Industries... the same one who has been dominating the industry for the past several years, winning every business award, whose name is on everyone's lips in the business world. How famous he is for his looks and powerful personality, as well as his talent and work style... Are you talking about that Shreyas Oberoi, whom girls are crazy about a glimpse of? He's on the front page of every business magazine..."
Soumya was so surprised and excited that she could probably have talked about Shreyas from morning till night, but Riddhima got annoyed by her lengthy monologue about Shreyas and interrupted her midway.
"Yes, that's him... who is a bit too proud of his looks, but you know a lot about him, while I didn't even know his name."
Soumya smiled, sensing her irritation.
"Darling, Shreyas Oberoi is a shining star of the business world right now, who has achieved in a very short time what people struggle their whole lives for. With his killer looks, commanding personality, sharp temper, and cold aura, he is very famous for his business management skills... Ever since he joined the company, its profit has quadrupled, and he has opened many new branches, proving his capability by stepping into many new fields. If you ever listen to business news or read magazines, you would know about this. You only care about fashion magazines and your little world..."
"I see everything. I keep myself updated, and we get all the advertisement contracts for his company. Our company's CEO and his family... they are probably friends, and they visit often for shoots. I've also met them several times. He is a successful and capable businessman who is very serious about his work. He has a bit of a temper, but not as bad as you're describing. He has helped me many times... Personally, I respect him a lot, and honestly, he is a very good person. He's worthy of you, and if you settle down with him, at least I'll be very happy."
Soumya was serious now, but her words made Riddhima exasperated, and she made a strange face.
"I have more experience than you in matters of men. All the female employees in our company are crazy about him, whether they are single, mingled, or dingled... When he comes to the company, they just look for excuses to meet him and try their luck. But until today, he hasn't even looked at anyone. He has good character, and his family is also good. Since the marriage has happened, there's no harm in giving this relationship a chance."
"What will happen if I do something alone? He doesn't like me at all, so whether he's good or bad now doesn't make any difference. This marriage doesn't mean anything either."
Riddhima scrunched her nose and made a strange face. Soumya, who was trying to explain to her, suddenly had an idea and took out her phone to do something.
"What are you doing on your phone now...?"
Riddhima tried to peek into her phone, but Soumya turned away and replied in a busy tone, her fingers quickly tapping on the phone's keyboard.
"Wait a minute, something just came to my mind. Let me confirm it once, then I'll tell you."
A few minutes later, she saw something that made her eyes widen in surprise, and she immediately turned the phone screen towards Riddhima.
"Hey Riddhima... have you seen these photos? He's seen with that model in this... what's her name...?"
"Kaira," Soumya was still trying to recall the name when Riddhima replied, and Soumya's surprised gaze turned towards her.
"Meaning, you know..."
"Hmm... What do you think, in this modern age, where everything is available on the phone... can this news be hidden from me?"
"That's true, but what they're doing in this article..."
"Maybe it's true... that's what I feel."
"Yaar, rumors were spreading, I had heard them too, but that model and brother-in-law both denied it. Then why do you think it's true?"
"I just feel it. I'm not sure yet, and frankly, I don't care about all these things because I know this relationship has no future. If two strangers are forced to sit at the altar, it doesn't mean they will spend their lives together."
Hearing Riddhima's reply, Soumya's face fell. She was as disappointed now as she was happy to hear about the marriage to Shreyas.
"It would have been better if you had married your boss. I had told you that if Uncle is so insistent on your marriage, forcing you too much, then give your boss a chance. That poor man likes you so much, and he is so good and decent that due to hesitation, he hasn't even confessed until today. But he took such good care of you. Now he will be heartbroken when he finds out you are married. You won't get anything here, and he'll be lost too."
Soumya's mind was racing in a different direction. She was sad and regretting, but hearing her words, Riddhima was shocked, staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth, looking bewildered. As soon as Soumya finished speaking, Riddhima smacked her on the head.
"Stop this nonsense. Forget about worrying about me and focus on your..."
"Focus on your baby talk, sweet talk, magic spells... look, he's remembering you so much."
Riddhima gestured towards her phone, on which someone was calling, and went towards the kitchen. Soumya saw the name flashing on the screen, and annoyed, she switched off her phone and ran after her.
...Later.....
Now who is this new admirer of Riddhima? What new turn will his entry bring to the story, and will Riddhima's plans really come to fruition?
It was evening from morning. Both friends were lying on the bed as if unconscious. Empty snack packets, cold drink bottles lay on the table in front, along with scattered pizza boxes. After eating and drinking, both were lying on the bed talking. They had met after a long time, so their conversation was endless.
"Riddhi, how good it would have been if Jiju wasn't involved with that lizard and you both enjoyed a happy married life," Soumya said with a tone of regret. Hearing her, a strange sadness spread across Ridhhima's face.
"How long will you keep thinking like this? You are more upset than me about my broken marriage."
"Of course, I'll be upset, yaar. They are so good, suitable for you in every way, and I always wanted you to find a gentleman like that, who would stand by you such that the world burns with jealousy. You found such a life partner, but such a tragedy happened that everything went down the drain."
She was genuinely very sad. Ridhhima turned towards her.
"Why don't you find a gentleman like that for yourself, someone trustworthy, with whom you can spend your whole life? How long will you wander like this? If you settle down, I will be truly happy."
Hearing Ridhhima, Soumya burst out laughing, as if she was dismissing her words with a laugh. Seeing her reaction, Ridhhima became sad. It was strange, both friends were worried about each other. They were sad and upset for each other, with no concern for themselves.
As they were talking, Ridhhima's phone rang. Seeing Ivan's name, she immediately answered the call. "Hello Ivan... Yes, you've arrived. I'll be there in five minutes."
As soon as she heard the name Ivan, Soumya's ears perked up. She immediately sat up. After Ridhhima cut the call, as soon as she looked up, she was so scared seeing Soumya sitting in front of her that a scream almost escaped her lips. The next moment, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at Soumya's face.
"You b*tch, you scared me. How were you sitting and staring at me, my heart would have jumped out."
The pillow hit Soumya's face, turning it to the right. The next moment, she sat up straight again.
"Your devar has arrived, hasn't he?..." Ignoring Ridhhima's words, she got straight to the point. Hearing her question, Ridhhima's expression changed slightly, and narrowing her eyebrows, she looked at her suspiciously.
"Hmm... but why are you so interested in this matter?"
"Nothing... I was just going to say, you should call him here too, he can spend some time with us, I'll get to know him a bit. Then you can leave." Soumya said, batting her eyelashes with a mild smile. Hearing her, Ridhhima glared at her sharply.
"Get this idea out of your head. I told you, don't get interested in Ivan. There's no need for you to get acquainted or meet him."
This time, Soumya got annoyed by Ridhhima's words and attitude.
"Yaar, he's just your temporary devar, why are you being so protective of him? Let me try, maybe not your life, but mine will be set."
Ridhhima was first shocked by her words, then narrowed her eyes, glaring at her, and snapped.
"Have some shame, you b*tch. He's my devar, and you're already in a relationship with someone else, yet you're talking about trying your luck with him."
"Yaar, I broke up with him just two days ago, but that donkey won't leave me alone," Soumya said, making a sour face while cursing her ex-boyfriend. But now Ridhhima firmly stated her decision.
"I don't know any of this. You are absolutely not to be serious about this matter... and you want to test Ivan, which I can never allow you to do... You just stay away from him, I swear on you that you don't even think of doing anything absurd with him. If you hurt him or cause him pain, I won't let you go... So, rather than spoiling our years-old friendship over all this, it's better you stay away from him."
"Yaar, this is wrong. You're threatening me for your devar of two days... And what am I going to do, rape him or something? I just want to see if what you said is true or if he has trapped you with his false words and influenced you." Hearing Ridhhima's threat, Soumya also got frustrated. Her anger was justified, and Ridhhima's point was right.
"Yaar Somu, please no... My life is already a mess that I can't even sort out. Don't create a new problem for me now." Ridhhima was badly irritated by her insistence. Seeing her so angry and upset, Soumya immediately agreed.
"Okay, I won't do anything... I've spared your dear devar. Now come downstairs, he must be waiting for you."
Ridhhima was shocked again, she widened her eyes, checked the time, and then, cursing Soumya, started getting off the bed.
"Oh... it's all happening because of you. You kept me engaged in your useless talks here, and there he must have been waiting for me for so long. Now quickly pack your things, or I'll lock you in here and leave."
Ridhhima threatened her once again and hurried out of the room. Packing her purse, phone, sandals, Soumya also rushed after her. Both friends rushed into the elevator in a hurry. They put on their sandals, fixed each other's hair, tidied themselves up. By then, the elevator had reached the ground floor.
As they reached the apartment gate, they saw Ivan standing by the car right in front. Ridhhima once again threatened Soumya with her eyes, to which she nodded like an obedient child, but the next moment her eyes sparkled with mischief and a playful, mysterious smile spread across her lips. Something was going on in her mind, as Ridhhima walked towards Ivan with fast steps, completely unaware.
"Sorry, I took a little longer and you had to stand here waiting for me."
Ridhhima apologized as soon as she arrived. It was a very awkward feeling. People passing by were looking at them, and she was a little embarrassed, while Ivan was unconcerned. It was as if nothing affected him. He smiled carelessly.
"It's okay, Bhabhi, I didn't have to wait that long."
Hearing his reply, Ridhhima smiled faintly. Ivan's gaze fell on Soumya standing next to Ridhhima, who had been looking at him for who knows how long, perhaps looking for an opportunity, and as Ivan's eyes turned towards her, she spoke.
"Hi... I'm Soumya... Ridhhima's best friend."
She had seized the opportunity. Ridhhima had been explaining to her all the way that she should leave as soon as they got out, but she had decided to talk to Ivan, so she persisted.
Ridhhima also realized now that Soumya was here, and with that, worry appeared on her face.
Meanwhile, Ivan saw her outstretched hand and smiled, taking it.
"Hi... Ivan... Bhabhi's devar."
What an introduction he gave! Soumya burst out laughing.
"Doesn't Bhabhi's devar have any other identity?"
"Yes, I do... but since you are Bhabhi's friend, I am her devar... I thought this was the right way to introduce myself."
He had cleverly evaded the question. Both Ridhhima and Soumya could only stare at him. Ivan was still smiling.
"Bhabhi's devar knows how to twist words."
"And also how to make up and prolong them." Ivan smiled once again, and this time a slight smile also appeared on Soumya's lips.
"Interesting... so what else does Bhabhi's devar know... besides making up and twisting words, does he have the skill to woo and charm girls?"
Circling around, Soumya finally got to the point, and a sharp smile spread across her lips, while Ridhhima glared at her angrily, continuously pressing her hand and gesturing her to be quiet.
Ivan was first confused by her words and demeanor, then shook his head cluelessly and said.
"I've never wooed or charmed a girl, I'm not aware of this skill."
"Oh, so what I heard is true?"
"Well, what you heard and what is true, what is false... only you would know that."
"I heard you don't have a girlfriend, you've never been in a relationship with any girl... you've been perpetually single... looking for your dream girl. What was it... oh, I remember Ramji took a vow of one wife, similarly, you have taken a vow of one girl... meaning only one girl will come into your life with whom you will spend your entire life... Is that true?..."
Hearing Soumya's roundabout talk, Ivan was first confused, then understanding her words, his surprised gaze turned towards Ridhhima, who, embarrassed by Soumya's antics, had squeezed her eyes shut in helplessness.
"It's true."
"Meaning, despite being so handsome, good-looking, and having a hero-like body, you really don't have a girlfriend? You look good, you're rich... then how have you managed to remain single till now?"
Soumya expressed some surprise and looked at him with raised, suspicious eyes, smiling slyly. Ivan understood what she was trying to do.
"I haven't remained single, rather I have kept myself single. For my dream girl. Many girls have been smitten by my looks, there's a long queue of those who desire this body, many girls are crazy about my surname, many have tried to flirt with me, the number of proposals is countless... but so far, I haven't met even one who is interested in me. Someone who loves just Ivan, not Ivan Oberoi, someone who loves my heart, not my looks or my body... The day I find such a girl, this tag of perpetually single that you've put on me will be removed."
Ivan said this with a serious expression on his face. Ridhhima stared at him with wide eyes, and Soumya forgot to even blink. She was lost in his light blue eyes.
Ivan smiled seeing her gaze fixed on him, and with that, Soumya blinked and looked away. Strange expressions appeared on his confident face, and Ivan's smile deepened.
"Do you want to know anything else about me?"
At Ivan's question, Soumya's eyes turned towards him again.
"Are you straight?" The question Soumya suddenly asked made Ridhhima cough, while Ivan's lips curved into a careless smile, surprised.
"As of now, I am absolutely straight. I am interested in girls, and for your information, I can also become a father... So there's no reason why I would avoid dating... except for one, that I haven't found the girl yet for whom my heart feels this way."
Ivan answered her question in clear words. For a moment, Soumya was taken aback by such a direct answer, but her mind still didn't stop asking questions.
"When you've never been in a relationship with any girl. You've never let anyone get close, never given anyone a chance, how will you know which girl is your dream girl?"
"You will get the answer to this question yourself when you find the boy who is made only for you." Ivan replied with a slight smile on his lips, then turned towards Ridhhima and said.
"Bhabhi, let's go, Mom has called twice. She is waiting for you."
Ridhhima agreed, but the next moment Soumya did something that surprised both Ridhhima and Ivan.
Soon.......
Our Dhruv's two poles, who are completely different from each other and live life with different mentalities, how their destinies will get entangled with each other will be interesting to see.
"Sorry, Ivan, it just slipped out when we were talking. Soumya was surprised to learn you don't have a girlfriend, and that's why she was behaving like that. Otherwise, she's not like that.
Poor Riddhima was still embarrassed about Soumya's behavior, while Ivan seemed completely relaxed.
'It's okay, Bhabhi, I didn't mind your friend's words at all, so you relax too.'
Riddhima nodded and, exhaling deeply, started looking out the window. Meanwhile, Soumya's words were still echoing in Ivan's mind, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Bored, Riddhima casually glanced around. Seeing Ivan smiling to himself, she was startled.
'What's wrong with you now? What are you smiling about all by yourself?'
Ivan glanced at her upon hearing her question, then turned his gaze back forward and replied with a smile.
'I was thinking your friend is just like you. Your reactions were the same after learning about me. She also spoke her mind frankly and without hesitation... I must say, your friend has quite an interesting personality, just like yours.'
'But there's a big difference between her and me.'
'What is it?' Ivan immediately turned his gaze to look at her. Riddhima looked at him for a moment with scrutinizing eyes, then smiled and said.
'She doesn't believe in true love and commitment. She believes in living life to the fullest, and relationships for her are a way of having fun and passing time, whereas I believe in staying away from men and living life on my own terms.'
'And the reason for this?'
'I can't tell you the reason, but I've given you enough, which should be sufficient for you.'
Riddhima looked very serious. Perhaps she wanted to explain something to Ivan, and Ivan, upon hearing her words, smiled as if he understood.
'Child, you're back. We've been waiting for you.' As soon as Riddhima stepped into the house, Nilima ji embraced her.
'Sorry, Mom, I met a friend after a long time, so I lost track of time.'
Poor Riddhima felt embarrassed seeing them worried. However, Nilima ji smiled at her apology.
'It's okay, child. We're not complaining. You left in the morning, and it's getting dark. We were just a little worried. Seeing you safe and sound has brought us peace.'
Riddhima couldn't understand the reason for their worry, but after thinking for a moment, she smiled and sat down near her grandparents.
It was around ten o'clock at night. When Riddhima came downstairs to get water, she was surprised to see Nilima ji sitting in the living room. Even in the dim light, Riddhima could see the worry and anxiety on her face. With a puzzled expression, Riddhima walked towards her.
'Mom, what are you doing here? You look worried. Is there a problem?'
Nilima ji, who was lost in her own worries, looked at Riddhima, and for a moment, her expression changed. A slight displeasure emerged on her worried face.
'Riddhima, dear, where is Shreyas?' Her tone was gentle, but the way she asked the question made Riddhima flustered.
'I don't know, Mom... He doesn't tell me anything.'
'Did you ask him?'
Riddhima lowered her head at Nilima ji's question.
'It's ten o'clock at night, when will he be back? Did he say anything?'
She asked the next question, to which Riddhima shook her head in denial.
'No.'
'Didn't you call him to ask where he is this late and when he'll be home?'
'How can I ask, Mom?' Riddhima finally looked up at her helplessly.
'Ask him, child... You are his wife. Your husband is out of the house until ten at night. You should know where he is? ... With whom? ... What is he doing? ... When will he come?'
'But he doesn't acknowledge this relationship... then how can I forcefully assert my right as his wife?' Riddhima looked very helpless at this moment. Nilima ji's expression became serious.
'If he doesn't acknowledge it, do you? ... If he doesn't want to accept this relationship, are you trying to accept and uphold it? ... If he doesn't give you the rights of a wife, are you giving him the rights of a husband? ... Are you trying to make him realize that he's not alone anymore, he's married. He is your husband now, and you have a claim over him. You are his responsibility, from which he cannot turn away even if he wants to.'
Riddhima lowered her head once again. Her lips remained silent, perhaps she had nothing left to say.
'Child, we are not scolding you, but explaining. It is a wife's duty to stop her husband from straying, to make him realize her presence and responsibility... We agree that Shreyas is a bit hot-tempered. This marriage did not happen with his consent, so he is distant with you... But no matter the circumstances of the marriage, you are his wife now. If he doesn't want to fulfill this relationship, you take the initiative. Try to mend this relationship, try to win his heart... If both of you turn away from each other like this, how will it work?'
Nilima ji was explaining very lovingly, but Riddhima's eyes were filled with the image of Kayra. The picture where she appeared close to Shreyas was etched in her mind.
'But he loves someone else.'
These words escaped Riddhima's lips softly, and Nilima ji's face turned pale upon hearing them.
'Who told you this, child?'
'I searched his name, and I read a news article that linked him with a model named Kayra, and the way he is against this marriage. I already suspected it wasn't a false report.'
Nilima ji, who was initially surprised and a bit flustered by Riddhima's words, now had worried expressions on her face.
'Child, it is true that Shreyas likes Kayra, and he also knows that she will never be accepted as a daughter-in-law in this house. We cannot explain everything to you, but understand that Kayra is not right for Shreyas. We are his mother, we want the best for our son, and we are telling you that he will never be happy with Kayra. You are capable of being his life partner, she is not. Now it is up to you how you stop your husband from going down the wrong path and causing himself pain? ... How do you show him the right path? ... And how do you pull your husband out of that girl's enchantment? ... We have full faith in our daughter-in-law that with the trust with which we brought her into this house and our son's life, she will not betray that trust, will not let this family break apart, and will not let the eclipse named Kayra fall upon her husband.'
Nilima ji lovingly stroked her head and went to her room, while Riddhima remained lost in her words.
It was around 1 am when Shreyas entered his room and his gaze fell directly on Riddhima, who was sitting on the bed with her legs spread out. On days when it was late, Shreyas would find Riddhima sleeping soundly, so he was a bit surprised to see her awake at this hour. For a moment, his steps faltered. The next moment, ignoring Riddhima's presence, he turned and was about to step towards the changing room when Riddhima's sharp, sarcastic voice hit his ears.
'Where are you coming from at this hour?'
Her question and the tone in which she asked it... Shreyas's eyebrows furrowed. Angrily, he turned towards her and glared at her sharply.
'What is it to you? ... I can go anywhere, come anytime? ... And who are you to question me like this? ... Don't forget this is a forced relationship, so forget about trying to assert yourself as my wife.'
Shreyas growled angrily. But Riddhima was no less. She retorted back at him in the same manner.
'I have no desire to assert my rights as your wife... or to question you... Go anywhere, do anything, be with anyone, it doesn't make a damn bit of difference to me... but only until it doesn't affect me and my life... And you'll be very sad to know that it is affecting me because you disappear until midnight, and no one says anything to you... but questions are asked of me because, unfortunately, I am currently your wife and you are my husband. So, Mr. Husband... I just want to tell you that you can do whatever you want in your personal life. It makes no difference to me, I have no desire to intrude and pry into your personal life... but please come home on time so that your family doesn't bother me with questions about you. Otherwise, I'll just say that your darling son, leaving his wife at home, spends his nights partying with his girlfriend.'
Shreyas, who was glaring at her with angry eyes, felt his veins bulge with anger at Riddhima's words. Trying to control his rage, he clenched his fists and glared at her with blazing eyes, gritting his teeth.
Seeing his face turn red with anger, Riddhima smiled cunningly and, with a carefree air, continued, winking.
'By the way, her name is Kayra, isn't it? People call her Kaya... It seems your heart has fallen for her golden physique. You've been trapped by Kaya's illusion.'
She shot sarcastic arrows with her eyes, which hit the mark perfectly, and Shreyas was enraged.
'Is your nonsense over? Then shut your mouth and get out of my sight.'
'Why should I get out? ... You do wrong, and I get out? ... You trouble everyone, and I get out? ... You stay out of the house until midnight, and I get out? ... That's not how it works, Mr. You did wrong, so you get punished, and here you are wrong because this is not the time to come home. If you want to spend time with your girlfriend so much, then after leaving office in the evening, be with her until 8-9 PM, but after that, you should be here at home.'
'Are you ordering me?' Shreyas, boiling with anger, approached her, but Riddhima was not afraid of him at all and kept looking him in the eye.
'No... I'm explaining for the first and last time. If you don't listen to me, you'll have to bear the consequences, remember that, because I haven't taken on the responsibility of listening to your family's talk because of you.'
Riddhima finished her statement. For a while, she continued to stare into his eyes like that, then turned her face away, lay down, and covered herself with the blanket.
Despite Ridhima's warning, Shreyas was late again the next day. The room door was locked. At first, he was shocked, then remembering Ridhima's words from the previous night, his face turned red with anger. He wanted to bang his hand loudly on the door, but it was night; thinking that the noise would disturb everyone's sleep, he stopped himself. The very next moment, the door opened. Ridhima was standing right in front of him.
"This was just a trailer. If you are late home from now on, be prepared to sleep outside, because today I took pity on you and opened the door, but that won't happen next time."
Ridhima glared at him with a warning look and went inside to lie down and sleep, while Shreyas stood there, staring at her with angry eyes.
The result was that Shreyas stopped coming home from the next day. At first, even if it was late at night, he used to come home, but now three days had passed and he hadn't even stepped foot in the house. Ridhima was worried, along with everyone else. He didn't talk to anyone anyway. Now everyone longed to see him, and Ridhima felt responsible for all of this.
Today too, Shreyas finished work and was about to go somewhere, but he received a call and after three days, he turned the car towards Oberoi Mansion.
A while later, Shreyas and Ridhima were sitting on one side, and the rest of the family was on the other side in front of them. Ridhima was in a state of extreme nervousness. Shreyas's face, on the other hand, was completely blank.
"Tell me, why have you called me?"
The same old harsh, biting tone. Ridhima stared at him with wide eyes, while Sankalp ji replied in the same serious tone.
"We need to discuss something important with both of you."
After this, he glanced at Dada ji, then began to speak.
"Your marriage, as it was destined to happen, has happened..."
He had barely finished speaking when Shreyas interrupted him in a sharp tone, "It hasn't happened, it's been done... forcefully!"
Anger and resentment were clearly evident in his tone. Sankalp ji calmly agreed with his statement.
"Alright... it has been done forcefully, but it has happened now. So, we are thinking of inviting all the guests to the reception party and introducing them to our daughter-in-law. We have arranged a puja tomorrow, and both of you have to sit together for that puja. In the evening, there is a reception where we have invited all our relatives and acquaintances; we will announce the announcement of your marriage in front of everyone there."
"I do not agree to this." As soon as they finished speaking, Shreyas firmly opposed their decision. This time, Dada ji's loud voice echoed there.
"We are not asking you, Shrey, we are telling you that you have to sit with Ridhima, our daughter-in-law, for the puja tomorrow and come to the party with her. Whatever anger and resentment you have, it would be best for you if it remains between us... You will have to behave in such a way in front of guests and party attendees that it appears to everyone that you both are very happy together. You will have to treat Ridhima, our daughter-in-law, with affection. This is a matter of our family's honor, respect, and prestige. No one should get an opportunity to point fingers at us. If you want to live in this house, you have to obey us; you have to do as we have said. Don't forget, we have been making all the important decisions in this house, and all the members living in this house have to abide by those decisions."
Dada ji had strictly announced his decision, leaving no room for refusal. Seeing his will imposed on him forcefully once again, Shreyas got up angrily and left. Tense expressions appeared on everyone's faces.
"Dada ji, if he doesn't want to, then let it be," Ridhima tried to speak to her grandfather hesitantly.
"We cannot let it be, my child. He doesn't listen to anyone in his anger. At least you try to understand us. The circumstances in which your marriage took place, we couldn't do anything even if we wanted to. Now, all we want is to introduce our daughter-in-law to relatives and acquaintances, for everyone to know about your relationship. Let everyone see that we have brought our elder daughter-in-law home, our elder grandson is married, and what a lovely girl we have chosen for him. Shreyas should also realize that he is not alone anymore, he is married, and you are his wife; he should realize his responsibilities and duties. This will also improve your relationship, so let us do what we are doing."
Now Dada ji was not angry, but serious. He had thought a lot, and he was right in his place, but Ridhima was disturbed by Shreyas's abrupt departure and was only worried about him at the moment.
"But he..." she hesitated again, wanting to say something, but Dada ji stopped her.
"Don't worry about him, not even a single member of this family has the courage to defy us or go against our decision. Whether he does it willingly or reluctantly against his will... he will do what we have said."
"My family..."
Nilima ji answered his question.
"Son, we spoke, but it's not possible for them to come right now. Your uncle is also not here. We want to wait, but considering Shrey's behavior, we feel that the sooner we announce your relationship, the better it will be."
Ridhima nodded, but looked a little dejected. Grandma gestured to Nilima ji with her eyes, and she nodded, picked up the clothes and jewelry from the table in front, and came to Ridhima.
"My child, you have to wear this saree and jewelry for the puja tomorrow, and you will have to wake up early in the morning because you have to prepare the offering before the puja, which will complete your hearth worship ceremony. And tomorrow will be your *munh dikhai*, so get ready properly, so that no one gets a chance to find fault with our daughter-in-law."
Ridhima glanced at the items, then nodded and took them. Nilima ji lovingly stroked her head.
When Ridhima came to the room with the items, Shreyas, sitting on the couch, was staring at her with sharp eyes.
"Why are you staring at me like that? I haven't done anything. I just found out myself."
Ridhima said irritably and, making a face, moved towards the walk-in closet. Ridhima returned and sat on the bed. She was lost in her own thoughts. Shreyas kept staring at her with sharp eyes the whole time and finally broke his silence, furrowing his brows, and said sarcastically.
"Looking at you, it doesn't seem like this relationship was formed against your will and you are unhappy with this marriage. You are enjoying getting married to me a bit too much. It seems you are having fun being my wife, asserting your rights over me and my things. Or could it be that this was all a drama to force me to marry you, in which your family, along with my family and you yourself, were involved? That's why your family married you off to a stranger without any objection, and you also came here leaving your family without any objection... and now you are acting like my wife, asserting your rights over me, living in my house, enjoying life comfortably."
A venomous smile appeared on Shreyas's lips. The way he accused Ridhima, her heart was torn apart, and her eyes welled up. A smile filled with pain and helplessness appeared on her lips.
"Yes, everything happened according to my wishes... I am very happy coming here... I am having a lot of fun being your wife. I am so happy that see, my eyes are filled with joy... And why wouldn't I be happy? I have found such a good in-laws and a loving husband... If a village bumpkin gets all this, why wouldn't she be happy? You are the one who is suffering... only you are suffering... you are the unhappy one... So vent your anger on your family and me... you have people, don't you, whom you can express your displeasure to... I have come to a place where I don't know anyone. You can refuse this relationship, you have the option... but I can't even do that... You have the right to refuse, but I have to accept everything under compulsion... because my family doesn't want this, and your family is also counting on me... I have no other option but to accept everything... And you think I did all this, I am very happy coming here, enjoying being tied in this forced relationship... If I don't show it, I have no pain, if I don't say it, I have no objection to anything..."
She wanted to say more, but for some reason, she stopped mid-sentence. She wiped her moist eyes with her palms and stood firmly in front of him once again.
"Have you vented all your frustration on me?... If you have anything else to say, say it now, because I won't listen to your taunts repeatedly."
Shreyas, whose harsh expression softened slightly upon seeing her teary eyes, turned his face away and left. As soon as he left, Ridhima lay down with the blanket over her. Shreyas, standing by the poolside, kept seeing her moist eyes, her face filled with pain and helplessness, and her words echoed in his ears. Today he had heard too much in anger, and when she started speaking, he realized that something bad had happened to her too, and her situation was even worse than Shreyas's.
Far from her family, her city, in an unknown place, among unknown people, living with a stranger was not an easy thing. If she had to stay here, she had to obey everyone; she had no right to object. Thinking all this, some tender feelings arose in Shreyas's mind, but the next moment, he remembered something, and his face became stern.
A while later, when he returned to the room, Ridhima was already asleep. Seeing her asleep in the evening, he was shocked for a moment, then shaking his head, he walked out of the room.
Shreyas opened his eyes with annoyance at the incessant blare of the alarm at five in the morning. He glanced at the alarm clock, then at Ridhima, who was sleeping soundly, her face buried in the pillow. She had been asleep when he left in the evening; she was still asleep when he returned at midnight; and she was still asleep now.
Shreyas bristled inwardly. Then, in anger, he turned off the alarm and went back to sleep. Half an hour later, the alarm rang again, disturbing his sleep once more. Meanwhile, Ridhima was still sleeping like a log. Shreyas glared at her with burning eyes and turned off the alarm again. He had just managed to doze off when the alarm rang again, and this time, his blood boiled with rage.
Seeing Ridhima sleeping peacefully, his eyes narrowed dangerously. He picked up the alarm clock and placed it next to Ridhima's ear. The piercing, shrill sound that assaulted her ears startled her awake, and she sat up abruptly. Before she could fully shake off the remnants of sleep, Shreyas's harsh voice pierced her eardrums.
"If you don't wake up to the alarm, why do you set a dozen of them? So you can ruin my sleep."
Ridhima was startled by his sudden outburst and quickly covered her ears with her palms.
"Why are you shouting so early in the morning? My ears are starting to hurt..."
Ridhima's displeased, dusky eyes turned towards Shreyas, and for a moment, Shreyas was lost in the displeasure of those light pink, golden eyes.
Meanwhile, Ridhima, with a pout, continued angrily,
"What are you staring at me like that for now? You're not satisfied with ruining all my sleep, now are you going to burn me to ashes with your eyes?"
She looked so adorable expressing her childish displeasure! For a moment, Shreyas's gaze lingered on her. The next moment, the thought of the alarm returned, and expressions of anger and irritation once again surfaced on his calm face.
"Wow... that's rich coming from you! You set a hundred alarms and slept like a log, ruining my sleep, and now you're lecturing me... It's like the pot calling the kettle black..."
Hearing the mention of the alarm, Ridhima's expression changed. She looked towards the clock in surprise, and seeing the time, she let out a shriek.
"Oh my God! It's six o'clock, and I'm still sleeping! Mom told me to get ready early and come down... Ridhhu, you're doomed today... You're hopeless, you're a true lady Kumbhakarna... No, you've even surpassed him when it comes to sleeping... Despite so many alarms, you just lay there like a lazy bum. Now, if Mom gets angry, what will you do? No... no, this won't happen... I'll quickly shower and get ready..."
Ridhima, flustered, kept scolding herself, chiding herself. Then, in a hasty panic, she tried to get out of bed, but her foot got tangled in the blanket, and she fell face-first onto the floor with a thud.
Shreyas watched this interesting and astonishing sight with wide eyes. He was already surprised by Ridhima's outburst at herself, and seeing her fall like that, his eyes popped open, and his mouth fell agape. At the same time, he inwardly bristled at her foolishness.
Poor Ridhima lay sprawled on the floor like a carpet, and a deafening silence filled the room, which was shattered by Shreyas's indifferent, harsh voice.
"You don't even know how to walk properly."
Ridhima lay on the floor, as if prostrating. Pain was evident on her face. Hearing Shreyas's taunt, her heart filled with anger.
She turned her long, giraffe-like neck and glared at Shreyas with anger, saying through gritted teeth,
"You can only taunt me... You won't come and help me up, will you? At least pretend to ask if I'm okay... Arrogant, conceited, rude..."
Ridhima finally vented her frustration, cursing him inwardly. When Shreyas's gaze fell on the blush spread across her fair face, the moisture in her eyes, and the blood trickling from her nose, he suddenly realized his mistake. Forgetting all their grievances, displeasure, anger, and hatred, he stepped forward to help her.
"Here, take my hand..." Shreyas extended his palm towards her, which Ridhima accepted with a grimace. But as she started to get up, she let out a groan, lost her balance... and was about to fall again, but Shreyas quickly grabbed her shoulder, steadying her, and with words of concern, bitter like bitter gourd, he said,
"Be careful."
Ridhima looked up at him, and Shreyas also looked up. For a moment, their eyes met. The next moment, Ridhima squeezed her eyes shut in pain, and a tear escaped from beneath her lowered lashes, scattering across her cheeks.
For some reason, Shreyas, who was always as hard as stone, seemed unsettled seeing her like this. He carefully helped her back onto the bed.
"Where does it hurt?"
Ridhima opened her eyes and looked at him in surprise as Shreyas's concerned, soft voice reached her ears.
"Tell me, where are you hurt?" At her silence, Shreyas began to get impatient. Ridhima gently touched her nose with her arm, wiping the blood flowing from it. Seeing this, Shreyas made a face of disgust.
"Oh God! You're getting your hands dirty... Wait a minute." Shreyas quickly stopped her and began to retrieve the first aid box from the drawer of the nearby nightstand. He quickly took out cotton, cleaned the blood, and then gently inserted a small piece of cotton into her nostril, tilting her head back.
"Stay like this for a few minutes, the bleeding will stop."
Ridhima gently pressed her nose with her fingers when Shreyas's gaze fell on her elbow, which had burst open from the fall and was bleeding.
He shook his head regretfully and, with cotton dipped in Dettol, as he began to clean it, a soft sob escaped Ridhima's lips, and she pulled her hand away.
"Ouch... What are you doing?"
"You're injured, let me clean it." Shreyas said in a serious tone, holding her hand and bringing it forward again.
"Then do it gently, it's hurting me." Ridhima winced in pain. Shreyas glanced at her face, which looked cute and innocent, like a small child. Then, blowing gently, he began to clean her wound. Ridhima's gaze was fixed on Shreyas, and a faint smile spread across her lips.
"Is anything else hurting?" As soon as Shreyas looked up at her, Ridhima quickly averted her gaze and shook her head in denial. But Shreyas didn't trust this foolish girl sitting in front of him. He checked her other hand himself, then gently moved both her legs one by one, asking in a concerned tone,
"Does it hurt?"
"No." Ridhima quickly shook her head in denial. She then began to rub her forehead with her palm. Seeing this, Shreyas let out a deep sigh.
"You can apply medicine there after you shower."
Saying this, he stepped back. As Ridhima began to get up, rubbing her forehead with her palm, she let out a groan again and stumbled back onto the bed. Shreyas, who had already turned to leave, hurried back to her side.
"What happened? Is something else hurting?"
Concern was evident in his tone. Ridhima looked at him in surprise for a moment, then placed her finger on her knee. Seeing this, Shreyas, already in a hurry, reached to pull up her lower garment, but then his advancing hand suddenly stopped, and he became somewhat uneasy.
Ridhima looked at him closely, then said with a faint smile on her lips,
"It's okay, it doesn't hurt much. Just a little pain, I can manage."
Ridhima's words reached Shreyas's ears, and his gaze lifted towards her. There was moisture in her eyes and a smile on her lips. Seeing the pain hidden in her large, round, golden eyes, Shreyas felt something, and abandoning his hesitation and shyness, he folded Ridhima's lower garment up to her knee. He hesitantly looked up, his gaze lingering for a moment on her milky white leg, then moved to her knee, where the entire area had turned red.
Shreyas took out a pain relief spray and sprayed it on her knee. Then, after applying gel, he wrapped it with a warm bandage.
"The pain will ease in a while. Just be a little careful not to do such foolish things again."
Ridhima, who had seen a different side of him today, one that was soft, caring, and had largely made an impression on her heart, scowled in annoyance at the word "foolish."
Shreyas glanced at her, then stepped back.
"Listen..." Ridhima's sweet, soft voice, like sugar, dissolved into Shreyas's ears. His advancing steps faltered, and he turned back to look at her with questioning eyes.
"Thank you... You're not as bad as you pretend to be." A gentle smile spread across Ridhima's face, and a dimple appeared on her chin, which drew Shreyas's attention.
When he didn't reply, Ridhima muttered inwardly, making a sour face.
"Arrogant."
The next moment, remembering his care, a sweet smile bloomed on her lips. She got up and headed towards the bathroom. The pain was still there, but its intensity had lessened. Some of it was due to the medicine, and some was due to Shreyas's changed demeanor and caring attitude.
On the other hand, Shreyas was pacing by the poolside, surprised and troubled by his behavior today. When his restlessness didn't subside, he jumped into the pool. He tried to push the thought of Ridhima out of his heart and mind, but there was a strange feeling that had settled deep within his heart.
Shreyas walked in wearing a bathrobe after swimming. His eyes directly fell on Riddhima, who was standing in front of the dressing table, adjusting her saree. Riddhima was looking at herself in the mirror, having just taken a bath. Her wet hair was wrapped in a towel, and she was entangled in a beautiful saree with a combination of orange and yellow. Shreyas could only see her side face. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her milky, flawless face, which was spread with natural rosiness, making her even more captivating. Then, he shook his head and stepped towards the bathroom.
Meanwhile, unaware of Shreyas's presence, Riddhima adjusted the pleats of her saree. Then, she suddenly freed her wet hair from the towel. Golden droplets of water scattered throughout the room. Some droplets settled on Shreyas's face like dew drops, and his advancing steps also came to a halt. His eyelids bent, as if bowing to the beautiful morning, and a strange sensation touched his heart and passed by.
It seemed as if a magical web had been spun, in which Shreyas got entangled for a moment, but the next instant, he opened his eyes. He looked at Riddhima, who was wiping her wet hair with a towel, her hair spilling over her shoulders. He wanted to get angry, but he couldn't. For some reason, words couldn't come out of his mouth, and he walked into the bathroom with quick strides.
Riddhima was startled when she heard the loud sound of the door closing behind Shreyas. She looked in the direction of the sound, and after a moment of surprise, she shrugged her shoulders and quickly got ready.
By the time Shreyas came out of the bathroom, Riddhima had already left the room. She had put on a yellow silk kurta with red embroidery on the collar, and a matching churidar. The sleeves of the kurta were folded up to her elbows, highlighting her strong arm muscles. She smoothed her wet hair with her fingers and stood in front of the dressing table.
After drying her hair, she set it in her own style using her palms and fingers. She wore a nice watch on her wrist and glanced at herself in the mirror. He looked amazing in the kurta; his personality seemed to shine even more in the Indian attire. After getting ready, he came downstairs because he had received two or three phone calls.
As he descended, he encountered many guests. Even before sunrise, guests and relatives had started arriving after hearing about his marriage. Shreyas took a deep breath, preparing himself to face everyone, and moved forward.
"What’s up, brother? You look so handsome in this kurta," one of his cousins teased. The gang was sitting, waiting for Shreyas, and as he appeared, they all started teasing him.
"Arey, Shreyas doesn't need to be handsome; he's already so good-looking and charming that he steals the show in any look," someone else chimed in.
"Yes, that's absolutely right. But let's see if the new bride is his match or not. Just like Shreyas is the life of every gathering, the bride should be like a moonlit night, so beautiful that everyone’s eyes linger on her," another cousin commented.
Shreyas's siblings were chatting and teasing him. When Shreyas heard this, the face of Riddhima appeared before his eyes, wearing that saree. She was like the first rays of the sun and the moon's glow combined, a wonderful blend of natural beauty. For a moment, his gaze had lingered on her.
"What have you gotten yourself into, friend? Are you lost in thoughts of the new bride?" someone teased.
Shreyas was caught off guard, and for a moment, he was speechless. The others burst into laughter. A moment later, Shreyas's intense gaze fell on them, and they all fell silent.
"Arey, why are you getting upset? We were just joking," one of them said.
"Okay, brother, we haven't seen the bride yet, and we can't even see her face before her formal introduction. But you've seen her, haven't you? Tell us, is she beautiful?" someone asked.
"Is that even a question? She has to be beautiful; otherwise, Shreyas wouldn't have rushed into marriage like this. No functions, no celebrations," someone else joked.
The cousins continued to tease him, joking and complaining. Shreyas stood there for a while, then pretended to have a phone call and walked out into the lawn.
As soon as he stepped out, he was called back by Shyama for the prayer ceremony. Everyone had taken their seats for the puja. Shreyas was seated next to Riddhima, who had her face covered with a ghunghat. A beautiful dupatta was tied around his neck, connected to the edge of Riddhima's dupatta.
The puja ended, and the pandit handed Shreyas a sindoor box, saying, "Fill the sindoor in your partner's maang and wish for a happy married life."
Hearing this, Shreyas's eyes widened. For Riddhima, the moment replayed like a film when Shreyas had filled her face and hair with sindoor instead of her maang.
"Shreyas beta, what are you thinking? Apply the sindoor; it brings good fortune," his grandmother said.
Shreyas reluctantly took a pinch of sindoor and applied it to Riddhima's maang. Riddhima's eyelids drooped, and a shiver ran through her body.
The rest of the events included more rituals and gift-giving ceremonies. Riddhima had made the sheera herself, which impressed everyone. Shreyas was also impressed when he learned that Riddhima had made it.
The formal introduction ceremony began, and everyone praised Riddhima's beauty. Everywhere, people were talking about Riddhima's looks, and Shreyas's cousins were envious of his good fortune.
At one point, while sitting on the sofa, Shreyas caught a glimpse of Riddhima surrounded by women, with a heap of gifts in her lap. She was smiling and greeting everyone. Shreyas was captivated by her beauty, and his heart skipped a beat.
To be continued…
Now, whose turn is it to face the consequences? Who doesn’t love their life? They are provoking Shreyas, who is sleeping like a lion. What will Shreyas do?
No response from Groq.
"What are you doing here? I came here because of you, now will I not even get a moment's peace here?"
Shreyas glared at Riddhima with sharp eyes, who had followed him to the poolside. Seeing his rude behavior, Riddhima said irritably,
"Why are you getting so angry? Can't you see I've taken everything off."
Shreyas now noticed. Riddhima had taken off all her jewelry. Only the small mangalsutra was left around her neck, and she had also changed her clothes. She stood in front of him in a simple palazzo suit, pouting.
"Why did you come here?" Shreyas asked, raising his eyebrows.
"I wanted to talk to you about something. Shall I speak... if you listen to me calmly because I am not in the mood to argue or fight right now."
"I don't even feel like looking at your face." His tone was still arrogant and harsh. Riddhima, who wanted to talk to him peacefully, got annoyed by his behavior.
"Then tie a blindfold, I won't be visible."
"You don't need to act too smart," Shreyas clenched his jaw in anger. In response, Riddhima stared at him and began to preen,
"I was born smart." Shreyas was about to say something again, but Riddhima, not giving him a chance to speak, continued resentfully,
"See, you've started a fight again. I want to talk to you calmly today... please listen to me now without fighting or getting angry."
Shreyas's expression softened a bit, and he looked at her with serious eyes. Riddhima paused for a moment and then continued gravely,
"You are not doing the right thing with your family. They are your own, you shouldn't behave so rudely with them."
Riddhima was telling him his mistake, which Shreyas could not tolerate, and he burst out in anger,
"Who are you to tell me how I should behave with whom?... If you think you're going to get everyone's praise by becoming my wife today... and if Dada has decided to make our relationship public and introduce you to the world as Mrs. Riddhima Shreyas Oberoi, then have you really started thinking of yourself as my wife?"
Riddhima wanted to talk calmly, but seeing Shreyas's changed demeanor, she too got irritated and retorted in his style,
"Absolutely not... those are your delusions that I am dying to be known by your wife's name... whereas in reality, I have no interest in becoming your wife, nor in you. I am concerned about those who love you very much and are getting hurt by your behavior."
"They are my family, why are you so worried about them?... By the way, you are very good at pretending to be good. With this goodness, you have won over my entire family, you have trapped my relatives too... but unfortunately, your pretense of goodness won't work with me."
Seeing Shreyas's sarcastic and sharp tone, Riddhima got angry,
"I am neither good nor do I pretend to be good. I know I am very bad, but your family is very good and loves you very much... I am worried about them because they treat me very well, they give me a lot of love... I have come into their lives because of you, you don't want any relationship with me, yet they are giving me so much love, so you can imagine how much they must love you.
I know you are not happy with this marriage. You have been forcibly bound to this relationship with me. You are angry, upset, that's why you are behaving like this... You are not entirely wrong in your place, but how long will you keep hurting them with your behavior?... How long will you keep hurting them with your indifference?
Your grandparents are enduring your anger at this age, longing to talk to their grandson. Mom is so worried about you. Dad is so hurt by your indifference. Your siblings who love you so much are getting crushed for no reason...
No one says anything to you, but that doesn't mean they are not hurt by your behavior, or they don't miss you... Everyone smiles with me, yet there is a sadness, a emptiness in their eyes, they don't say it, but their eyes show their wait for you.
And forget all this, look at yourself. Are you happy doing this?... I heard that your life resides in your family, and you are turning away from that very family. You are hurting yourself along with them... You leave in the morning without eating, come home late at night, or don't come at all. You don't talk to anyone, you don't even eat one meal at home.
It's as if you live on air and burn like fire, one day you'll evaporate like steam. You'll feel good then... or are you finding peace by upsetting everyone like this? Everyone is worried about you, waiting for you. They miss you so much. They feel your absence.
I am not asking for anything for myself. I am just saying, don't ruin your relationship with your family because of me. I am here today, I may not be tomorrow, but this is your family, you have to live with them. I am nothing to them, but you are their grandson, son, and elder brother. They need me, but they need you, and you need them.
If you don't like me, then vent your anger and frustration on me, I won't say anything to anyone. If you don't want any relationship with me, then don't, I won't interfere in your life. I will stay away from you, I won't even talk to you, I won't argue with you. You can think I don't exist, ignore me like you do now... but don't show this indifference to your family anymore. Forgive them, I don't like seeing them sad or upset."
Riddhima became emotional while speaking, but she composed herself. After calmly stating her point, she left, leaving Shreyas with many confusions and questions in his mind.
It was 8 o'clock at night. The beautician had left after preparing Riddhima for the party. Everyone else had also finished getting ready and reached the venue; only Riddhima and Shreyas were left, and they had to go together. After getting ready, Shreyas had gone out somewhere and had just returned. Standing outside his room, he looked at the shopper in his hand, and some words echoed in his ears.
"Village girls are very cunning, don't fall for her words. She is doing all this just to get your attention. On one hand, she is controlling your family, and on the other, she is trying to win you over.
She knows your family is your weakness, and by exploiting that weakness, she wants to get close to you, but you must not fall into the trap of her false goodness.
Remember, this is the same girl because of whom your entire family is separated from you today. Because of her, we are so far apart today, she has forcefully entered your life and now wants to control you. She thinks she will control you so easily, but you have to show her that you are Shreyas Oberoi.
If she has won over your family, then do something to make her fall in everyone's eyes. Make your family realize that they have chosen the wrong girl for you. Show her her place, that she is not even worthy of standing by your side."
This was Kayra's voice, from whom he had just met. And Kayra had left no stone unturned in poisoning Shreyas's mind against Riddhima. Shreyas, whose anger was somewhat subsiding, now felt his mind filled with bitterness. He turned the door handle and as he stepped into the room, Riddhima's soft voice hit his ears,
"It's good you came yourself, otherwise I would have had to take your number and call you... Ivan has called twice. Everyone is calling us there."
Shreyas's gaze involuntarily turned in the direction of the voice. Riddhima stood in front of him... a light purple off-shoulder gown... her slightly curly hair, with a diamond headband, looked very beautiful. Very light makeup, lips as soft as rose petals colored cherry red, with a gentle smile. A heavy diamond set around her neck, matching earrings dangling from her ears. A bracelet on her left wrist, and a beautiful clutch matching the dress in her right hand, and heels on her feet.
When Shreyas saw Riddhima, who had appeared in Indian attire until now, in a Western look, he forgot to even blink, she looked so stunning. Shreyas too was entangled in the web of his beauty, and his heartbeats inexplicably started to race.
The situation was similar on the other side too. In a wine-colored three-piece suit with a white shirt, with a commanding presence and light beard, his hair neatly set, a gleaming watch on his left wrist, boots on his feet. And his imposing personality... today, Shreyas was also ready to make hearts race uncontrollably. At that moment, if any girl, or even a boy, saw him, their gaze would stop on him for a moment, so how could Riddhima remain untouched by his charm?
As Riddhima, adjusting her hair, her gaze fell on Shreyas, it paused on him for a moment. Her heart pounded vigorously, as if telling her that this man standing before her had the power to captivate her heart.
Their eyes were fixed on each other's presence, when suddenly the phone's ringtone echoed in the silence, and they hurriedly looked away from each other. Riddhima picked up her phone lying on the bed, and Ivan's name flashed on the screen.
"Look, Ivan has called again."
"Hello... Yes, your brother has arrived... we are just leaving."
Shreyas only heard these words. After that, Riddhima put down the phone and turning towards him, said,
"Let's go."
"Let's go, but what's the hurry, get ready first," Shreyas replied with great attitude. Hearing his words, confusion appeared on Riddhima's face.
To be continued…
