CHAPTER 12
Rawat Mansion,
They reached home late at night, and Prisha headed straight for the shower. When she emerged from the bathroom, she was surprised to find Shaurya lying on the sofa. "What are you doing on the sofa?" she asked.
"I'm sleeping. Can't you see? Do I need to take you to the doctor to check your eyes? I don't want my wife to be blind," he teased.
Ignoring his playful comment, she said, "Why are you sleeping here? Go to bed. I'm very tired."
"I don’t want to create more trouble for you. Now, go to bed and sleep," he replied, closing his eyes.
Not wanting to argue, she silently walked to the bed and slept.
The Next Morning
Shaurya woke up before Prisha. He quickly showered and went downstairs. Seeing his parents having breakfast, he instructed the servant, "Bring breakfast for Prisha ma’am and mineto the room. And make masala tea for her, but don’t add cardamom. You know she's allergic." His family watched in surprise at his considerate behavior. Tina fumed with anger, though she knew Shaurya had a caring side.
When Shaurya returned to the room, Prisha was already awake. "Go and get ready. I’ve asked the servant to bring breakfast to the room. We’ll eat here," he said.
Prisha silently walked to the washroom. She was slowly warming up to him, but her heart wasn’t ready to fully embrace the marriage, still haunted by everything he had done to her in the past.
As they both sat down for breakfast, Shaurya served her tea. "No cardamom, just the way you like it," he said with a gentle smile.
Prisha was surprised, he did remember she was allergic to cardamom. She took a sip, and said, "Thank you," she said softly.
There was a silence, Shaurya said breaking the silence, "Prisha, I know I’ve made many mistakes. I’m trying to change, to make things right. Please give me a chance."
Prisha looked down at her plate, conflicted. "It’s not easy to forget everything, Shaurya. You’ve hurt me deeply."
"I understand," he said, his voice sincere. "I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness and trust. Just give me time." She didn't say anything and just walked inside the washroom, he sighed loudly, feeling disappointed.
Two weeks passed,
Shaurya continued his efforts to win Prisha's trust. He was patient, considerate, and attentive to her needs. He respected her space and never pressured her.
As the days went by, Prisha remained cautious but began to feel hopeful. Shaurya’s efforts was slowly breaking down the walls around her heart.
Two days later, on a Sunday, Prisha was getting ready to visit her mother. She was surprised to see Shaurya still at home. Usually, he spent his holidays drinking and partying with friends.
"Where are you going?" he asked as he saw her putting on bangles.
"To my mother’s house," she replied.
He walked closer and asked hesitantly, "Can I come with you?" Somewhere he knew, she would refused still he tried.
Expecting her to decline, he was taken aback when she nodded and said, "Mom would be happy. If you want, you can come."
Shaurya's face lit up with happiness. He quickly changed his clothes, and they drove to her mother's house together.
At Prisha's Mother's House
The moment Prisha saw her mother, she forgot all her worries. Hugging her tightly, she said, "I miss you so much, Mom."
"I miss you too, dear," her mother replied, her gaze shifted to Shaurya who was standing quietly nearby. She walked over to him and said, "Why are you standing there? Come inside."
Shaurya handed her a box of chocolates. "These are for you. Prisha mentioned you like chocolates."
Her mother smiled and invited them inside. Prisha, surprised and happy with his gesture, murmured, "Thank you for this. You made her happy."
"Anything for you," he replied, walking towards her mother while Prisha watched him with wide eyes. Shrugging off her thoughts, she joined them.
Prisha watched her mother happily chatting with Shaurya. Seeing her mother’s happiness brought peace to her heart. She could do anything for her mother’s happiness.
Shaurya was showing their honeymoon photos to Prisha’s mother when Tina entered the house, surprised to see them there. Her mother exclaimed, "Wow! What a lucky day, both my daughters are here." Noticing Rakesh’s absence, she added, "He should come. He hasn’t visited once since your marriage."
"Mom, he’s a busy man managing the whole empire, unlike Prisha’s husband who works as an intern," Tina said, glaring at Shaurya. He gritted his teeth but kept his composure.
"Tina," Shaurya said calmly, "This is your honeymoon phase. Talk to him, remind him that these days won’t come back. Right, Mom?"
Her mother nodded in agreement. "Yes, he’s right. Tell him to come next time. Now, come see Prisha’s honeymoon pictures."
Tina, feeling jealous, sat beside her mother. When Rakesh took her on their honeymoon, he spent all his time with his mistress.
After sometime,
Later, Tina’s driver informed her of a car problem. She was about to call another driver when Shaurya offered, "Tina, we’re going to the same place. Come with us, right, Prisha?"
"Yes, Di, please come with us," Prisha said, Tina nodded as she didn't want to create scene in front of her mother, then they walked outside. She was about to sit in the front seat when Shaurya stopped her. "Tina, if you don’t mind, please sit in the back. This is my wife’s place."
Tina glared at him, but Prisha interjected, "No, Di, you can sit in the front. I’ll sit in the backseat."
"No need," Tina snapped, and she sat in the backseat while Prisha sat beside Shaurya.
After some time, Shaurya asked, "Prisha, do you want to eat ice cream?"
"No, I just want to go home," she replied, feeling awkwardness in the car, she didn't want anything as she just wanted to go home as soon as possible.
Back at home, Prisha was heading to her room when Tina grabbed her hand angrily. "You’re enjoying yourself after snatching my place. Don’t get too comfortable. This is all a facade to make me jealous. Don’t think this love and care are real."
Irritated by her sister’s behavior, Prisha finally lost her patience. "Your place? He is your husband’s brother, not yours. You chose his brother over him. And don’t worry, I’m not keeping any hopes."
She walked to her room, leaving Tina standing there, stunned. It was the first time Prisha had spoken to her like that. Fuming, Tina stomped her feet and stormed off to her room.