⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Two days had passed since Viyana and Atharv's arrival, and the mansion had been glowing with an unusual brightness.
Laughter had become a constant companion—whether it was the chaos of a family dinner, a cozy movie night sprawled across the living room, or Ritvika fussing over Viyana like a protective shadow. Everything felt wholesome, alive.
This morning, the ladies had planned a shopping spree. Parul, Manisha, Ritvika, and little Tara were ready, waiting in the hall for Viyana to join them. Ritvika adjusted Tara's hair ribbon while Parul scrolled on her phone. Just then, Atharv entered with a worried expression.
"Ahh... Viyana won't be able to come, Maasi," he said gently, his tone careful. "She isn't feeling well. She's been vomiting since morning."
A wave of concern rippled through the room, everyone exchanging tense glances.
"Main dekhti hoon," Ritvika said immediately, placing Tara's hand in Parul's and heading toward the room.
(I'll take a look,)
"Bhabhi, don't worry. I'll take care of her, you all go and enjoy," Atharv tried to stop her, but his words fell on deaf ears. Ritvika was already moving with determined steps.
Inside the room, Viyana sat against the headrest, looking pale and drained, one hand absently rubbing her baby bump. At the sight of Ritvika, she attempted a weak smile.
"Bhabhi... aap log gaye nahi? I'm so sorry, meri wajah se sab—"
(Bhabhi... you guys didn't go? I'm so sorry, it's all because of me—)
"Shh," Ritvika cut her off softly, sitting beside her. Her tone was gentle yet firm, the way only someone truly caring could sound. "Are you feeling any pain?"
Viyana quickly shook her head, embarrassed, her eyes flicking toward the door as Atharv entered. Without a word, he sat on the edge of the bed and took her feet into his lap, beginning to massage them with practiced tenderness.
The sight made Ritvika pause. A soft, involuntary smile crept onto her face, her mind instantly pulling her back to that night when Vidyut had silently taken her tired feet in his hands, scolding her lightly while massaging them with care.
Her heart warmed at the memory, a strange flutter rising in her chest. Watching Atharv with Viyana—gentle, protective, unwavering—only made that memory sharper, sweeter.
It was evening when Ritvika stood in the kitchen, carefully baking a cake to satisfy Viyana's sudden craving.
Atharv had suggested ordering from outside, but Ritvika had firmly denied it, insisting she could make one herself.
Now, after some time, a soft aroma filled the house as she pulled out a freshly baked fruit cake.
Once it had cooled, she carried it out to the living room with a warm smile.
On the couch, Viyana was sitting comfortably, playing with little Tara, who was giggling endlessly at her antics. Ritvika placed the cake gently on the table. The moment Tara's eyes caught sight of it, they widened in excitement.
"Taakkeeeeeeeeeeee!" she squealed, bouncing on the couch with clapping hands, laughter bubbling out of her tiny mouth.
Everyone giggled at her reaction. Parul and Manisha, who were standing nearby, exchanged amused glances and chuckled softly. Atharv and Vidyut, both busy with their laptops, looked up briefly, their lips tugging into small smiles at the scene.
"Me... cutttt!" Tara declared, quickly climbing down from the couch, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Yes, my baby, come on, let's cut the cake," Viyana said sweetly, her heart melting at Tara's excitement. She looked up at Ritvika with gratitude and added warmly, "Thank you so much, Bhabhi, for the cake."
Ritvika simply nodded with a shy smile, brushing her hands on her apron. "It's nothing. I'm glad I could make it for you."
The small gathering gathered closer as Viyana and Tara together held the knife. Tara squealed again when Viyana helped her press it down, and soon the cake was cut. Everyone clapped lightly, indulging in the moment.
Tara was the first to grab her piece. She stuffed a tiny bite into her mouth and her face lit up instantly. "Yummmmyyyyyyy!" she declared, her words melting everyone's heart.
"Slowly, Tara," Ritvika warned gently, though she couldn't stop smiling at the little one's joy.
Then Viyana took her piece. She broke a bite delicately, placing it into her mouth. At first, her expression softened with delight at the sweet taste. But just as she swallowed the second bite, she suddenly stiffened. Her hand flew to her throat.
"Vi—Viyana?" Atharv's voice carried a sharp edge as he noticed the way she was struggling.
Viyana coughed once, then again, louder this time, her body trembling as she tried to breathe.
The room froze. Tara, still chewing happily, blinked in confusion at her sister's sudden state, while Ritvika's smile faded instantly, her heart thudding in panic.
"Viyana!" Parul gasped, rushing a step forward.
The cake plate clattered slightly as Viyana's grip loosened, her coughing worsening, her face turning pale.
Then Atharv's panicked eyes caught sight of small red patches forming across Viyana's delicate skin. His heart skipped a beat, dread crawling up his throat. Meanwhile, Viyana was gasping for breath, her tiny hands clutching at her chest as her eyes watered.
Atharv's sharp voice cut through the air, filled with urgency—
"Does this cake contain pineapple?"
Ritvika blinked, startled by his tone. Her lips trembled as she stammered,
"Y-Yes... it... it was a fruit cake, so I added it"
Her voice cracked as she whispered, "What happened?"
But Atharv didn't answer. His entire focus was on his little girl, who was struggling for air. Without wasting a second, he scooped Viyana into his arms, his jaw tight, his steps hurried and desperate as he carried her swiftly toward the room.
Behind them, Vidyut had already pulled out his phone, his voice cold and commanding as he called the doctor.
The doctor arrived quickly, his bag clutched tight as Vidyut ushered him inside. Ritvika stood near the door, her face pale, her chest heavy with guilt. She couldn't stop her trembling hands—every second felt like an eternity.
Atharv's jaw was clenched, his eyes sharp as he placed Viyana gently on the bed. "She's allergic to pineapple," he said in a tight, urgent voice, not looking at anyone else, his entire focus on her shallow breaths.
The doctor checked Viyana thoroughly, listening to her heartbeat and pulse.
His face softened only slightly when he finally looked up.
"She is stable now, but you need to be extremely careful.
it is dangerous for her condition. She's in her seventh month of pregnancy—any allergic reaction at this stage could have caused serious harm to both mother and child. "
Ritvika's throat tightened, tears pooling in her eyes. She wanted to speak, to apologize, but no words came out. The doctor's tone grew firm as he packed his instruments back. "This mistake must never happen again. You were lucky this time—it could have been far worse."
Atharv's fists tightened at his sides, his expression carved from stone, while Ritvika's guilt only deepened under the weight of those words.
Atharv's jaw clenched, his hand still gripping Viyana's as if anchoring her to safety. His eyes flicked towards Ritvika, not with anger but with a sharp protectiveness.
"Bhabhi..." his voice was low, steady, "you could've asked once before adding pineapple. Viyana can't even go near it."
Ritvika's throat went dry as guilt washed over her. "I...I didn't know, Atharv. I just thought fruit cake would make her happy. I never imagined—"
Atharv shook his head slightly, his palm brushing Viyana's forehead as she rested weakly against the pillow. "Her happiness is one thing, Bhabhi. But her safety... that's everything to me."
!!
Vidyut's jaw tightened as he entered the room, his hand gripping Ritvika's wrist firmly but not harshly.
The door clicked shut behind them, the silence inside their bedroom heavy and pressing.
For a moment he didn't speak, his chest rising and falling with barely contained fury, the sharp lines of his face hardening.
Ritvika could feel the tension radiating off him, the way his eyes darkened each time they met hers.
"Why, Ritvika?" His voice finally broke the silence, low but cutting, every syllable weighed with restraint. "Why did you behave so carelessly today?"
Her lips parted, but no words came. He didn't wait for an answer.
"You know how dangerous it can be!" His tone rose, not in a scream but in a clipped intensity that made her heart jolt. "You could have asked once—just once—about everything from Atharv. When he said he would order food from outside, you should have let him. Why did you take the risk?"
Vidyut's hand raked through his hair, his jaw clenching harder.
He stepped closer, towering over her, eyes locked on hers with a mix of anger and something else—fear.
"You've already been through a pregnancy yourself, Ritvika.
You should know how serious these things can get.
What if something had happened to Viyana or her baby?
" His voice dropped, raw with unspoken worry.
She lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting together nervously. "I...I only thought—"
"That's the problem," he cut in sharply, pacing a step away before turning back to her.
"You thought. You didn't consider the consequences.
You didn't think about what it could mean if even the smallest thing went wrong.
" His voice wavered, the sharpness edged with suppressed emotion.
"Do you even realize the weight of that mistake? "
Ritvika's throat tightened. She had seen him angry before, but this was different. This wasn't just fury—it was fear, a protectiveness so fierce it made him shake. His breathing was uneven now, his fists curling and uncurling as though he didn't know what to do with the storm inside him.
He exhaled heavily, his gaze burning into her. "I cannot—will not—stand by if you put someone's life at risk like this. Not Viyana's. Not her child's. Not yours. Do you understand me?"
Her eyes welled, but she nodded silently. Vidyut didn't move closer again—he only stood there, his chest heaving, trying to anchor himself.
The night was quiet, only the soft hum of the ceiling fan filling Ritvika's ears as she stood outside Viyana and Atharv's room.
Her heart beat a little faster than usual, her palms growing damp against the fabric of her night suit.
She stood there for a moment, unsure if she should disturb them at this hour.
But the restless thoughts in her mind pushed her forward.
Taking a hesitant breath, Ritvika lifted her hand and knocked softly on the door—so soft that for a moment she wondered if it was even audible.
From inside, Viyana's gentle voice floated out.
"Come in."
Ritvika exhaled a shaky sigh of relief and carefully pushed the door open.
The room was warmly lit by a bedside lamp, and her eyes immediately found Viyana sitting comfortably on the bed, her back resting against the headboard.
Her hand was instinctively resting on her baby bump, fingers moving in slow circles as if soothing her little one.
Ritvika stopped at the threshold, her steps faltering. Her gaze flickered around the room almost nervously, searching—half afraid of Atharv's sudden presence.
Noticing her unease, Viyana tilted her head slightly and smiled faintly.
"Atharv isn't here, bhabhi. He's gone out somewhere."
At that, Ritvika released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her shoulders dropping ever so slightly.
She gave a tiny nod, as though silently thanking her for clarifying, before stepping inside with slow, careful movements.
Her fingers clutched tightly at the hem of her night suit, betraying her hesitation.
As she walked closer, Viyana's eyes softened. She had always noticed how guarded Ritvika carried herself, how she seemed to walk as though apologizing for taking up space. That same air surrounded her now, making Viyana's protective instincts stir.
Ritvika finally stopped near the bed but didn't sit until Viyana gestured gently toward the empty space beside her.
"Come, sit."
Ritvika sat hesitantly at the edge of the bed, her body stiff, as though afraid of taking too much space.
Her eyes shifted nervously to Viyana, who leaned back against the headboard, one hand gently caressing her baby bump.
The soft glow of the lamp cast warmth across her face, highlighting the calm smile that lingered there.
After a pause, Ritvika finally spoke, her voice quiet and uncertain.
"Are you... still feeling any pain? Are you fine now?"
Her gaze flickered toward Viyana's neck and hands, almost instinctively checking for the angry red patches that had appeared earlier. But tonight, her skin looked clear, the marks already faded.
Viyana shook her head softly, offering a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine now, bhabhi. Don't worry."
But Ritvika's lips pressed into a thin line, her chest tightening with the guilt she had carried since the incident. She swallowed hard before whispering, almost stumbling over her words.
"I... I'm sorry. I didn't know you—"
"Shhh."
Viyana gently cut her off, her voice tender yet firm. "Bhabhi, it wasn't your fault. Don't feel sorry. You didn't know that I was allergic, right? So why are you blaming yourself?"
The kindness in her tone only made Ritvika's throat ache more.
Her eyes dropped to her lap, fingers twisting the fabric of her night suit.
The weight of Vidyut's cold silence from earlier, and Atharv's panic, still pressed heavily on her.
Viyana looked up uncertainly, her voice trembling.
"But... did Atharv say anything to you, bhabhi?
I'm really sorry if he said something harsh. "
Ritvika's eyes widened in surprise. "No, no," she said quickly, shaking her head. "Atharv didn't say anything."
Ritvika hesitated, then admitted in a low, guilty murmur, "It was my mistake. I should have asked everything beforehand. I should have known..."
Viyana reached out and placed her hand gently over Ritvika's, her touch warm and firm.
"Bhabhi, don't be sorry. You have no mistake in this.
Please don't blame yourself." Her voice softened further, her eyes glimmering with quiet sincerity.
"See? I'm completely fine now. Nothing happened.
The baby is fine too. So let it go, hmm? "
Her smile was so genuine, so full of affection, that Ritvika felt her own eyes sting with unshed tears. She nodded faintly, but inside, her guilt refused to ease.
Sliding down beside her with an effortless warmth, Viyana gently reached out and placed Ritvika's hand on her baby bump.
"See," she whispered with a soft chuckle, "he's been restless all morning. Atharv says he's already showing his father's stubbornness."
Ritvika's lips curved faintly, her fingers brushing against the slight movement beneath Viyana's belly. There was a pause—something unspoken hanging in the air—but before Ritvika could retreat back into silence, Viyana leaned closer, her tone light, almost conspiratorial.
"You know," she began, "the day we got the first reports, Atharv and I couldn't stop smiling.
It felt unreal—like the whole world had shifted just because of those words on paper.
That one confirmation." Her eyes softened with the memory, glowing as she spoke.
"He kept reading the report again and again, as if it might suddenly change. And I... I cried, of course."
Ritvika smiled faintly, her hand still resting where Viyana had placed it, though her shoulders remained just a little stiff.
"And then the cravings started," Viyana went on, laughing softly at herself.
"I still remember one night at two in the morning, I wanted ice cream.
Atharv drove across half the city just to find a shop that was still open.
He came back, hair all messed up, holding two tubs like he'd won some kind of trophy. "
Her laughter grew warmer as she recalled another incident.
"Oh, and once... I was craving jalebi so badly.
My mother-in-law actually went into the kitchen at midnight and made them for me.
Can you imagine? The whole house smelled of sugar and ghee, and I was sitting there munching jalebi like a little child while Atharv scolded me for ruining my diet. "
Her eyes gleamed with affection as she shook her head at the memory. Then, turning to Ritvika, she tilted her head playfully. "Bhabhi, you must have felt all of this too, right? The cravings, the silly demands, everyone pampering you...?"
The question hung in the air like a fragile thread.
Ritvika's fingers unconsciously tightened against her own dress.
For the briefest second, her expression faltered.
Images flickered in her mind—nights when she had curled up alone, mornings when her quiet wishes went unheard, days when her body ached for care that never came.
She had never known the luxury of being fussed over, never had someone run out in the middle of the night just to bring her sweets or cradle her cravings with laughter.
A stiffness washed over her body, tightening her chest.
But she would not let that shadow fall here, not in this moment where Viyana's eyes shone with such unguarded joy. So Ritvika forced her shoulders to ease, let her lips curve into a small, serene smile, and nodded.
"Yes," she murmured softly, her voice steady despite the storm inside. "Of course."
Viyana beamed, her relief and delight filling the room. She didn't notice the way Ritvika's gaze briefly dropped, how her smile lingered just a little too perfectly—polished, practiced, hiding the ache beneath.
For Ritvika, that moment was bittersweet.
Touching Viyana's belly, listening to her stories, she felt warmth and longing tangle inside her chest. A part of her wanted to stay in this bubble forever, pretending she too had been cherished the same way, that her own motherhood had been bathed in sweetness and laughter.
But deep down, she knew it hadn't.
So she held onto her smile, nodded along to Viyana's glowing words, and let the younger woman's happiness wash over her like sunlight—warming her skin, even if it couldn't quite reach her heart.
The morning sunlight spilled softly into the living room, painting everything in warm hues.
Ritvika stood by the dining table, carefully folding the napkin in her hand as she tried to gather courage.
Vidyut was there, seated with his laptop open, scrolling through some documents.
She took a deep breath, her steps hesitant but deliberate, and approached him.
"Do you want tea?" she asked quietly, her voice laced with a hint of hope.
Vidyut's eyes didn't lift from the screen. "No, I already had it," he replied flatly. His tone wasn't harsh, just cold—emotionless, as though he was merely stating a fact.
Ritvika's fingers curled against her palm. She tried again, forcing a small smile. "You're going to the office today?"
"Yes." One word. Short. Final.
Something in her chest tightened. She wanted to keep going, to bridge the distance he had built between them since yesterday, but the frost in his voice made her retreat. Her smile faltered, and with a small nod, she turned away.
In the kitchen, she busied herself with the one thing she knew best—cooking.
Her hands moved automatically, chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, adding spices carefully.
The smell of simmering soup soon filled the kitchen, a gentle comfort in the midst of her turmoil.
This will make Viyana feel better, she thought.
Maybe, just maybe, this would show she truly cared, that yesterday had only been an accident.
When the soup was ready, Ritvika poured it into a bowl and wiped the rim neatly with a cloth. Carrying it carefully in her hands, she stepped out of the kitchen, her eyes drifting toward Viyana's room. Her heart beat faster with each step—hopeful, yet nervous.
But before she could make it far, Manisha's voice stopped her. "Ritvika, wait."
Ritvika halted mid-step, turning with a small, uncertain smile. "Yes, Ma?"
Manisha walked closer, her expression gentle yet firm. Her eyes went to the bowl in Ritvika's hands. "Beta, let me take this to Viyana. You leave it."
Ritvika blinked, her heart sinking. "But I— I made it for her. She was feeling weak yesterday, so I thought—"
"I know," Manisha interrupted softly, placing a hand on Ritvika's arm, "but from now on, I'll make everything for Viyana myself. You don't worry about it."
The words landed like a blow. Ritvika's throat tightened, her lips parting as though to protest, but no words came out. She clutched the bowl a little tighter, desperate to explain. "Ma, I—"
But Manisha shook her head. "Beta, don't get me wrong. It's just... after what happened yesterday, we have to be careful. You know how serious it could have been. Let me handle her meals from now. First, I'll ask Viyana if these vegetables are okay for her. If not, I'll make something else myself."
Each word cut deeper than the last. Ritvika's chest ached as she lowered her eyes to the floor, nodding weakly though her voice threatened to tremble. "I understand..."
Her vision blurred as she blinked rapidly, holding back tears. She wanted to say she wasn't careless, that she never meant harm, that all she wanted was to care for Viyana like family. But Manisha's gentle yet firm dismissal made her words dissolve on her tongue.
Just then, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Vidyut appeared, walking past them with his phone in hand. For a fleeting moment, Ritvika's heart leapt—maybe he would say something, maybe he would defend her, maybe he would remind Manisha that she had only made a mistake, not a crime.
But he didn't. His gaze flickered briefly toward them, cold and unreadable, before he walked right past without a word.
The silence that followed was louder than anything.
Ritvika stood frozen in the corridor, the bowl trembling faintly in her hands.
Manisha took it from her with a kind smile and walked away, leaving Ritvika alone.
Her chest tightened, her throat burning with unspoken pain.
She pressed her lips together, trying not to cry, but inside, she felt herself shatter a little more.
Ritvika shut the door behind her with trembling hands, her chest rising and falling unevenly. The moment the wooden latch clicked, her composure crumbled. Her knees gave way and she sank to the floor, clutching the edge of the bed as if it were the only anchor keeping her from collapsing entirely.
Tears she had been holding back in front of everyone poured out uncontrollably now.
Manisha's taunts still echoed in her ears, every word laced with disdain, every syllable reminding her she was never good enough.
And then Vidyut's cold, distant silence—his eyes refusing to meet hers, his shoulders turned away—stabbed deeper than any insult ever could.
Her heart twisted painfully. Why was it always her? Why did she always have to prove, to beg for a place in a home that was supposed to be hers too? She pressed her palms against her face, muffling her sobs, but the storm inside her refused to be silenced.
Her body shook as guilt, hurt, and helplessness collided. She had tried—tried so hard to fit in, to please, to stay strong—but it felt like every effort only made her stumble further. And now, even Vidyut, the man who had once been her unexpected refuge, felt like a wall she couldn't break through.
Ritvika curled onto the floor, her forehead pressed to the cold marble. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to unravel completely. Her sobs came in broken whispers, her chest heaving, her voice cracked with anguish no one would hear.
The loneliness wrapped around her like a suffocating blanket. In this house full of people, in a marriage that was supposed to be hers, she felt unbearably, utterly alone.
==
The house was unusually quiet that afternoon.
No voices, no footsteps—only the soft hum of Tara’s playful giggles echoing across the living room.
Ritvika sat on the sofa, her dupatta carefully pinned, watching Tara babble nonsense words as she toyed with her dolls.
Beside her, Viyana rested comfortably, one hand placed protectively on her rounded belly, her face glowing with the serenity of pregnancy.
They had been talking about random things—old family jokes, Tara’s mischief, little memories—when suddenly Viyana broke the rhythm of their chatter.
“Bhabhiiiiii…” she dragged the word out like a child, making Ritvika look up instantly.
“Haan, Viyana?” Ritvika asked with a soft smile.
“I want to go upstairs,” Viyana said suddenly, pointing towards the staircase with a small pout.
Ritvika blinked, startled. Her eyes darted towards the stairs and then back at Viyana’s belly. “Upstairs? Why? Everything you need is right here.”
Viyana shrugged casually. “Just like that. I’m bored sitting here all the time. I want to roam upstairs for a while.”
Ritvika’s brows furrowed. “No, Viyana. You’re seven months pregnant. You shouldn’t be climbing stairs unnecessarily.”
“Bhabhi please na, just once,” Viyana whined softly, her voice dipping into a playful tone. She tilted her head and gave Ritvika the most dramatic set of puppy eyes.
“Viyanaaa…” Ritvika sighed, exasperated but firm. “It’s risky. What if you trip? What if you lose balance? I can’t take such a chance.”
But Viyana, being herself, wasn’t one to give up easily. She leaned a little forward, clasped her hands together like a pleading child, and repeated, “Please, bhabhi. Just once. I promise I’ll hold the railing properly. Please let me go, I feel so caged sitting here.”
Ritvika’s lips pressed into a tight line. She was torn—on one hand, she knew how restless a woman could feel during pregnancy, on the other, the very thought of Viyana climbing stairs sent a nervous chill down her spine.
For a few moments, she stayed quiet, watching Tara giggle on the carpet, clapping her little hands. Finally, with a long, resigned sigh, Ritvika muttered, “Theek hai… but only if I come with you. And you’ll walk slowly, step by step, holding the railing. Understood?”
Viyana’s face immediately lit up, a childish grin spreading across her lips. “Yes! I promise, bhabhi. You’re the best!”
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