Chapter - 10
A week had passed, and everything was going according to plan, as Meenakshi and Suresh had hoped.
Natasha had completed her shopping, and tomorrow Dev and Tara would be coming.
Natasha had already informed Siya about the wedding, and Siya was genuinely happy for her cousin.
However, no one asked Siya anything about the wedding or shared any details with her—it was merely a formal mention.
Siya, in her innocence, was simply happy for Natasha, not questioning anything.
In Meenakshi and Suresh's room, they sat on the bed, discussing their concerns.
Meenakshi asked, "Suresh ji, I've been keeping Siya hidden from the Rathore family, but tomorrow Dev and Tara will be here.
What will we do? We can't say anything to Siya in front of Dev, nor can we hide her forever.
With so many functions coming up, someone will definitely see her. "
Suresh thought for a moment before replying, "I have a plan. Tomorrow, I'll go to Rajmata and talk about this. We'll figure it out." Meenakshi felt relieved hearing this, and both of them went to sleep.
Meanwhile, Aarav sat in one of his warehouses, located deep in the forest. A man was tied to a chair, and one of Aarav's men came to report, "Boss, this is the man we've been looking for.
He's not saying anything." Aarav didn't even look up.
"Hmm. Take care of him. Don't punish him," he replied coldly.
His man was confused, wondering why his boss was showing mercy now, after having searched for this person for days.
But Aarav didn't explain. After a few more instructions, he ordered, "Don't disturb me unless it's urgent. "
Later, Aarav returned home. His mother, Neelam as usual, was awake, waiting for him.
He briefly spoke to her, telling her to get some rest before heading to his room.
He took a quick shower, then went to his library.
There, he gazed at the pendant for a moment.
It had become a small ritual for him, something that gave him peace in his otherwise chaotic life.
After a while, he locked it away again, returning to his bed and finally falling asleep.
In the morning, everyone at Rathore Palace was having breakfast. The room was quiet, as usual, because of Aarav's presence.
Anaya, who was usually cheerful, seemed a little sad today.
Aarav noticed this and, after finishing his breakfast, he went to his study and asked someone to bring Anaya to him.
A little while later, Anaya knocked and entered. She asked Aarav in a soft, sad voice, "Bhai, you called me?"
Aarav looked at her and gestured for her to sit. "Yes, princess, come here," he replied. Once she sat down, he asked, "Now, tell me, what happened?"
Anaya hesitated, not wanting to worry her brother. "Nothing, bhai," she said, trying to sound happy, but it was clear she wasn't. Aarav noticed the change in her expression and softening his tone, said, "Will you not tell me? You're hiding something from me. I'm hurt, princess."
Anaya hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "It's nothing like that, Bhai. I just wanted to wear clothes from Zehra Designs, but I couldn't get an appointment, so I bought clothes from a different store."
Aarav listened quietly and then said, "Okay, you'll get your dress this evening." Anaya's face brightened up, and she thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Bhai!" Aarav placed his hand lovingly on her head and said, "Was it just that? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Anaya didn't respond, so Aarav continued, "Princess, how many times have I told you that you can come to me anytime, no matter if the problem is big or small?"
Anaya promised, "Next time, bhai, I'll definitely come to you."
After a short conversation, Anaya left the room, and Aarav called his personal assistant. "I want Zehra Designs under Anaya Singh Rathore's name by this evening," he said, giving further instructions before hanging up. Aarav then left for his office.
It was noon when Sumitra ji, Neelam, and Meera were sitting together, discussing the preparations for the wedding.
They were talking about the upcoming events, making sure everything was going according to plan.
Just then, someone came in and informed Sumitra ji that Mr. Suresh Rajput had arrived and was asking to meet her.
Rajmata nodded and instructed the person to arrange things to welcome him. Turning to Neelam and Meera, she told them, "Arrange some snacks, as this is the first time our future daughter-in-law's father is visiting the Rathore palace."
Neelam and Meera quickly went to prepare everything. Sumitra ji then went to the guest living room, where Mr. Suresh Rajput was sitting, waiting for her. Suresh stood up as soon as he saw Rajmata, and he took her blessings.
After some conversation, Suresh, in a hesitant voice, spoke, "Rajmata, I have a request. I know I'm nothing in front of you, but this is a tradition in our family, and I would like to follow it."
Sumitra ji smiled kindly and replied, "Mr. Rajput, now we are family. You don't need to hesitate. Tell me what you wish, and we will follow it."
Suresh explained, "In our family, every function of the bride and groom is done separately. So, we will have our functions separately, and you will have yours.On the wedding day, you all will come with the baraat to our house." (Baraat -wedding procession or groom's procession)
Rajmata thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's fine, but there is one thing I can't agree with."
Suresh felt a bit anxious, fearing what she might say next. But Rajmata continued, "I agree to all your wishes, but the marriage must take place in our place."
Suresh was taken aback for a moment, then quickly responded, "But Rajmata..."
Rajmata smiled and reassured him, "I mean in Rathore Haveli. We will have our functions separately, and on the wedding day, you all can come to Rathore Haveli in the morning, and we will join you in the evening for the wedding."
Suresh's face lit up with joy, and he gratefully accepted the arrangement. "Thank you, Rajmata. I'm very happy with this."
Just then, Neelam and Meera entered, having finished making the arrangements. After a little more discussion, Suresh left the palace to return home.
When he arrived, he shared the good news with Meenakshi. She was delighted to hear that the wedding day would be more manageable for her, as she wouldn't have to worry about handling Siya. She could now enjoy the other wedding functions peacefully.
In the evening, Dev and Tara arrived at the Rajput house. Their arrival brought happiness, and everyone in the family was in high spirits. The atmosphere was lively as they discussed the wedding preparations. However, Siya remained quiet, which didn't go unnoticed by Dev.
"Baccha, what happened?" Dev asked her gently. Siya shook her head and replied softly, "Nothing, bhai."
After dinner, Suresh excused himself and went to his room. Meanwhile, Tara shared the gifts she had brought for everyone, and Natasha excitedly showed what she had purchased for herself and her mother, Meenakshi.
While the conversation was ongoing, Dev turned to Siya and asked, "Why didn't you tell me about your shopping?" Siya froze, unsure of how to respond. She couldn't tell her brother the truth, fearing her taiji's wrath. Meenakshi, noticing the tension, quickly stepped in to cover up.
"Dev, I told her to do her shopping," Meenakshi said with a smile. "But she told me she'd only shop with her bhabhi."
Dev, unaware of the situation, nodded and said, "Siya, baccha, you should have told me earlier. I would've come sooner. But don't worry—tomorrow, you, your bhabhi, and I will go shopping together."
Siya nodded quietly, relieved the topic was dropped. After a while, Dev and Tara retired to their room, and Natasha went to hers. Siya began heading to her room when Meenakshi stopped her.
"Remember, Siya," Meenakshi warned in a low voice, "Dev is taking you shopping tomorrow. Don't even think about buying anything expensive. You know what I'll do if you disobey."
Siya nodded, her heart sinking, and quietly went to her room. She changed into her nightclothes, lay on her bed, and tried to push away the heaviness in her chest before falling asleep.
The next morning, after breakfast, Dev, Tara, and Siya went shopping together.
Natasha also went out to take care of some work.
Back at home, Suresh and Meenakshi were having a conversation.
Suresh warned Meenakshi, "Now that Dev and Tara are here, make sure you behave properly with Siya. No unnecessary drama."
Meenakshi didn't like the idea of treating Siya kindly, but her excitement about becoming The Aarav Singh Rathore's mother-in-law made her agree. Both families were busy with wedding preparations, and the house was bustling with activity.
Four days later, the Rajput house was beautifully decorated for the haldi ceremony.
The vibrant decorations and cheerful atmosphere reflected the excitement in the air.
Meenakshi, in particular, was thrilled as her dreams were coming true.
Siya, on the other hand, was enjoying a few peaceful days since no one had spoken to her harshly since Dev and Tara's arrival.
Meanwhile, in Rathore Palace, the family was also busy with preparations.
Aarav, however, was in his study, engrossed in work.
His mother, Neelam, walked in and reminded him to get ready for the haldi function.
Reluctantly, Aarav got dressed and joined the family in the garden, where the ceremony was set up.
As expected, everyone approached Aarav with caution during the haldi ritual.
No one dared to mess with him, except for Anaya.
True to her playful nature, she smeared his entire face with haldi, much to the family's amusement.
Aarav, being the doting brother, didn't say anything to her.
If it had been Arjun, Aarav would have surely scolded him, but Anaya was his princess, and she could get away with anything.
After the rituals were completed, Aarav excused himself and went to his room to take a shower.
Rajmata then instructed a servant to deliver Aarav's haldi to the Rajput house, as per tradition.
At the Rajput house, everyone was eagerly waiting for the haldi to arrive.
When the servant brought it in, Tara took the bowl and started walking, but she slipped.
Siya quickly caught the bowl before it could fall, though some haldi got smeared on her hands in the process.
No one noticed this small moment except for Dev, who immediately checked to make sure both Tara and Siya were okay.
Once assured, the family resumed the haldi rituals.
The ceremony was lively and filled with laughter and joy as everyone applied haldi on Natasha. After the rituals were completed, the family members dispersed to their rooms to rest for a while, the house quieting down after the morning's excitement.