Chapter - 17
The Rathore family had just finished their breakfast when a servant approached with a message. "Mr. and Mrs. Rajput have arrived," he informed respectfully.
Hearing this, Siya froze for a moment. Anxiety crept into her heart as her mind raced.
She had started to feel comfortable with the Rathore family, even liking them, and the thought of leaving unsettled her.
If Taiuji and Taiji have come to take me back, I'll have no choice but to go, she thought.
After all, I'm just a replacement bride. This family might not stop them.
Sumitra Ji, ever composed, instructed the servant, "Make them sit in the living room." She turned to Neelam and Meera, saying, "Arrange tea and snacks for our guests."
The family made their way to the living room with Siya trailing behind, apprehensive. But as soon as she saw Dev and Tara waiting there, her face lit up. Forgetting her anxiety, she rushed to her brother. "Bhai!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
"How are you, Baccha?" Dev asked, holding her close.
"I'm fine, Bhai. How are you both?" she replied warmly. Siya then greeted Tara, hugging her as well.
The tender reunion brought a soft smile to Sumitra ji's face as she entered the room. Dev and Tara immediately stepped forward to touch her feet. "Stay blessed, children," she said. The couple then greeted Neelam and Meera with equal respect, who had just arrived with tea and snacks.
"We're on our way back to Delhi," Dev explained, "so we thought we'd visit Siya before leaving."
"That's very thoughtful of you," Sumitra ji replied. "Siya has been missing her family. If you had waited a few more days, her Pag Phera ritual could have been done as well."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Rathore," Dev apologized. "I have some urgent work, but I promise we'll come back for the ritual."
Sumitra ji nodded politely, saying no more. After some brief pleasantries, the rest of the family excused themselves, leaving Dev, Tara, Siya, and Aarav in the room.
Before Dev could say anything further, Aarav's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, frowned, and said, "Excuse me, I need to take this." Without waiting for a response, he walked out.
Once Aarav was gone, Tara turned to Siya with a smile. "How's the family treating you, Siya?"
Siya's face softened, and she replied with a smile, "They're all so kind and supportive. They've been praising me, and I feel truly welcomed here."
Dev and Tara exchanged a relieved glance. It was clear to them that Siya was genuinely happy, not just pretending.
After a while, Dev sighed. "Siya, I'm sorry, but we have to leave now. I promise we'll come back soon to see you."
Siya's heart clenched at the thought of them leaving. Dev was the only one who had always loved and cared for her unconditionally. She didn't know when she'd see him and Tara again.
As if sensing her emotions, Dev placed a hand on her shoulder. "I've brought your belongings with me," he said.
Tara added apologetically, "I'm sorry, Siya. That day, there was so much happening that I couldn't pack everything for you."
"It's okay, Bhabhi," Siya reassured her softly.
Before leaving, Dev handed her a small box. "This is for both of you," he said with a smile.
"Bhai, that's not necessary," Siya protested, but Tara shook her head.
"Siya, this is the first time we're meeting you after your wedding. We can't come empty-handed. It's just a small token from us, so please take it."
Siya accepted the gift. When she opened the box, her eyes widened. Inside was a pair of elegant couple watches.
"Thank you, Bhai, Bhabhi. These are beautiful," she said, touched by their thoughtfulness.
"We hope you both like them," Tara said.
Dev checked his watch and stood up. "We're getting late now," he said apologetically. Siya hugged him tightly, tears brimming in her eyes. Tara joined in, promising Siya that they'd visit soon.
As Siya watched them leave, her heart ached, but she felt comforted by their love and care.
After bhai and bhabhi left, I returned to my room, feeling a mix of emotions.
I was happy they had come to see me, but now that they were gone, a wave of sadness washed over me.
Bhai was the only one who ever truly cared for me, and now I didn't know when I'd see him again.
I sat on my bed for a moment, letting the silence envelop me, wishing I could hold on to that warmth just a little longer.
A sudden knock at the door broke my thoughts. I opened it to find a servant standing there. "Rani Sa, Ranasa is calling you in his study," he said politely.
"Ranasa?" I repeated in my head, confused.
I didn't know who he was referring to. Should I ask?
No, what if they think I don't know anything?
That would be embarrassing. Instead, I managed a small nod and asked, "Where is the study room?
" He gave me directions, and I thanked him before leaving.
With a nervous heart, I walked to the study room. As I reached the door, I knocked softly. A deep voice from inside said, "Come in." Hearing his voice made my heart race. I didn't know why, but his presence always made me nervous.
I opened the door slowly and stepped inside.
He was sitting at his desk, focused on his work, the room exuding an air of authority that made my heart race.
Without looking up, he gestured toward a chair.
"Sit," he said. I quietly obeyed, sitting down and folding my hands in my lap, my mind racing with questions about why he always made me feel so nervous.
While he continued his work, I couldn't help but look around the room.
The study was so elegant, with large bookshelves and perfectly arranged furniture.
Everything looked so neat and organized.
But I couldn't ignore the overwhelming presence of black.
Why is he so obsessed with black? I wondered.
There are so many beautiful colors in the world.
"Done observing?" he asked suddenly, breaking my thoughts.
I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. "Jii," I replied quietly, avoiding his gaze.
"So, how is it?" he asked, his eyes watching me.
I panicked for a moment. Does he mean the study? What should I say? What if he doesn't like my answer? I nervously replied, "It's nice."
He smiled slightly, and for a second, I thought I imagined it. Did he really just smile? Or am I imagining things?
"When are you joining your college?" he asked, shifting the conversation.
The question caught me off guard. I hadn't thought about college at all. Can I join now? Or will I have to take a break? I didn't know what to say. "I... I don't know," I mumbled, feeling awkward.
"Will you mind if I change your college?" he asked.
His question surprised me. No one had ever asked my opinion before.
Bhaiya had asked once, but it was always Tauji who decided everything in the end.
This was the first time someone genuinely wanted to know what I thought.
"No," I said softly. I didn't have many friends in my old college anyway, so changing didn't bother me.
"Okay, then I will complete the formalities today. From tomorrow, you can join your college," he said, his tone firm and decisive.
I nodded, feeling both relieved and nervous.
"And one more thing," he added. "You will go with the driver and come back with the driver. Wherever you want to go, you will go with him only."
I nodded again, but he wasn't satisfied. "Words, Siya," he said firmly.
"Yes, Mr. Rathore, I understand," I replied quickly, my voice trembling slightly.
"Alright, you can go now," he said, dismissing me.
I stood up immediately and left the study, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Back in my room, I sat on the bed, my heart still racing. I'm so happy I can continue my studies. Thank goodness he wasn't like Tauji. He didn't scold me or make me feel small.
For the first time, I allowed myself to think, Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought. Smiling to myself, I hugged a pillow and felt a flicker of hope bloom in my heart.
After lunch, I returned to my room, planning to rest for a while, when I heard a knock on the door. Opening it, I found Anaya standing there with her usual bright smile.
"Bhabhi, tomorrow I'm going back to London," she said cheerfully. "Will you come shopping with me today?"
Her words surprised me, and a little happiness filled my heart.
No one had ever asked me to go shopping before.
No one ever took me anywhere either. Only Bhai and Bhabhi would take me out, but they didn't live with us, so I'd only been out a few times in my life.
Most of the time, I wore Natasha's old clothes, or Taiji would buy me a few things.
But hearing Anaya's excitement made me happy. At the same time, I felt a little sad knowing she'd be leaving tomorrow. How could I say no? "Okay, I'll come," I replied, smiling.
We went to a mall—one I'd never visited in my entire 21 years. The place was enormous and dazzling, and I felt a little overwhelmed. Anaya led me to a store that had Western clothes, and she immediately began checking the racks.
"Bhabhi, which one do you think looks good on me?" she asked, holding up a dress.
I wasn't sure how to answer—I didn't know much about fashion—but I tried to help her as best I could. After she picked a few dresses, she turned to me.
"Now it's your turn, Bhabhi. Select a few dresses for yourself," she said.
I hesitated. "I've never worn clothes like these," I said softly.
"That's okay, Bhabhi! Let's go to the traditional section then," she said, pulling me along with her.
The traditional clothes were beautiful—vibrant colors, intricate designs—but when I looked at the price tags, my heart sank. Not a single outfit cost less than ?5000. I had never spent that much money on myself in a year, let alone on one piece of clothing.
Anaya was busy picking out clothes for Dadimaa, Maa, and Chachi, and she even selected a few suits for me. But I shook my head. "No, Anaya, I have too many clothes already. I don't need more."
"Bhabhi, at least get one suit!" she insisted, but I couldn't. How could I let her spend so much on me? "I really have enough suits and sarees. I haven't even worn some of them yet," I said firmly.
She tried once more but eventually gave up. "Alright, Bhabhi, but next time, no excuses," she said with a playful pout. I smiled, relieved she hadn't pushed further.
After shopping, she said, "Now let's go! I'll take you to a café that serves the best pastries and coffee. You'll love it!"
We arrived at a cozy café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.
Anaya found us a table by the window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow.
She handed me the menu, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
'Tell me what you want, Bhabhi,' she said eagerly, her enthusiasm infectious.
I stared at the menu, feeling lost. I'd never been to a café before, let alone ordered anything. What was good? What should I say? I had no idea. "You order. I'm fine with anything," I said, hoping she wouldn't notice my nervousness.
She smiled and placed the order: Red Velvet and Chocolate pastries, along with two lattes.
When the food arrived, she pushed a plate toward me. "Bhabhi, try these. I love both, so tell me which one you like more."
I tasted them hesitantly and found myself enjoying the Red Velvet pastry the most. The coffee was delicious too, though I'd never had anything like it before.
After spending some time there, we headed back home. Anaya happily showed everyone what she'd bought for herself and the family.
Maa looked at me and asked, "Siya beta, why didn't you buy anything?"
Before I could answer, Anaya chimed in. "Taiji, I asked Bhabhi so many times, but she said she already has enough clothes!"
Anaya then added with a teasing smile, "God, she's exactly like Mom!"
Chachi came over, and twisted Anaya's ear gently. "What did you say about me, you little brat?"
Anaya made a puppy face. "Taiji! Save me!"
Maa laughed and said, "Meera, leave her. She's just a child."
Anaya hugged Maa and said dramatically, "No one loves me! Only my Taiji does!"
Chachi shook her head, smiling at Anaya's antics.
Watching them, I felt something stir in my heart. This is what I've missed all my life. The warmth of a family.
Thank you, Shivji, for giving me this family.
It was past midnight when I finally returned to my room. The weight of the day still lingered, but as soon as I stepped inside, all my attention shifted. There she was—Siya—sleeping peacefully on the bed, her delicate features softened by the faint glow of the night lamp.
I stood there for a moment, just watching her. Even in her sleep, she carried a sense of serenity that I couldn't explain. I changed into my nightclothes quickly, trying not to make any noise, and then walked over to the bed.
I sat down beside her, careful not to wake her. Her soft breathing filled the silence, and there was a slight smile on her face. That smile... it did something to me. All the stress, the tension I carried from the day—it just faded away. She didn't even know the power she had over me.
I couldn't help but think to myself, I'm sorry, Angel.
When I arranged your closet, I only considered what I felt was right.
I didn't ask you what you like, and honestly, I felt lost in knowing how to approach it.
There's nothing in this world I can't do, but when it comes to you, I struggle with certain things—asking about your preferences is one of them. But I'll learn, for you.
That's why I asked Anaya to take you shopping. I hoped it would be a step toward making you feel at home. But even then, you didn't buy anything. And it hurt me—it's my fault. I haven't made you feel comfortable enough to buy something without worrying about the price tag.
I had seen it with my own eyes—through the CCTV footage—how you touched those clothes, checked the tags, and walked away. It pained me to see that. It made me realize just how much I needed to change things for you.
But I wouldn't let this continue. I have a surprise for you, angel, I thought with determination. You'll see it in the morning. And I promise you, one day, you'll buy whatever you want without even thinking about the cost.
Leaning closer, I whispered so softly that only the air could carry my words, "Good night, angel. I promise to make everything right for you."
Just as I was about to get up, my phone buzzed. Picking it up, I answered, and the urgency in the other person's voice immediately caught my attention.
"I'm coming," I said firmly, already moving towards the door.