Chapter - 20
As we drove home after dropping Anaya off, I noticed we weren't taking the same route back. Maybe Mr. Rathore was taking a different way. After about 10-15 minutes, he stopped the car in front of an ice cream parlor.
The sight of it brought back memories. I had only been here twice with Bhai, who always said they had the best ice cream in Jaipur. He would order it for me often, even when we couldn't visit.
"Which flavor do you want?" Mr. Rathore's voice broke through my thoughts.
"What?" I blinked, still caught in the memory.
"Which flavor of ice cream do you want?" he repeated patiently, his tone softer now.
"Vanilla chocolate," I answered, a small smile tugging at my lips as I thought of its creamy sweetness.
He called someone over and placed the order. A few moments later, a man appeared with a cup of vanilla chocolate ice cream. He bowed deeply before handing it to Mr. Rathore, who passed it to me without a word.
"Where's yours?" I asked, looking around for his ice cream.
"I don't like sweets," he replied casually, leaning back in his seat.
I noticed he didn't pay the man, which puzzled me. "Why didn't they charge you?" I asked.
He smirked, his voice tinged with amusement. "Why would they charge the owner?"
I blinked, realizing I knew so little about him. There was so much I still had to learn. Not wanting to eat alone, I hesitated before holding out the spoon. "Eating a little won't hurt," I said softly,unsure why I wanted him to share this moment with me.
To my surprise, he reached out, gently holding my hand as he guided the spoon to his lips. His touch was firm but careful, and his eyes met mine as he tasted the ice cream. My heart skipped a beat, then raced. For a second, I forgot where we were.
I didn't understand what I was feeling. It wasn't just nervousness—it was something more. Something warm, unfamiliar, and almost comforting. I looked away, my cheeks burning, but I didn't pull my hand back.
Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking the moment like a fragile glass shattering. He let go of my hand, answering the call with his usual composed tone. While he spoke, I slowly began eating the ice cream, but my thoughts lingered on what had just happened.
The rest of the drive home was quiet. I didn't look at him, unsure of what to say. My mind was a swirl of confusion and warmth. Yet, for the first time, the silence didn't feel awkward. It felt safe. It felt... nice.
I woke up earlier than usual today. It's been three days since the ice cream incident, and something about these days feels different. Mr. Rathore and I have started drinking evening coffee together. We've grown closer in ways I never expected.
Now, I share little things about my day—what happens in college, the chores at home—and he listens patiently.
Before, no one ever asked me about my day, but now he does, and it makes me happy.
Sometimes, he tells me about his work—the meetings he attends or the decisions he has to make.
He even taught me how to use the phone, patiently guiding me through it.
These conversations are new to me, and they mean more than I can express.
After getting out of bed, I went to freshen up and got ready in a golden silk saree with beautiful zari and threadwork.
I wore my mangalsutra and diamond set, and I carefully put sindoor in my hairline.
I felt happy because today my brother is coming for the pag phera ritual.
I don't want to go back to that house, but for my brother, I will happily go.
(Pag Phera is a Hindu wedding tradition where the bride visits her parental home after marriage. It represents her bond with both her family and her new life.)
When I went downstairs, Dadi Maa was sitting in the living room.
I greeted her and took her blessings. A little later, Maa and Chachi joined us.
Chachi smiled and said, "Siya, let's have breakfast. Today, Didi has made all your favorite dishes.
" I was surprised by her words. It felt unusual, but I nodded and followed them to the dining area.
Breakfast was a feast. Maa had prepared chole bhature, boondi raita, lassi, masala aloo, and green chutney. I couldn't help but smile—it was rare for someone to make something special for me. Everyone ate together in silence, savoring the delicious spread in front of them.
Only Dadi Maa and Mr. Rathore had different meals. Dadi Maa, because of her health, stuck to her bowl of oats, while Mr. Rathore as always, chose his bland, tasteless food over the feast in front of him. It made me wonder, not for the first time, why he avoided such flavorful dishes.
After breakfast, Mr. Rathore spoke to Dadi Maa. "Dadi Maa, Mr. Rajput couldn't make it today, so we'll have to postpone the pag phera ritual," he said, his tone calm but decisive. I felt a small sense of relief, thinking I wouldn't have to face Taiji and Tauji alone. But my relief was short-lived.
"No, Aarav. We can't postpone it. Pandit ji has given me only this date," Dadi Maa replied firmly. Then she turned to Arjun bhaiya. "Arjun, you will drop your bhabhi to the Rajput house."
My chest tightened. Fear started creeping in.
I didn't want to go back to that house. Taiji and Tauji will punish me.
Taiji will find a reason to get angry, and Tauji will ignore me like always.
But what could I say? What excuse could I give?
And why wasn't Bhai coming to take me? My thoughts raced, and I felt my hands grow cold.
I tried to calm myself, but the fear lingered. What if going back only brings more pain?
Arjun bhaiya's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Bhabhi, I have some work. We'll go after two hours," he said.
I nodded, but as everyone started leaving the dining table, I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach.
I went to my room and dialed my brother's number, but he didn't pick up.
I tried again, but still no answer. My worry grew—why wasn't he picking up?
I thought about calling my bhabhi, but before I could dial her number, Mr. Rathore walked into the room. He came closer and asked, "What happened?" I hesitated but then he asked again in a soft voice, "Siya, tell me what happened?"
I finally managed to say, "B..bhai is not picking his phone."
Mr. Rathore's expression softened. "I got a call from Mrs. Rajput. They are going out of the country for company work. It was decided last minute, so they might be busy. Don't worry; they'll talk to you when they have time."
Hearing this, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. They were safe, but a small doubt still lingered. Then I thought, why would Mr. Rathore lie to me? So I nodded, feeling calmer. I sat on the bed, and he sat beside me.
"You know you can tell me anything, any problem," he said gently.
I nodded again, grateful for his concern. "Okay, then. I'm heading to the office now. I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning. If you need anything, just call me. And take care of yourself." he added.
I nodded once more, but he gently said, "How many times do I have to tell you? I want words, Siya."
I replied softly, "Okay."
"Now smile," he said, and I managed a small smile. With that, he left the room, and I felt a strange warmth in my chest.
As we arrived at the Rajput house, Arjun bhaiya turned to me and said, "Bhabhi, I'm sorry, but I can't go inside. I have an important meeting, and if I'm late, bhai will scold me."
"It's okay, bhaiya," I replied, trying to sound brave.
I stepped out of the car, and some guards from another vehicle came with fruits, sweets, and gifts sent by the Rathore family.
But instead of feeling happy, a wave of fear washed over me.
I knew how my taiji and tauji could be, and I had to spend the night alone with them since Natasha wasn't there.
If Natasha were around, I wouldn't feel as scared. It wasn't that they would behave differently with me in her presence, but having her there made me feel less alone in the situation.
One of the guards rang the doorbell, and Tauji opened the door with a smile. "Siya beta, come inside!" he said. I was taken aback; I couldn't remember the last time he had greeted me with a smile. Hesitantly, I entered the house as the guards placed the items in the living room and then left.
My fear intensified, and I clutched my saree's pallu tightly. "Siya beta, you can go and rest in your room," Tauji said.I nodded quickly and rushed to my room, locking the door behind me. I didn't even ask about taiji because I didn't want to know.
As I sat on the edge of the bed, my phone buzzed. The caller ID showed a message from Mr. Rathore.
"Have you reached?" it read. I quickly replied, "Yes."
Almost immediately, another message came. "Okay then, take rest. I will call you tonight. I have to attend a lot of meetings, but if you need anything, you can call me anytime."
A small smile spread across my face. He was the only person who cared enough to ask if I had reached safely, whether it was from home to college or college to home—even after arranging a driver for me.
I felt a strange sense of comfort knowing someone was looking out for me. I messaged him a polite, 'Okay, Mr. Rathore,' and lay down for a while, letting myself relax just a little.
Later in the evening, someone knocked on the door, making my heart race even faster. I didn't want to open it, but the knocking continued. I took a deep breath, walked slowly to the door, and opened it. A lady stood there.
"Mr. Rajput is calling you for tea in the living room," she said.
I had never seen this lady before, so I asked hesitantly, "You?"
"I'm Kamala," she replied. "I started working in this house 4-5 days ago."
I nodded, feeling a little reassured that maybe no one would say anything harsh in front of her. I followed her to the living room.
"Siya, sit," Tauji said as I entered. I sat down, my heart pounding with fear. He offered me tea, and I accepted it, trying to appear calm. I took a sip but didn't say anything. If I spoke, they might scold me, and I wanted to avoid that.
Just then, Taiji came in and sat down, staring at me as if she could attack me at any moment. I focused on my tea, hoping to make myself invisible. After finishing her tea, Taiji left for her room, and Tauji said, "I'm going outside for a little work."
I nodded silently, my heart still racing, and as soon as he left, I returned to my room and locked the door again, grateful for the safety of my solitude.
That night, Kamala aunty came to my room again. "Mr. Rajput is calling you for dinner," she said gently. I closed my eyes for a moment, praying to Shivji, "Please save me. I don't want to feel pain tonight. Just let me get through this."
I followed Kamala aunty to the dining room, where tauji motioned for me to sit. "Have dinner with us," he said. Surprisingly, dinner went by peacefully. I tried to eat, but my mind was racing, thinking of what would come next.
After dinner, tauji and taiji went to their room, and I followed Kamala aunty into the kitchen to help her wash the dishes. It felt nice to have something to focus on, and I tried to forget the tension in the house. After we finished, Kamala aunty said her goodbyes and left for her home.
I turned to leave the dining room, taiji's harsh words echoed in my mind. My heart raced, and a wave of sadness hit me. I wanted to escape, but my feet felt heavy.
"Where are you going, queen?" taiji's voice cut through the silence.
I stammered, "T...taiji, in my... room," my voice shaking with fear.
"Are you happy?" she sneered, her tone sharp. I was taken aback, not understanding why she was asking. I managed to say, "Yes."
"You must be happy to take my daughter's happiness away!
" taiji shouted. Each word felt like a punch to my heart.
"Only my daughter deserves to be the daughter-in-law of the Rathore family!
She is the only one worthy of living in that palace, not you, wretched!
" Her words pierced through me, making me tremble.
"Because of you, my son and daughter-in-law are not talking to me. And my daughter? I don't even know where she is! Only because of you, my children are away from me," taiji lashed out, her voice rising with every word.
Tears spilled down my cheeks as I fought to hold them back.
"I wish you would die with your parents!" taiji spat, her eyes burning with hatred. "Nothing good has happened ever since you came into our lives! You've taken everything from us!"
Suddenly, she lunged at me, ripping the necklace from my neck. I gasped, pain shooting through me, both from the physical sting and the hurtful words.
"Please, it's hurting!" I cried, trying to pull away.
Just then, tauji entered."What are you doing? Are you out of your mind? Don't you know she has to leave tomorrow? What will the Rathore family think about us after seeing this?"
"I don't care!" taiji shouted, her fury directed at me. "Because of both of you, my daughter's right has gone to this wretched girl."
Tauji tried to reason with her. "You know all this happened because of Natasha, not because of Siya."
"I don't know anything! All this happened because of this wretched girl!" Taiji pulled my hair tightly, and I gasped in pain.
"Let her go!" tauji yelled, but taiji's grip on my hair tightened. I trembled with fear and humiliation, wanting it all to end.
"Please, stop," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "It hurts too much. Just let me go."
Finally, she let go, and I felt weak. "Siya, you go inside," tauji said gently. I turned to leave, but taiji slapped me hard across the face.
"Don't come here after today; otherwise, I will kill you!" she warned, her eyes full of rage.
"Meenakshi!" tauji shouted in anger. Taiji shot me one last furious glare before storming off to her room.
Then, the doorbell rang, and tauji turned to me. "Siya, you go to your room," he ordered. I ran to my room, locking the door behind me.
Sinking to the floor, I wrapped my arms around my knees and cried. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt completely broken.
"Why is this happening to me, Shivji?" I whispered, my voice trembling between sobs. "What harm have I done to anyone? I didn't even want to get married, but still... still, Taiji says such things to me."
I gasped for breath, my chest heaving as more tears fell. "If you had just called me to be with my mom and dad, I wouldn't have to face all this. You are very bad, Shivji. You left me alone... alone to face these people."
My voice cracked as I choked on my words, clutching at my dupatta like it could somehow protect me from the pain. "Why did you do this to me? Why?"
I buried my face in my hands, my sobs echoing in the silent room. "I can't take this anymore," I whispered brokenly. "I just can't."
The loneliness felt unbearable, and all I could do was cry, pouring out the hurt that had built up inside me for years.
In the quiet of my study room, I leaned back in my chair, thinking about the last few days.
Things were changing between Siya and me.
Slowly, but they were changing. My angel was beginning to feel comfortable around me.
She still hesitated sometimes, choosing her words carefully before speaking, but there was progress.
She told me about her lectures, her day at home, and how much she missed Anaya.
Seeing her open up, even a little, made me happy.
It wasn't easy for her, I knew that. But I was willing to wait.
One day, she wouldn't think twice before sharing everything with me.
Until then, I had to be patient. And that patience.
.. it had tested me. I'd lost count of the cold showers I'd taken in the past few days just to keep myself in control.
The last thing I wanted was to do anything that would make her uncomfortable or scared.
As I sat there lost in thought, my phone rang. The caller ID showed Mr. Rajput's number. My mood soured instantly. Today was the pag phera ritual, and it meant Siya would be going back to her Tauji's house for the day. A day without her. I picked up the phone, bracing myself.
It wasn't him, though. "Rana Sa, I'm Tara Rajput," came the voice on the other end.
I responded with a curt "Hmm."
"Dev met with an accident last night," she continued. "So we both can't come to Jaipur. Please don't tell Siya about the accident. Just say we're going out of the country for work."
Her words made my jaw tighten, but I kept my tone even. "Don't worry, Mrs. Rajput. I'll take care of Siya."
She thanked me and hung up. I immediately called someone to make all the arrangements needed for Mr. Rajput's recovery. Once everything was handled, I went to join everyone at the dining table for breakfast.
After breakfast, I informed Dadi Maa, "Dadi Maa, Mr. Rajput couldn't make it today. We'll have to postpone the pag phera ritual."
Her response was firm. "No, Aarav. We can't postpone it. Pandit ji has given only this date." Turning to Arjun, she said, "Arjun, you will drop your bhabhi at the Rajput house."
I didn't argue, though the idea of Siya going there without me didn't sit well. I left the table and headed back to my room, but midway, my phone rang. It was the man I'd tasked with handling Mr. Rajput's situation.
"Everything is done, Rana Sa," he said. "Mr. Rajput has a minor injury. He'll recover in 2-3 days."
"Good. Take care of him," I replied before ending the call.
When I entered my room, I noticed Siya looking tense, her expression stirring something deep within me. I walked closer and asked, "What happened?"
She didn't respond.
So, softening my voice, I asked again, "Siya, tell me what happened."
She hesitated but finally said, "B...bhai isn't picking up his phone."
I kept my tone calm and reassuring. "I got a call from Mrs. Rajput. They're going out of the country for company work. It was decided last minute, so they might be busy. Don't worry; they'll talk to you when they have time."
She nodded and sat on the bed, but I could sense she was still uneasy. I walked over and sat beside her, leaning slightly to meet her gaze.
"You know you can tell me anything, any problem," I said softly. She nodded again.
I continued, "Okay, then. I'm heading to the office now. I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning. If you need anything, just call me. And take care of yourself." She nodded again.
And this time, I couldn't stop myself. Here I was, dying to hear her voice, and she was just nodding. I leaned closer, my tone gentle but firm. "How many times do I have to tell you? I want words, Siya."
She blinked at me before finally saying, "Okay."
Her voice was so soft, but it was enough to make my heart settle. "Now smile," I said.
"Now smile," I said.
She gave me a small smile, and it felt like the world stopped for a moment. That smile—it was everything. I could die for that smile, angel, I thought.
Standing up, I glanced at her one last time before leaving for the office, already counting the hours until I could see her again.