Chapter - 36
Today, I woke up feeling light and happy. My periods were finally over, and I felt so much better.
But that wasn't the only reason for my happiness. Anaya is coming today!
Excited, I quickly went to the bathroom and got ready. I chose a soft pink saree with beautiful golden embroidery and paired it with a matching blouse. Since my college was off today, I felt like wearing something nice.
After getting dressed, I headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Maa and Chachi were already there, busy preparing Anaya's favorite food. I could see the excitement on their faces. It made me smile.
"Siya, beta, you're looking so pretty today!" Maa said as she kneaded the dough.
"Yes, pink suits you a lot," Chachi added with a warm smile.
I blushed slightly and mumbled a thank you before walking to the counter.
I decided to make chai for myself and coffee for Aarav.
Once done, I carefully placed both cups on a tray and made my way to his study room.
When I entered, he was deeply focused on his work, his brows slightly furrowed, fingers tapping on the laptop.
But as soon as he saw me, he stopped typing. He closed his laptop and walked toward me, sitting beside me.
He picked up his coffee, took a sip, and then looked at me.
"It's perfect," he said, his voice warm.
He always praises my coffee. Every single time. And every single time, it makes me smile.
I took a deep breath, gathering courage. There was something I wanted to ask him.
"Aarav... I wanted to ask you something."
He placed the cup on the table and turned his full attention to me. His dark eyes were intense, making my heart beat a little faster.
Holding my hand gently, he said, "Yes?"
I hesitated for a second but then spoke, "Tomorrow is Trisha's birthday... so can I go to her birthday party?"
His grip on my hand tightened slightly as he cupped my face, tilting it up so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.
"Angel, how many times do I have to tell you?" his voice was soft yet firm. "You don't need my permission. Just inform me, that's it. But..." he paused for a moment before adding, "go with the driver, hmm?"
I nodded quickly, feeling like a little girl who just got her favorite candy. I had never been to any party before, and now I finally could!
Overcome with excitement, I threw my arms around him in a hug.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" I said, unable to hide my joy.
Then, suddenly, I pulled back, realizing something.
"Oops! I almost forgot—I'll make cookies for you!" I announced excitedly.
He just shook his head slightly, his lips curving into a rare, soft smile.
And in that moment, I felt truly happy.
After spending some time with Aarav, I made my way to the living room, where everyone was busy preparing to welcome Anaya. The excitement in the air was contagious.
But before joining them, I went to the kitchen to make cookies—some for Anaya because she loves them, and some for Aarav because... well, I just like making things for him.
It took me around 30 to 45 minutes to finish, and just as I was about to step out, I heard laughter and happy voices from the living room.
Anaya had arrived!
I quickly wiped my hands and rushed out.
As soon as she saw me, she ran up and hugged me tightly.
"I missed you so much, Bhabhi!" she said, her voice filled with warmth.
I smiled and hugged her back. "I missed you too, Anaya."
We pulled away, and I asked, "How was your journey? And how's your college?"
She started telling me about her trip and her studies, her excitement making me smile.
Just then, Dadimaa spoke up, "Let's go for breakfast."
We all made our way to the dining area.
When Anaya saw the table filled with all her favorite dishes, her eyes lit up with joy.
"Wow! This is amazing!" she said happily, looking at Maa and Chachi.
Then she turned to me and grinned, "And cookies too? Thank you, Bhabhi!"
I just smiled, feeling happy that she liked them.
We all sat down and started eating.
The table was quiet, as usual. Anaya, who always had something to say, was struggling to stay silent. I could tell.
She kept looking around as if waiting for someone to talk first. It was so hard for her to keep quiet—but somehow, she did.
After breakfast, everyone went to their respective work, and Anaya went to her room to rest.
I was about to go back to my room when Dadimaa spoke up. "Holi is coming, so we should start preparing for it."
Maa nodded. "We always host a grand Holi party... but no one knows that Aarav is married. Only a few people are aware of it. If we keep the party, everyone will ask about Siya."
Chachi agreed. "Yes, Maa. I think we should announce their marriage now."
But Dadimaa shook her head. "Not now. Aarav told me he will reveal it when the time is right."
I listened quietly, processing her words.
At first, when Aarav didn't announce our marriage, I overthought everything. I wondered if he didn't want to accept me publicly. But now... now I understand him better.
If he's waiting, there must be a valid reason. It's not that he's ashamed of me or doesn't want me by his side. He will tell everyone when he feels the time is right.
I don't doubt him anymore.
Chachi then asked, "But what about the party, Maa?"
Dadimaa replied confidently, "We will host the Holi party as always. And no one has the guts to question our family. So, start the preparations."
With that, she left, and Maa and Chachi started discussing the arrangements.
After a while, Maa turned to me. "Siya, you will go with Anaya for Holi shopping and buy everyone's outfits."
I blinked in surprise. "Maa... but I don't know what to buy."
Chachi smiled. "Don't worry, Siya. Whatever you choose, everyone will wear. Even Aarav can't say no to you."
I felt my cheeks heat up at her words.
Maa laughed softly. "Don't tease my daughter. Siya, Anaya is going with you, so don't overthink it too much."
I just nodded, still feeling a little nervous... but also happy.
I was sitting in my room, studying, when my phone suddenly rang.
I glanced at the screen and saw Aarav's name. My heart skipped a beat.
Taking a deep breath, I picked up the call. "Hello?" I said softly.
His deep voice came through the phone. "Are you busy, Angel?"
I quickly closed my book. "No, no... I was just studying," I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Okay... then will you go on a date with me?"
My heart stopped.
Did he just—
Did he just casually ask me out on a date?
A date? With Aarav?
I was too lost in my thoughts, overthinking every possible meaning behind his words, when his voice pulled me back.
"Siya? You don't want to go?"
I panicked. "No! It's not like that!"
He chuckled. "Okay then. Be ready at 7."
I swallowed, my voice coming out softer than I intended. "O...okay."
"I have to go now, Angel. Take care."
And just like that, he cut the call.
I stared at my phone, my heart racing.
We're going on a date.
For the first time.
A small, shy smile crept onto my lips as excitement bubbled inside me. But along with it came a storm of nervous thoughts.
"What should I wear?"
"What if I mess up?"
"What do people even do on dates?"
I was so lost in my own world that I didn't even notice Anaya enter my room.
"Bhabhi!" she called out, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I blinked at her, still overwhelmed.
She narrowed her eyes at me. "What happened, Bhabhi? Why do you look like that?"
I bit my lip, trying to calm my racing heart. "Aarav... he... um... he asked me out on a date."
Her eyes widened before a mischievous smirk appeared on her face. "Ohh... date and all, hmm?"
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Anaya..." I mumbled, looking away, but she just laughed.
"You should be excited, Bhabhi! Then why do you look so... sad?"
I sighed, playing with the edge of my saree's pallu. "I don't know what to wear... and I don't even know what people do on dates."
She rolled her eyes. "Bhabhi, just relax! For your outfit, we'll buy something special—don't worry, I'll help you."
I nodded slowly, feeling a little relieved, but then she added with a mischievous grin, "And as for what people do on dates... ask Bhai. He'll teach you."
My eyes widened as I immediately understood what she meant. My face turned red.
"Anaya!" I gasped, but she just laughed, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
Before I could say anything else, she grabbed my hand. "Come on, Bhabhi! We have to go shopping for Holi, and we'll get you a special outfit for your date too!"
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head at her excitement. But deep inside, my heart was fluttering.
Because tonight...
I was really going on a date with my Aarav.
After asking Siya for the date, I called Rohan to my cabin. He entered within seconds, standing straight in front of me.
"Make arrangements at Royal Palace Restaurant for tonight. I want it booked only for me," I ordered.
Rohan nodded instantly. "Understood, Sir."
Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment and then spoke. "Sir, actually, Mr. Shekhawat has sent an invitation for his daughter's birthday party tomorrow."
I clenched my jaw. "Send my wishes. I don't have time for parties."
Rohan gave a quick nod, but instead of leaving, he shifted slightly, as if debating whether to say something.
"Anything else?" I asked impatiently.
"Sir, I got some information regarding the accident of Mr. and Mrs. Rajput," he said cautiously.
I stiffened. "Go on."
Rohan took a deep breath. "There was a mention of a child in the accident report... A 4 to 5-year-old."
My brows furrowed. "A child?"
"Yes, Sir. But the report doesn't specify if it was a girl or a boy. It only states that Mr. Rajput was drunk, lost control of the vehicle, and collided with a truck. All three died on the spot."
A strange uneasiness settled in my chest. My mind worked fast, connecting the pieces. Siya was also 4 or 5 at that time.
Did she have a sibling?
A twin?
But... she never spoke about it. She only mentioned that her parents died in a car accident. Never anything about a brother or sister.
Why would she hide it? Or was it hidden from her?
I leaned back, rubbing my temple. This didn't feel right. Something was missing.
Something was off.
I exhaled sharply and looked at Rohan. "Investigate. I want every detail about that accident. Now."
"Yes, Sir," Rohan responded immediately before leaving.
For a moment, I just sat there, tapping my fingers against the desk. It feels like what is being shown is not the truth.
Something is missing.
Something is fishy.
But I would find out. No matter what.
Without wasting another second, I focused on The Rathore Alliance Project.
A multi-million dollar deal. A partnership with an international firm.
It was about expanding our luxury hotel chain outside India.
Some people were working hard to make this deal successful.
And some... were working just as hard to steal it.
But I was always two steps ahead.
Every move had been planned. Calculated. There was no room for error.
I reviewed the documents carefully. Every clause, every strategy—perfect.
Then came the meetings.
I attended two high-stake meetings, ensuring that everything was going according to my plan. No one dared to question me. They knew better.
By the time I checked the clock, it was already 6:00 PM.
I stood up, buttoning my suit. It was time to leave.
For the first time in my life, I wasn't heading home to work.
Tonight... I had a date.
By the time Anaya and I reached home, it was already 5 o'clock. As soon as we stepped inside, Chachi asked, "So, what did you both buy?"
Before I could say anything, Anaya, being Anaya, blurted out, "We'll show everything tomorrow, Mom! Right now, we don't have time because Aarav bhai is taking Bhabhi on a date!"
My eyes widened. "Anaya!" I whispered, completely embarrassed.
But it was too late. Everyone heard.
And just like that, the teasing began.
Dadimaa chuckled. "Oh? A date?"
Chachi smirked. "Aarav and romance? That's new!"
EvenPapashook his head with a small smile.
I lowered my gaze, feeling my cheeks burn.
"Stop teasing my daughter," Maa finally said, coming to my rescue. "Let her go and get ready."
Anaya grabbed my hand, giggling. "Come, Bhabhi! We have work to do."
In my room, Anaya placed two outfits in front of me.
One was a western dress.
The other was a saree.
"Bhabhi, please wear this one for me," Anaya said, pointing at the red floral-lace midi dress.
I hesitated. "Anaya, I have never worn something like this..."
"Exactly!" she grinned. "Do something new, Bhabhi! Bhai will love it."
I bit my lip, feeling unsure.
"This dress is still your taste, Bhabhi. It's simple yet elegant. Just try it once—if you don't feel comfortable, you can change."
After a lot of convincing, I finally sighed. "Okay... I'll wear it."
As soon as I changed and looked at myself in the mirror, my heart started racing.
The dress was beautiful.
It was simple yet... different.
Comfortable yet... unfamiliar.
And then, the overthinking started.
What if this isn't appropriate?
What if I shouldn't wear something like this as the daughter-in-law of this house?
What if Aarav doesn't like it?
My thoughts were interrupted when Maa entered the room with a tray of tea.
She stopped in her tracks, eyes widening. "Oh my God, Siya... You look so pretty, beta."
I looked down, feeling shy.
Anaya immediately jumped in. "See, Taiji? Even you agree! But Bhabhi doesn't listen to me. I told her to wear this on her date, but she's still doubting herself!"
Maa smiled gently and came closer. "What happened, Siya? Are you uncomfortable in this dress?"
I shook my head. "No..."
Maa cupped my face lovingly. "Then wear it, beta. You always look beautiful, but today... you look even more beautiful."
Her words gave me the confidence I needed.
"Okay... I'll wear it." I said softly.
Anaya clapped her hands. "Good! Now, get ready, Bhabhi! Bhai is going to have a very hard time keeping his eyes off you!"
I blushed instantly.
Tonight... was going to be special.
There was a time when I didn't feel like talking to anyone.
I just wanted to be alone, lost in my own world.
So, I spent my days watching Korean dramas, escaping reality for hours.
Then, I stumbled upon Wattpad and started reading—one book after another.
Before I knew it, I had read more than 50 books.
Somewhere along the way, a thought crossed my mind—what if I wrote a book too?
At first, I didn't have a plan. I just wanted to keep myself busy, so I started writing last year.
But that book didn't turn out the way I wanted.
I know why—I didn't plan it well. I jumped into writing without a clear direction.
Then came His Angel. Initially, I told myself I'd start this story after completing my first book.
But I couldn't resist. The idea, the characters, the emotions—they all pulled me in, and before I knew it, I had started writing.
At first, I thought no one would notice my book.
But when a few readers began praising my work, I felt something I never had before—pure happiness. ????
Writing was never part of my plan. I never thought I would become a writer, even for fun. The only person who knows about this is my sister. I want to tell my best friend too, but I've decided to wait until I complete the book.
And one more thing—when I first thought about writing this book, I considered making it my own story. But my story is still incomplete... and I personally don't like sad endings. At least in the fictional world, there should always be a happy ending. ???