𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐀

Ch26 The Bow That Broke Pride

"Hey there, amazing readers! Your comments, votes, and love mean the world to me. They keep me inspired and motivated to bring you new chapters even faster! So don't hold back-share your thoughts, hit that vote button, and let's make this journey unforgettable together!"

I just hope you guys will complete the target this time...??????

AUTHOR'S POV:

Never before had Vardhan Mansion looked as lively and cheerful as it did today.

The atmosphere of the mansion felt different-warmer, brighter, almost alive.

And why wouldn't it be? The house that once felt like nothing more than cold stone walls had slowly begun to turn into a home, and the reason behind that change was Rivanya.

In such a short time, Rivanya had become the beloved of the entire Vardhan family.

The love she received there was something she had longed for all her life.

Dadi Maa, Dada Ji, Rudraksh's father, his two caring younger brothers, and both his chacha and chachi-everyone had accepted her with open hearts.

Their affection surrounded her in a way she had never experienced before, filling the empty spaces in her heart with warmth.

The Vardhan Mansion had always possessed everything one could imagine-wealth, power, grandeur, and prestige.

The halls were magnificent, the rooms luxurious, and the legacy of the Vardhan family echoed through every corner of the estate.

Yet despite having everything, the mansion had always lacked the most important thing-a true sense of family.

That was slowly beginning to change because of Rivanya.

Where Rudraksh had built walls around himself and preferred to live in isolation, far from emotional attachments, Rivanya was the complete opposite.

She believed in the warmth of togetherness, in laughter shared around a dining table, in festivals celebrated with loved ones, and in the comfort of a family standing beside each other.

Rudraksh was someone who had always chosen distance.

Rivanya was someone who believed in bringing people closer.

And perhaps, without either of them realizing it, the quiet storm of change had already begun inside Vardhan Mansion.

Rivanya was completely immersed in work.

The entire mansion seemed to be moving at her pace as she hurried from one task to another, giving instructions, checking preparations, and making sure everything was perfect for the family's arrival and the upcoming festival.

Her excitement was so overwhelming that she had almost forgotten about the drink she had accidentally consumed the previous night and the hangover that had followed it.

The slight heaviness in her head, the exhaustion in her body-everything had faded behind her enthusiasm.

But Rudraksh hadn't forgotten.

He knew Rivanya well enough by now to understand that when she got busy or excited about something, she completely neglected herself.

That was why he had sent a hangover drink for her through one of the maids earlier.

However, the moment the maid had brought it to her, the strong smell alone had made Rivanya feel nauseous.

Just one sniff had almost made her throw up, so she had quickly pushed the glass aside without even attempting to drink it.

Now, when Rudraksh entered the kitchen to check on things, his sharp eyes immediately noticed the untouched glass sitting exactly where it had been left.

And Rivanya?

She was standing a little distance away, completely absorbed in preparing kheer, stirring the pot with full focus while occasionally checking the ingredients around her.

Seeing the untouched drink didn't surprise him at all.

In fact, it was exactly what he had expected.

By now, Rudraksh had realized something about Rivanya-despite all her maturity, responsibility, and strength, there was still an undeniable childishness inside her. A kind of innocence that refused to grow up completely.

Without making any sound, he walked straight toward her and stopped just behind her. He stood there silently for a few moments, simply watching her.

Rivanya, completely unaware of his presence, continued working.

The soft clinking of utensils, the aroma of kheer slowly filling the kitchen, and the faint sound of her bangles moving with every stir created a strangely peaceful moment.

When she finally turned around to grab something from the counter behind her, she walked straight into him.

Startled, she lost her balance and began to fall.

But before she could hit the ground, Rudraksh quickly caught her in his arms, holding her firmly.

For a brief second, the world seemed to pause.

Looking down at her, he said in a dry tone,

"Even a five-year-old child has more sense than you, Mrs. Vardhan."

Rivanya immediately straightened herself and stepped away from him, her eyes blazing with anger.

"What did you just say? Have you looked at yourself? Even at twenty-seven, you have the mind of a sixty-year-old man. Did I ever say anything about that? And why are you standing in my way like a roadside pole? Move aside. I have a lot of work to do."

She turned to leave immediately, clearly annoyed.

But before she could take more than a step, Rudraksh grabbed her wrist from behind and pulled her slightly back toward him.

"There's only one path now. After all, you're the one who married me. So you can't complain that I've come in your way."

His tone was calm but teasing.

"And if you have so much sense, then why didn't you drink the medicine I sent?"

Rivanya looked at him with complete innocence.

"It smelled really bad. I felt like vomiting, so..."

Rudraksh stared at her for a moment in disbelief.

Then, using one finger, he gently pushed her forehead back.

"You're exactly like a little baby, Rivanya. Even children don't throw this many tantrums."

She immediately crossed her arms and glared at him.

"Then you don't need to worry about me. Go do your work."

But despite her angry words, something in the air between them had changed again.

Something softer.

Something neither of them was ready to admit yet.

Rudraksh stared at Rivanya with narrowed eyes for a moment, carefully observing her face. Something about her expression made him suspicious. After a brief pause, he spoke in a calm but teasing tone.

Rudraksh said,

"What's that stuck in your teeth?"

Hearing this, Rivanya immediately became conscious. Her brows furrowed slightly in confusion and she instinctively opened her mouth a little to check if something was actually stuck there. She tried to look around for any reflective surface nearby to confirm it.

But the moment she opened her mouth, Rudraksh took advantage of the opportunity.

Without giving her even a second to react, he quickly picked up the glass of hangover drink from the counter and pushed it right to her lips. Before Rivanya could understand what was happening, he tilted the glass and the drink was already pouring into her mouth.

Caught completely off guard, Rivanya had no choice but to swallow it. The bitter liquid slid down her throat in one breath as she gulped it down helplessly.

The moment she finished drinking it, her face twisted in disgust. Her nose scrunched up and her lips curled as if she had just tasted something extremely unpleasant.

Rivanya said with a disgusted expression,

"Chi! This tastes horrible... just like poison. Wait a minute... did you give me poison? Look, if something happens to me, remember I'm going to become a lawyer one day and I won't spare you."

Rudraksh looked at her with an unreadable expression. Instead of calming her, he deliberately decided to tease her further. Crossing his arms casually, he replied in a calm yet mischievous tone.

Rudraksh said,

"You'll become a lawyer only if you stay alive. And you yourself just said it's poison."

For a brief moment, Rivanya's confidence wavered. Her eyes widened slightly as a flicker of genuine fear appeared on her face. She looked at him as if trying to figure out whether he was serious or not.

Seeing her reaction, Rudraksh finally spoke again, his tone a little softer though the teasing remained.

Rudraksh said,

"As bad as you think I am, I'm not that terrible. Don't worry... I won't let you die so easily, Mrs. Rivanya Rudraksh Vardhan."

The way he emphasized her full name immediately annoyed her. His teasing only irritated her further, and her face turned slightly red with anger.

Without warning, Rivanya lifted her foot and kicked him hard on his leg.

Rudraksh instantly groaned in pain. His body jerked slightly and he lifted one leg while holding it, clearly feeling the impact of her kick.

Rudraksh said painfully,

"What kind of wild girl are you? Yesterday you attacked my sensitive point and today you've started attacking my legs too?"

Rivanya opened her mouth to reply, ready to argue back. However, before she could say anything, a dramatic voice suddenly echoed from behind them.

Vyom exclaimed loudly,

"What?!"

Both of them turned around to see Vyom standing a few steps away, staring at them with exaggerated shock on his face as if he had just witnessed the most shocking scene in the world.

Vyom said dramatically,

"Bhabhi... you kicked my friend's honor? Oh God!"

Before anyone could react, Vyom rushed forward and dramatically wrapped his arms around Rudraksh as if he was consoling a victim of a tragic incident.

Vyom said with fake sorrow,

"Oh no... Bhabhi, does this mean I'll never become a chachu? And my poor friend here will never become a father?"

Rudraksh immediately pushed him away in irritation, clearly fed up with his nonsense.

Rudraksh said angrily,

"Stop your nonsense, Vyom! What kind of rubbish are you talking about?"

But Vyom only laughed louder. His laughter echoed throughout the kitchen as he continued teasing his friend without any mercy.

Vyom said between bursts of laughter,

"I must admit, Bhabhi... this is impressive. The Rudraksh Vardhan whom no one even dares to touch... and you managed to-"

He couldn't even finish his sentence because he burst into louder laughter again.