𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐀

Ch26 The Bow That Broke Pride #3

Rudraksh, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke with a faint smirk.

Rudraksh said,

"Looks like my Lakshman and Bharat forgot their own bhai sa after meeting bhabhi sa."

Hearing that, both of them quickly rushed toward him and bent down to touch his feet, but Rudraksh immediately stopped them and pulled them into a hug instead.

That one moment three brothers standing together filled the entire room with warmth.

Everyone watching couldn't help but smile.

Just as striking and royal as Rudraksh was... Viswraaj and Devaditya were no less.

Viswraaj stood tall at 6'3, carrying himself with a perfectly disciplined and composed personality.

Everything about him reflected control and precision his routine, his habits, even the way he spoke.

Yet, despite all that discipline, sweets were his one weakness something he could never resist.

His fair complexion, sharp eyes, and a small beauty mark beneath them added an intense charm to his already striking features.

His well-defined jawline and perfectly shaped lips gave him a naturally regal aura.

Academically, he was unbeatable especially in mathematics.

But personality-wise, he was reserved. He spoke very little, and that too only with family.

Outside, he was just like his elder brother strict, professional, and distant.

Like Rudraksh, he had his own business, but deep down, he also had a creative side... a quiet love for drawing.

On the other hand, Devaditya was completely different.

He was lively, carefree, and always smiling the kind of person who could light up any room.

But behind that bright smile... there was a hidden layer no one could easily see.

His laughter was often just a mask, hiding pain he never spoke about.

Standing at 6'4 with a perfectly toned physique, Dev was deeply passionate about fitness.

The gym wasn't just a hobby for him it was a part of who he was.

And alongside that, boxing was his second love.

In terms of looks, he was nothing less than a Greek God.

But what truly made him dangerous... was his smile one that could effortlessly make anyone fall for him.

Dev's face lit up with warmth as he looked at Rudraksh, his voice filled with genuine affection.

Dev said,

"Bhaisa, is that even possible? That we could ever forget you? I missed you a lot... I don't know about Raj Bhaisa though."

Raj instantly shot him an annoyed look and replied with his usual sarcasm.

Raj said,

"Yes, Bhaisa... from now on, instead of sending love letters to bhabhi sa, send them to this donkey daily. Right, Dev?"

The moment he said that, laughter erupted across the room. Even the elders couldn't hold back their smiles at the brothers' playful banter.

Amidst the laughter, Dadi Maa's expression turned slightly serious. She looked at Rudraksh.

Dadi Maa said,

"Rudraksh, I need to tell you something, beta."

Rudraksh immediately stepped away from his brothers and walked toward her. Without hesitation, he sat down near her feet, his tone soft and respectful.

Rudraksh said,

"Yes, Dadi Maa... what happened?"

Dadi Maa hesitated for a moment, as if unsure how he would react.

Dadi Maa said,

"Beta... your Chandni bua will also be arriving in some time today..."

The moment the name Chandni bua left her lips, Rudraksh's entire expression hardened. His brows furrowed sharply, and a visible tension settled on his face.

Rudraksh said,

"Dadi Maa, you know very well that I don't like her. Especially her mindset. Still, you're bringing her into my house?"

Dadi Maa sighed helplessly.

Dadi Maa said,

"I know, beta... not just you, none of us like her. But what can we do? She's the daughter of a distant relative. We can't refuse her."

Rudraksh's jaw tightened further.

Rudraksh said,

"Why is she even coming here?"

Dadi Maa took a deep breath before answering.

Dadi Maa said,

"To see your bride... Rivanya."

Rudraksh immediately stood up, his patience snapping.

Rudraksh said,

"I've tolerated her behavior many times before. But remember this if she says even a single disrespectful word to Rivanya, I will forget that she's related to you."

His voice wasn't loud... but it carried a dangerous calm.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked upstairs in anger.

Seeing his state, Dev, Viswraaj, and Vyom exchanged glances and quickly followed him.

Left behind, Rivanya stood there, slightly confused by everything that had just happened. She turned toward Dadi Maa.

Rivanya said,

"Dadi Maa... who is Chandni bua? And why did Rudraksh get so angry just hearing her name?"

Dadi Maa looked at her with a concerned expression.

Dadi Maa said,

"Beta, what should I say... Chandni is the daughter of a distant relative. She has a very bad habit of speaking anything to anyone right on their face and putting others down. Rudraksh absolutely hates that. And today, if she says anything to you...

no one will be able to save her from Rudraksh's anger."

Rivanya listened carefully, then after a moment, she smiled gently, trying to lighten the mood.

Rivanya said,

"Please don't worry. Everything will be fine. I'll bring tea and coffee for everyone, okay? It will make everyone feel better."

Without waiting for a reply, she headed toward the kitchen. She instructed the staff to serve tea and coffee to everyone in the hall, while she herself prepared four cups of coffee.

Holding the tray carefully, she made her way upstairs toward Rudraksh's study room.

Inside, Rudraksh, Dev, Raj, and Vyom were already engaged in a serious conversation.

Rivanya knocked softly on the door.

Dev immediately responded, his tone cheerful as always.

Dev said,

"Arre bhabhi sa, why are you knocking? Just come in."

Rivanya smiled softly and stepped inside. She placed the tray on the table and handed each of them their coffee mugs.

Viswraaj looked at her with slight concern.

Viswraaj said,

"Bhabhi sa, why did you bring this yourself? You could've asked the staff."

Before Rivanya could respond, Rudraksh spoke without even looking at her, his tone still carrying irritation.

Rudraksh said,

"Your bhabhi sa has a serious illness she doesn't take help from staff. Thinks she's Wonder Woman."

Rivanya knew he was still angry. Instead of reacting, she calmly picked up his mug and walked toward him. Sitting beside him, she held it out gently.

Rivanya said,

"Here... your strong coffee, just the way you like it."

Rudraksh took the mug. After a sip, his tone softened slightly.

Rudraksh said,

"Thank you."

Rivanya then turned toward the others with a playful expression.

Rivanya said,

"And devarsa, how can it be so difficult to give just one cup of coffee to your own family?"

Viswraaj smiled faintly.

Viswraaj said,

"That's fine, bhabhi... but please call me by my name. Not 'devarsa.' You can call me and Dev the same way Bhaisa does."

Rivanya nodded with a small smile.

Rivanya said,

"Alright... Dev and Raj. Is that okay?"

Both of them agreed at the same time, nodding happily.

Then, Rivanya's gaze shifted back to Rudraksh.

He was still sitting there, quiet... but the tension hadn't fully left him.

Rivanya looked at him gently, her voice softer now.

Rivanya said,

"What happened, Rudra? Why are you so angry? She's just a relative... she'll come, stay for a while, and leave..."

Rudraksh's grip tightened slightly around the coffee mug, his jaw still clenched as the irritation clearly lingered within him. His voice carried a sharp edge, not loud but heavy with warning.

Rudraksh said,

"It's not just that, Rivanya. I don't like her at all. All she knows is how to insult people and bring them down. And the staff? She doesn't even consider them human. And I swear... if she says even a single word to you today, I won't spare her."

His protectiveness wasn't hidden anymore. It was raw, intense, and unmistakable.

Rivanya looked at him calmly, completely unfazed by his anger. Instead of reacting, she spoke gently, her voice steady almost like she was soothing a storm.

Rivanya said,

"First, you calm down. You're always ready to explode at the smallest thing. Relax... and don't worry about her. I'll handle her. Even Dadi Maa and Dada Ji said that if she crosses a line, I can answer her back directly."

There was confidence in her tone. Not arrogance but quiet strength.

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Dev, Viswraaj, and Vyom exchanged glances, all equally stunned.

They had seen Rudraksh angry countless times. And they knew one thing for sure when Rudraksh Vardhan lost his temper, no one dared to go near him.

No one... except Rivanya.

And today, right in front of them, they witnessed something they had never seen before.

Just by her words... just by her presence...

Rudraksh was calming down.

The same man who controlled empires with fear... was being softened by a girl who spoke to him with nothing but warmth and quiet authority.

And in that moment, it became clearer than ever...

Rivanya wasn't just a part of his life anymore.

She was slowly becoming the only one who could control it.

Rivanya gave them all a soft, composed smile, her presence still carrying that calm warmth which had just settled the storm inside the room.

Rivanya said,

"Alright then, you all continue your discussion. I'll take your leave now... I have a lot of work to do, and there's still so much preparation left for Shivratri tomorrow. If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

With that, Rivanya quietly walked out of the room.

And the moment the door closed behind her...

The atmosphere changed.

The warmth she left behind faded, and the room was once again filled with tension heavy, serious, and suffocating.

Vyom's expression hardened as he leaned forward slightly, his tone turning completely professional.

Vyom said,

"Rudraksh, we need to tighten your security. Tyagi can't be trusted. After escaping from jail, he has only one goal now to kill you."