𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐀

Ch28 Before the Storm Breaks

"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!"

Rudraksh was still sitting on the bed, his hand pressed firmly against his neck, feeling the lingering sting of her bite, when suddenly Dev walked in to call him. The moment Dev noticed Rudraksh holding his neck like that, his brows knitted together in concern.

Dev:

“Bhaisa, what happened to you? Why are you holding your neck like that?”

Rudraksh didn’t remove his hand. Instead, he replied casually, as if nothing serious had happened,

Rudraksh:

“It’s nothing… just got bitten by a wild cat.”

Dev blinked in confusion, clearly not understanding.

Dev:

“A cat? Inside the house? I’ve never seen any cat here…”

A faint, knowing smirk appeared on Rudraksh’s lips as he replied,

Rudraksh:

“There is one… a very wild one. But don’t worry, it won’t bite you… or anyone else.”

Dev looked even more puzzled now, trying to make sense of his words.

Dev:

“What kind of cat is that which bites only you, Bhaisa?”

Rudraksh let out a soft breath, slightly shaking his head, clearly not in the mood to explain further.

Rudraksh:

“Leave all that… tell me, did you come here for something important?”

Even as he spoke, his fingers subconsciously brushed over the bite mark again.

That “wild cat”…

Had left more than just a mark on his skin.

Dev nodded and said,

Dev:

“Yes, Bhaisa… Bhabhisa is calling you. Everyone is already seated at the dinner table and waiting for you. Please come downstairs.”

Rudraksh gave a short nod.

Rudraksh:

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Without wasting another second, the two of them walked downstairs together.

The moment Rudraksh stepped into the dining area, he was greeted by a completely different atmosphere warm, lively, and filled with laughter.

The entire family was already seated, engaged in light-hearted conversations, while Rivanya stood amidst the staff, gracefully instructing them as they served the dishes.

The mansion, for once, didn’t feel grand and distant it felt alive… like a real home.

Despite noticing Rudraksh’s arrival, Rivanya didn’t even glance at him. She remained focused on her work, as if he didn’t exist at all. But Rudraksh… his eyes didn’t leave her even for a second. Watching her every move, he walked over and silently took his seat.

Everyone had been served food, but Rudraksh’s plate was still empty. Noticing this, Vasudha spoke in a mildly scolding tone,

Vasudha:

“Rivanya, why haven’t you served your husband yet? Serve him first.”

Rivanya turned slightly and replied without hesitation,

Rivanya:

“Maa, your son-in-law doesn’t really eat human food… he prefers something more suitable for animals.”

For a split second, there was silence And then the entire table burst into laughter.

Vyom, especially, couldn’t control himself. He laughed so hard that tears almost formed in his eyes. Seeing him like that, Rudraksh silently stretched his leg under the table and kicked him hard. Vyom flinched in pain but only laughed louder, making the situation even worse for Rudraksh.

Vasudha shook her head lightly.

Vasudha:

“What are you even saying, Rivanya? Who talks like this?”

Rivanya shrugged innocently.

Rivanya:

“I’m just telling the truth, Maa. Your son-in-law doesn’t eat after 8 PM. It ruins his diet. So he’ll only have soup… nothing else.”

Hearing this, Vasudha went quiet, and the others resumed eating, still chuckling softly. A few moments later, Rivanya walked in from the kitchen carrying a bowl of hot soup. The steam rose gently as she placed it in front of Rudraksh and began serving him.

Leaning slightly towards her, Rudraksh muttered in a low voice,

Rudraksh:

“Why are you trying so hard to ruin my image in front of everyone?”

Rivanya didn’t even look at him.

Rivanya:

“When did I publicly tear your shirt? I only said what’s true.”

Her calm reply only irritated him more. Unable to respond openly, Rudraksh decided to take his revenge silently. Under the table, he suddenly pinched her waist.

Rivanya gasped and let out a small scream.

Immediately, everyone looked at her.

Before she could say anything, Rudraksh turned towards her with fake concern.

Rudraksh:

“What happened, Mrs. Vardhan? Why did you scream?”

Rivanya froze, completely caught off guard. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. Then, nervously,

Rivanya:

“Uh… an ant… an ant bit me. It’s nothing. You all continue.”

Everyone nodded, accepting her explanation, and went back to eating. But Rivanya… she shot Rudraksh a deadly glare before quickly moving away from him.

Dadi Maa then spoke gently,

Dadi Maa:

“Rivanya, you’ve worked enough. Come sit and eat now.”

Rivanya shook her head.

Rivanya:

“No, Dadi Maa… you all eat. I’ll eat later.”

But Dadaji didn’t agree.

Dadaji:

“No, beta. Sit now. You’ve been working since morning. No excuses.”

With everyone insisting, Rivanya finally gave in and sat down. Slowly, she began eating along with them, and soon the table was once again filled with laughter, teasing, and warmth.

After dinner, everyone moved to the garden. The cool night breeze, the soft lights, and the peaceful surroundings made the moment even more special. Conversations flowed easily but amidst all that, Rudraksh’s eyes remained fixed on Rivanya.

And Rivanya… she wasn’t any better.

Her gaze kept drifting towards him again and again.

Suddenly, Vyom noticed something on Rudraksh’s neck. Leaning forward slightly, he squinted and then spoke loudly,

Vyom:

“Hey Rudraksh… what happened to your neck?”

In an instant, everyone’s attention shifted to him.

Rudraksh stiffened slightly but tried to act normal.

Rudraksh:

“Oh… it’s nothing. Just a mosquito bite.”

Vyom raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

Vyom:

“A mosquito? In this mansion? That’s impossible. Not even ants are allowed here because of you… so where did a mosquito come from?”

Rudraksh sighed in irritation.

Rudraksh:

“Just leave it, okay? Maybe it’s some allergy.”

But Vyom leaned back, smirking.

Vyom:

“Come on, brother… no need to hide. We all know who bit you.”

The moment he said that, laughter erupted again.

Dev joined in, grinning,

Dev:

“So the ‘wild cat’ you were talking about… is your wife? Our Bhabhisa?”

Rivanya felt her entire face burn with embarrassment. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her right then and there.

Inside her head, she kept scolding herself,

“Why did I even bite him there… now I’m the one trapped!”

But Vyom wasn’t done yet.

Vyom:

“Brother, we’re used to this. First, we witnessed your ‘bed-breaking love’ on your first night… and now this too!”

That was it.

Rivanya couldn’t handle it anymore.

Her face completely red, heart racing, she immediately got up and rushed inside the house.

For the first time, even Rudraksh looked slightly embarrassed. His jaw tightened as he stood up, punched Vyom hard on the back, and followed her inside.

Vyom cried out in pain, while the rest of them burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Tonight, Vardhan Mansion didn’t feel like a strict, powerful household It felt like a home filled with chaos, teasing, and happiness.

Still laughing, Vyom, Dev, and Raaj followed inside.

They soon reached near the pooja room, where Rivanya was standing, muttering something under her breath.

Her face was still flushed, her expressions a mix of embarrassment and irritation…

making it clear that she hadn’t recovered from the teasing even now.

Rudraksh wasn’t foolish enough to walk back into that crowd after everything that had just happened.

The teasing, the laughter, the way everyone had caught on he knew better than to face them again right now.

Without wasting a moment, he quietly made his way upstairs and went straight to his room, choosing distance over becoming the center of everyone’s jokes.

Downstairs, however, the atmosphere was still buzzing with amusement. Rivanya stood there with Vyom, Dev, and Raaj, her face still slightly flushed from embarrassment, though now mixed with irritation.

Rivanya:

“What is this, Vyom bhaiya? You just say anything in front of everyone!”

Vyom, completely unapologetic, burst out laughing again.

Vyom:

“Well, Bhabhi… that’s just how I am. And tell me, how could I miss such a golden chance to pull Rudraksh’s leg?”

Rivanya tried to stay annoyed, but his carefree attitude made it impossible. A small laugh escaped her lips despite herself.

Just then, Dev joined in, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Dev:

“Bhabhisa, Bhaisa was calling you a wild cat. I think you should keep him properly under control.”

Rivanya rolled her eyes dramatically, folding her arms.

Rivanya:

“Oh please, chote devarsa… I don’t have that kind of courage. Your Bhaisa will roar like a lion, and I’ll go silent like a tiny ant.”

That comparison sent all three of them into another round of laughter. The mood had turned light again, her earlier embarrassment slowly fading away in the warmth of their teasing.

After a moment, Rivanya’s expression softened, and she spoke again, this time a little hesitantly.

Rivanya:

“Anyway… all that is fine, but I need a small favor from you all.”

Hearing that, Vyom, Dev, and Raaj immediately straightened, as if ready to fulfill any command she gave.

Vyom, Dev, Raaj (together):

“Just say it, Bhabhisa. Whatever you want, it’s done.”

Rivanya fidgeted slightly before speaking, almost shyly this time.

Rivanya:

“Actually… I really feel like eating ice cream. But your Bhaisa won’t let me go out alone this late… so can one of you take me outside?”

Vyom didn’t even hesitate.

Vyom:

“Bhabhi, why are you even asking? Come, I’ll take you. The car is ready.”

Dev immediately added, clearly excited by the idea,

Dev:

“Then Raaj bhaisa and I will come too. We’ll get some fresh air and roam around a bit.”