𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐀

Ch28 Before the Storm Breaks #3

For a few seconds, she just stood there, staring at him without blinking. This was not the Rudraksh she was used to seeing. This version of him softer, brighter, and unbelievably handsome felt completely new to her.

Her lips parted slightly as she finally spoke,

Rivanya:

“For the first time… you don’t look old today.”

But inside, her thoughts were running wild.

Oh my God… what is this? Is this really my husband?

Why is he looking this good? No… not just good… he’s looking dangerously handsome.

That pink shirt… I thought I’d just tease him, but it actually suits him so much.

His face looks softer… and those eyes… why do they feel different today?

If he keeps looking like this, I’m the one who’s going to be in trouble…

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide the effect he had on her.

Rudraksh, however, rolled his eyes slightly, though a faint hint of satisfaction lingered within him.

Rudraksh:

“Done staring? I don’t know what kind of pleasure you get from calling me old. Now come on, let’s go.”

He turned and started walking out of the room. But Rivanya didn’t move.

She was still standing there… lost in him.

Seeing that she wasn’t following, Rudraksh stopped near the door and turned back, raising an eyebrow.

Rudraksh:

“Mrs. Vardhan… will you walk on your own, or should I carry you downstairs in front of everyone?”

That snapped her out of her trance.

Without wasting another second, Rivanya hurried towards him.

Both of them walked downstairs together.

In the hall, everyone was already gathered, chatting and laughing. In just one day, Rivanya’s family and Rudraksh’s family had become surprisingly comfortable with each other, as if they had known one another for years. Vyom had already informed everyone about their late-night outing plan.

But the moment Rudraksh and Rivanya entered together

Silence.

All eyes turned towards them.

And for a moment, no one spoke.

Dressed in matching shades, they looked… perfect. Like two pieces of the same story finally standing side by side. There was something undeniably beautiful about them together as if they were made for each other.

Vyom’s mouth literally fell open seeing Rudraksh in a pink shirt for the first time. Even Pratap was visibly shocked. He had always believed that Rivanya would bring some change in Rudraksh but this? This was beyond his expectations.

Uncomfortable under everyone’s staring gaze, Rudraksh frowned slightly and, without saying a word, walked out of the house first.

As soon as he left, Vyom, Dev, and Raaj rushed towards Rivanya.

Dev raised his hand for a high-five, excitement clearly visible on his face.

Dev:

“You are truly a goddess, Bhabhisa! We accept defeat today.”

Raaj nodded in agreement.

Raaj:

“Seriously, Bhabhisa… Bhaisa looks so good in that pink shirt.”

Rivanya smiled proudly and turned towards Vyom.

Rivanya:

“Vyom bhaiya, get ready to empty your pockets. I won I made your stubborn friend wear pink.”

Vyom shook his head in disbelief but smiled.

Vyom:

“Bhabhi, there’s nothing more to say. Come on, I’ll take you shopping right now. I completely accept my defeat.”

With laughter and excitement, Rivanya, Dev, Raaj, and Vyom headed outside

Where Rudraksh was already waiting.

That night, everyone enjoyed themselves wholeheartedly.

Laughter echoed through every corner, playful teasing never seemed to end, and for the first time in many days, Rivanya felt genuinely alive and happy.

It had been so long since she had stepped out like this free from worries, smiling without hesitation.

She shopped to her heart’s content, cherished every little moment, and for once, everything felt perfectly in place.

But as fate often reminds us, the calm before a storm can feel just like this peaceful, beautiful, and deceiving.

Neither Rudraksh nor Rivanya had any idea that within the next twenty-four hours, their lives were about to take a turn they were completely unprepared for.

By the time they returned late at night, the house had already fallen silent.

One by one, everyone retired to their respective rooms.

Dev and Viswraaj left as well, while Rivanya, noticing Vyom still around, insisted that he shouldn’t drive at such a late hour and asked him to stay the night.

Agreeing to her concern, Vyom also went to his room.

Rivanya, exhausted, let out a soft yawn as she picked up her belongings and began walking upstairs.

Just then, Rudraksh silently took the bags from her hands and walked ahead.

Too tired to protest, she allowed him to help and quietly followed him to their room.

Morning arrived with a completely different aura.

It was not an ordinary day it was the sacred occasion of Shivratri. The entire house felt immersed in devotion.

Rivanya had been awake since early morning, deeply engaged in prayers and rituals, observing her fast with full sincerity and dedication. Rudraksh, too, had completed his prayers to Mahadev and was seated in the hall, ready to leave for the office, when Dadima called him over.

He walked towards her respectfully.

“Ji Dadima, boliye.”

Dadima spoke with warmth and gentle authority, reminding him that this was Rivanya’s first festival in her own home.

The earlier ritual had not been celebrated properly as the family wasn’t together, but today was different the entire family was present. According to tradition, everyone would give Rivanya sagun gifts, and as her husband, it was his responsibility to give her something meaningful as well.

Before Rudraksh could respond, Dev stepped in enthusiastically.

“I have a challenge for you, Bhaisa. You have to give Bhabhisa something truly priceless only then will I accept it.”

Rudraksh frowned slightly, thinking.

“Priceless? You mean jewelry?”

Dev shook his head with a playful smile.

“It could be anything. That’s for you to decide. Just make sure it’s something no one has ever given before… and something truly priceless.”

Rudraksh fell silent, lost in thought. What could he possibly give that held such value?

And then, suddenly, something struck his mind.

Without another word, he turned and walked straight to his room.

By the time he returned, the entire family had gathered in the hall. Rivanya was in the kitchen, preparing tea and coffee for everyone. Seeing her there, Viswraaj spoke with concern,

“Bhabhisa, today most of us are fasting… what are you doing in the kitchen?”

Rivanya smiled gently.

“Bade Devarsa, only some of us are fasting. Should I let the rest of you stay hungry?”

Dadima immediately intervened, her voice filled with concern.

“Then why are you doing all this, Rivanya? There is staff for it. You are fasting too, beta. You’ve been working since yesterday take some rest.”

Before Rivanya could reply, Vasudha spoke emotionally, her eyes soft with affection.

“My Rivu has truly grown up. There was a time she wouldn’t even wake up for school without throwing tantrums… and now look at her.”

Dadima added with a fond smile,

“We would have preferred if she showed some tantrums even in her in-laws’ house… but she’s always busy taking care of everyone.”

Just then, Rivanya walked in with tea for everyone and coffee for Dev and Raaj.

“I don’t mind taking care of my own family,” she said softly. “Please have your tea. And Nani, remember you are not fasting. The doctor has strictly forbidden it.”

Her nani laughed lightly, teasing her in return, and once again, warmth and laughter filled the room.

And then.

Rudraksh entered.

In his hands was a small pouch made of red velvet.

Everyone’s attention shifted towards him instantly.

As Rivanya turned to leave, Rudraksh stopped her.

“Rivanya… listen.”

She paused and walked towards him, standing in front of him.

“Ji, kahiye…”

He extended the pouch towards her.

“Dadima asked me to give you something… so this is for you.”

Rivanya hesitated for a moment before taking it from his hands. Slowly, she opened it.

And the moment she saw what was inside.

She froze.

Inside lay a pair of heavy gold bangles, intricately designed and studded with diamonds. The moment Dadima and Pratap saw them, they stood up in shock. Dev, unable to hold back his curiosity, asked,

“Bhaisa, how is this priceless?”

Rudraksh’s expression softened, a faint, painful smile touching his lips.

“These bangles… belonged to my mother.”

The room fell into complete silence.

Every single person stood still, absorbing his words.

Rudraksh continued, his voice steady yet heavy with emotion.

“When I was a child, my mother bought these bangles in front of me. She told me that one day, when I got married, she would give them to her daughter-in-law. So… I have simply given Rivanya what was always meant to be hers.”

He paused briefly before adding,

“To others, they may just seem valuable. But for me, they are priceless. They carry my mother’s memory… and that has no value that can ever be measured.”

He had hidden his pain well almost perfectly.

But the slight moisture in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Rivanya.

Her heart tightened.

Softly, she spoke, hesitation evident in her voice,

“Rudra… these are so precious. How can I keep them? And they are your mother’s memory… how can I take on such a big responsibility?”

Rudraksh gently shook his head.

“Don’t think of it as a responsibility. Think of it as my mother’s blessing the blessing she always wanted to give to her daughter-in-law. And the only person who deserves it… is you, Rivanya. Only you.”

Dadima could no longer hold back her tears. The entire atmosphere turned deeply emotional. Dev stepped forward and hugged Rudraksh tightly.

“Truly, Bhaisa… this is the most priceless gift you could have given Bhabhisa.”

Rudraksh silently returned the hug.

And amidst all of this.

Rivanya stood there, holding the bangles in her hands, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She kept looking at Rudraksh, her heart whispering something she could no longer ignore.