"Give me new husband"
Devyani didn't wait for an answer. "You won't go fine, I'll go," she said sharply, turning away.
And before Rivan could say another word, she left the room, leaving him standing there utterly confused, half-amused, and half-worried.
She walked straight to the siblings' room. Everyone was gathered there Payal, Aradhya, and Rudraksh laughing, talking, trying to lighten the heavy air that still lingered after the day's chaos.
Seeing Devyani at the door, they all brightened up instantly.
"Come, Bhabhi!" Payal beamed. "Tonight no one's sleeping we're having a full gossip night!"
Devyani forced a small smile. "Okay, I'll join you guys."
Rudraksh grinned mischievously. "But we're talking about ghosts tonight. What if you get scared?"
Devyani shook her head, trying to sound playful. "No, I'm not afraid of ghosts. In fact, they get scared of me."
Everyone burst into laughter the room suddenly filled with warmth again until the door creaked open.
And the laughter died in an instant.
He stood there in silence, still looking at her with that same confusion, his tone calm but heavy.
"Kitten, you don't want to rest? Come, let's go."
Devyani didn't even glance at him. She acted as if he wasn't there at all.
Everyone in the room exchanged awkward looks, trying hard to suppress their smiles.
Devyani, keeping her expression firm, said without looking at him, "Go and sleep with her."
That stunned everyone.
Rivan blinked, his voice quiet and genuinely puzzled. "Whom are you talking about?"
That question so calm, so innocent only made her more furious.
She turned to him, eyes blazing. "You're really a shameless person!"
Gasps filled the room.
Payal's eyes widened, Rudraksh froze mid-laugh, and Aradhya's eyes darted between the two in disbelief.
But Rivan
He didn't even get angry.
He just looked at her... utterly confused, as if trying to figure out what exactly was happening and how he had somehow become the villain again.
And somewhere deep down, he found her anger strangely... adorable.
Rivan blinked at her, still not understanding how he went from feeding her dinner to being accused of a mystery marriage.
He took a step closer, his voice calm but teasing, "Kitten, what did I do now?"
Devyani crossed her arms, pouting like a stubborn child, "Don't act innocent. I know everything."
He tilted his head, biting back a smile. "Everything? That's impressive. Then maybe you can tell me too what exactly do I know?"
she huffed, taking a small step forward. "You could've at least told me before. I had to hear it from others!"
He crossed his arms now, amusement glinting in his eyes.
Devyani crossed her arms, face puffed with irritation. She didn't even look at him.
"Don't talk to me."
Rivan blinked. "Okay... but what did I do?"
She huffed. "You know what you did!"
He took a step forward, trying to read her face. "No, I don't. Tell me."
Her nose flared. "You always act like you don't know anything! Why do you always make me say everything?"
"Because I don't understand half of what you're angry about," he replied honestly, rubbing his temple. "Can you at least give me a clue?"
Devyani turned her face away dramatically. "I don't want to give any clue. You should know yourself!"
He sighed, folding his arms. "I swear, I've faced gunshots, betrayals, and board meetings full of enemies... but your silence is scarier than all of them, kitten."
Her lips twitched, but she stayed serious. "Good. Be scared."
Rivan arched an eyebrow, amused despite himself. "So I'm supposed to be scared without knowing what for?"
"Yes."
He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "You're unbelievable."
"I'm serious!" she said, stomping her foot like a child, which only made him smile more.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "So you don't want to talk, don't want to tell me, and don't even want to look at me... what do you want then, hmm?"
Devyani bit her lip. "I... I just want you to go."
"Go?" he repeated, feigning surprise.
Her eyes darted away again. "Then I'll go!" she blurted, making everyone's head snap up in shock.
Rivan tilted his head, taking another slow step forward. "Where will you go?"
She didn't have an answer. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her heartbeat grew louder in her ears.
Her breath hitched, and she immediately turned away again, muttering under her breath, "You're so annoying..."
Rivan chuckled, his confusion slowly melting into quiet amusement as he stood there, watching her sulk.
He thought to himself this girl will make me lose my mind.
And Devyani, still glaring at the floor, whispered this man will make me lose my mind.
And before he could say anything, she stormed out of the room again.
Rivan stood frozen for a second, brows furrowing, before his sharp gaze slowly shifted toward his siblings sitting on the couch.
"Who..." his voice dropped, dangerously calm, "...told this shit to her?"
The entire roomwent silent. Rudraksh immediately lifted both hands, as if surrendering in front of a police officer.
"Trust me, bhai, not me this time."
Payal quickly added, "Me too! I didn't even talk to Bhabhi today."
Aradhya nervously smiled, "I was just sitting here. Promise!"
Rivan's jaw tightened. His eyes scanned all of them cold, sharp, and lethal and finally, he said in a dangerously soft voice,
"You better not be lying to me... because if anyone here dared to feed nonsense to my wife, you'll be praying for mercy."
Everyone froze, gulping hard.
Rudraksh whispered under his breath, "At least he called her his wife."
Payal elbowed him hard. "Not the time, idiot."
Rivan exhaled heavily, clearly trying to control the anger simmering beneath his calm face. Then, without another word, he turned around and started walking out.
Aradhya whispered, "He's going to coax her."
Rudraksh ighed. "God save Bhabhi. She's angry, and he's confused that's a deadly mix."
Payal chuckled softly. "At least it's love war now, not blood war."
And with that, Rivan's footsteps faded down the corridor, each one echoing with determination the storm was now heading straight toward his kitten.
Rivan followed her quietly, his long strides matching her quick angry ones.
Her small frame, filled with frustration, looked almost adorable but he knew better than to laugh.
"Kitten..." his deep voice echoed softly behind her.
"At least tell me to whom am I going to marry?"
Devyani turned around sharply, her eyes burning with anger and confusion.
Her lips quivered, and her voice trembled "Don't... don't call me that!"
Rivan blinked, stunned. "Okay... fine," he muttered, taking a cautious step closer. "But at least tell me what's going on in that tiny head of yours?"
Devyani gave him a glare so fierce that for a moment even Rivan Thakur forgot how to breathe.
"If you follow me again," she said, her tone trembling yet stubborn, "I swear I'll jump from here!"
Rivan immediately stopped, his heart skipping a beat not from fear of her words, but from the thought of her even trying.
His voice dropped low, calm yet trembling slightly, "Stop kidding now, kitten. It's not funny. Tell me what's going on?"
But she didn't listen.
She turned away, her anklets jingling furiously with each step as she walked straight down the hall.
"Kitten..." he called again, this time softer.
No response.
She reached Virendra's room and without turning back, slammed the door right on his face.
The loud thud of the door echoed through the corridor, and for the first time in years, Rivan Thakur stood... speechless.
His jaw tightened, his hand twitched beside him half in anger, half in disbelief.
He exhaled deeply, staring at the closed door for a few long seconds before muttering under his breath,
Inside the room, Devyani pressed her back against the door, her heart racing wildly.
Her palms were cold, her breath uneven she didn't know whether she was angry, jealous, or... scared to lose him.
Outside, Rivan leaned against the wall, running his hand through his hair with a half-smirk, half-frown.
"She really thinks I'll let her go like that?" he whispered to himself.
"Kitten, you've started a fire you can't put out."
Virendra walked down the corridor and paused when he saw Rivan standing outside his own room, hands tucked into his pockets, his jaw set tight.
Brows furrowed, Virendra asked, "What are you doing here?"
Rivan didn't look at him, his eyes fixed on the door. "Send your daughter-in-law out," he said flatly. "She's inside."
Virendra blinked, trying not to laugh. "She's your wife, Rivan. You can ask her yourself."
Then a slow smirk curved on his lips. "Tsk tsk... Rivan Thakur—the same man who used to make the world tremble with a single glare is standing outside room now?"
Rivan's jaw ticked, eyes narrowing dangerously at his father. But Virendra only folded his arms, clearly enjoying this rare moment.
"What happened, hmm?" he continued mockingly. "Did your little wife finally throw you out?"
Rivan took a deep breath, his patience thinning, and said in his cold, composed tone, "Careful, old man."
Virendra chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ah, there's the Thakur temper. I missed that."
Rivan's eyes narrowed further, but he didn't reply just turned his gaze back to the closed door, silently battling between his pride and his worry for the girl inside.
Virendra glanced back at Rivan for a moment, noticing the silent storm in his eyes, but chose not to interfere. He simply walked in and closed the door behind him.
Devyani's head rested on Yashodha's lap, her long lashes brushing against her cheeks as she tried to hide the traces of her tears. Yashodha gently caressed her hair, her fingers moving in slow, soothing strokes the way only a mother could comfort.
Virendra's stern face softened instantly at the sight. A rare, tender smile tugged at his lips.
"Umm... what happened to my daughter?" he asked lightly, trying to sound playful.
Devyani sniffed and shook her head. "Nothing... today I'll sleep here with Maa."
Yashodha looked down at her and smiled softly, brushing away a stray strand of hair.
"Yes, she'll sleep here tonight. My Devu needs peace," she said lovingly, her voice low but firm, as if daring anyone to take that moment away.
Virendra chuckled under his breath. "Looks like I lost both bed and my wife tonight," he teased.
Outside, Rivan was still standing near the door, his hand clenched loosely at his side not in anger this time, but in helplessness.
He wasn't used to being shut out, especially by her.
And yet, for the first time, he didn't storm in.
He just stood there, watching the faint light slip through the cracks of the door.
.. wondering why her silence was hurting him more than her words ever could.
Yashodha, who was still fuming with her husband, picked up a pillow and threw it straight at Virendra's face.
"Sleep outside," she said sternly.
Virendra blinked, utterly caught off guard. "Yashodha... it's freezing outside," he tried to reason, his tone half-pleading.
Her glare sharpened instantly. "Don't make me repeat myself, Virendra. Out. Now."
Devyani couldn't help it she hid her face behind her saree, giggling softly at the scene.
Virendra sighed dramatically, picking up the fallen pillow from the floor. "Thakur hoon main, lekin meri koi izzat nahi," he muttered under his breath, earning another warning look from his wife.
With a defeated expression and a small smile tugging at his lips, he stepped out of the room quietly, while Yashodha sat back down beside Devyani, still muttering something about "men and their arrogance."
The room filled with warmth and laughter something Devyani hadn't felt in a long time.
Virendra stepped outside, clutching the pillow in one hand, still muttering under his breath.
And there he saw him Rivan, standing against the wall with his arms folded, a faint smirk dancing on his lips.
"Well, well..." Rivan drawled lazily. "The great Thakur Virendra thrown out of his room. Didn't see that coming."
Virendra gave him a flat look. "Don't start, Rivan."
With an annoyed sigh, he raked his fingers through his hair and shot one last look toward the closed door where his kitten was peacefully sleeping beside Yashodha.
He turned around, his jaw tightening slightly, and walked away with slow, heavy steps.
The smirk that once played on his lips had now vanished replaced by a quiet irritation mixed with something he didn't want to name.
.
.
.
.
Aditya stepped inside the dimly lit room, the air heavy with the scent of antiseptic and blood.
His eyes fell on Kashvi trembling, her leg bandaged, tears streaming down her pale face.
Her wrists were bruised, marked by what looked like belt lashes.
The sight froze him for a moment, then fury clouded his calm expression.
She looked up at him with pleading eyes, whispering, "please... I didn't mean to—"
"Enough."
His voice wasn't loud, but sharp enough to slice through her cries. He walked closer, each step steady, filled with the weight of his disappointment.
"What were you thinking, Kashvi?" he asked coldly. "Locking her up? Laying a hand on her?"
He turned toward the guard. "Who came before me?"
The guard lowered his gaze, afraid to speak. Aditya noticed the hesitation the unease and understood that something darker had happened before his arrival. His jaw tightened, but he didn't ask again.
He looked back at Kashvi. His tone softened not with pity, but with cold clarity.
"You think you're the victim here? You're not. You brought this on yourself. And the person who touched you before I came... may have been far more merciful than Rivan bhai will ever be."
Kashvi's sobs broke into silence.
Aditya leaned closer, voice barely above a whisper.
"I heard you signed a deal with Singhania Group," Aditya's voice was calm—too calm. The kind of calm that made silence scream louder than chaos.
Kashvi's face lit up with pride for a fleeting second. "Yes, it's my biggest project—"
"Was," he interrupted smoothly, eyes as sharp as a blade. "It just got cancelled. Congratulations."
Her expression shattered. "No—no, please, you can't! I worked two and a half years for that deal!" Her voice broke, trembling between disbelief and panic.
Aditya didn't blink. "And it took me just five minutes to destroy it."
He took a slow step closer, his cold gaze locking on her trembling form. "That's the difference between Thakurs and people like you. You should've thought twice before trying to harm my sister."
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't lift a hand.
But the way his words sliced through her pride—was worse than any slap could ever be.
Aditya Singh Thakur didn't need violence.
He simply found the weakest point in a person... and tore them apart with precision.
Then he straightened, emotion flickering briefly in his eyes not for Kashvi, but for Devyani and walked out, leaving the room heavy with dread and unanswered questions.
Aditya stormed out of the haveli, his mind still burning with rage. His hands clenched around the steering wheel as he slid into his car, the engine roaring to life.
He needed air.
He needed to breathe before his anger consumed him whole.
No matter how furious he was, he couldn't kill her because she wasn't just any girl.
She had dared to touch RIVAN's wife , and that alone chained his hands.
He exhaled sharply, pressing his foot on the accelerator. The night road stretched endlessly before him, lights blurring past as his thoughts spiraled.
He drove faster, lost in his own storm. His eyes weren't even on the road when
A shadow appeared out of nowhere a girl, standing in the middle of the lane, her eyes wide, terrified.
Aditya slammed the brakes, the tires screeching harshly against the road.
The car jolted to a halt, inches away from her.
His heart pounded violently.
For a second, the world went still.
He quickly opened the door and rushed out. The girl was frozen in place, her dupatta fluttering in the night breeze. Under the dim streetlight, her face looked pale but her eyes... they held something hauntingly familiar.
Aditya's anger faded instantly, replaced by concern and confusion.
He whispered, almost to himself, "What the hell are you doing in the middle of the road?"
Aditya's brows furrowed as the girl stood trembling before him, her lips quivering, eyes glassy with fear.
He took a slow step closer, his voice firm but not cruel.
The girl didn't answer not a single word.
She just stood there, her hands clutching the edge of her dupatta, eyes fixed on him as if words had abandoned her.
Aditya sighed heavily, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
He was exhausted mentally, physically. The last thing he wanted was another silence testing his patience.
But before he could say another word, the girl's eyes rolled back, her body swayed, and she suddenly collapsed forward.
Aditya's reflexes were quicker than his thoughts he lunged forward and caught her just before she hit the ground.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, his arms tightening around her frail frame.
Her skin was cold too cold.
He could feel her shivering even in her unconsciousness, her breath shallow and uneven.
Aditya looked around the deserted road not a soul in sight, not even the sound of a passing car.
He clenched his jaw. "Great. Just great," he muttered.
Then, without wasting another second, he lifted her carefully in his arms.
The same arms that once carried fury now carried fragility.
As he walked back to his car, the moonlight fell over her pale face. Something about her innocence, her helplessness, tugged at something buried deep inside him something he didn't want to feel.
Aditya leaned forward slightly, brushing his fingers near the girl's face.
"Hey... can you hear me?" he asked, voice low but edged with concern.
No response.
Her lashes fluttered once, then stilled again.
He sighed, glancing at the empty road. For the first time in a long while, something other than anger stirred inside him worry.
He lightly patted her cheek again. "Come on, open your eyes."
Still nothing.
Cursing softly under his breath, Aditya unbuttoned his coat and wrapped it around her trembling body. Then, without another thought, he scooped her into his arms once more her head resting against his chest, her cold breath brushing faintly against his collarbone.
He gently opened the backseat door of his car and laid her down with care, adjusting the coat so she wouldn't freeze.
For a moment, he just stood there, hands gripping the car door, watching her. Something about her her fragility, the quiet bruises on her wrist made his chest tighten.
He took a slow breath, started the engine, and drove through the near-empty streets of Mumbai.
The neon lights flickered across the windshield, painting streaks of color on her face.
Soon, the car stopped in front of the Thakur Grand Hotel the property owned by their family, standing tall against the night sky.
The guards at the gate immediately bowed slightly.
"Saab?" one of them asked in surprise, seeing the unconscious girl.
"Open the suite floor," Aditya ordered, his tone leaving no room for questions. "And call the in-house doctor — now."
He stepped inside the grand lobby, still carrying her in his arms. The golden chandeliers glimmered above, but Aditya's eyes never left her pale face.
"She's freezing..." he muttered under his breath as he took the private elevator to the top floor.
When the doors opened to his personal suite, he went straight to the bedroom and gently laid her down on the bed his coat still covering her.
For a long moment, he just stood beside her staring at the stranger fate had thrown into his night.
Within minutes, the hotel suite door opened and the in-house doctor entered a middle-aged man who had been serving the Thakurs for years.
He quickly set his bag down and began checking the girl while Aditya stood near the window, arms folded, trying to suppress the storm rising inside him.
The doctor checked her pulse, then her heartbeat, and after a long pause, he exhaled heavily.
"Sir..." he said softly, looking up at Aditya.
Aditya turned sharply. "What happened to her?"
The doctor hesitated. "She's not just unconscious, sir. Her body has gone through extreme stress and physical strain. She hasn't eaten properly for days, dehydration level is high, and... she's—"
Aditya's jaw clenched. "And what?"
The doctor swallowed hard. "She's pregnant, sir. Around 2 months."
For a moment, time seemed to freeze.
Aditya's eyes widened slightly, his expression unreadable. He took a step forward. "Pregnant?" His tone was low, controlled but his heart thudded in disbelief.
"Yes," the doctor continued carefully. "Her pulse is weak but the baby's heartbeat is steady for now. However, if she continues to face this kind of stress or physical trauma, it might cause complications severe ones."
Aditya's throat went dry. "You said trauma... what do you mean by that?"
The doctor looked down. "There are bruises on her arms and neck fresh marks, like she's been restrained or dragged. Also, some old ones too, healing scars. It's clear she's been through... abuse."
The word hit him like a blade.
He turned away, gripping the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"Give her whatever she needs," Aditya said finally, his voice cold but trembling somewhere deep inside.
The doctor nodded and quietly left the room.
Aditya walked to the bed again. She lay there under the soft white blanket, fragile and pale but peaceful now.
He crouched down beside her, his hand hesitating in the air before he brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Who are you?"
My eyes fluttered open slowly, the morning light peeking through the curtains and brushing against my face.
For a moment, I didn't understand where I was. The ceiling looked different the pattern, the curtains, even the smell of the room everything felt unfamiliar.
But it's okay, I told myself softly. All the rooms in this palace look almost the same... maybe I just got confused last night.
I turned slightly, ready to get up but froze.
There was weight on my stomach.
My heart skipped a beat.
I slowly looked down, and there it was a strong arm, heavy and warm, resting protectively across me.
My breath hitched as I turned my face to the side... only to find him.
Sleeping beside me.
So close that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek. His features were softer now no anger, no coldness just calm. His hair slightly messy, lashes brushing his skin, and for the first time, he looked... peaceful.
But
Wasn't I in Maa's room last night?
My mind went blank for a moment. I remember Maa scolding Virendra papa... I remember laughing quietly... and then going to sleep
Wait... how did I end up here?
My heartbeat grew louder as I tried to move his arm carefully, but the more I tried, the tighter his hold became like his body instinctively refused to let go.
I swallowed nervously, staring at his face again.
He looked so close... too close.
"Ya Devi Maiyya..." I whispered under my breath, almost like a prayer. "How did I land here again?"
But... he was sleeping?
I blinked twice, not believing my own eyes.
It's only the second time I've ever seen him sleep... but actually, the first time doesn't even count because that time he was just pretending!
So this is... the first real time he is actually asleep?
My eyes went wide.
He looked so peaceful... too peaceful. The same man who could glare at anyone and make them forget how to breathe now lying next to me like he has no worries in this whole world.
He was so close.
Too close.
Is it... okay to be this close?
My mind was screaming no, but my heart my heart was strangely quiet. Almost... content.
How can he be so close to me, and yet I feel like I don't want him to move away?
This feeling... this strange feeling.
I swallowed nervously and whispered,
"Are you... awake?"
No answer.
I tilted my head a little.
He didn't even flinch.
That means... he's actually sleeping.
I squinted my eyes suspiciously, and before I could stop myself, I gently poked his cheek with my finger — once... then twice.
His skin was warm and soft, and I almost giggled at my own bravery.
Then suddenly it hit me.
While Rivan slept peacefully beside her, his sharp expressions finally softening in rare stillness, Devyani's eyes grew wide as flashes from yesterday came flooding back the darkness of that locked room, her own muffled screams, the suffocating fear.
And then his voice.
That same deep, furious voice echoing in her ears
"Don't you dare call me your husband!"
The memory hit like a wave. Her breath grew uneven, heart pounding against her chest like it wanted to escape. The way he had held her that day tight, rough, and angry it all came crashing in one single moment.
Her eyes filled with panic.
What if he wakes up?
What if he gets angry again?
The thought alone made her hands tremble.
Before her fear could choke her again, she hurriedly pushed the blanket away and slipped out of bed as quietly as she could. Barefoot, she ran out of the room her anklets clinking softly, her breath fast and uneven.
All she wanted was distance.
Distance from the man whose presence made her heart both tremble and ache
Rivan Thakur.
Devyani came
"Papa!" she called out, her tone hurried the kind of tone no one had ever heard from her before.
Virendra, who was busy in conversation with the guests, froze mid-sentence. Slowly, he turned his head toward her, one brow lifting.
"Hmmm... what happened, princess?" he asked calmly, his voice gentle a tone only a few in the palace had ever heard him use.
That alone made everyone's hearts skip.
Virendra Thakur being soft?
The entire hall fell silent. Every sibling, every guest, every servant felt the tension in the air.
Because if the lion could be soft, it meant the girl standing in front of him wasn't ordinary.
Devyani's cheeks puffed, eyes glistening with fear and innocence.
The words dropped like a thunderclap.
For a moment, no one even breathed.
Rajveer almost choked on his coffee.
Aaradhya's jaw fell open.
Payal whispered, "Oh my god..."
And Rudraksh blinked twice like he'd just seen a ghost.
The guests froze in place, their eyes darting between the girl and the man she was calling papa.
Because no one absolutely no one in this world dared to talk about Rivan Thakur like that.
And here stood Devyani, his wife, announcing it like she was asking for a new dress.
It wasn't just bold.
It was insane.
People whispered softly Is she really from this world?
Because if she was... she'd know that even uttering Rivan's name in defiance was enough to make grown men tremble.
But there she stood, tiny yet innocent , her heart pounding, her voice trembling... ready to challenge fate itself.
"Umm... is that so?" Virendra asked calmly, leaning back in his chair as if his daughter hadn't just declared mutiny against the Thakur heir.
The entire lounge went still no one dared to even exhale.
"Yes!" Devyani folded her arms.
Virendra tilted his head, utterly unbothered by the chaos around them. "Alright," he said smoothly, "what's the problem, princess? Give me one valid reason if it sounds reasonable enough, I'll change your husband."
And just like that the world stopped again.
Every pair of eyes in that room turned to him like, Is he serious???
Rudraksh almost whispered, "He's lost it."
Payal pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh.
Meanwhile, Devyani blinked... then blinked again. She was thinking so hard that even her expressions were changing confusion, frustration, then serious concentration.
The whole palace froze.
Her words echoed through the grand lounge like a thunderclap
"He is a monster! And also... he didn't fuck me, he just scolded me! And he is rude to me!"
Silence.
Pin-drop silence.
Every single person present wished the earth would split in two and swallow them alive.
Yashodha's eyes went wide; color drained from her face. "Hai Bhagwan..." she murmured faintly before her knees gave in Rudraksh barely managed to hold her before she hit the floor.
Rajveer's mouth hung open, eyes blank, lips trembling. "I... I didn't hear anything... nope... nothing," he muttered, like chanting a survival mantra.
Payal and Aaradhya, who were peacefully sipping juice, choked violently.
Aaradhya coughed between hiccups, "I–I swear, I'm never drinking juice around Babhi again she drops bombs, not sentences!"
Rajan, who was sitting beside Virendra, blinked rapidly like his brain was buffering reality.
And then Rudraksh, couldn't hold it anymore.
He dramatically raised his hands toward the heavens and said,
"Swaha! Rivan Bhaiyya ke aura ka pakoda jal gaya!"
Payal immediately covered her face.
Jinal stood frozen.
Aradhya whispered, "Someone please put a disclaimer before Babhi speaks!"
Meanwhile, Devyani stood there innocently, blinking at everyone's reactions. "What?" she asked softly. "Did I say something wrong?"
And somewhere, in that moment of royal embarrassment every single Thakur silently prayed that Rivan never finds out about this conversation.
Rudraksh stood first, clearing his throat. "I think... I think my bloodline's honor just jumped off the balcony."
Payal and Aaradhya nodded instantly. "Same," Payal whispered.
Aaradhya added, "Sorry, Babhi, but we can't handle this embarrassment. My brother worked hard for his image."
Rajan coughed lightly. "Umm... I suddenly remembered some... urgent palace work."
Rajveer followed suit, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. "Yes, yes, I have the same work."
Yashodha was still trying to calm her racing heartbeat, pressing her hand over her chest. "Oh god, Devyani will be the end of us all," she whispered.
Virendra finally exhaled, a tired smile tugging at his lips. "Come here," he said softly.
Devyani blinked innocently and sat beside him, still unaware of the chaos she had caused.
He looked at her with amused eyes. "This much anger isn't good for your health, Devyani."
She pouted adorably, eyes glistening. "Then give me a new husband."
Yashodha gasped. "Hai Bhagwan—"
But before she could scold her, Virendra chuckled.
"Devyani," he said gently, "marriage isn't something you can redo just because you're angry. It's not like.......this bond is very pure."
Devyani frowned, confusion written all over her face. She looked down, still trying to process his words.
Finally, seeing her so adorably lost, he leaned forward and asked softly,
"Want ice cream?"
Her head snapped up instantly.
"Ice cream???" she repeated, her voice filled with pure childlike surprise.
Virendra nodded casually, "Yes, ice cream."
And just like that, her fear dissolved. Her eyes lit up that shy, innocent sparkle returning to her face.
"I... I never had one before," she said with a big toothy smile that could melt Virendra heart.
He chuckled. "Then come on, we'll go get one."
"But—" she started to protest, then forgot entirely about the topic and happily grabbed his hand.
"Let's go, papa!"
And before anyone could say a word, the two of them just walked out, hand in hand, laughing like they hadn't just caused a royal-level earthquake five minutes ago.
Everyone left behind looked completely stunned.
Yashodha rubbed her forehead and sighed deeply.
"One day," she said dramatically, looking at the siblings, "if I die from a heart attack, don't be upset, children. Because some things in Devyani mind are simply... beyond imagination."
The ice cream parlour glowed with soft golden lights, laughter floating around and right in the middle of it sat Devyani, looking like a child discovering happiness for the first time.
She held the cone with both hands, her eyes wide in delight as she took another bite.
"Papa... this is sooo tasty!" she said with that innocent grin that could make even stone hearts soften.
Virendra smiled that calm, fatherly smile that only she could draw out of him.
"Yes, I know," he said warmly, watching her with a fondness that went deeper than words.
"Papa," she said between bites, "can I take one more?"
Virendra leaned back and chuckled. "Of course, the whole shop is yours, princess."
Her face lit up instantly, that dimpled smile glowing brighter than the chandeliers above. She excitedly reached for another one and another and another.
"Papa, this one melts too fast!" she said with a small frown, licking the sides clumsily before it dripped on her hand.
"It's alright," he said gently, offering a napkin, "eat slowly... we'll buy another one."
And she did.
By the time her little adventure ended, there were seven empty cups on the table.
Virendra just laughed under his breath and shook his head. He didn't have the heart to stop her. For once, she looked free no fear, no hesitation, no shadow of Rivan's temper. Just a girl, living.
But finally, when she reached for the eighth cup, he placed a hand over hers.
"Bas, princess," he said softly. "Stop now, you'll catch a cold."
She pouted for a second, then nodded obediently. "Okay, papa."
She stood up, washed her hands, and walked to the washroom, humming quietly to herself.
When Devyani came back, wiping her hands with a tissue, she froze.
Right there, near the entrance of the parlour, stood Rivan Thakur.
His tall figure blocked the light behind him, jaw tight, eyes sharp that same terrifying calm before the storm.
Even from a distance, she could see the silent fury sitting high on his face, the muscle twitching near his jaw, and that dangerous glint in his eyes that always made her heartbeat stumble.
And just like that the coldest shiver ran through her spine.
The sweetness of ice cream melted instantly into fear.
Because when Rivan Thakur's anger sat on his nose like that... it only meant trouble.
To be continue