CHAPTER 35 #3
The family is staring at us in shock, as if none of them had ever imagined seeing Raghav kneeling like this, doing something so simple yet so personal for his wife. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I glance around before lowering my eyes.
The moment Raghav straightens up, Simran breaks the silence with a smile. “Wow, Siya, I love your sandals.”
I manage a small smile, still somewhat dazed as she continues, “In fact, Trisha and Meher have told me all about your fascination with footwear. I’ve heard so much about your collection. Even we buy from the same luxury brands, but honestly, I’ve never seen anything like the ones you’re wearing.”
“Exactly,” Meher immediately agrees. “They always look so exclusive, almost as though they’re custom-made.”
“Don’t tell me you have a secret designer we don’t know about,” Trisha grins.
This time, I freeze for an entirely different reason.
My fingers tighten around my clutch. Nobody, not even my dad, knew. Only Mom was aware. I glance at her, hoping for help. Before I can think of how to respond, Raghav steps forward and stands beside me, his shoulder almost brushing mine.
“You won’t find them anywhere,” he says, casually slipping one hand into his pocket as he addresses the group.
“Why not?” Simran asks, blinking in surprise.
“Because every pair of footwear Siya wears is designed by her.” He looks at me for a moment before turning back to the others. “She’s one of the designers for Louboutin.”
I stop breathing. He knows?
Even Mom’s eyes widen beside me.
“Wait... what?” Simran exclaims, her mouth falling open. “You design your own footwear, Siya? Oh my God… how?”
“Siya! Seriously?” Meher shrieks, looking at me in awe.
“Now I know why your footwear is so exclusive,” Trisha almost squeals.
But I don’t hear any of them. I’m too busy staring at my husband. How does he know?
Raghav isn’t done yet. His lips curve slightly as he continues, “Her name isn’t publicly associated with the brand because Siya prefers to keep her work private.” His eyes find mine. “My wife is very talented.”
I remain rooted to the spot in shock. This man… he knows things I never told anyone. And instead of keeping them hidden, he’s speaking about them with such pride, leaving me completely speechless.
The entire room erupts with excitement.
“That’s incredible!” Simran screams, practically throwing herself at me.
“And so creative!” Devika adds.
Trisha laughs, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you kept this a secret?”
Meher beams at me. “First Simran with her fashion empire, and now Siya designing luxury footwear. Looks like our family is filled with incredibly creative women.”
Everyone talks at once, showering me with compliments.
But through it all, my gaze keeps returning to one person.
Raghav. A faint smile curves his lips, but it’s the unmistakable pride in his eyes that takes my breath away.
It’s as if hearing everyone admire my work delights him, as if my achievements deserve to be celebrated instead of hidden away behind closed doors.
Even Ayaan looks stunned. He glances at Raghav. And Raghav responds with a look that communicates something only the two of them seem to understand.
Kailash Uncle smiles warmly before raising a hand to bless me. “I’m so proud of you, beta.”
“Truly impressive.” Pratap Uncle nods approvingly, then turns to my mom. “Although I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. A woman with such grace and strength was always bound to raise a daughter just as talented as you.”
Mom smiles shyly again, and I notice Raghav narrowing his eyes, as if he’s wondering, ‘Why does this man somehow brings my mother-in-law into every conversation?’
I bite back a smile. He’s impossible.
These past few days, I’ve discovered many different sides to Raghav. I always knew he was dominant and obsessive. Once someone or something becomes his, he fiercely protects them.
But he never cages the people he loves with his authority.
He simply stands guard over them, watching quietly to make sure nothing and no one dares to hurt them.
And most importantly, unlike most mafia men I’ve known all my life, he’s not threatened by a woman’s dreams. He doesn’t hide her talents behind closed doors, nor does he expect her world to shrink so that his can grow larger.
No. He takes pride in her successes. He announces it to the world as if her achievements are his reason to stand taller. As if there’s no greater joy for him than seeing his woman shine and ensuring everyone around him knows exactly how extraordinary she is.
And perhaps that is what frightens me the most. Because somewhere between his madness, his possessiveness, and that silent way he takes pride in my achievements without asking for anything in return…
my heart has begun to betray me. For the first time in the truest sense, it is beating restlessly over a realisation…
that Raghav Kundra is no longer just the man who forced me into this marriage.
Somewhere along the way, he has started becoming the kind of man I never thought I’d find in my world… and dangerously close to the man I’d always wanted in my life as my life partner.