Chapter - 9
After returning to the Rathore residence, everyone settled into their routines. Arjun quickly left for the office, Rajveer went to his room to rest, and Anaya headed upstairs to her space. Meanwhile, Meera and Neelam remained in the living room, enjoying some quiet time together.
Meera looked thoughtful, breaking the silence. "Didi, don't you think Meenakshi ji was being too sweet today?" (Didi - Elder sister)
Neelam, who hadn't paid much attention, replied calmly, "I think you're overthinking, Meera. Maybe she was just nervous because of us. It's natural to behave like that."
Meera frowned slightly but nodded. "If you say so, I'll accept it. But something about her behavior just doesn't sit right with me."
Neelam, sensing Meera's unease, steered the conversation. "So, what did you think of Natasha?"
Meera smiled, her mood lightening. "She's sweet, and her cooking—oh, Didi, I'm a fan now! Especially her rasmalai. When she comes to our house, I'll make sure to ask her to make it again."
Neelam chuckled, knowing Meera's love for sweets. They continued chatting for a while, their bond evident in the ease of their conversation.
By nightfall, everyone had returned home, except for Rajmata and Vijay, who were set to arrive the next day.
Dinner was served, and tonight, Aarav surprised everyone by showing up on time.
However, as usual, the dining table remained silent.
No one dared to talk when Aarav was present, not even Anaya, who always had something to say.
After dinner, Aarav retreated to his study in the main hall to work. Anaya, unable to resist, followed him. She knocked gently on the door.
"Come in," Aarav's deep voice responded.
Anaya stepped inside, smiling. Aarav looked up briefly and said, "Princess, how many times have I told you? You don't need to knock."
Anaya, ever proper, replied, "I know, Bhai, but it's called manners, you know."
Aarav shook his head, aware of how strictly Anaya adhered to rules. He didn't argue further and gestured for her to sit. They talked for a while about her day and general family matters.
Finally, Anaya brought up what was really on her mind. "Bhai, do you want to see a picture of Bhabhi?"
Aarav, who had little interest in marriage, let alone pictures, replied firmly, "Princess, go to sleep. I have a lot of work to do."
Anaya pouted but didn't press the matter. "Okay, good night, Bhai," she said as she stood to leave.
"Good night," Aarav replied, returning his focus to his documents.
Anaya paused at the door, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Bhabhi's name is Natasha!" she blurted out before darting out of the room, giggling.
Aarav didn't react, choosing to continue his work.
By the time he finished, it was close to 1 a.m. Feeling tired, he went to the library attached to his room.
There, he took out the feather pendant, something he had kept for years.
I need peace, he thought, and now more than ever.
He looked at it for a moment, hoping it would bring him some calm.
After a while, he put the pendant away and went to bed, finally giving in to sleep.
The next morning, after breakfast, Rajmata and Vijay returned home. Rajmata, looking a bit tired, told everyone that her brother was doing fine after a minor accident and that she needed to rest for a while. With that, everyone went about their respective tasks.
Later that afternoon, Rajmata, Neelam, and Meera sat together, discussing the events of the previous day. Meera shared how she had liked Natasha, and Neelam agreed. Rajmata listened attentively, her face lighting up with happiness as she heard about the positive impressions they had of Natasha.
"I'm glad to hear this," Rajmata said with a smile. "Neelam, please inform Mrs. Rajput that I'd like her to send Natasha's Kundali. We'll match it and move forward with the next steps."
Neelam nodded and immediately picked up the phone to call Mrs. Rajput. After a brief conversation about general matters, Neelam casually mentioned the Kundali and that she was expecting it in the evening.
Meenakshi, with her usual charm, responded, I will send the Kundali in the evening, don't worry."
Neelam smiled at her reply and said, "That's great, Meenakshi ji. But, if it's more convenient for you, I can send someone from Rathore Palace to collect the Kundali. It might be easier than waiting for it to be sent over."
Meenakshi thought for a moment, then agreed. "That would be wonderful, Neelam ji. It'll save us some time.
"Perfect, I'll make sure someone is ready to collect it," Neelam assured her before ending the call.
Later, Neelam informed Sumitra Ji that Mrs. Rajput would be sending the Kundali in the evening. Sumitra Ji was pleased and immediately called for the family pandit to come that evening to check the Kundali. They talked about other matters while they waited.
Meanwhile, at the Rajput house, Meenakshi was in high spirits.
She sat with Natasha, sharing her excitement about the marriage proposal.
Two hours later, a person from Rathore Palace arrived to collect the Kundali.
Meenakshi began searching for Natasha's Kundali, but couldn't find it.
Not wanting to delay, she quickly gave him Siya's Kundali, simply changing the name.
The person took the Kundali and left for the Rathore residence. Once he arrived, he handed it over to Rajmata. Soon after, Pandit Ji arrived to check the Kundali. As he studied it, his face lit up, and he praised the match.
"The Kundali is perfect. It's like the union of Shiv and Parvati," he said, which made Rajmata very happy.
"That's wonderful!" Rajmata exclaimed. "When can we arrange the marriage?"
Pandit Ji looked thoughtful and replied, "There are three auspicious days for the wedding. The first is in two weeks, the second is in two months, and the third is after a year."
Neelam suggested, "Maa, we should plan for the wedding in two months. It'll give us time to prepare properly."
However, Rajmata had her own plan. She firmly stated, "We'll do it in two weeks."
Neelam was taken aback by the sudden decision but remained silent, not wanting to oppose Rajmata.
Once Pandit Ji left, Neelam hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why so soon, Maa?"
Rajmata, her voice steady, replied, "I can't wait any longer. Aarav's marriage was your late father-in-law's last wish, and I want to fulfill it quickly."
Neelam, understanding the weight of Rajmata's words, said nothing further. Rajmata then asked Neelam to call Mrs. Rajput and pass the phone to her.
Neelam dialed the number and handed the phone to Rajmata, who spoke to Meenakshi.
After discussing the wedding details, Rajmata informed her that the wedding would be fixed in two weeks.
Meenakshi, initially concerned about the short time frame, was reassured when Rajmata offered to help with the preparations.
Reluctantly, Meenakshi agreed, as she also didn't want any delays.
The decision was made: Anaya would come to pick Natasha up the next day for shopping, and Neelam and Meera would join them later to complete the wedding shopping.
After the call ended, Rajmata told Neelam about the plan and then went to her room to rest, her mind satisfied with the progress made.
Siya entered the house and immediately felt the air of happiness surrounding her.
It was evident that something had happened, but no one was telling her anything.
She went about her usual work quietly, trying to focus on her tasks.
It was one of those rare moments when Taiji didn't scold her, and she appreciated the peace.
After finishing her chores, she went to her room to rest, as Taiji had told her that she would order food for her today.
In the dining room, Suresh, Meenakshi, and Natasha were having their dinner.
Meanwhile, Siya was in her room, eating her food quietly, unaware of the conversation happening downstairs.
Meenakshi spoke to her husband with a bright smile, "Suresh ji, I've spoken to Dev.
He's happy for Natasha and says he'll come in about 7 to 8 days. "
Suresh smiled, clearly pleased, and Meenakshi continued, "I also got a call from Rajmata. The marriage is fixed for two weeks from now. Tomorrow, Anaya will come to pick Natasha for shopping."
Suresh, almost beaming, said, "Good! Everything is going according to plan. It feels like we've won the lottery."
They discussed the details of the wedding, and then Meenakshi brought up a concern. "What will we say to Siya when she finds out?"
Suresh, not really caring, replied, "There's no need to tell her anything. We'll handle it when the time comes."
Meenakshi seemed uncertain but didn't argue. "And when Dev and Tara arrive?" she asked.
Suresh shrugged, "We'll see then. Let's not worry about it now."
After finishing their dinner, Suresh, Meenakshi, and Natasha went to their rooms. Siya, meanwhile, cleaned the kitchen before heading to her own room.
She changed into her nightclothes, feeling a little lighter.
For the past two days, her Taiji hadn't said anything harsh to her, and she found a quiet sense of peace in that.
With a contented sigh, Siya lay down on her bed and drifted off to sleep, hoping for more quiet days like this one.