Chapter - 24
After hearing the car pull up, Arjun bhaiya wished me good night and went to his room. When Mr. Rathore walked in, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. But even so, I turned away from him, not wanting to make eye contact.
"Siya," he called softly.
I replied, "You go freshen up, and I'll arrange our food."
"Okay," he said, and headed to our room.
I took my time arranging everything on the table, waiting for him to return. When he finally came back and sat down, I served him without looking at him. Why would I look at him? He didn't even let me know he'd be late. I started eating my food, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
"Siya," he said again, and I replied without looking up, "Eat your food; it will get cold."
Silence filled the room as we continued our meal. I focused on my plate, trying to ignore the tension. Once we finished, I stood up and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
"Let it be, Siya. Someone will do it in the morning," he said, following me.
I didn't reply. I could feel him close behind me, and my heart raced a little, but I chose to stay silent and kept washing the dishes.
"Okay, then give it to me. I'll do it," he insisted.
Still, I didn't say anything or react.
"Siya, are you angry with me?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"No, why would I be angry?" I replied, but my heart was still heavy.
"Then why aren't you talking to me?"
"I am talking," I said, feeling a bit defensive.
He pressed on, "You didn't answer before."
"I can only do one thing at a time. I was washing dishes, so I can't talk in between," I explained, finally feeling a little frustration seep into my voice.
I finished the dishes quickly, eager to escape the moment, and headed to our room with him following closely behind.
I lay down on the bed without looking at him, pulling the blanket over myself as if it could shield me from my feelings. "I'm angry and won't talk to him," I thought. "He didn't tell me he would be late, nor did he pick up my calls. What happened to him saying he's just a phone call away?"
I buried my face in the pillow, hoping that sleep would come and take away the swirling thoughts in my mind.
As I lay on my side, I noticed how Siya had covered herself with the blanket, pulling it tight around her.
I was still in shock that she had given me an order earlier, and I followed it without a word.
I could see her expressions changing from second to second, and I knew today was my mistake. Her behavior was completely justified.
I couldn't help myself; I slowly placed one hand on her shoulder. "Siya," I called softly.
"I'm sleepy," she replied, but she didn't remove my hand. A smile spread across my face at how she was trying to keep her anger in check while still letting me close.
I gently turned her to face me, but her eyes remained shut. Just being near her brought me a sense of peace. "I know you're not sleepy," I said.
"No, I am," she insisted, her voice slightly muffled. I laughed, and that made her open one eye to look at me.
"Why are you laughing at me?" she asked, her brows furrowing.
"I'm not laughing at you," I replied, trying to keep a straight face.
"I know you are laughing at me, and now I won't talk to you," she declared, her anger only half-hearted.
"I'm sorry, Siya. I won't repeat it," I said, trying to smooth things over.
"What will you not repeat?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I won't laugh at you," I clarified, and she made an angry face, closing her eyes again as if that would help her ignore me.
I knew exactly what she wanted to hear. I was just teasing her, but I liked how she was behaving with me, how she was trying to show her anger. "I'm sorry for coming home late," I said, watching for her reaction, but she remained silent.
"I'm sorry for not replying to your message," I tried again, and still, she didn't respond.
"I'm sorry for not picking up your phone," I continued. Still, no response.
"If you don't say anything, I'm going to kiss you," I teased, and her eyes shot wide open.
"You... you will not do anything like that! I... I know," she stammered, and I couldn't help but laugh at her flustered reaction.
"I'll never do anything you don't want," I assured her.
"Where were you so late? I was worried," she asked, concern creeping into her voice.
"I was with Raghav, my friend," I replied, keeping my tone calm.
"Then why didn't you reply to my message or pick up my phone?" she pressed.
"I forgot my phone in my car. He was...," I hesitated, not wanting to share too much. "He was a little sad. Don't ask me why, but he needed me at that time."
"Is he okay now?" she asked, her worry evident.
"Yes, he's better now," I reassured her.
"Am I forgiven now?" I asked, wanting to lighten the mood.
"I'll think about it and tell you," she said, a small smile breaking through her earlier frustration.
"Okay, goodnight. Just let me know by morning," I smiled back at her.
She nodded, and as I lay on my side, I patted my chest. "Come here," I said, inviting her to sleep on my chest.
She hesitated for a moment but then moved closer, resting her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug. As we drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to have her in my life, my soft angel who always managed to melt my cold exterior.
Today, Buaji is coming, and the entire house is buzzing with preparations for her welcome.
I thought of skipping college today, but I have to submit an important assignment.
I didn't get the chance to tell anyone about my upcoming dance performance either.
Things have been hectic, and I didn't find the right moment.
Mr. Rathore has been different too—ever since that day, he always informs me if he's going to be late.
It makes me feel... special. (Buaji - Father's sister)
I decided to return home early from college; I don't want Buaji to form any wrong impressions about me.
After all, I've heard so much about how particular she is.
I got ready in a lime-green embroidered suit with floral details and a flowy design.
I just hope she doesn't scold me. I've made up my mind to avoid giving her any reason to be upset.
Once dressed, I went downstairs and touched Dadi Maa's feet to take her blessings.
Then I went to the kitchen to prepare Mr. Rathore's coffee.
Instead of taking it myself today, I sent it with someone else, thinking I'd help Maa and Chachi with the breakfast preparations.
They've been working so hard since morning.
After helping them, I went to Mr. Rathore's study room to call him for breakfast. "Everyone is waiting for you at the dining table," I said from the door. He didn't reply. Maybe he didn't hear me? But I wasn't speaking that softly.
I stepped closer. "Mr. Rathore," I said a bit louder. Still, no reaction. What happened to him? Is he not feeling well? But does anyone lose their hearing when they're unwell?
Concerned, I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mr. Rathore?"
This time, he looked up at me. Oh, so he can hear me. Then why wasn't he answering earlier?
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" I asked, my worry growing.
"Why didn't you bring my coffee today?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place.
"I was helping Maa and Chachi," I explained quickly.
"There are so many people in this house who can help them. If that's not enough, tell me—I'll arrange for more," he said firmly.
I didn't know how to respond. It's true there are plenty of people here, but how could I not help when Maa and Chachi were working so hard? "Maa and Chachi wanted to do it themselves. How could I just stand by and not help them? They hardly let me do any work anyway," I said softly.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "But I'm hurt that you didn't come to spend time with me," he said, his voice quieter this time.
Hurt? Hearing that made my chest tighten, and before I knew it, tears welled up in my eyes. Did I do something wrong? Should I not have helped Maa and Chachi? What should I do now?
Seeing my tears, Mr. Rathore immediately cupped my face in his hands. "Hey, hey. I was just kidding. Stop crying, Siya. I'm sorry. I'll never say something like that again. Please stop." he said, his voice full of guilt and concern.
"Are you telling me the truth?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Why would I lie to you?" he said softly, wiping away my tears.
"So you're not upset with me?" I asked hesitantly.
"Siya, I could never be upset with you. Whatever you do, I'll never be upset with you," he said with so much sincerity that I felt my heart lighten.
"Now smile," he added gently.
I couldn't help but smile at his words.
"Good," he said, smiling back. "Now let's go for breakfast before everyone comes looking for us."
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and warmth as we walked out together.
After submitting my assignment, I headed toward the parking area. I was relieved to have finished it on time, but my mind was already racing about getting home quickly. Buaji could arrive any moment, and I didn't want to give her a reason to think poorly of me.
As I walked, my phone rang. It was Maa.
"Where are you, beta?" she asked, her voice a little worried.
"I'm just leaving college, Maa," I replied.
"Okay, beta. Come carefully," she said before hanging up.
I smiled softly at her concern. Maa always worried, even when there wasn't a need. As I put the phone back in my bag, I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking—and suddenly, I collided with someone.
"Oh no!" I gasped as I saw papers flying everywhere.
"I'm so sorry!" I said quickly, bending down to pick them up. The guy I had collided with was also gathering his papers. He seemed about my age, maybe a little older, and was dressed casually.
"It's okay," he said with a small smile as I handed the papers back to him.
"Thank you," he added, his smile growing wider, almost as if he was trying to be extra friendly.
I nodded politely, avoiding his gaze, and turned to leave. But then he spoke again.
"What's your name?" he asked, his tone curious.
Before I could even think of how to respond, my phone rang again. It was Mr. Rathore Without saying anything to the guy, I quickly walked away and answered the call.
"Where are you?" Mr. Rathore asked.
"I'm almost at the car," I replied softly, feeling a little flustered.
Once I reached the car, I opened the door and was pleasantly surprised to find Mr. Rathore inside. A big smile broke across my face.
"You?" I asked, genuinely happy to see him.
"Why can't I come?" he replied with a teasing tone.
"No, no, I didn't mean it like that," I stammered, feeling a little embarrassed.
He chuckled softly, then pressed a button to shut the partition, ensuring our conversation was private. "I got free early today, so I thought I'd surprise you," he said, leaning back casually.
"Oh!" I said, my heart warming at his thoughtfulness.
The car started moving as we began talking about our day. I told him about submitting my assignment and how hectic the college had been. He listened patiently, occasionally teasing me with his remarks.
Before I knew it, we were home. I couldn't help but feel a little lighter, knowing that he had come all the way to pick me up. It was these little gestures of his that made my heart feel so full.
After changing into my olive-green silk saree and putting my hair into a loose bun, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was already noon, and I made my way downstairs, heading straight to the kitchen.
"Maa, what should I do?" I asked, looking for something to contribute.
"We've already made everything, Siya beta. You don't have to do anything," Maa replied, but then she added, "I want to say one thing: don't take Jiji's words to heart. She sometimes speaks without thinking." (Jiji - Husband's sister)
I nodded, trying to keep my mind calm as I heard voices outside. That must mean Buaji had arrived.
"I'll make tea and bring it," I said quickly. "You all go and meet Buaji."
Maa and Chachi headed to the living room, and I set to work making the tea. Once it was ready, I arranged it on one tray and added some snacks to another. I called out for someone to bring the other tray and made my way outside, heart racing a little.
As I stepped outside, I spotted Buaji and a man, both in their 50s or 60s. My heart raced as I kept the tray on the table and approached her.
I took a moment to bow my head slightly and asked for her blessings. She gave me her blessing with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "So, this is our Aarav's wife?" she asked, her tone firm.
"Yes, she is Siya," Dadi Maa confirmed, standing beside me.
"Sit," Buaji commanded, and I took that as a cue to sit beside her.
I felt nervous as I settled down, my hands resting in my lap. I could feel her gaze on me, and I tried to keep my expression calm, even though my mind was racing. I hoped I wouldn't say anything wrong or embarrass myself in front of her.