Chapter - 65

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Target toh poora nahi hua, but still I'm dropping a new chapter because tum sabko ek acchi author mil gayi hai... lekin phir bhi meri koi kadar nahi hai ????

Anyway, enjoy the chapter and do let me know how it is! ????

At least complete the comment target this time.

It's been two weeks since Siya had her first therapy session. At first, she couldn't even enter the room without holding my hand. Now... she's started going alone.

Dr. Arora told me today that she has slowly started talking about her past... not fully, but she's opening up. That's a good sign. She hasn't had a nightmare in these two weeks. That's a relief.

I joined the office just four days ago. And that too because Siya threatened me—said if I didn't go, she wouldn't talk to me.

I didn't want to leave her alone, not even for a minute, but when she crossed her arms and said, "Either you go to work or I'll stay silent the whole day," I had no choice.

She was trying to push me back to normal, in her own quiet way.

But I finally got her report from Dr. Mehra a week ago.

Flashback

I went to meet Dr. Mehra. His cabin was quiet. Just me and him.

He sat across the table, fingers steepled, eyes serious.

"Ranasa," he began, voice low and grim. "The report has come. It confirms that amnesia drugs were given to Siya—over a decade ago, maybe even longer."

I clenched my fists. He continued,

"Not in one heavy dose. But in small amounts... repeatedly. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. The memory loss is almost permanent. It was done smartly. Slowly. The kind of damage that hides the past... not kills."

"Is there... no way she'll ever remember?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Mehra took a deep breath.

"With time, therapy, and emotional balance, fragments of memory might return. But there's no guarantee. Sometimes, a strong emotional shock can bring them back—but it's rare. And dangerous."

I didn't even think for a second.

"No. I won't take any risk with her."

He nodded.

"Alright. I'll prescribe some medicines. And she should continue therapy."

Flashback End

That conversation hasn't left my mind.

There's only one doubt I can't shake off—her Tauji and Taiji.

But why? What would they gain from destroying a little girl's memories?

There's something I don't know. I'll find out everything. Every damn thing.

And speaking of them—I just remembered—Mr. Rajput handed over the house to them a week ago.

The one I gave.

They're enjoying it now... smiling, celebrating their new lifestyle.

But they don't know.

That house is not a gift.

It's karma... waiting.

Every wall... every room in that house will remind them of their sins.

They will regret ever stepping into it.

There's no escape.

Mr. Rajvansh couldn't come to India due to a family emergency. But I invited him and his entire family to our reception, which is next week.

We are family now. And when Siya finds out the whole truth one day...

I want her to know—someone from her mother's side stood with her—even if it was just symbolic.

I've already signed the Rathore alliance. Mr. Wellington sent his PA to collect the signed agreement.

Chopra... that bastard.

He's enjoying my hospitality like a guest here.

He didn't give me the name.

I didn't ask again.

I enjoy slow torture.

I was deep in thought when Siya walked into the study.

She came straight to me, sat on my lap like it was the most natural thing to do, and softly whispered,

"I couldn't sleep without you."

For a second, I just looked at her.

This is the same girl who couldn't even look me in the eye without trembling...

And now—she's this comfortable with me.

And God, I love this version of her.

I wrapped one arm around her and held her close.

"Give me fifteen minutes, jaan," I said softly.

"Till then, sleep here."

She rested her head against my chest. I kissed the top of her head.

With one hand, I held her securely.

With the other, I continued reading the file.

Because even when I'm working... my angel will always come first.

I woke up a little earlier than usual today.

As expected, the bed beside me was empty. Aarav had already left for his morning workout. He never skips it, no matter how late he sleeps.

After a nice warm shower, I changed into a pastel green floral Anarkali. The fabric felt soft against my skin, and the sheer embroidered dupatta added a delicate touch. I wore nude heels and just a pair of jhumkas and mangalsutra—nothing too much.

I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled a little. Not bad, I thought quietly.

When I went downstairs, I saw Maa, Chachi, and Dadimaa sitting in the lounge area, enjoying their morning tea. Their smiles made me feel warm instantly.

As soon as Maa saw me, she looked toward one of the staff members and said softly,

"Get a cup of tea for Siya."

I smiled and sat down near them, joining their conversation. The tea arrived quickly, and I held the warm cup between my hands, quietly sipping.

Chachi looked at me with a playful smile and said,

"Siya beta, why don't you pass this early wake-up habit to Anaya also?"

Before I could say anything, Maa jumped in with a small laugh,

"Let it be, Meera. After the reception, she's going back to London. She'll have enough early mornings there, managing her schedule. Let her enjoy her break."

Chachi rolled her eyes and chuckled,

"Haan haan, that's why she's like this... you always take her side, Didi."

We all laughed softly at that. It felt like a real family moment—simple and light.

As we finished our tea, Dadimaa looked at me and said,

"Siya beta, you go with Anaya today and select your reception outfit, okay? Otherwise, the delivery might get delayed."

I nodded quickly.

"Ji, Dadimaa."

Then Maa and Chachi stood up and went to the kitchen.

As usual, they gave me that look—the one that says, "Don't even think of coming into the kitchen."

It's been like that for the past few weeks. They don't let me do any housework. Not even a small thing. I know they do it out of love, but... I still feel a little weird sometimes. I'm not used to being treated like someone who deserves rest.

But today... I wanted to do something. Just something small.

So, I quietly walked into the kitchen when they were busy preparing breakfast and made a cup of coffee for Aarav.

As I stirred in the sugar, I felt a pair of eyes on me.

I turned and saw Chachi watching me with a teasing smile on her face.

"Oho... someone is making coffee with a lot of love today," she said in a soft voice.

I looked down quickly, feeling heat rush to my cheeks.

"Nahi Chachi... bas aise hi..." I mumbled, unable to look at her.

("No Chachi... just like that...")

She laughed lightly and walked out.

Why do I always get so shy? I scolded myself inside, still smiling a little.

Once the coffee was ready, I carefully carried it to Aarav's study.

It was already evening by the time Anaya and I returned home from shopping. We had bought something for almost everyone but nothing for me.

Not because I didn't try.

I really did... but no outfit felt right. Nothing made my heart say "yes, this one."

After trying a few stores, I got tired, and Anaya noticed it.

"Let's go home Bhabhi," she said softly, holding my hand.

"We'll figure out something else later."

I nodded, a little disappointed. I knew the reception was near, and everyone would expect me to look beautiful. But what if I end up wearing something average? What if people talk?

When we reached home, Anaya told Maa everything. That I didn't find any outfit, and how we searched but still came back with nothing.

Maa looked at me with love in her eyes and said,

"It's okay, beta. I'll talk to someone who can send you a few options through pictures. You can pick what you like, and then they'll bring the outfit here for you to try."

She paused for a moment and added,

"Or if you have something in mind, just tell me. My friend can have it made exactly like that."

I gave her a soft smile and shook my head.

"I... I don't have anything in mind, Maa. You can see yourself... I just couldn't feel anything special."

She nodded gently.

"Then go to your room and rest for a while. You must be tired."

I turned to go upstairs, but before I reached the steps, she called out again,

"By the way, Aarav just came back from the office. I think he's in his study."

And suddenly, my tiredness vanished.

Without thinking much, I ran up to the study room like a child rushing into her safe space.

I opened the door slowly and saw him—sitting at his desk, going through some files.

The moment his eyes met mine, his expression softened.

He closed the file and leaned back.

"Come here," he said, holding out his hand.

Without a word, I walked to him. He gently pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me.

"So, how was the shopping, Rani sa?" he asked with a teasing smile.

I looked down, playing with the edge of his shirt.

"I didn't like anything..."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm... that's a serious problem. No outfit caught my Rani sa's royal attention?"

I shook my head and whispered,

"It's not like that..."

"Then what is it?" he asked gently, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

I looked into his eyes and said, almost shyly,

"I just... wanted to wear something chosen by you."

For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he smiled softly and stood up with me still in his arms and started walking.

"If that's the case... then come with me."

"But where?" I asked, confused.

He didn't answer. Just took me to our room silently.

He made me sit on the bed and walked to the closet. After a few seconds, he returned with a big white box in his hands and placed it in front of me.

"Open it," he said, with a small nod.

I looked at him in confusion, then slowly opened the box.

And my breath stopped.

Inside was a mauve lehenga—so beautiful, it looked like it belonged in a royal palace.

The silver embroidery was detailed and delicate, with soft pastel flowers and little palace-like designs all over.

The dupatta was light and had tiny sequins that shimmered gently, bordered with such pretty work that I couldn't take my eyes off it.

I gently ran my fingers over the fabric.

"Like it?" he asked.

"No," I looked up, smiling with teary eyes,

"Love it."

Then I paused.

"But... wait. When did you get this?"

He shrugged casually.

"This morning. It was delivered after you left for shopping."

My eyes widened.

"Then why didn't you tell me? I was going from one shop to another the whole day!"

He chuckled lowly and replied,

"Because I wanted you to wear something that you choose. Not because I gave it to you."

My heart melted a little more. I held the dupatta close to my chest.

"I'm going to wear this. Only this."

Then I hesitated.

"But... Maa said she'll arrange something for me. If I say no, she might feel bad..."

Aarav gently lifted my chin.

"It's okay. I'll talk to her."

Then, in a softer voice, he added,

"Siya, it's okay to say no sometimes. Not everything has to be a yes. If you don't want something, that doesn't mean your family will feel bad. You have a right to make choices too."

I nodded slowly, his words sinking in. He was right... but still, the thought worried me.

"Then... I'll talk to her myself," I said, my voice quiet but firm.

He pulled me into a warm hug.

"You should, baby. And I'm proud of you."

And in that moment... I didn't need anything else.

Just him.

It was dinner time, and we were all sitting together, enjoying the meal.

I had already spoken to Maa about the outfit earlier in the evening. To my surprise... she didn't feel bad at all.

It was just me and my overthinking again.

I had also told her that I wanted to start taking responsibilities—duties that a Rani Sa of Rajasthan is expected to handle.

At first, Maa gently insisted,

"Beta, rest for a few more days."

But I smiled and said softly,

"Maa, I've already rested enough... now I want to do something."

She smiled warmly and placed her hand over mine.

"Alright. After the reception, I'll start guiding you. And don't worry—I'll always be there with you."

That one sentence... gave me strength I didn't know I was waiting for.

I was lost in my thoughts when I felt a warm breath near my ear.

"Where are you lost, hmm? And that too when I'm sitting right beside you?"

It was Aarav.

My heart skipped a beat.

I looked at him and blushed, biting my lip slightly. He always did this—pulling me back to him even without trying.

One day I'll make him blush... just wait.

I whispered, "Nowhere..."

He smiled and said,

"Then eat your food properly."

While we were eating, Dadimaa said cheerfully,

"I already made the guest list with Rajveer. Aarav, check it once more and make sure we didn't miss anyone."

Then she added with pride in her eyes,

"Finally, after so long, people will get to meet their Rani Sa. I want this reception to be a grand celebration for the whole of Rajasthan."

Aarav nodded respectfully,

"I'll do it, Dadimaa."

After dinner, as we were about to get up, Anaya suddenly clapped her hands and said,

"Let's watch a movie tonight! It's been so long since we watched something together."

I smiled, already feeling excited. I loved the idea.

But before I could say anything, Aarav stood up and said,

"I'm going."

He was about to hold my hand, but this time... I gently moved it away.

He raised his eyebrow in surprise, and I quickly said,

"I want to watch a movie with everyone today."

He didn't say anything.

But the look in his eyes? I couldn't read it. Was he upset?

Still, we all headed toward the home theater room.

It was my first time entering that room.

Big, beautiful, with comfy seats and a huge screen.

And guess what?

Aarav came too.

As soon as he entered, Anaya and Arjun Bhaiya started teasing him.

"Look who decided to join us today," Anaya grinned.

"Ranaji in a theatre? Kya baat hai!" Arjun Bhaiya laughed.

("The King in a theatre? Now that's something!")

But the moment Aarav gave them that glare, they both zipped their mouths and sat quietly. I had to hide my smile.

We all took our seats. I was about to sit beside Anaya when Aarav suddenly held my hand—not too tight, just gently—and made me sit beside him.

I gave him a small look, slightly confused.

He leaned closer and said in a low voice, only I could hear,

"I came here just because you wanted to watch the movie with everyone... and now you're sitting away from me? That's not fair, Ranisa."

I blinked, trying to explain,

"I just... she..."

He cut me off with a soft smirk,

"I, she—nothing. Sit with me. And this time, I'm not giving you any option."

I nodded, heart fluttering a little, and quietly sat beside him.

The movie started.

We laughed, smiled, and even teased each other. Anaya and Arjun Bhaiya kept fighting over the popcorn like little kids. Chachu had to tell them to share.

Aarav didn't say much—but I felt his hand gently slip into mine.

I looked down at our fingers... warm, secure, steady.

In that moment, with my hand in his and my heart finally calm, I realized...

This was home.

This was family.

And I never wanted this feeling to end.

What do you think will happen at the reception? Drama or pure magic?

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