His Angel

Chapter - 66

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I woke up early today.

Tomorrow is our reception... and today, I just wanted a quiet moment—to pray, to breathe, to thank God.

So after taking a warm shower, I got dressed in a mauve saree.

It had a heavy embroidered border, and I paired it with a sleeveless blouse that also had delicate embroidery.

It had been so long since I wore a saree. .. and honestly, it felt good.

I wore simple earrings, my bangles, and finally, my mangalsutra—the moment my fingers touched it, my heart felt full.

After getting ready, I went downstairs where Maa, Chachi, and Dadimaa were already sitting and having tea. I touched their feet and took their blessings.

They smiled warmly, making me feel lighter already.

I told them softly,

"I'm going to the temple, I'll be back soon."

I picked up the puja thali I had prepared earlier and went outside. I had already informed Aarav last night, so the driver was ready. I sat in the car quietly, my heart calm.

At the temple, everything felt peaceful.

I offered my prayers, placed flowers, lit the diya, and bowed my head in front of the idol. Pandit ji blessed me and said softly,

"May you always be happy, beta. You're truly glowing like a queen today."

I smiled, touched his feet, and returned home with a warm heart.

As soon as I reached back, I went straight to the kitchen. I made a cup of coffee for Aarav and tea for myself. It made me happy—doing these little things for him.

Balancing the tray carefully, I walked to his study.

He was sitting at his desk, deeply focused on his work. But the moment he saw me, he smiled softly, stood up, and came to sit beside me on the sofa.

"Siya," he said, gently placing his hand on mine,

"My business partner is coming this evening... with his wife. I invited them to the reception, but I also asked them to stay with us instead of at a hotel."

I nodded with a smile.

"You did the right thing. They're our guests, they should stay with us."

Then I looked at him curiously and asked,

"So... what should I make for them?"

He raised an eyebrow and said calmly,

"You don't have to make anything. Just meet them. They're coming because they want to meet my wife."

"Oh... okay."

But I couldn't hide the small pout on my face.

He looked at me and asked softly,

"What happened, baby?"

I looked down and mumbled,

"They are coming to our home for the first time... don't you think we should do something special for them? Maybe prepare a few special dishes?"

He looked amused and said,

"You just tell the chef, Siya. They'll make it."

I looked up slowly and said in an even softer voice,

"But they are our guests... I was thinking maybe I could—"

"No, Siya," he said quickly, cutting me off, his tone a little stern but still gentle,

"Don't go there. Don't tire yourself."

I didn't say anything... just gave him one of my most innocent, sweet smiles—the one I always give when I want to change his mind.

He looked at me, narrowed his eyes playfully, and then sighed.

"Okay, fine... only one dish. Not more."

I opened my mouth to say something more, maybe to convince him for two...

But before I could speak, he suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips softly against mine.

The kiss was gentle... warm... full of love.

When he pulled back, he whispered near my lips with a teasing smile,

"Don't try to convince me for more, hmm?"

I blinked, my heart fluttering, face warm.

And all I could think was—how does he always know exactly what to do to shut down all my thoughts and make me feel so full of love... at the same time?

It was evening already... and I had been in the kitchen for so long that even I lost track of time, standing near the counter, stirring the kheer slowly.

Everyone around me was busy, and even though I had already given all the instructions, I kept repeating them.

What if something went wrong? What if they forgot something?

Aarav's business partner and his wife were coming, and it was their first time visiting our home. Everything had to be perfect.

I didn't know much about them, but traditional Rajasthani food felt like the perfect, homely welcome—as long as it wasn't too spicy.

I looked at the chef and said softly,

"Please don't make it too spicy. Just mild... especially the gatte ki sabzi."

He nodded.

Once the kheer was ready, I placed it aside to cool down and began making cookies. I know Aarav had told me to make only one dish—but I couldn't stop myself. My heart wouldn't let me sit quietly when there were guests coming. I wanted everything to be right... to feel homely.

As I pulled the tray of cookies out of the oven, the warm, sweet smell filled the kitchen.

I smiled to myself.

But just then, a staff member came in and said respectfully,

"Ranisa, Ranasa is calling you in his study room."

My heart skipped a beat.

"I-I'm coming," I said quickly.

Before leaving, I gave the chefs one more round of instructions.

I know I repeat myself too much... but what if they forget something?

I dusted my hands and made my way to Aarav's study.

As soon as I stepped inside and closed the door behind me—before I could even say anything—Aarav suddenly pulled me back and pinned me gently against the door.

My eyes widened in surprise.

His gaze was intense... like he already knew what I had done.

"Tell me, Rani Sa," he said, his voice low and teasing,

"what punishment do you deserve... for not listening to me?"

I blinked fast, trying to stay calm.

"W-When did I not listen?" I asked nervously.

He raised one eyebrow, tilting his head slightly.

"Really? Then tell me, what have you been doing in the kitchen for so long?"

I swallowed, glancing away for a second.

"That? I just made kheer and... and told the chefs what to do or how to do things... that's it."

He stared at me, clearly not buying it.

"That's it?"

I nodded quickly, biting my lower lip without realizing it.

His eyes dropped to my lips, and he whispered,

"Don't do that."

I looked at him, confused.

"Do what?"

He brought his hand to my face gently, his thumb brushing over my lip.

"Bite your lip. That's only my right now."

Before I could even understand, he leaned closer—his breath warm against my face, his eyes fixed on mine.

I could feel my heartbeat in my ears.

His lips were just inches away when—

Knock knock.

We both froze.

Someone knocked on the door.

I looked at him, half shy, half relieved... and he closed his eyes for a second, clearly annoyed.

I looked down, cheeks burning, lips trembling with a small smile.

He whispered close to my ear,

"This isn't over."

And deep down... I didn't want it to be.

Aarav opened the door.

A staff member stood there with his head slightly bowed.

"Rana Sa, the guests have arrived."

Aarav's voice was calm but firm.

"Make them sit in the living room. We're coming."

"Ji, Rana Sa," he replied and left.

I checked myself quickly in the nearby mirror. My saree looked fine, my hair was neat... but still, I turned to Aarav and asked in a small voice,

"Avi... Am I looking okay? Like, presentable? Or should I change...?"

He stepped closer, cupped my face in his warm hands, and said gently,

"Don't think too much. You're looking perfect..."

Then after a pause, he added with a smirk,

"You're looking mine."

And just like that... I blushed.

My heart melted a little more.

We walked together to the living room.

There, sitting with Dadimaa, were a man and a woman. Their backs were facing us, so I couldn't see their faces yet. Aarav and I walked closer, and I softly said,

"Namaste."

They turned to face us.

The moment I saw the man, I froze.

It's him...

The same man I met at Trisha's birthday party. The one who had looked at me with such emotion and said—

"You remind me of someone very dear to me."

Before I could say anything, Aarav spoke up,

"Siya, they are Mr. Veerendra Rajvansh—my business partner—and his wife, Mrs. Madhavi Rajvansh."

Then he looked at them and said with pride,

"She's my wife, Siya Aarav Singh Rathore."

Mrs. Rajvansh smiled warmly at me.

"Come, sit with us, beta."

I looked at Aarav.

He gave a small nod.

I quietly sat down beside them.

They started asking me questions gently—

"How are you, beta?"

"What are you doing these days?"

I answered them politely. Smiling softly. Speaking slowly. But inside, I was confused.

Why are they talking to me like this?

Like they've known me for years... or like they're searching for something in my face.

I didn't say anything though. I just answered what they asked, respectfully.

A few minutes later, Maa and Chachi came with tea and snacks. They greeted the guests and placed everything on the table.

Anaya and Papa weren't home.

Chachu and Arjun Bhaiya hadn't returned from office yet.

We all sat quietly as tea was served.

But throughout the conversation... their eyes kept returning to me.

Not just looking.

Observing.

Like they were trying to remember something. Or recognize something.

I held the cup gently between my fingers, keeping my eyes low. But inside, my mind kept asking questions.

Do they know me? Have I met them before too? But why don't I remember...?

After tea, Dadimaa spoke up kindly,

"You both must be tired after such a long journey. Please go rest for a while."

Then she turned to a staff member and said,

"Take them to the guest room."

They both stood up slowly, smiling at everyone. But before leaving, Mr. Rajvansh looked at me one more time... and I saw something in his eyes.

Pain.

Hope.

And something unspoken.

I looked down again, not knowing why my heart was beating strangely.

So many thoughts.

Too many feelings.

And one question silently growing inside me—

Who are they... really?

~~~~~~~

We were all sitting at the dining table, quietly having dinner.

Everyone was there—Mr. and Mrs. Rajvansh, Dadimaa, Maa, Papa,Chachi, Chachu, Anaya, Arjun Bhaiya and Aarav beside me... but today, there wasn't much talking.

Only the sound of spoons and plates and soft movements filled the air.

I kept looking down at my food, only stealing glances at the couple across from me.

Something about them still made my heart feel... unsure. Not in a bad way. Just... a strange pull I couldn't understand.

After dinner, we all moved to the living room. The silence was slowly replaced by soft conversation.

That's when Mr. and Mrs. Rajvansh began complimenting the food.

"The kheer was wonderful," Mrs. Rajvansh said with a gentle smile.

"It's been so many years since we had a full Rajasthani meal like this."

I looked up and smiled softly,

"Thank you. I... I made the kheer myself."

They both looked surprised and even happier. I felt a warm kind of pride in my heart.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Rajvansh excused herself and went into the guest room.

When she came back, she was holding a box wrapped in soft cream paper with golden ribbon.

She came to me and said,

"This is for you, beta."

I was about to look at Aarav—as I always do—but before he could say anything, she added quickly with a little laugh,

"Don't worry, we brought gifts for everyone. Yours is just the first."

Just then, the staff came with more boxes, she and Mr. Rajvansh gave something to everyone.

I slowly opened the gift she gave me.

Inside was a bracelet.

But the moment I saw it... my hands stopped moving.

My smile faded slowly.

Something in my chest tightened.

Because that bracelet... reminded me of something.

A pendant.

A small, delicate feather pendant I had lost almost two and a half years ago.

The only thing I had from my past... from my parents maybe. I didn't even remember when I had started wearing it—it was just always there... always with me.

My eyes filled with tears before I could stop them.

Aarav noticed first. He quietly reached for my hand and held it tightly.

His warmth made it easier to breathe.

Mrs. Rajvansh suddenly looked worried.

"You... you don't like it, beta?"

She turned toward her husband, a little upset.

"See, Veer? I told you we should bring her something else. But you were the one who said she'd like this. I shouldn't have listened to you."

I blinked quickly and shook my head, wiping my tears gently.

"No... no, it's beautiful," I said, my voice low and soft. "Please don't say that. I really like it, Mrs. Rajvansh. Don't blame him."

Her face softened.

"Don't call me Mrs. Rajvansh," she said softly. "It's too formal. Just call me... Aunty."

I looked at her for a moment. Then slowly nodded.

"Okay... Aunty."

Her smile grew.

And just like that... something in my heart melted.

The way they looked at me.

The way they talked to me.

The way they felt so familiar...

I didn't know what it was.

But it didn't feel like I was meeting them for the first time.

It felt like...

They were family.

All through the evening, Aarav didn't leave my side.

He sat quietly beside me, holding my hand—giving me comfort in his silence, even though he usually didn't like long social moments.

But today... he stayed.

For me.

As we walked back toward our room, Aarav's phone rang.

He picked it up and after listening for a moment, he said in his usual serious tone,

"I'm coming."

Then he turned to me,

"You go and change. I'll be back in a few minutes."

I nodded and walked ahead quietly.

When I entered our room, I walked to the closet and opened the drawer where I kept my jewelry.

I looked at the bracelet box in my hand... and gently placed it beside my other pieces.

Before closing it, I looked at it one last time.

Why did it remind me so much of my lost pendant...?

I shook the thought away, picked up a comfortable night suit, and went to the bathroom to change.

Just as I came back into the room, my phone rang.

It was Trisha.

I smiled and picked it up,

"Hello?"

Her voice came, soft and apologetic,

"Siya, I'm so sorry... I won't be able to make it for the morning pooja tomorrow."

My smile faded a little.

"Oh... is everything okay?"

"There's a family emergency. But don't worry—I'll be at the reception, I promise."

For a moment, I felt a little sad.

Karan's also out of the city...

And now Trisha too...

But I understood.

"It's okay," I said softly. "Just come early in the evening."

"I will," she promised before we ended the call.

After cutting the call, I placed my phone aside and slowly lay down on the bed.

A minute later, Aarav came back.

He didn't say much. He quietly changed his clothes and then lay beside me.

I turned toward him and rested my head gently on his chest.

He held me close, wrapping his arm around me as if he could feel the storm inside my silence.

After a moment, I whispered,

"Avi..."

"Hmm?" he answered, his voice low.

I spoke slowly, not even knowing where the words were coming from.

"Today... when I saw the bracelet, it reminded me of a pendant I lost. Two and a half years ago."

He didn't say anything, so I continued,

"I don't know if it was from my parents... but it was always with me. Since I was a child. I used to believe it was the last thing I had from them."

I closed my eyes.

"When I lost it, I searched everywhere... I cried for days. But later, I convinced myself maybe it was only meant to stay with me for some time."

I waited for him to say something, but he stayed quiet.

So I lifted my head and looked at him—and the look on his face scared me.

He looked... numb.

His eyes weren't meeting mine, and his grip around me tightened just a little.

I gently cupped his face and asked,

"Avi... what happened?"

He shook his head slightly.

"Nothing."

Then after a pause, he said,

"Tell me how it looked... that pendant. I'll get it made for you."

I quickly shook my head.

"No... no. I don't want anything."

He raised an eyebrow with that same teasing expression that always makes me nervous.

"Really?"

I nodded like a small child.

"Really."

He smirked.

"Fine. But then I want something from you, Ranisa."

I looked at him, confused.

"What?"

And in a swift movement, he rolled me over, making me hover above him.

My breath got stuck in my throat.

He looked into my eyes, his hand brushing my cheek.

"A kiss," he whispered,

"Kiss me, Ranisa."