Ch26 The Bow That Broke Pride #4
Dev's playful demeanor disappeared instantly. His face turned serious as he spoke with quiet confidence.
Dev said,
"Vyom bhaiya, no matter what he tries, he won't even be able to touch Bhaisa. And honestly, he doesn't have the courage to attack here. We just need to stay alert outside."
Rudraksh, who had been silently listening, finally spoke his voice calm, controlled, but carrying authority.
Rudraksh said,
"Vyom, increase the CCTV surveillance inside the house. And inform the security team to stay on high alert. No one should be allowed entry except staff and family."
Vyom nodded immediately.
Vyom said,
"Don't worry, everything is already in place. Just... try to avoid going out for a few days."
Rudraksh's eyes darkened slightly as he looked at him.
Rudraksh said,
"This Rudraksh Vardhan doesn't fear a coward like him. And I won't sit inside the house out of fear."
Vyom opened his mouth to argue.
Vyom said,
"But..."
Before he could complete his sentence, Rudraksh raised his hand, silencing him instantly.
Rudraksh said,
"Not another word. And listen carefully no one in the house should get even a hint about this. Especially your bhabhi."
There was a slight pause... and then his tone softened just a fraction, though the concern was clearly visible beneath it.
Rudraksh said,
"That woman already thinks she's Wonder Woman. If she finds out, she might do something reckless and put her life in danger."
Viswraaj couldn't help but let out a faint chuckle, leaning back casually.
Viswraaj said,
"Well, Bhaisa... that's actually true. But then again, look at whose wife she is Mrs. Rivanya Rudraksh Vardhan. It's natural for her to be fearless. Honestly, if she was scared... that would've been abnormal."
A brief silence followed his words.
And though Rudraksh didn't say anything...
A faint, almost invisible smile touched his lips one that he didn't let anyone notice.
Downstairs, Rivanya was completely engrossed in her work.
She was managing both the pooja room and the kitchen at the same time, giving proper instructions to the staff, preparing for the rituals, and ensuring that everything was perfect.
In fact, she had already gotten half of the house decorations done, and the remaining work was also close to completion.
Despite everything that had happened the previous night, her excitement and dedication made it seem like she had forgotten all about her condition.
Meanwhile, everyone was sitting together in the hall. After a while, Rudraksh, Dev, Viswraaj, and Vyom joined them. However, even while sitting there, Rudraksh's attention wasn't on the conversation his eyes were fixed on Rivanya from a distance, watching her every move silently.
Just then, a woman's voice echoed from the entrance.
"I'm here, Badi Maa."
Dadi Maa looked towards the door and saw Chandni had arrived. No one was truly happy to see her, but everyone stood up with forced smiles.
Dadi Maa said,
"Come, Chandni, come inside."
Chandni walked in and immediately, in a taunting tone, said,
"Well, Rudraksh, you've spent quite a lot building this house, haven't you? No wonder you barely visit Vardhanpur now."
Rudraksh felt anger rise within him, but he stayed silent for Dadi Maa's sake. Chandni then formally touched Dadaji and Dadi Maa's feet and added,
"We haven't forgotten our values, but it seems your grandson has, Badi Maa."
At Dadi Maa's gesture, Dev and Raj touched Chandni's feet, but Rudraksh remained seated with a stern expression. Chandni didn't have the courage to question him directly.
Then she asked,
"Badi Maa, where is Rudraksh's wife? I don't see her. Did he throw her out of the house already?"
Rudraksh was just about to lose his temper when Rivanya entered at that very moment.
Rivanya said calmly,
"Bua ji, who could possibly throw me out of my own house? You wanted to meet me, right? Here I am."
She stepped forward, respectfully touched Chandni's feet, and said,
"I am Rivanya... Rudra's wife."
Chandni observed her carefully. There was no flaw she was beautiful, well-mannered, and graceful. Still, Chandni remarked,
"Girls these days... they take their husband's name so easily."
Rivanya smiled and replied,
"What's in a name, Bua ji? The law of our country gives equal rights to husband and wife. Taking my husband's name won't make him any less. But I understand you belong to older thinking. Modern ideas might not be easy for you to understand."
Hearing this, Chandni felt irritated but had no reply. Everyone present was impressed by how gracefully Rivanya handled the situation, especially Rudraksh, who was silently enjoying it.
After that, everyone sat down and continued casual conversation. But Chandni, true to her nature, couldn't stay quiet for long.
She said,
"Rivanya, you're a newlywed bride. You should dress up properly. Why are you wearing so little jewelry?"
Rivanya smiled again and replied,
"Bua ji, people don't wear jewelry just to show it off. It's simply a way to adorn oneself. My grandmother always says that a person should not shine because of ornaments, but because of pure intentions and a good heart. Those are the most beautiful jewels."
Chandni fell silent again, and everyone became even more impressed with Rivanya.
But Chandni wasn't done.
With a fake smile, she said,
"That may be true... but I thought maybe your husband hasn't given you anything. After all, you are a replaced bride, aren't you? Your stepsister's replacement."
Dadi Maa immediately scolded her,
"Chandni, mind your words. Don't forget you're speaking to my daughter-in-law."
Rudraksh was about to react in anger, but Rivanya signaled him to stay calm and handled it herself.
She said,
"Bua ji, it's true that I was a replaced bride. But don't forget today, I am Rudraksh Vardhan's wife, Mrs. Rivanya Rudraksh Vardhan, and the daughter-in-law of the Vardhan family. Here, jewelry doesn't matter much. And honestly, if I ask even once, my husband will bring me anything I want.
So there's no need to prove anything."
Chandni, still unwilling to back down, said,
"That's quite visible... how Rudraksh is already under your control. Soon he might even touch your feet in front of everyone. But surely, he has enough self-respect not to be completely controlled by his wife."
That was it.
Rudraksh Vardhan's patience finally broke.