Chapter 6
Aditi
I’m relieved that my final semester is over and the results will be out soon.
I’m confident about graduating with flying colours because studies have always been something I value the most in life.
Education, I believe, shapes a good future, and I’ve always taken it seriously as I want to become someone I can be proud of myself.
Now that I finally have a break from studies, there’s another thing occupying my mind for the past week.
Reyansh Thakur. The golden boy. The heartthrob. The charming enigma.
Every young girl in the city swoons over him, and the media never misses a chance to capture him through their lenses. Yet, he never seems to care.The sole heir to Suryaveer Thakur’s empire is raised like royalty, yet he’s one of the most grounded people I’ve ever seen.
When I entered Bajaj Mansion ten years ago, I quickly noticed how often the Thakurs visited. It didn’t take long to realize the two families were not just business partners but lifelong friends.
Reyansh always struck me as warm, composed, and effortlessly cool.
There was a time I wanted to befriend him.
But soon, I saw how inseparable he was from my Amyra Di, how they shared a bond so close that no one could step in.
I gave up the thought easily. It never stung.
I’ve always been a reserved person, content with my small circle, so I let the idea fade and buried myself in academics.
Still, the chemistry between Amyra Di and Reyansh was undeniable. It was raw, real, magnetic. I even heard from Neelima Aunt about Reyansh’s childhood promise to marry my sister. It amused me how both families had already envisioned them as life partners.
Like everyone else, I believed they were destined for each other.
I was convinced.
I was sure.
Until I wasn’t. Because I never saw this coming.
The man who was always meant to orbit around Amyra Bajaj…had his eyes on me. On Aditi Raina, the girl who doesn’t even belong to the household.
When I heard it, my heart stuttered. It felt…exciting. And the best part? He’d been feeling this way for two years, and I never had a clue.
For the first time since my parents passed away, something warm bloomed inside me, a tiny hope that maybe my life wouldn’t be lonely anymore.
I liked how Reyansh announced his feelings before everyone, with no hint of hesitation.
Wow. To imagine that I was proposed to in front of my family!
And instead of rushing me for an answer, he insisted that I take my time, finish my semester, and think about it. That was impressive.
Oddly, I already knew my answer, but I didn’t want to appear desperate. Besides, there was something I needed to clear up before deciding. I step out of my room, pacing down the corridor until I reach the grand door on the left side of the staircase, my elder sister’s room.
I knocked.
“Come in,” a whisper comes from my sister.
Once I step inside, I take a moment to scan my sister’s room, which looks more like a luxury suite from a five-star hotel, a perfect blend of elegance and extravagance.
The queen-size bed commands the center, a lavish crimson wardrobe lines the left wall, and a glittering velvet couch, full-length mirror, and sleek study table are arranged with flawless precision.
“Di,” I call gently.
“Adi! Come, sit here!” She gestures to the couch beside her with a faint smile, one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
But my attention drifts to her. She looks utterly drained, her face pale and dull, eyes rimmed red with dark circles shadowing beneath, skin tired, and lips dry. The usual sparkle in her gaze is gone, and the sight tugs painfully at my chest.
Is it because…
“Everything okay? How did your exams go?” she asks.
“Good, Di. I’m confident I’ll score well, just like you and…Reyansh.” I murmur his name, but the way she stiffens tells me she caught it.
“Good to know, Adi. What else?”
“You seem weak, Di. Are you okay?”
“Don’t worry. Just doing a little research about our company. As you know, my training starts soon,” she says, voice flat, eyes avoiding mine.
Our company.
The way the Bajajs welcomed me with open arms is something I’ll forever be indebted for. Not once have they made me feel like an outsider, and that has always meant the world to me.
When my parents passed away, I was just twelve, crying helplessly in the hospital beside their still bodies.
That’s when Neelima Aunt walked in like a saviour, promising to take care of me as her own for the rest of her life.
I’m grateful I wasn’t left to face the emptiness alone.
God gave me a second family, a loving aunt, and a caring sister who stood by me through everything.
A sister from another mother. And that’s exactly why I hesitated when Reyansh proposed. Because I know what he means to my sister, and before I decide anything, I need to be sure.
“Just ask, Adi. I know you’re dying to.” Her calm tone surprises me. I draw in a breath.
“Di, it’s about Reyansh’s confession. It’s been a week, and I think he’s waiting for my answer—”
“Yes, he’s been rambling about it every day,” she cuts in dryly.
“Di, I know you probably have feelings for him—”
“That doesn’t matter, Adi. This isn’t about me. It’s about you and him. Remember that.”
“But, I feel uneasy knowing you love him, and he doesn’t feel the same. I’m scared my decision to accept his proposal will hurt you.” She swallows hard before speaking again, voice steadier now.
“What happened that day was a bitter truth I need to accept. If he has no feelings towards me and if he feels for you, it’s not your or his fault, Aditi. And I won’t make you feel guilty for something beyond your control.”
“No, Di. I can’t bear to lose you over this.”
“I’m not that fragile, Aditi,” she says with a weak laugh, but I see the pain flicker behind her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Di. I just want to be sure you’ll be okay with whatever I decide.” She pauses, then nods with quiet assurance.
“I’ll always support you, Adi. Don’t ever doubt that.” She pats my shoulder gently, and I smile in relief.
“Thank you, Di.” I hold her hands, and she brushes them off with a soft grin.
“Just remember one thing, Aditi. This could be the biggest turning point of your life. Choose wisely. Do what your heart wants. After all you’ve been through, you deserve happiness.”
My eyes sting as she pulls me into a hug, her hand stroking my hair tenderly. When I pull back, she’s smiling, genuinely this time, and that’s the only validation I needed.
“I’ll leave now, Di.”
“Wish you luck on your new beginning, Adi.”
Did she sniff my decision? I nod, stepping out of her room.
I’ve always loved, admired, and respected Amyra Di as my own sister. But there were moments, brief, fleeting, when I felt something else. Maybe envy.
She was always the center of everyone’s world, the princess of two families, cherished by all, effortlessly drawing people in…especially Reyansh. And somewhere deep down, I longed for that too.
To be seen. To be someone’s priority. To be held close to someone’s heart.
Now that I finally have that chance, would I let it slip away?