Chapter Forty Four
Ria's POV;
I stepped out of the shower feeling fresh, the cool water having washed away the restless night. I wrapped myself in a black bathrobe, tucking the damp strands of hair behind my ears as I padded into the bedroom.
Outside, I could already hear people talking, laughing-the mansion was coming alive with the energy of Holi, the festival of colors.
"Bhabhi!"
I turned to see Kritika and Ishita burst the door, running toward me, their faces lit with excitement.
"Good morning," I said, pulling them both into a hug, genuinely happy to see them. Their warmth was infectious, and for a moment, I forgot about the anxiety knotted in my stomach.
"Bhabhi, bhai is coming back today!" Ishita said, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the bed.
My heart lurched at the mention of Aansh, but I tried to keep my face neutral.
"Of course Ishita, bhabhi knows that bhai is coming back. After all, he is her husband," Kritika teased, settling on the edge of the bed with a mischievous grin.
I felt heat creep up my neck.
"So, you need to dress up so that bhai can see how hot his wife actually is." Kriti added making me shift abit.
"Kriti, I'm wearing white, and it's Holi. A simple kurti is enough. I don't see the need to dress up," I said, standing and moving toward my closet.
"Bhabhi, who says we don't dress up for Holi?" Ishita protested, jumping up. "And plus, we bought you a saree. We've never seen you wearing one!"
"A saree?" I repeated, surprised.
I'd always loved sarees but found them so complicated to wear. I'd stuck with my comfortable kurtis and salwar kameez instead.
Kritika grabbed a gift bag I hadn't noticed before and pushed it into my hands. "Yes, here, wear this."
"But I don't even know how to wear it," I said, looking at them pleadingly.
"Then I will help you."
We all turned to see Avantika standing at the door, dressed in a beautiful white saree that hugged her figure. She smiled warmly as she walked in and gently took the bag from me.
"Come on, Ria. I will help you," she said.
I smiled and nodded, following her into the closet. I didn't have the heart to refuse them-not when they looked so excited.
After several minutes of Avantika patiently guiding me through each pleat and drape, we were finally done. I stepped in front of the mirror and my breath caught.
The white saree with delicate silver embroidery hugged my curves in a way I wasn't used to. It was beautiful-more beautiful than anything I'd worn in a long time.
"Bhabhi, you look hot!" Kritika called out.
I smiled shyly at their compliments, feeling my cheeks warm. "Thank you, but-"
"Come on,not buts. We're not done yet. We have to do your hair as well," Avantika said, gently pushing me to sit in front of the dressing mirror.
For the next hour, they fussed over me-Avantika curling my hair while Ishita worked on my makeup. They chatted and laughed, telling stories about past Holis, and the Rathore customs.
Slowly I found myself relaxing into their care.
When they finally turned me around to face the mirror, I stared at my reflection in quiet surprise.
My hair fell in soft curls, and the natural makeup made my features look... softer somehow. The kohl around my eyes, the subtle color on my lips-it was all so delicate but transformative.
"You look beautiful," Avantika said softly.
"Yes, bhai won't be able to keep his eyes off you," Ishita added with a grin.
"Not only bhai-no man will be able to keep his eyes off her," Kritika chimed in.
"I don't know about that," I said quietly, though I couldn't help but smile. "But I love it. Thank you." I pulled them all into a hug, overwhelmed by their kindness and affection.
They left me to do my final touches, their laughter echoing down the hallway.
Alone again, I moved to my jewelry box and carefully fastened my mangalsutra around my neck. The black beads settled against my skin, a reminder of the bond I shared with Aansh-complicated and painful as it was.
I wore the diamond earrings dadaji gifted me on my first day. It brought the whole look together. I also applied a pinch of vermillion in the parting of my hair.
I looked at myself one more time in the mirror, adjusting the saree's pallu. I felt... different, more beautiful. More put together. More ready.
I definitely felt more confident to face the day.
To face him.
Taking a deep breath, I turned toward the door.
Ria's saree