à¤à¤¨ राहà¥à¤ à¤à¥ दà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾à¤
निà¤à¤¾à¤¹à¥à¤ à¤à¥ दà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾à¤
हम राहà¥à¤ à¤à¥ दà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾à¤
फनाह हॠसà¤à¥ दà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾à¤ð
The echoing rhythm of Sitara's heels resonated through the grand Oberoi mansion as she descended the staircase. Her gray office attire clung to her, making her look so hot. Her waist-length straight hair flowed around her, enhancing her beauty. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she spotted her mother-in-law and sister-in-law seated in the dining area. She approached them.
"Good morning, Maa," she said, embracing her mother-in-law from behind.
"Good morning, my child," her mother-in-law replied.
"Good morning, Bhabhi, and my adorable munchkins," she said, gently caressing Akshita's pregnant belly.
"Your little munchkins are causing me trouble already," sighed Akshita.
"Don't worry, Bhabhi, just a few more months," Sitara said, trying to comfort her.
"Sitara, sit down and have breakfast," Nishtha, her mother-in-law, ordered.
"No, Maa, I'm running late for a crucial meeting today," Sitara replied, her face displaying worry.
"Relax, Mrs. Ruhaan Oberoi," came Advik's voice from behind, as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
At the mention of Ruhaan's name, Sitara's heart skipped a beat, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
"You'll secure the deal, I trust you," Advik said, giving her an encouraging smile.
"Yes, Bhai, but I need to review the presentation," she replied, her anxiety evident.
"It's alright, Sitara. You still have time for that. Sit and have breakfast," Advik suggested.
"But, Bhaiâ" Sitara began to argue, only to be interrupted by her father-in-law's entrance.
"Sitara, sit and have breakfast, or you'll fall sick," Kabir said, his tone as cold as ever, showing no difference between him and Ruhaan.
"Yes, Dad," she conceded, taking a seat next to Akshita.
Kabir, Advik, and Nishtha joined them, and the servants served breakfast. As Sitara took a bite of her sandwich, she felt a lump in her throat.
"By the way, Sitara, when is Ruhaan coming back? You know we have Akshi's baby shower tomorrow," Nishtha inquired, causing Sitara to choke on her food.
"What happened, Sitara? Drink this," Akshita offered her a glass of water, patting her back gently.
"I think it got stuck," Sitara managed to say after taking a sip.
"Eat slowly," Advik advised, concern etched on his face.
"I can't eat. I'll just have tea," Sitara decided, pouring herself a cup.
The room fell silent, and Sitara finished her tea before excusing herself.
"I'm done. Goodbye, everyone," she said, touching Kabir and Nishtha's feet.
"Take care, my child," Nishtha said.
"And best of luck, my shining star," Akshita wished her.
"Thank you, Bhabhi," Sitara replied with a forced smile. "Dad, Bhai, I'll meet you directly in the conference room," she added, looking at them.
"Alright," Kabir said, and Advik nodded.
Sitara's POV
Currently, I'm driving my car to the office. There's an important meeting scheduled today, a deal that means the world to Ruhaan. He has been eagerly anticipating this moment for so long. But here I am, driving alone, clueless about his whereabouts. When Maa asked me about him, I feigned a coughing fit, claiming a sandwich got stuck. The truth was, I desperately wanted to change the topic. What should I do? They kept asking about my husband, who has been away on a business trip for the past week, not bothering to inform me. I felt an overwhelming urge to cry, but I held back my tears.
I overheard Advik Bhai telling Akshita Bhabhi that Ruhaan was in the UK. That's the only information I have, and I got it from Advik Bhai. Everyone assumes we talk daily, but the reality is, I don't even have his international number. Well, I do, but it only works within India. To the outside world, we're a powerful and happy couple, but behind closed doors, we're strangers who barely know each other. We got married six months ago. Right from day one, he kept his distance. At first, everyone in the family knew about it. However, Dad insisted we give our relationship a chance, so we started pretending in front of our family too.
Upon reaching my office, I handed my keys to the watchman and took our private elevator to my cabin. Sitting down, I opened my laptop and began reviewing my presentation. I was so engrossed that a knock on the door startled me. "Come in," I called out, and in walked Advik Bhai.
"Hello, Bhai," I cheerfully greeted him.
"Hi, how's it going?" he asked.
"Till now, it's perfect," I replied, my nerves palpable.
"Don't worry, I told you that you'll nail this deal. After all, it's your husband's dream project," he teased, the last words dripping with playful sarcasm, as if he knew something I didn't.
"No, Bhai, it's not like that. Actually, it's my first presentation for someone like Mr. Knight."
"I told you, don't worry," he said, placing his hand on my head. I had never had a brother, but after marrying Ruhaan, I found the best brother in Advik.
Marriage to Ruhaan had blessed me with parents like Maa and Dad. I had lost my mother at the age of 13, but Maa filled that void, showering me with motherly love. Dad might not express his feelings openly, but I knew he cared for me. Advik Bhai and Akshita Bhabhi treated me like their little sister, always ready to help and guide. Akshita Bhabhi used to work in the office too, but due to her pregnancy, the doctor had advised her to take complete rest. She was expecting twins, and the doctor emphasized minimizing stress and tension. Advik Bhai adored his wife, always ensuring her comfort. Despite his hectic schedule, he made time for her, even bringing her ice-cream late at night after work. I had decided to give him a break. I would handle his work for the next few months.
And how could I forget Mayra, Ruhaan's younger sister, who was perhaps the sweetest soul I knew? Honestly, I often doubted whether Ruhaan was truly their biological brother. Currently, Mayra is pursuing her education in Delhi, but she visits every month. We do spoke at night, and Mayra share her daily experiences, making me cherish our bond.
These people were the reason I endured this loveless marriage. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my newfound family. Marriage had bestowed upon me a mother, an elder brother like Advik Bhai, a sister and confidante like Akshita Bhabhi, and a younger sister like Mayra. Despite having nothing to do with Ruhaan, he was my husband, and I had to pretend to be his ideal wife.
"Let's go," Advik Bhai said, and we made our way towards the conference room.
Upon our arrival, I found Dad already seating there. I smiled at him, and he nodded in return. Soon enough, Mr. Knight and several other people entered the room, and the presentation commenced. I gave my all to this presentation, pouring my heart and soul into it. After 40 minutes, it concluded, and I saw a smile on Mr. Knight's face. I believed he was impressed with the presentation.
they said they will answer by day after tomorrow, and we're okay with it, after that they left
"You nailed it Sitara"" Advik Bhai praised, embracing me.
"Thank you, Bhai," I said, and we broke our hug.
"Keep it up," Dad encouraged, placing his hand on my head, and I saw a genuine smile on his face.
"Thanks, Dad," I replied, smiling back at him.
Dad left, and Advik Bhai said, "Sitara, now let's go back home; Akshi is eating my head." I couldn't help but want to laugh at his situation. Pregnancy mood swings were driving Akshita Bhabhi crazy, and in turn, she was making Bhai crazy.
"Bhai, I genuinely admire you both. God bless you," I said, smiling warmly.
"Thank you, but... Sitara, can I ask you something?" he asked, his expression changing.
"Yes, Bhai."
"Is everything okay between you and Ruhaan? I noticed you changed the topic this morning," he caught me.
"Ye... yes, Bhai, everything is fine between us, and I wasn't changing the topic. Maybe you misunderstood," I replied awkwardly.
"Then swear on me," he said, taking my hand and placing it on his head.
"Bhai, I told you, na," I said, trying to remove my hand.
"Tell me, Sitara," he said in his serious tone, and that's when I broke down and told him everything.
"I knew it, I knew that you were faking in front of us too," he said.
"Bhai, what should I do? I don't know how to bring him out from that incident. I've tried a lot, but I've failed," I said, trying not to cry.
"Why did you hide it from me, Sitara?" Advik Bhai said, holding my shoulders.
"You were already stressed about Bhabhi's pregnancy," I reasoned.
"So what? At least you could have told me," Advik Bhai said.
"I know, Bhai, but I didn't want to give you any tension," I said.
"But..." he began, but his phone rang.
"Yes, yes, Akshi, I'm coming," he said, and once again, Bhai found himself in trouble.
"Go, Bhai, or else you'll be out of tomorrow's function," I joked.
"Sitara, remember I'm always with you, and I will find a solution too," he said, reassuring me.
"What solution?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"About you and Ruhaan," he said.
"No, Bhai, you don't have to do this. I will deal with it, please," I pleaded with him. I didn't want to burden him with my problems.
"I can see how you've dealt with it," he taunted, "and don't worry about me," he said, placing his hand on my head.
"Now go, Bhai, or else Bhabhi will order you not to come," I joked, and he fake laughed.
After he left, I returned to my cabin. I had to check some files before leaving.
Around 6 in the evening, I reached the main gate of Oberoi Mansion. It was adorned like a bride; after all, it was Akshita Bhabhi's baby shower tomorrow, and I couldn't help but feel immense joy. I believed this was the most significant day for any girl â a celebration of a new life. I hoped Ruhaan would come too.
When I entered the hall, I saw Bhabhi complaining to Maa about something, and Advik Bhai was sitting on the sofa, rubbing his temples.
"What happened?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.
"See, Sitara, I told Advik to bring baby blue bangles, but he brought sky blue. It doesn't match my outfit," Bhabhi complained to me. Maa left, shaking her head in amusement.
I glanced at Advik Bhai's face, and honestly, I wanted to laugh at his predicament. He was trying so hard to avoid giving Bhabhi a chance to complain, but he was failing at every turn. Advik Bhai sought my help through his eyes.
"Yes, yes, Bhabhi, there's a huge difference. Look, it's not even close to your outfit," I said, adding fuel to her irritation.
"See, Sitara is also saying," Bhabhi pointed out, looking at Bhai, who shot me death glares.
"Bhabhi, he's glaring at me," I complained, hiding behind her like a child seeking protection.
"Advik, why are you giving her glares? It's your mistake; learn to accept it," Bhabhi scolded, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"See, Akshi, she's laughing," Bhai said, pointing in my direction.
"Stop this, Advik. First, you made a mistake, and now you're making excuses," Bhabhi scolded him.
"Okay, madam, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he finally apologized, holding his ears in a playful gesture.
"Don't worry, Bhabhi, I have baby blue color bangles; let me bring them from the room," I said, trying to diffuse the situation. I turned on my heels, and I heard Bhabhi remark, "See, Ruhaan knows everything about Sitara. I guess she told him to bring them, and he brought the exact color," explaining to Bhai, and my smile faded away.
She looked at me, and I just managed to force a smile before leaving the room. Locking the door behind me, I collapsed onto the bed and cried. I cried bitterly. This had become the norm for me. I never cried in front of anyone because everyone believed that Ruhaan had come out of that incident, and we had started our new life together. But the reality was that we never spoke to each other. I wished him good morning, and in reply, he only nodded. I tried to talk to him, but he always refused. Now, I am tired. Tired of trying. Before I was married, I dreamt of a happy married life where my husband would listen to my late-night talks and kiss me on my forehead every morning. Ruhaan gave me family, a luxurious life, and whatnot, but love? Forget love; he wasn't even willing to be friends with me. Many girls dream of my life, but I cursed my fate.
After 15 minutes of crying, I heard a knock on my door. I adjusted myself and opened it, only to find Advik Bhai standing there with his hands in his pockets.
"Yes, Bhai?" I asked, attempting to fake a smile.
"Were you crying?" he asked, narrowing his eyes, sensing my distress.
"N-no, Bhai," I stammered, trying to deny it.
"What? No, see yourself in the mirror," he said, raising his voice slightly while maintaining his decency.
I looked down, unable to meet his gaze.
"Sitara, it's okay if you're crying; let it be. But don't let anyone affect your mental or physical health," he said, expressing genuine concern for my well-being.
"Yes, Bhai," I replied, my voice barely audible.
"Sitara, I've thought about it and found a solution too. Let him come; I will talk to both of you together," he said, his tone firm and determined.
"Bhai, there's no need to do anything, please," I pleaded, fearing he might suggest separation, which would force me to leave this family.
"I understand your situation, Sitara. You're my sister, and I care for you. I can't let you live in this hopeless life," he said, his voice filled with empathy.
I looked down once again, unable to hold his gaze.
"And if anyone asks about him, tell them he is in the UK and he will come tomorrow at 4. His flight will land at 3," Bhai instructed me.
"Okay, Bhai," I said with a nod.
Bhai left, and What the hell! He's coming back. How will I face him when he finds out that I told Bhai everything? It was our secret, our silent pact. Luckily, we never made any promises to each other, or else I could have broken my word.
Next chapter's hint: Ruhaan's POV
Hello my sweeties. I hope your doing good . Do you liked 1st chapter? If yes then pleade do vote and comment ð it will really motivate meâ¥ï¸ I need your support