Abhimanyu stood by the window, freshly showered and dressed in comfortable clothes. It was Sunday, a rare day without the demands of the office. Yet, the atmosphere in the house was anything but relaxed-discussions were underway about Isha and Ishani's marriages. Though he resented his father's decisions, Abhimanyu knew there was little he could do; his sisters had already agreed, and arguing would be futile. His father had a way of controlling everyoneâs lives, just as he had controlled Abhimanyuâs. With a sigh, he looked out the window, wondering if his fatherâs actions might backfire someday. If his sisters' happiness were sacrificed, he would make sure his father faced the consequences.
Turning back to the quiet room, he realized he was alone. His wife, Misha Abhimanyu Rathore, had taken to disappearing early each morning. Yet, every night, she clung to him as though he were her lifeline, only to grow distant again by sunrise. The contrast made him chuckle, her behavior as mysterious as it was endearing.
Abhimanyu looked up as Misha entered the room, and his eyes brightened instantly. These days, there was a strange warmth he felt whenever she was near, something new that left him slightly unbalanced but undeniably drawn to her.
"Well, well, Mrs. Misha Abhimanyu Rathore finally decided to grace us with her presence," he teased, his voice edged with a hint of mischief. It was a change he himself hadnât anticipated-how naturally teasing her had come to him. Misha shot him a glare, which only made him chuckle, his laughter filling the room.
"Seems like someoneâs got a bit of fire today," he said, glancing around dramatically, looking everywhere but directly at her, pretending as though he was unaffected by her entrance.
"Mr. Abhimanyu Rathore, did you perhaps hit your head somewhere?" Misha replied with mock concern, raising an eyebrow. She took a step forward, only for Abhimanyu to catch her wrist, his teasing expression vanishing the instant he noticed the faint bruise around it. His brow furrowed, and he looked up at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.
"What happened?" His voice was sharp, laced with a coldness that hinted at concern. His hold was gentle but firm, unwilling to let her brush him off so easily.
Misha tried to look away, her gaze faltering.
"Ah⦠Itâs nothing," she stammered, attempting a casual tone, but her hesitation only seemed to harden his expression.
"Nothing?" His eyes flashed, his voice taking on a scolding edge that startled her.
"Are you out of your mind, Misha? You canât just dismiss this bruise as nothing, you can see it yourself?" His tone was low, simmering with anger he barely tried to hide, and Misha swallowed, feeling her cheeks flush.
She tried to pull her hand back, murmuring,
"Abhimanyu, really, itâs just a small bruise, nothing to worry aboutâ¦" But he tightened his hold just above the bruise, careful not to hurt her, and refused to let go.
"Misha," he said, his voice a warning. "Donât make me angry by pretending everythingâs fine. Your wrist is got bruised, and itâs obvious." His eyes bore into hers, his concern masked under the sternness. She looked at him, blinking as his words trailed off, feeling a strange mixture of warmth and shivers under his intense gaze.
"W-What?" she whispered, caught off guard by his tone and the way he held her. Her cheeks turned a shade pinker, but she couldnât look away from his piercing stare.
"Donât look at me like that, as if Iâm scolding you without a reason." He lifted her hand slightly, his own gaze softening just a bit.
"You need to be more careful, Misha," he murmured, almost to himself, as he guided her to sit on the bed.
"Sit here. Iâll be right back," he instructed, his tone reverting to its usual cold authority as he left her side, returning moments later with a tube of ointment. Misha watched as he sat beside her, his expression focused as he gently applied the cream to her wrist, his touch surprisingly tender. She couldnât take her eyes off him, too stunned to speak, as he handled her wrist with utmost care, almost as if he feared breaking something delicate.
Abhimanyuâs eyes were fixed on her hand, a small frown etched onto his face. His features, sharp and perfect, looked almost softened under the concern he was trying to hide, and Misha found herself caught in the sight, unable to look away.
After a pause, he asked,
"How did this happen?" His voice was controlled, but there was a sharpness to it that told her he wasnât going to accept any excuses.
Misha hesitated, then forced a faint smile.
"I⦠accidentally hit my hand on the edge of a table," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, but she could tell he wasnât convinced.
"Mr. Rathore," she said softly, hoping to shift his focus, and he looked up, his gaze still intense.
"Do you still want my friendship?" she asked, her tone gentle, her gaze searching his face for any sign of emotion. She didnât expect the faint vulnerability she saw flicker in his eyes.
He held her gaze, and for a moment, she saw something else-a softness she hadnât seen before.
"Iâd say yes," he replied, his voice low. "And what about you, Mrs. Rathore? Would you be willing to offer me your friendship?" Abhimanyu expressed looking at Misha knowing her next words but he still want to hear from her.
Misha looked at him, a smile tugging at her lips. She shook her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "No."
A surprised chuckle escaped him.
"I knew it." His usual guarded expression softened as he raised an eyebrow. "So, Mrs. Rathore, is this revenge for something? Or have you taken up the habit of teasing me?" Abhiamnyu trailed off with a faint smile a rare one to see on him.
"What do you think, Mr. Rathore?" she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
He sighed, narrowing his eyes.
"I think itâs revenge," he replied, his tone teasing yet suspicious. She turned, giving him a challenging look from the corner of her eye, and he tilted his head, taking in her face as if seeing her for the first time. Her delicate features, the slight blush on her cheeks, her soft lips-they were like a vision he couldnât ignore. Lost in her gaze, he quickly cleared his throat, feeling the need to pull himself back.
"Well, put some ice on your wrist afterward, it will heal faster." he said, his voice returning to its usual coolness as he stood up. Misha watched him, noting the conflict in his eyes-a hesitation, something unspoken lingering there. But he only looked at her for a moment longer, then turned and left the room.
As the door clicked shut, Mishaâs face softened, a gentle smile breaking through. She let out a shaky breath, but as she felt the warmth in her cheeks, she also felt the sting of tears. She hadnât realized how much his concern had meant to her until now. Sitting there, she looked out the window, letting the tears fall silently, caught between the happiness of his unexpected tenderness and the ache of her feelings left unspoken.
Arnav descended the stairs with a predatory gleam in his eyes, his gaze flickering toward the kitchen. He strode into the hall and settled onto the sofa beside his family, where his Dadi Ma, Dada, Abhimanyu, and Aavyan were discussing Isha and Ishani's upcoming marriages. He took his place beside Abhimanyu, but his focus remained locked on the kitchen. He knew she was in there, hiding from him, and the thrill of this game made him smirk. For the past two days, sheâd been avoiding him, and Arnav found it both amusing and tantalizing. He wanted to seize her hand, take her upstairs, and keep her close, but he knew better than to rush. Let her come to him. The prey always returns to the predator, he thought with a smirk.
His eyes narrowed as he saw Arthi shift slightly inside the kitchen, reaching for a cup. She still hadnât come out, even going so far as to send Aavyan to serve chai to everyone, and his clueless brother went along with a wide grin, oblivious to her ploy. "
Is my sweetheart really that afraid of me? Or is she just angry?" Arnav wondered with a slight frown as Aavyan returned with chai.
Everyone accepted their cups, but still, Arthi didnât step out. Suppressing his growing irritation, Arnav considered for a moment
"if he should set the kitchen on fire just to bring her out". Instead, he thudded his cup down on the table, drawing everyoneâs gaze before giving them a faint, dismissive smile. They resumed their conversation, none the wiser.
Inside the kitchen, Arthi hesitated at the doorway, preparing to join the others when she spotted Arnav coming down the stairs. Quickly, she stepped back and hid, her pout deepening.
"Great. Just my luck that heâd show up now", she thought, leaning against the kitchen wall with a huff. She could feel his gaze toward the kitchen, waiting, watching. She knew he was holding back, trying not to scare her, but that didnât change her frustration. Giving her space was all well and good, but it wouldnât erase her anger. Not this time.
Sighing, she finished making chai and decided against taking it out herself. Instead, she called Aavyan, handing him the tray and asking him to serve everyone. Her sweet brother-in-law agreed with a beaming smile, practically skipping out with the cups. She managed a small smile at his eagerness but quickly retreated when she caught Arnavâs eyes on her from across the hall.
"This manâ¦.." she muttered, folding her arms as she leaned against the wall, a mix of annoyance and bewilderment flashing in her eyes.
"One moment, heâs yelling at me, scaring me half to death, and the next, heâs as calm as if nothing happened-hovering around me with that unreadable look". She narrowed her eyes, watching as he set his cup down with a deliberate is thud, forcing a faint smile at the familyâs brief concern.
"Well, Mr. Arnav Rathore", she thought with determination as she peered out once more,
"I may forgive the scare, but your shouting? Not so ease". Crossing her arms.
"When Arthi gets angry, Mr. Rathore," she muttered under her breath,
"itâs, not so easy to bring her back". Arthi said with angry look as she gave him your one last look before slipping out of the a kitchen and heading towards the stairs, casting a sideways glance to see him still seated, not noticing her departure.
"Come on, Dadi Ma! You should all be relieved that Adithya agreed to marry this not-so-human form," Aavyan joked, chuckling as he glanced at Isha. She shot him a glare.
"Can you shut up? He should feel blesse,
d to marry me," Isha replied with a proud smile,and Aavyan laughed, unbothered. Ishani sat quietly, her thoughts wandering, while Misha joined them after sometime and sat beside Isha and stealing a glance at Abhimanyu, who offered her a faint smile which she shyly returned.
"Isha you are right"Â he teased, "he definitely needs blessings from God to live with you." Aavyan chuckled and even Dadi Ma chuckled at Aavyan words and Isha looked irritated.
"Abhimanyu Bhai, look at him!" Isha whined, her voice full of mock outrage, while Abhimanyu gave Aavyan a stern glare.
"I think Aavyan Rathore doesnât want to stay in the mansion for the wedding," Abhimanyu said in a cool, warning tone, and Aavyan cleared his throat, quickly switching to a sheepish smile.
"Bhai, I was just teasing her, thatâs all. Besides, I wouldnât miss this monkeyâs wedding for anything," Aavyan grinned, dodging Ishaâs scowl.
"Everyone," Dadi Ma interjected, bringing order back to the group. "First, weâll have the engagement for both Isha and Ishani on the same day, but the weddings will be on different days with a one-day gap in between." She explained her plan, and everyone nodded in agreement. Misha smiled at Isha, who pouted in response.
"What do you think, Isha, Ishani?" Dadu asked, looking at both girls.
"Whatever, Dadu. Iâll be at the mandap on time, donât worry," Isha said with raised eyebrows, feigning nonchalance. Dadi Ma swatted her arm with a mock glare, making Isha wince and rub her arm as everyone chuckled.
"And you, Ishani beta?" Dadu asked, but Ishani was lost in her thoughts, oblivious to the conversation. Her silence made everyone glance at her with concern.
"Ishani beta?" Dadu called again, his voice gentle. Still no response. Finally, Dadi Ma tapped her shoulder, and Ishani flinched, blinking as she looked around, startled.
"W...What, Dadu?" Ishani stammered, her wide eyes betraying her surprise, and Abhimanyu and Arnav exchanged a worried glance.
"Beta, about the wedding," Dadu said with a soft smile. "Weâre planning to keep a dayâs gap between yours and Ishaâs weddings."
"Whatever you say, Dadu," Ishani replied with a faint smile, though her heart seemed distant, as if her thoughts lay somewhere else entirely. Everyone accepted her answer, and the conversation continued, discussing final arrangements.
Soon, Hrudhay joined the group, and as Abhimanyuâs father arrived, Abhimanyu stood up and stormed off. Mishaâs eyes followed him with concern, noticing the tension. She sighed, silently resolving to speak to him later, feeling that something wasnât quite right but hoping she could help ease whatever was troubling him.
Roohi woke up early, freshened up, and slipped into a new kurta set. Her closet was now filled with clothes Tara had generously stocked, practically bringing her whole clothing store home. Roohi had been overwhelmed to the point of tears that day, and it had taken everyoneâs comforting words to calm her down. Standing before the mirror, fully dressed, her face was drained of emotion as she gazed at herself. Her fingers touched the hidden mangalsutra around her neck. She had kept it concealed from everyone, yet couldnât bring herself to remove it. His face flashed in her mind, filling her with a mix of emotions she couldnât fully sort out. Was she waiting for him? She didnât know. But she did know that removing it would feel like turning her back on the traditions she respected so deeply. With a sigh, she tucked the mangalsutra beneath her kurta, adjusted her outfit with a faint smile, and headed downstairs.
As she descended, Tara, who had stepped out to take a call, spotted her and rushed over, grinning widely.
"Roohi beta!" Tara exclaimed with a smile, pinching Roohiâs cheeks playfully. Roohi flinched in surprise.
"Ouch, Diâ¦" Roohi whined, just as Amira appeared, swatting Taraâs hand away.
"Youâre hurting her, silly," Amira scolded, giving Tara a stern look before gently rubbing Roohiâs cheek. In the few days sheâd been here, Roohi had grown close to them; they had welcomed her like family.
"Itâs okay, Mumma," Roohi replied with a small smile, while Tara rolled her eyes in mock irritation.
"Whatâs gotten you so excited?" Amira asked, noticing Taraâs radiant expression.
"I told you all that I got the Mehra project, right? Well, now Iâve landed another major project!" Tara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Amira looked stunned, and Roohi, though unfamiliar with the business world, couldnât help but feel happy for her Tara Didi.
"I told you my daughter would take our company to the top!" Raghav said, joining them. He ruffled Roohiâs hair and playfully pinched Taraâs cheek, making her giggle. Amira, however, still looked astonished.
"I mean..... Raghav, is this really true?" Amira asked, her voice full of disbelief. Tara and Raghav exchanged an exasperated look, while Roohi chuckled. The last time Tara had come home celebrating her success with the Mehra project, it had taken Amira a whole day to believe it.
Amira looked at the two of them, then burst into laughter, leaving everyone momentarily confused.
"I know, I know! Tara has really become a capable CEO. I always believed in her potential, even if her old careless ways worried me,"Â Amira said with a fond smile. Taraâs face softened, and she hugged her mother, gratitude shining in her eyes.
"You were always right, Mumma. I was lazy back then, but not anymore," Tara said, breaking the hug with a smile.
"Itâs Tara Roy now, CEO Tara Roy," she added, lifting her chin proudly as everyone laughed.
"Alright, enough celebrating for now-breakfast is ready," Amira announced, heading toward the kitchen. Roohi, Tara, and Raghav followed, chatting happily. This was what Roohi loved about this family: the warmth, the peace, and the way they treated her as their own. Seated at the breakfast table, surrounded by laughter and conversation, she felt truly loved-something she had never experienced like this before. For a while, she even forgot her haunted memories, though a small corner of her heart still held his face.
As they ate, listening to Taraâs lively chatter, Roohi felt a sense of belonging she had longed for, and for the first time in a while, she allowed herself to simply enjoy the moment.
All of you.
Late update apology
Shree1011r here the chapter dear, I made you all wait
I apologise, I had to prepare for competitive exam so I was busy while in studying.
Dghsjs123 I am greatful for your words and love for this story. I am smiling after reading you like my writing style, Thank you yarr.
arunita_sharma Thank you for loving this story yarr, and you all made me smile by those words.
SONGJINNI7 Thank you for support yarr. I don't understand what you mean in comment, I think you talking about Ekansh POV then soon you all will get his POV.
Shrija26 I mentioned the vote because I was genuinely happy that at least one reader cares about my book enough to suggest something. Iâm not offended at all-in fact, Iâm really touched by your concern. Thank you so much!
And that was Krisha Khatri not Krisha Katari, my bad I missed the spellings and yarr i laughed so hard after reading your comment.
shivalivatsal19 Thank you yarr for supporting and about your comment on thirty nine the way you comment "Isko daure padte hai kya" i laughed for at least ten minutes.
Me After reading those comments of you all which says you all love this book
I am smiling like an idiot. Hehehe....
Thank you all from Dil Se
Great day for you all.