✨10. Responsibilities

Men already dressed in their formal sherwanis, waited patiently in the living room, discussing the day’s agenda. Their regal demeanor reflected their leadership in both business and family affairs.

As Niharika observed the whirlwind of activity, she couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and nervousness. The Ranawat family seemed like a well-oiled machine, each member driven and purposeful. It was clear that discipline and dedication were values deeply ingrained in the household.

She silently hoped she could keep up with their pace and find her place in this new chapter of her life.

After breakfast, Indra, Shivaay, Anand, and Ishaan prepared to leave for work. Each of them exuded their own aura of authority and focus, their polished shoes clicking on the marble floor as they made their way to the main door.

Indra gave a brief nod to Niharika as a form of acknowledgment before stepping out. Anand followed suit, murmuring a quick, "Take care, beta." Shivaay, however, barely glanced her way, his face as unreadable as ever, before leaving without a word. Ishaan, ever polite, smiled warmly at her before stepping outside.

As the men left, Ivaan and Riya headed upstairs to get ready for their college day. Riya called out, “Ivaan! Jaldi karo, or we’ll be late!”

“I’m coming!” Ivaan shouted back from his room. He rushed to get dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he bounded downstairs.

Riya, looking chic as always, adjusted her scarf and grabbed her sketchbook. She turned to Niharika, grinning. “Bhabhi, you’ve got a house full of workaholics! But don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’re not too bored.”

With that, the two siblings left for college, leaving the mansion unusually quiet. Niharika stood by the doorway, watching as their cars disappeared down the long driveway, wondering what her new day in the Ranawat household would bring.

With everyone else gone, the mansion felt noticeably quieter. Only Shweta, Anita, and Niharika remained behind. Shweta glanced at Niharika and smiled warmly.

“Niharika, beta, let me show you around the house properly now that everyone is gone,” Shweta suggested, her voice gentle yet authoritative.

Anita chimed in, “Yes, bhabhi sa is right. You should know every corner of this palace. You’re its bahu now.”

Niharika nodded hesitantly, adjusting her saree as she followed the two women. The grand corridors of the Ranawat mansion seemed endless, adorned with intricate artwork, chandeliers, and heirlooms that spoke of generations of legacy.

Shweta led her to the family’s private lounge, saying, “This is where we usually gather in the evenings. It’s informal but cozy.” Then, she pointed to a side door, “That leads to the garden. You should spend some time there when you need peace.”

Anita added with a mischievous smile, “Or when you need a break from Shivaay’s mood swings.” Both women chuckled, and Niharika smiled nervously, unsure how to respond.

They continued the tour, stopping briefly in the grand library, the indoor pool area, and finally the temple room, where Shweta paused. “Niharika, as the bahu of this house, it’s your responsibility to ensure the temple is always clean and the diya is lit. It’s a tradition.”

Niharika nodded earnestly. “Ji, Ma.”

After the tour, they returned to the sitting area, where Shweta instructed a maid to bring tea. “You’ll get used to everything here in time,” Shweta reassured her. “If you need help, Anita and I are always here.”

Anita added, “And don’t let the quiet fool you—this house gets lively in the evenings when everyone returns!”

Niharika offered a faint smile, grateful for their kindness but still feeling the weight of the day’s events settling on her. She knew she had a lot to learn, not just about the house, but about her place in the Ranawat family.

As they sipped their tea, Anita leaned forward with an excited expression. “Niharika, tomorrow is going to be a big day. First, we’ll have your munh dikhaai ceremony in the morning. The extended family and close associates will come to officially meet you as the bahu of the Ranawat family.”

Niharika looked at her, slightly nervous. “Munh dikhaai?”

Shweta placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s a tradition where the family welcomes you formally and gives you blessings along with gifts. It’s nothing to worry about. Just be your kind self.”

Anita chimed in, her tone brimming with pride. “And after that, the bigger event—Shivaay will officially inherit the throne and responsibilities as the king of our legacy. It’s a matter of great honor, and everyone will be watching. Tomorrow is not just about you becoming a part of this family; it’s also about Shivaay stepping into his ultimate role.”

Niharika’s heart skipped a beat. She knew her husband was powerful, but the weight of his authority hadn’t truly sunk in until now. She swallowed nervously. “I’ll try my best to fulfill my responsibilities.”

Shweta smiled warmly. “You don’t have to try; just be yourself. That’s enough.”

Anita added teasingly, “But be prepared for all the ladies admiring Shivaay tomorrow. He has a fan club, you know.”

Niharika’s cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze. Shweta gave Anita a playful smack on the arm. “Stop teasing her. It’s her first day!”

The three shared a light laugh, though Niharika’s mind raced. Tomorrow was going to be a monumental day, and she had no idea what to expect from the man she had just married, let alone from the life she was stepping into.

Shweta looked at Niharika with a proud yet gentle expression and said, “Beta, tomorrow is not just a day for ceremonies. You are going to be the Rani Sa of this kingdom, the queen of this family and the legacy we hold dear.”

Niharika’s eyes widened slightly, her hands instinctively tightening around the edge of her saree. “Rani Sa?” she repeated softly, the weight of the title settling over her like a tangible presence.

“Yes,” Shweta continued with a smile. “Being Rani Sa isn’t just about the crown or the title—it’s about grace, strength, and standing beside Shivaay in all aspects of life. It’s a huge responsibility, but I know you’ll fulfill it beautifully.”

Anita, ever the playful one, added with a smirk, “And don’t forget, being Rani Sa also means knowing how to keep all these Ranawat men in line. That might be the biggest challenge of all.”

The comment drew a soft chuckle from Shweta, but Niharika’s heart raced at the enormity of what was being said. She was only just beginning to adapt to the idea of being Shivaay’s wife; now, she was being told she was about to become a queen.

Shweta noticed her nervous expression and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, beta. You have us to guide you. And remember, a true queen isn’t made by her position but by her character and heart. You’ve already won ours.”

Niharika nodded slowly, a small smile breaking through her anxious demeanor. Though she still felt a storm of emotions, Shweta’s words gave her a sliver of confidence. Tomorrow would be challenging, but she resolved to face it with as much grace and courage as she could muster.

Anita stepped closer to Niharika, her expression warm and reassuring. “Beta, don’t worry,” she said softly. “If Jeth Sa—Indra Singh Ranawat—has chosen you, he must have seen something extraordinary in you. Something not just for our Shivaay but for this family and our kingdom.”

Her words carried a weight of affirmation, making Niharika feel both seen and valued. Anita continued, “Becoming the eldest bahu of the Ranawat family is no small thing, but you were chosen because you have the qualities to handle it. And trust me, you’ll grow into this role beautifully.”

Shweta nodded in agreement. “Anita is right. Indra is not someone who makes decisions lightly. If he decided on you, it means he believes you are capable of being the strength behind this family. And as the eldest bahu, your grace and wisdom will guide everyone.”

Niharika felt her throat tighten with emotion. She didn’t know how to respond, but their faith in her filled her with a mix of pride and pressure. She managed a small smile and said softly, “I’ll try my best to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

Anita gave her an encouraging pat on the back. “You won’t just try, beta. You will succeed. Remember, you have us by your side. You are not alone in this.”

Shweta added, “And never forget, Niharika, this isn’t just about fulfilling duties. It’s about creating a place for yourself here, making this palace your home, and being a pillar of love and strength for Shivaay and this family.”

Niharika nodded, her determination strengthening. Though the path ahead felt uncertain, she found solace in their support. For the first time since her arrival, she began to feel like she might truly belong in the Ranawat family.