✨12. Painful words

Niharika felt a wave of relief wash over her as she put down the phone. Kanika's reassuring words had been a lifeline in the overwhelming storm of her new reality. For the first time since the wedding, she felt like she wasn’t entirely alone.

She let out a deep breath, clutching the phone close to her chest. "At least someone is there for me," she murmured to herself.

Kanika's promise to stay in touch gave her a sense of comfort she hadn't expected to feel in this grand but alien mansion. Her heart felt a little lighter, even if the weight of her situation still lingered.

Niharika lay on the large, plush bed, staring at the intricate patterns on the ceiling. The softness of the mattress felt unfamiliar, and the faint scent of fresh flowers from the decor reminded her of the events that had unfolded in the last two days. She turned to her side, trying to find a comfortable position, but her mind was too restless to let her sleep.

The echoes of Kanika’s words played in her head, but so did the image of her parents’ betrayal and the cold indifference in Shivaay’s eyes. "Why is this happening to me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible in the vast room.

She hugged a pillow tightly, hoping it would provide some solace, but the emptiness in her heart felt too vast to fill. Every time she closed her eyes, memories of her carefree college days surfaced, making the present reality even harder to accept.

Frustrated, she sat up and looked around the room. The luxury that surrounded her felt suffocating rather than comforting. "I just need to keep going," she muttered to herself, trying to summon some inner strength. "This is my life now... somehow, I have to make it work."

Niharika’s thoughts were interrupted by a whisper from her inner self, as if her own heart was questioning her resolve.

“But what about your dream, Niharika? What about becoming a famous and independent cardiologist? What about the future you worked so hard for?”

The question stung, and she clenched the pillow tighter. Her mind raced back to the sleepless nights she had spent studying, the moments of pride when she saved a life, and the admiration she had earned from her professors and peers. That was the life she had envisioned for herself, the one she fought so hard to achieve.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, “I don’t know... I don’t know anymore.” The overwhelming realization of how drastically her life had changed weighed down on her chest.

“Is this the end of my dream?” she murmured, her voice trembling. The thought of abandoning her aspirations to fit into a role she never asked for was unbearable.

Her gaze drifted to the mangalsutra around her neck, the symbol of a bond she was still trying to comprehend. She touched it lightly, a mixture of frustration and acceptance swirling within her.

“No,” her inner self spoke again, this time firmer. “You can’t let go of your dream. There has to be a way to make this work. There has to be.”

Taking a deep breath, Niharika wiped her tears. Her heart was heavy, but she knew she had to find a balance between this new life and her own identity. “I’ll figure it out,” she thought, determination flickering faintly in her weary soul.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sprawling Ranawat mansion glowed under the golden hues of the evening light. The air was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the garden.

Niharika sat by the large window in her room, gazing out at the vast garden bathed in the soft orange light. The day had been overwhelming, filled with unfamiliar rituals, new faces, and an unshakable sense of displacement. She let out a small sigh, her fingers tracing patterns on the wooden armrest of the chair.

A gentle knock on the door startled her. She quickly straightened up as Shweta entered with a warm smile.

“Beta, are you alright? You’ve been in your room all afternoon,” Shweta asked, her voice filled with concern.

Niharika nodded quickly. “Ji, Maaji. I’m fine. Just... a little tired.”

Shweta stepped closer, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s natural to feel like this. Adjusting to a new home, a new family, is not easy. But remember, you are one of us now. This is your home.”

Niharika managed a faint smile. “Thank you, Maaji.”

Shweta nodded and continued, “Come downstairs. The evening tea is ready. Spending time with family will make you feel better.”

Niharika hesitated for a moment but then stood up. “Ji, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Shweta left, and Niharika quickly adjusted her saree and fixed her hair. As she made her way downstairs, the sound of laughter and soft conversations greeted her. Entering the living area, she saw Anita and Shweta seated comfortably, enjoying tea while discussing some arrangements for the upcoming events.

Seeing her, Anita motioned her over. “Niharika, come sit with us. How was your day?”

“It was good, Chachi-sa,” Niharika replied politely, sitting down and accepting the cup of tea that a maid brought over.

As the warm aroma of the tea filled her senses, Niharika felt a momentary sense of calm. For now, she decided to set her worries aside and embrace the moment.

Ivaan and Riya returned from college, their cheerful energy lighting up the mansion. As soon as they saw Niharika in the living room, they rushed toward her.

“Bhabhi-sa!” Riya exclaimed, throwing her arms around Niharika in a warm hug. “You won’t believe how much I missed you today! College felt so dull without telling you everything.”

Ivaan joined in, pulling Niharika into a quick hug. “Bhabhi-sa, we’re back! Did you miss us? Don’t worry; we’re here to keep you entertained now.”

Niharika blinked in surprise at their enthusiasm but smiled, touched by their affection. “I... I didn’t expect such a warm welcome,” she said softly.

Riya laughed, linking her arm with Niharika’s. “Get used to it! You’re part of the Ranawat family now. This is just how we are.”

Ivaan nodded in agreement. “And don’t let Bhabhi-sa feel bored while we’re around. Riya and I are the life of this palace!”

Anita, who was watching from the side, chuckled. “These two always come back with so much energy. I don’t know how you manage it, Niharika beta.”

Niharika smiled shyly. “It’s nice... I feel less out of place now.”

Shweta joined in, her expression warm. “You’ll never feel out of place here, beta. This is your home now.”

The atmosphere grew lighter as the playful banter between Ivaan, Riya, and Niharika continued, filling the room with laughter. For the first time that day, Niharika felt a sense of belonging in her new family.

Niharika smiled warmly and asked, “What would you both like to have for dinner?”

Riya and Ivaan exchanged glances, looking a bit surprised. Ivaan spoke first, “Bhabhi-sa, why are you asking? You don’t need to cook. This is a palace, and there are plenty of servants to handle that.”

Niharika shook her head gently, her determination shining through. “So what if this is a palace? I am the bahu of this family now, and it’s my duty. Besides, I love cooking.”

Her words earned a smile from Shweta, who was sitting nearby. “Beta, if you love cooking, then go ahead. But on one condition—you must stop calling me maaji. From now on, it’s just maa. Agreed?”

Niharika’s eyes softened at the kindness in Shweta’s tone. She nodded earnestly. “Agreed, maa.”

Shweta’s approval seemed to light up Niharika’s face, and Riya clapped her hands in excitement. “Yay, Bhabhi-sa is cooking tonight! I can’t wait to taste what you make.”

Ivaan added with a grin, “But no pressure, Bhabhi-sa. Just make something delicious, okay?”

Niharika chuckled softly, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility and belonging. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you both love it.”

With Shweta’s permission and encouragement, Niharika headed to the kitchen, ready to prepare dinner with her heart full of gratitude and hope.

Niharika worked diligently in the kitchen, her hands moving skillfully as she prepared the dishes. The smell of shaahi paneer, dal, freshly made rotis, matar pulao, and halwa filled the air, making the kitchen come alive with warmth and flavor.

She arranged everything with care, tasting each dish to ensure it was perfect. Cooking was her way of expressing herself, and today, she wanted to make the dinner special for the family.

As she placed the last pot on the counter, she looked at her work and smiled softly, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Just as Niharika was finishing up, the sound of the front door echoed through the mansion. Indra, Anand, Shivaay, and Ishaan walked in, their voices filling the air as they entered from a long day at work.

Shivaay walked ahead, his demeanor still cold, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he noticed the aroma of freshly cooked food. Ishaan and Anand chatted casually, while Indra looked pleased, nodding at the sight of dinner being prepared.

Niharika, still in the kitchen, quietly observed them for a moment before she walked out with a tray of food, smiling. "Dinner is ready," she said softly, her voice warm despite the tension that had been lingering.

Shivaay, walking past her, didn’t acknowledge her words, but his gaze lingered on the food she had prepared. Indra smiled approvingly. "It smells wonderful," he said. "I’m sure it will be a treat."

Niharika nodded and began setting the table, silently hoping her efforts would be appreciated.

As Niharika offered water to everyone, she heard Anand's voice from behind. "Why did you let her cook, Anita?" he asked, his tone laced with concern. Anita, sitting nearby, looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let her, Anand," she replied, her voice calm. "She wants to do it, and it's a way for her to contribute to the family."

Niharika, overhearing the conversation, didn't respond but continued serving the drinks with a soft smile. She approached Shivaay last, offering him the water. He looked at her briefly, his gaze cold and distant, before speaking. "Yeah, right," he said with a bitter tone. "Stop pretending like you care, but in the end, you don't."

With those words hanging in the air, Shivaay turned and walked off, leaving Niharika standing there, her heart sinking. The tension between them was palpable, but she kept her composure, her fingers gripping the tray tightly as she tried to hold back the emotions threatening to spill over.

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It feels like a dream