17. Her dream

Niharika woke up early, the faint light of dawn filtering through the large windows of their room. Stretching slightly, she glanced at Shivaay, who was still asleep, his even breathing the only sound in the quiet room. She moved carefully, trying not to disturb him, and made her way to the wardrobe to pick out her clothes for the day.

Clutching her saree and blouse, she headed into the bathroom for a bath. The sound of running water echoed faintly as she refreshed herself, washing away the remnants of sleep and fatigue from the previous day. After some time, she emerged, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, and her skin glowing from the cool water. She walked to the dressing table, unaware that Shivaay had stirred awake at the sound of the bathroom door.

Lying in bed, Shivaay opened his eyes slowly, his sleep-laden gaze landing on Niharika. She moved with an air of grace, the light from the window illuminating her face. He found himself watching her intently, his breath catching as she began her morning routine.

Niharika sat in front of the mirror, oblivious to the pair of eyes observing her every move. She applied a light layer of lotion on her arms, her slender fingers moving gracefully. The sight held Shivaay’s attention, and despite himself, he couldn’t look away.

Next, she reached for her makeup kit, applying a soft shade of lipstick and a light blush that enhanced her natural beauty. She placed a small bindi in the center of her forehead and carefully adjusted the pleats of her saree. Her waist-length hair, still slightly damp, shimmered in the morning light as she brushed through it, letting it fall freely down her back.

Shivaay swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror. There was something captivating about her today, an aura of calm confidence that seemed to draw him in. He couldn’t help but admire her, even though a part of him resisted the unfamiliar warmth that crept into his chest.

She turned slightly, her eyes catching a brief flicker of movement in the mirror. Her brow furrowed as she noticed Shivaay’s half-open eyes. He immediately shut them, pretending to be asleep, but the faint color on his cheeks betrayed him.

Niharika shook her head lightly, dismissing the idea that he had been watching her. She turned her attention back to the mirror, finishing the final touches of her look. By the time she was ready to leave the room, Shivaay was sitting up, pretending to stretch as if he had just woken up.

“Good morning,” she said softly, her voice polite and distant.

“Morning,” he replied, his tone calm, though his mind was still replaying the image of her by the mirror, oblivious to the effect she had on him.

Niharika adjusted her saree one final time and turned toward the door. Without sparing another glance at Shivaay, she quietly stepped out, leaving him alone in the room.

Shivaay sat on the bed, running a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the strange feelings that had settled in his chest. Her elegance, her calm demeanor, and the way she carried herself—it all lingered in his mind like a soft echo.

He let out a deep sigh, standing up and heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day. As he splashed cold water on his face, he muttered under his breath, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I stop thinking about her?”

The memory of her brushing her hair and the faint scent of her lotion lingered. He shook his head and focused on the day ahead, determined to suppress whatever it was that Niharika had begun to stir within him.

Meanwhile, Niharika made her way downstairs, greeted by the bustling activity of the Ranawat household. She composed herself, ready to fulfill her duties as the new queen, unaware of the effect she had left behind on her husband upstairs.

As Niharika descended the grand staircase, she barely had time to take in the sight of the bustling morning preparations when she felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace.

“Niharika bhabhi!” Riya’s cheerful voice rang out as she hugged her tightly, her excitement evident. “You were amazing yesterday. Everyone was talking about how graceful and poised you looked.”

Niharika blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by Riya’s affectionate gesture. Slowly, she placed her hands on Riya’s back, returning the hug with a small smile. “Thank you, Riya. But I’m just trying to adjust to everything.”

Riya pulled back slightly, her hands still on Niharika’s shoulders, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Adjust? You make it look so effortless! Even Bhai seemed impressed. Though, knowing him, he wouldn’t admit it.”

The mention of Shivaay made Niharika’s cheeks heat up, and she quickly diverted her gaze, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think he has more important things to think about than me,” she said softly.

Riya tilted her head, studying her curiously. “Maybe. Or maybe not.” She grinned before looping her arm through Niharika’s. “Come on, breakfast is ready. Everyone’s waiting for you, especially Bauji. He’s so proud of you.”

Niharika allowed herself to be led toward the dining hall, her heart a mix of nerves and warmth. As she stepped into the room filled with the Ranawat family, she resolved to embrace her new role, even if the emotions surrounding her relationship with Shivaay remained a mystery.

Niharika moved gracefully around the dining table, serving breakfast to everyone with practiced ease. The aroma of freshly made parathas, chutneys, and steaming tea filled the room, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Indra and Shweta exchanged a glance before Indra asked, “Niharika, where is Shivaay?”

She paused for a moment, adjusting the tea cup she had just placed in front of Ivaan. “He must be awake by now,” she replied politely, her voice soft but steady. “He should be here any time soon.”

Just as she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Everyone turned their heads as Shivaay entered the room, his presence commanding attention as always.

He was dressed in a crisp white kurta, his hair slightly tousled, adding a rugged charm to his already striking appearance. His piercing gaze scanned the room before landing on Niharika, who was now setting down a bowl of fruit in front of Riya.

“Good morning, Shivaay,” Shweta greeted him with a warm smile. “Come, have breakfast.”

Shivaay nodded slightly and walked to his chair at the head of the table. As he sat down, his eyes followed Niharika’s every move, though he said nothing.

Niharika noticed his gaze but chose to focus on her task, offering him a plate of food. “Here,” she said simply, placing it in front of him.

Their fingers brushed briefly as he took the plate from her, the contact sending an unexpected jolt through both of them. She quickly pulled her hand away, lowering her gaze to avoid his piercing stare.

The silence between them did not go unnoticed by the family, though no one commented on it. Instead, Shweta began chatting about the plans for the day, her voice filling the space with lighthearted conversation.

As everyone began to eat, Shivaay’s attention remained subtly fixed on Niharika. There was something about the way she moved, the quiet elegance with which she carried herself, that he couldn’t ignore.

As breakfast wrapped up, the mansion became a flurry of activity. Indra, Anand, Shivaay, and Ishaan prepared to leave for their respective offices, their conversations filled with discussions about meetings, projects, and deals. The men exuded authority and purpose as they walked out together, their polished shoes clicking against the marble floor.

Shweta and Anita, who managed a prestigious NGO focused on education for underprivileged children, also prepared to leave. Anita adjusted her dupatta and turned to Niharika with a warm smile.

“Niharika beta, we’ll be visiting the NGO today,” Anita said. “It’s been a while since we checked in, and we want to ensure everything is running smoothly.”

Shweta added, “If you ever feel like joining us, let me know. The work we do there is very fulfilling.”

Niharika nodded politely. “I’d love to visit someday, Maa. Please let me know how I can help.”

Shweta placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Of course, beta. You should rest today. You’ve been working so hard since you arrived.”

With that, the two women left, their voices fading as they discussed plans for the day.

Meanwhile, Riya and Ivaan were bustling about, getting ready for college. Riya grabbed her bag and sketchbook, throwing a playful look at Ivaan. “Hurry up, or we’ll be late!”

Ivaan rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’m ready, Miss Always-on-Time. Let’s go!”

Before leaving, they both waved at Niharika. “Bhabhi-sa, don’t miss us too much!” Riya teased, grinning.

“Have a great day, Bhabhi!” Ivaan added, his tone light and cheerful.

Niharika smiled at their playfulness and waved back. “You two be good and focus on your studies!”

As the house emptied out, a serene silence settled in. For the first time that morning, Niharika found herself alone in the grand mansion. The vastness of the space felt both freeing and overwhelming, and she decided to take this time to explore her surroundings more deeply.

She walked through the corridors, her footsteps echoing softly on the marble floors. Each corner of the Ranawat palace held a story, its grandeur and legacy evident in every detail.

As Niharika wandered through the silent mansion, her mind betrayed her, drifting back to the events of the previous night. The image of Shivaay’s rare, genuine smile as he was crowned king lingered in her thoughts. It wasn’t just a smile; it was a moment where the cold, ruthless mask he always wore had melted away, revealing a glimmer of something more—something deeper.

Her steps slowed as she reached the balcony, the morning breeze brushing against her face. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to shake the thoughts away.

No, she told herself firmly. Don’t let this get to you. That smile… it was for the people, for the crown. It wasn’t for you.

But no matter how much she tried, the warmth in his eyes during that fleeting moment kept resurfacing, wrapping around her heart like a stubborn thread. A small part of her wondered if there was more to him than the coldness he displayed so effortlessly.

Her fingers tightened around the railing as reality struck her. Even if there is more to him, what does it matter? Falling for him would be foolish. He’s made it clear what kind of man he is. Loving him would only lead to pain.

She remembered the stories she’d heard of him—the ruthless decisions, the merciless demeanor that had earned him his feared reputation. And then there was their own strained beginning. They were married, yes, but not by choice. There was no love, no tenderness between them.

Her heart weighed heavy with the realization that if she dared to let herself feel for him, she would only be setting herself up for heartbreak. She couldn’t afford to be vulnerable, not in this world, not with a man like him.

With a deep sigh, she straightened herself and resolved to push those thoughts away. She had her duties as the bahu of the Ranawat family, and that was where her focus needed to be.

“Love has no place here,” she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind.

As Niharika stood by the balcony, her thoughts took her back to a simpler time—a time when she was just a little girl with dreams as bright as the stars. Back then, her world wasn’t filled with responsibilities, expectations, or the icy indifference of a man like Shivaay. It was filled with hope, wonder, and fairytales.

She remembered sneaking away with her tablet during her rare free moments, immersing herself in Disney princess stories. She would watch intently as the princesses found their happily-ever-afters—Snow White, Cinderella, Belle. Their worlds were filled with magic, love, and princes who cherished them.

A soft smile tugged at her lips as she recalled her favorite scene: the moment the prince would extend his hand, gaze full of adoration, and say, "May I have this dance?" It was silly, perhaps, but in those moments, she would close her eyes and imagine herself as one of them. A girl who would one day meet her prince—a kind, noble, and loving man who would look at her as if she were his entire world.

Her fingers grazed the edge of the railing as the smile faded. Reality had been much harsher. There was no magic in her life, no prince charming sweeping her off her feet. Instead, she found herself in a marriage born of obligation, tied to a man who barely saw her as more than a stranger.

The little girl who once dreamed of love now stood in a world far from her fantasies. Was it foolish of me to believe in those dreams? she wondered. Was it silly to think I’d have a husband who cared, who smiled at me like I was everything to him?

Her gaze drifted to the horizon as a sense of longing filled her chest. Somewhere deep down, the child in her still wished for that magic. But the woman she had become knew better. She had learned that life was no fairytale, and not all stories ended in happily-ever-afters.

Brushing away the melancholic thoughts, she steeled herself once more. "This is my reality," she murmured softly. "It’s time to accept it."

And yet, as much as she tried to push those dreams away, a part of her heart refused to let them go entirely.