Chapter 30

Everyone was gathered in the hall, and the children had come out to join them. Adhiraj enjoyed spending time with the kids. Vidya was engaged in a conversation with Naina. Virendra was absent, having stepped away to take a phone call. Maya was feeding everyone with heartfelt care.

At that moment, Aarav and Ruhi burst through the door, chattering loudly after returning from school. Ruhi spotted Rajendra, who bore a striking resemblance to her father. Since she couldn’t see his face clearly, she ran up to him, believing he was her father. She eagerly climbed onto his lap and wrapped her tiny arms around him, pressing her cheek against Rajendra’s neck.

“Papa…”

Rajendra, who had been seated calmly, was taken aback when he suddenly found a child in his lap. His astonishment deepened when he heard her call him “Papa.” Meanwhile, Vedansh, Vidhi, Vidyunt, and Vikram all looked on with surprised expressions.

“Papa, Aarav is being very bad,” Ruhi began, her childlike voice filled with complaint. Aarav arrived at that moment, and Virendra followed closely behind. As Aarav noticed the unfamiliar faces, he was about to ask a question but hesitated upon hearing Ruhi’s complaint.

Rajendra glanced at Virendra, who gave a confirming nod that Ruhi was indeed his daughter. Maya then turned to Aarav and asked, “Aarav, what did you do?”

“Mom, it’s nothing. She was bothering me the whole way home, so I asked Uncle not to stop the car. Besides, she had ice cream yesterday,” Aarav explained.

Ruhi turned her head away from Rajendra’s neck and looked at her mother, who was eyeing her with narrowed eyes. Ruhi made an innocent face and started fiddling with her fingers.

“Now go change your clothes, both of you,” Maya instructed. Ruhi quickly scampered off, followed closely by Aarav.

After a while, Aarav and Ruhi returned, now dressed differently. Aarav noticed Rajendra and immediately touched his feet in respect. Rajendra studied him carefully, and a surge of emotion crossed his face. He embraced Aarav warmly, and Ruhi, observing the scene, was beckoned by Rajendra to come closer. She approached him with innocent curiosity, and Rajendra lifted her into his arms as well, showering both children with affectionate kisses. A pang of regret struck him as he thought about how many precious moments had been lost due to his absence. Virendra gently placed his hand on his elder brother’s shoulder, a silent reminder to compose himself.

“Aarav, Ruhi, this is your Bade Papa,” Virendra introduced when they finally separated from the hug.

“Bade Papa,” Aarav said with a smile, “whom Grandma remembers every day.”

“And these are your elder brothers and sister,” Virendra continued, pointing to the others. Each of them greeted the newcomers warmly. Then Ruhi, her small brow furrowed in concern, asked, “Will Grandma love me less now?”

“Why do you ask?” Maya inquired, puzzled.

“Because Grandma has so many grandchildren,” Ruhi explained.

At this, everyone burst into laughter, the tension of the reunion melting into shared joy.

“Go to your grandma; she’s waiting for you,” Maya said.

At the mention of their grandma, Aarav and Ruhi quickly headed in that direction.

Naina was seated near Vidya, discussing various topics. “Naina, tomorrow is Karva Chauth. Do you know what to do?” Vidya asked.

“No, I’m not very familiar with it,” Naina admitted.

“No worries,” Vidya reassured her. “We’ll guide you. Tomorrow morning, you need to eat the sargi prepared by your mother-in-law. After that, the fast begins. In the evening, many women from the neighborhood will come here for the worship.”

Just then, Aarav and Ruhi arrived, calling out for Grandma. Naina looked up and saw the two adorable children gazing at her with wide eyes.

“Aarav, Ruhi, come meet her. This is Naina, your elder brother Vikram’s wife, which means she’s your sister-in-law,” Vidya introduced.

Naina smiled warmly at them. Aarav approached her and, in a gesture of respect, touched her feet. Naina was taken aback but quickly raised her hand to lovingly caress his cheek. She also bent down to kiss Ruhi affectionately on the cheek. Ruhi, feeling comfortable, settled down beside Naina.

The days passed pleasantly, with Kabir giving everyone a tour of the mansion and Maya showing them her own room. Ruhi and Aarav quickly bonded with their new siblings. Maya personally fed them and prepared an array of delicious dishes. By the time everyone retired to their rooms for the night, the atmosphere was warm and content.

Maya turned to Naina and said, “Dear, I’ve prepared the whole room for you. Wear whatever you like, and if you need anything or encounter any problems, please let me know immediately.”

Naina replied with affection, “No, Chhoti Maa, I have no problems. Don’t worry.”

Vikram then arrived, and Naina glanced at him while Maya looked on with a smile. “Go on now; he’s here to take you,” Maya said before leaving.

As Maya departed, Naina and Vikram exchanged looks before heading together towards their room.

As they approached the room, Vikram opened the door for Naina, and she stepped inside, her eyes widening in shock. The room was adorned with flowers and candles, creating an atmosphere that seemed intended for a romantic evening. The space was large and opulently decorated. Vikram noticed Naina’s astonishment, then entered, beginning to remove his clothes. This only intensified Naina's surprise.

“Wha... what are you doing?” she stammered.

“Naina, I’m tired. Come and let’s sleep,” Vikram said, lying down on the lavish bed.

Hearing this, Naina felt a wave of relief. She entered the room, removed her earrings, and changed into comfortable clothes.

Naina moved toward the bed and lay down, and Vikram, already anticipating this, turned to face her. He placed his head on her neck and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Naina's heartbeat quickened as Vikram's breath gently caressed her neck. After a few moments, she placed her hand on his hair, running her fingers through it soothingly.

As she gazed at him, she suddenly leaned in and pressed her lips to Vikram’s forehead. With that tender gesture, she closed her eyes and fell asleep, knowing she would need to rise early the next morning.

Early in the morning, the sound of knocking at the gate startled Naina awake. She glanced over at Vikram, noting how peacefully he was sleeping—an unusual occurrence since he typically woke at the slightest disturbance. She gently removed his arm from her waist and went to answer the door.

“Yes, Chhoti Maa?” Naina called out as she opened the gate.

“I’ll just get ready and come,” Maya replied before leaving.

Naina quickly got ready and went downstairs. In the kitchen, she saw Vidya and Maya and immediately touched their feet in respect.

“Oh, Naina, you don’t need to do that repeatedly,” Vidya said with a smile. “You’re looking quite beautiful today.”

Vidya handed the sargi to Maya, who then gave it to Naina. They all sat down to begin their meal, sharing a moment of camaraderie as they ate together.

As the morning progressed, everyone began to wake up. Aarav and Ruhi got ready for school, and the household bustled with activity.

Vikram entered the kitchen and noticed a servant working on some decorations. “Chhoti Maa, is there a special occasion today?” he asked.

Maya, busy with preparations, replied, “You don’t know?”

“No, I don’t,” Vikram said.

“Today is Karva Chauth. We’re preparing for the celebration. Some ladies from the neighborhood will come to worship and then break their fast after sighting the moon. And since it’s Naina’s first Karva Chauth, we want it to be special,” Maya explained.

Vikram , considering this, said, “Don’t cook food for me.”

Maya responded with a knowing smile, “Okay.”

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