16

(So someone asked for a double update, increase the number of comments and votes, validation dedo :| anyway enjoy the chapter, I kept it longer than usual )

∞Nazar∞

Rudransh Singh Chauhan

I handed the car keys to the valet and followed Dhaya to her room. Abhir and Aahana were already there, with Abhir trying to lift the mood with his playful jokes. Dhaya, however, remained silent, her expression blank.

"You have about two hours to rest. Take this medicine and get some sleep." I caught up to her and handed her the medication. She nodded lightly and whispered a soft thank you.

"Where are you all coming from? Aru, weren't you supposed to be resting?" We turned to see the twins approaching.

"We went to visit the doctor," Aahana explained, drawing their attention to Dhaya. Before she could speak, Yug interjected.

"Aru, is your throat bothering you?" Yug asked, gently checking her temperature with the back of his hand. "A friend of my father has a clinic here in Udaipur, just a twenty-minute drive away. I thought it would be better to get it treated since we have events lined up." He nodded, smiling at me.

"What did the doctor say?" Concern was etched on both of their faces as the elder twin asked.

"He gave me an injection and some medications. Moreover I am feeling alot better now." her tone was soft and low, slightly louder than a whisper.

"We could have gone with you. Bhai even asked me to check on you. I knocked on your door, but there was no answer. I thought you were sleeping, so I didn't disturb you," Yagya said, his tone concerned. His middle name must be Yagya Aridhaan's Puppet Rajvansh.

"It's okay, Bhai. Stop with the interrogation. Let her rest. Be ready for the Haldi. I'm going to make up for all the Holis I missed over the years! I'm not sparing any of you," Aahana whined, changing the subject. For the first time in the three days since meeting her, I actually liked her.

"But still, Bhai wouldn't like this," Yagya started again, but Yug pulled him closer, wrapping his arm around his shoulder.

"Who's going to tell him? All that matters is that Aru is fine. Let's get going; Maami asked us to bring fresh rose petals for the Haldi paste. Aru, you go and rest!" The twins walked away, bantering with each other.

She retreated to her room with Aahana while my brothers and I lingered in the corridor. It had been quite a day—first her allergic reaction, then the near-miss with the accident. I glanced at Abhir, who was scrolling through his phone, and couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if she hadn't warned me in time. We could have been in a life-threatening accident. I don't know if I could forgive myself or live with the guilt if anything had happened to any of them. Even though my brother can be a pain, he's been my support system forever. He doesn't need instructions; he just knows how to help, like with the dance competition or today in the car.

I smiled at my carbon copy, just two inches taller. He looked up from his phone, giving me a confused expression.

"I'm not Aradhaya, Bhai. Stop romanticizing me," he said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I take it back—brother or not, he's still a nuisance.

"You both are here! I was looking for you everywhere." We turned to see Rishi stepping out of the elevator, an iPad in hand. "Rudra, go throw your phone from the top floor if you're never going to answer it." I pulled my phone from my pocket, noticing his five missed calls, each spaced fifteen minutes apart.

"My phone was on silent," I explained, knowing it was a poor excuse for my carelessness.

"Whatever, come with me. We have a meeting to attend." He brushed off my words, passing me the iPad.

"Bhai, why can't you both relax for a second? This is a nice getaway for both of you. Why do you want to work?" Abhir grumbled, scrolling through his phone. But then something on the document caught my eye.

"Rohan has been handling it. I've got the signed documents, and you'll be happy to see who the partner is." Rishi's smirk hinted at promising possibilities.

"If you both keep working like this, you'll end up as corporate patients. Work, work, work, all the time." My brother had a knack for spilling nonsense everywhere he went.

"I have a meeting organized with Aridhaan. Let's go. Don't miss this chance. Let's finalize it. She won't be there since she's sick." Rishi ignored Abhir's rant and showed me the final documents on the iPad.

"Let's get going." We were about to leave when Abhir grabbed my arm.

"At least tell me, how is the grumpy Rajvansh involved in this?"

"Grumpy Rajvansh?" I arched an eyebrow at him.

"Aridhaan Singh Rajvansh, aka Grumpy Rajvansh."

"We're planning a project with the Rajvanshs here in Rajasthan. Apparently, your lady is supposed to be in charge of it for the time being. She might not know it's our corporation, so we're finalizing it before she can reject it. Her brother is ready to finalize the project while she's sick. Once it's finalized, it's unlikely the Rajvanshs will cancel it. Knowing Aradhaya, she won't let her professional life suffer because of personal issues. Did you catch that?" Rishi explained patiently, while Abhir nodded with an expression that made him look like a business mastermind, despite knowing as much about business as a child knows about calculus.

"Oooohhhhh!!" Abhir's mouth formed a wide 'O' as he finally understood. "You mean 'aapada mai afsar.'"

"Well done, Rishi Bhai. You're no less than Shakuni Mama with your scheming." Abhir pulled Rishi's cheeks, and I stifled a laugh. "Who would think someone with such an innocent face could have such a sharp mind?" Rishi shook off Abhir's hand and smacked his head, giving me a look to stop laughing at his misery.

"You wanted a younger brother," I shrugged, passing them both on the way to the elevator. "Now I understand why you called him a mistake of your parents in school." Rishi joined me in the elevator, still complaining about Abhir.

We walked into the palace library, a cozy space filled with antique books. Although not vast, it had a conducive environment for working. Inside, we found the eldest Rajvansh, Aridhaan, and his brother Yagya seated at a four-seater table. Aridhaan was engrossed in his laptop, while Yagya discussed some quotations with him. Rishi cleared his throat to gain their attention, and both men stood to acknowledge our presence.

"Rajvansh," I greeted with a curt nod, which he reciprocated in the same manner. I managed a small smile for Yagya, but he ignored it gracefully.

"Our lawyer has testified the agreement, and with the contract already signed, I think both corporations can begin construction once we finalize this deal," Rishi said, engaging in conversation with the Rajvansh brothers while I observed their demeanor.

Despite their casual attire—Aridhaan in a pastel polo shirt and Yagya in a collared t-shirt—they carried an air of authority. Aridhaan's grey eyes were framed by frameless rectangular glasses, while Yagya's brown eyes focused on the agreement Rishi shared.

"We could have waited until after the wedding to finalize the project. Is there a specific reason the Chauhans are so eager to start?" Aridhaan asked, folding his arms and straightening in his chair.

"There's no particular hurry. Rohan was initially in charge of this project, but he's now involved in a mall project with the Malhotras in Delhi. I had to take it up myself. My international projects are scheduled for the coming months, leaving me no time to postpone this until at least December—six months from now. With monsoon season approaching, we wanted to lay the project's foundation soon," I explained, sipping water from a glass a server had brought.

"I can spare a few weeks to finalize the interior and architecture; the rest can be managed later. If you want to postpone it, it would need to be for at least six months," I added. Both men nodded in agreement. Yagya sighed, then spoke up, "We have our team finalized. The finances will be discussed with our CFO, Yug. We'll share details with your company as soon as they're finalized."

"Should we ask Aru if she's okay with the project timeline?" Yagya suggested.

"I spoke with her beforehand. She wanted to resume work as soon as possible, which is why I asked her to handle this project. We can finalize everything now, and I'll inform her later. Right now isn't the time to disturb her," Aridhaan explained to Yagya, clicking his tongue lightly. I like you Rajvansh, Don't make me change my feelings for you.

"Congratulations, Mr. Rajvansh. The partnership between the Rajvanshs and Chauhans is officially established. We'll share our details as soon as possible," Rishi said, rising from his seat, followed by everyone. He shook hands with both Rajvansh brothers.

Yagya extended his hand to me, and we shook hands firmly. Aridhaan then offered his hand, and as we shook, I couldn't help but smile at the potential this professional partnership might bring to our personal lives.

It was already early evening, time for the haldi ceremony. I donned the attire my mother had selected for Abhir and me—similar outfits for this one function. The fabric was fine, but the intricate embroidery itched my skin. I wondered how women tolerated it. I knocked on my parents' room and heard a "Come in" from my father. Entering, I saw him helping my mother with the pleats of her saree.

"Chaya, biwi, hilo mat jada," he mumbled, safety pins held between his lips.

"You can't even do the pleats right, Samrat! Thirty-two years of marriage, and you're still a novice at it," my mother chided playfully, always endearing in her light scolding of my father's ineptitude.

"How come I am a novice now?" Dad scrunched his nose, tilting his head to face her.

"Baatein kam karo, aur kaam zyada," she retorted, shaking her pleats while Dad, still on his knees, secured them perfectly.

"I'll help you, Mom," I offered, kneeling to hold the pleats in place so Dad could pin them properly.

"You've gone old, old man," I teased my father, who shot me a stink eye.

"You wish! People mistake me for your brother at gatherings," he boasted, brushing his hair.

"Of course, all my hair color is used by your father. He won't let a single hair turn grey," Mom laughed.

"Mom! This is itching!" Abhir, my mother's favorite, complained as he walked in.

"Welcome, chotte nawab," Dad said with a fake smile, which Abhir ignored as he approached our mother. We stood up, straightening ourselves as her saree pleats were done.

"What happened, Abhir?" she cooed, while Dad and I gave them judging looks.

"This fabric is itching my skin," he whined.

"It's chikankari, Abhir, one of the finest embroideries. Yes, it itches a little, but look how elegant it looks," she soothed, caressing his hair as he scrunched his face in irritation.

"Button up your kurta, Abhir. Why is your chest on display?" Dad scolded, stepping forward to button Abhir's kurta. Abhir jumped back, making Dad stumble.

"Dad! I spent hours working out to flex my muscles. Besides, it's so hot," he protested, undoing the buttons Dad had fastened. Dad gave Mom a stern look.

"Abhir, bachee," Mom started, caught between her younger son and her husband.

"Let's get going. It's already time. Dad, you know he's not going to listen. Why waste time?" I gently pulled my father out of the room while he continued lecturing Abhir.

"He should learn some manners, Rudra. You have a well-built physique, but you don't go on display. There's a way to behave; he shouldn't forget he's a Chauhan," Dad grumbled.

"Don't compare me with Bhai, Dad!" Abhir whined again as Mom tried to pacify him.

"See, your mother has spoiled him," Dad muttered. It was their usual banter. Though we had freedom growing up, being a Chauhan meant there were certain expectations about our behaviour, speech, and attire. Abhir always rebelled, choosing his way of doing things. There was nothing wrong with that, but our father was not one to accept changes without a logical reason. Though he often didn't apply the same logic to himself, he expected us to justify any deviations from his expectations.

"Relax, Dad. He will learn," I tried to calm him, knowing the argument would continue anyway.

Their chatter continued till we entered the pool area, that was the venue for the haldi ceremony. The Haldi ceremony was held near the pool area, beautifully adorned with yellow and white flowers. The air was filled with the scent of marigolds and jasmine, while fairy lights added a magical touch. Yellow drapes swayed gently, and floating candles on the pool created a serene glow.

Two compartments, each with large brass vessels shaped like lotus flowers, were set up for the bride and groom. These vessels, with their intricately designed petals and embroidered cushions, were the centerpiece of the ceremony. Low wooden tables nearby held trays of turmeric paste and rose petals, with marigold petals scattered on the ground.

Guests, dressed in varying shades of yellow, were greeted with fresh flower garlands. The atmosphere was filled with soft music, laughter, and the gentle chimes of golden bells. The sun cast a warm, golden hue over the scene, enhancing the vibrant decorations and creating a perfect backdrop for this ritual.

Both Ridhima and Shravan were seated in their respective seats as the ritual was about to begin. My eyes instinctively sought her out, as they always did. She was walking along the pool, smiling widely at something Aahana had said beside her. Her yellow and white attire, adorned with flower prints, flowed gracefully in the light breeze, and even her reflection in the pool shimmered like the moon. A tiara made of flowers graced her head, her hair cascading freely around her shoulders.

"Aru! Are you okay now?" Her grandparents approached, and she scrunched her nose, laughing and hugging them both sideways. "I am all good, Veer," she chimed. Her voice, though still a bit hoarse, was much better, and her smile was as vibrant as ever.

"You didn't tell us," her father said, following along with the rest of her family.

"That's the reason why I didn't tell you all. Stop taking away the limelight from our couple today. It's their day. I am all fit and fine. We will discuss later," she replied, walking toward Shravan and Ridhima.

"Nazar lag gayi hai kya, madam? Kuch na kuch ho hi raha hai," Shravan chuckled, but she shook her head with a scrunched nose.

"Nani, can we begin now?" She turned, bending down to take the paste on a mango leaf. Her hair flipped, and I saw it gliding from her back to her side. I gulped, my throat suddenly dry at the sight of her waist. I shook off my thoughts.

My phone rang, giving me an excuse to step away. It was my assistant, asking about the finalizing clause of the deal this afternoon. I stood across the pool with my phone pressed against my ear, watching the Haldi ceremony turn into a Holi celebration, with my lady enjoying herself the most.

Yug and Yagya ran after her as she smeared a handful of paste on both their faces. Everyone was laughing at their childish antics. Meanwhile, I saw Abhir tiptoeing to sneak up on Aahana with a handful of paste.

"Stop, three of you!" Rajvansh's voice boomed over the giggles and chaos. They halted, a sense of terror in their eyes. Rajvansh held a water hose, an unusual sight for his demeanor. Clearly, this man had a soft spot for his siblings. Amidst laughter, he sprayed water on them, surprising everyone with his playful side. Ruhi didn't miss the chance and joined in, trying to color Abhir yellow with the paste. My love snatched the hose from her brother, spraying water on others. Yug and Yagya chased her to get the hose but ended up falling into the pool when she sprayed them.

Their antics were so amusing that everyone burst into laughter. Aahana took the hose from Dhaya and started spraying water on her, while Abhir wrapped his arms around Aahana and jumped into the pool with her.

Her loud giggles filled my ears as she twirled with the hose, her dress flowing flawlessly with each spin. She looked divine, her smile adored by everyone. It was a smile I wished I could lock in my heart forever. I couldn't help but walk toward her, losing grip on my surroundings. She was carefree, enjoying herself to the fullest, the kid in her jumping with joy. For the first time in days, I saw her as my Dhaya, the one I fell in love with seven years ago. The one who captured my heart effortlessly, making me fall deeper in love with her with every moment. I fall in love with her even more in her absence, cherishing her memories, and in her presence, knowing the value of her being before it becomes a memory.

Her giggles came to a halt when her eyes met mine, her face glowing under the setting sun as little droplets of water traveled down her cheeks. Everything stopped for me in that moment, and I could hear my heart beating in my ears until her mother's voice broke the spell.

"Aru, keep the hose now and go change. You're already not well," her mother said, taking the hose from her hand and tossing it into the pool. She nodded in compliance, and the others began to walk out of the pool.

I watched as she walked away with her family, while mine stayed outside for Dadi's rituals.

"Chaya, Vidhi, bring the red chilis," Dadi instructed my mother and aunt. One of them carried an open earthen vessel, likely containing burning coal, while the other held dried red chilis.

"Dadi, are you going to make Ridhima eat chilis now?" Abhir's curiosity broke the tension, eliciting laughter from everyone, but it didn't deter Dadi from her task.

"I'm removing the evil eye with this," Dadi explained, taking three red chilis and revolving them over Ridhima's head before placing them in the burning coal. I observed the rituals, wondering if they truly warded off the evil eye, but deciding it was better not to take any chances.

As everyone finished the rituals and headed inside, I noticed Dhaya walking back to the pool area alone. She approached the seating near the lotus vessel where Shravan sat. It seemed her phone was left there, so I took the opportunity to pull her toward me. She was taken aback at first, but her shock subsided when she saw it was me.

"What are you doing?" she asked, raising a brow and wiggling in my arms, still in her attire lightly drenched in water.

"Just wait a second," I said, holding her still and taking three chilis from the plate Chachi had brought.

"I think Shravan is right, you look too pretty every day, so there's a high chance nazar lag gayi hai," I said, recalling what Dadi had done and attempting to follow suit, while she looked at me with a shocked expression. I revolved the dried chilis over her head in an anticlockwise manner, just as Dadi had with Ridhima. I touched her head with the chilis and moved them down to her feet three times before placing them into the burning coal.

"It should work," I huffed, dusting off my hands. When my eyes fell on her face, I saw a light smile playing on her lips, curved in a way that was different from usual.

"Why did you do that?" she whispered, and I could only shrug in response. "To guard the evil eye off you, maybe."

She rolled her eyes and tried to walk away, but as she turned, her hair brushed against my face, and the citrus aroma of her shampoo filled my senses, intoxicating me. I instinctively held her wrist, yanking her back toward me. She gasped, her eyes wide with surprise, as I snaked my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She puffed her cheeks and pouted those rosy lips, wiggling in an attempt to break free from my hold. I chuckled lightly at her antics.

"Give me a second, my love." She stilled at her spot as my breath fell on her nose, her wide eyes blinking slowly as her long eyelashes kissed her cheeks.

I had taken a handful of the haldi paste from a nearby container and, with a feather touch, grazed her waist with my fingers. She flinched slightly, her eyes closing. I blew a breath on her closed eyes. "Open your eyes, Dhaya."

She gripped my biceps, clutching them hard and digging her nails in as my fingers continued to graze her waist with the paste. "Ansh..." Her lips parted lightly as she breathed out, and my heart thumped against my chest. One word from her was enough to make me wrap around her little finger.

"You are looking breathtaking," I murmured. She blinked her eyes slowly, her grey orbs meeting mine.

"Mr. Chauhan," she breathed, her body betraying her mind's attempt to stay composed. To be honest, this sight of hers was as exciting for me as anything.

"Yes, my love," I trailed my fingers to her cheeks, slightly grazing them with the paste.

"I am not your love," she stuttered, trying to break free from my hold. I chuckled and leaned in, cupping her cheek tilting her face to match the level of my sight.

"I even worship the breath you take, Dhaya. I adore the ground you walk on, live in this world because you exist in it, and you say you aren't my love. I had to exercise immense self-control while standing in my place and refraining from spinning you around in my arms. Each action of yours made me crave you even more. If I could, I'd grab you and snake my arms around your tiny waist, pulling you to my chest, close enough to feel each of your rising breaths on my lips. Your every move tests my patience, yet captivates me without even touching me, a power stronger than anything else in this world."

Her lips parted at my words, as if she had run out of things to say. I chuckled, lifting her chin to close her mouth.

"Breathe, my love. I'll give you enough reasons to run out of it." I walked away, leaving her with her thoughts. I hoped my actions weren't offensive. I just went with the flow. Mahadev, please, she shouldn't be angry.

⋆✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ⋆🌿✦🌺✦🌿⋆*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧⋆

Happy reading!

Have a beautiful day!