33. The Tie

Hi I think many of the people are impatient for the next part so am I. Uploading another part.

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The morning at the Ranawat mansion was serene as the family gathered in the expansive dining hall for breakfast. The smell of fresh parathas and brewed tea filled the air. Niharika moved gracefully around the table, ensuring everyone was served. Her delicate bangles jingled softly as she poured tea into Shweta’s cup, her movements calm and composed.

Indra Singh Ranawat sat at the head of the table, exuding his usual aura of authority. Beside him, Shweta delicately nibbled on her toast, occasionally glancing at Niharika with maternal concern. Shivaay was seated across from Niharika, his sharp gaze occasionally flickering to her as he sipped his black coffee.

Once everyone was settled, Shivaay cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room.

“I have something important to announce,” he began, setting his cup down with precision.

The light chatter around the table faded as all eyes turned toward him. Niharika, standing near the corner of the room, paused in her task, her heart skipping a beat at his serious tone.

“I’ve received confirmation from the California site,” Shivaay continued. “For the new project’s final stages, my presence is required. I will need to leave in three days, and the entire process might take three to four months.”

The announcement was met with a wave of reactions.

“Three to four months?” Shweta asked, her voice tinged with worry. “That’s a long time, Shivaay. Are you sure this is necessary?”

Shivaay nodded firmly. “It’s unavoidable, Maa. The deal is critical for the company’s international expansion, and my presence will ensure everything goes smoothly.”

“And Niharika?” Indra’s deep voice broke through the conversation, his gaze shifting to his daughter-in-law.

Shivaay glanced briefly at her before responding. “She will stay here. The kingdom might require her presence in my absence. A lot of decisions need a woman’s touch—someone the people can look up to, someone to represent the Ranawat family with grace.”

Niharika looked at him, startled by his words. She hadn’t expected him to say something so... considerate.

Shweta nodded in agreement. “Shivaay is right. The kingdom trusts Niharika as their queen, and her presence here will ensure stability and reassurance for the people.”

Riya chimed in, her tone lighthearted. “Looks like bhabhi’s responsibilities are only increasing. But don’t worry, bhabhi, we’ll help!”

The family chuckled, though Niharika remained silent, her mind racing with thoughts. The prospect of Shivaay being away for months was daunting, yet the idea of stepping up for the kingdom brought a sense of pride and pressure.

Shivaay’s voice broke through her thoughts. “The decision is final. I leave in three days. Until then, we’ll ensure everything is set for the transition.”

The family nodded in agreement, and the breakfast resumed. But for Niharika, the room felt heavier. She couldn’t ignore the strange mix of relief and apprehension swirling within her. Three to four months without Shivaay—time away could either bridge the gap between them or widen it further. The weight of responsibility, and the uncertain distance, loomed large over her heart.

As the breakfast conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Anand Singh Ranawat, always the observant and easy-going member of the family, leaned back in his chair. A teasing smile played on his lips as he turned toward Niharika, who was now quietly refilling glasses of water.

“By the way, Niharika,” Anand began, his tone casual yet inquisitive, “with Shivaay leaving for California, do you want to accompany him? It’s a long trip, and who knows, you might enjoy a change of scenery.”

All eyes turned to Niharika, making her pause mid-motion. She straightened herself, her hands lightly clutching the jug, and gave Anand a polite but firm look.

“No, Chacha ji,” she said softly but with clear determination. “I don’t think it’s necessary for me to go. The kingdom might need me here, especially if Shivaay will be away for so long. It’s my duty to stay and support in whatever way I can.”

Shweta, who had been watching the exchange, gave a small nod of approval. “That’s a wise decision, Niharika. Your presence here will keep things balanced.”

Anand raised an eyebrow playfully, leaning forward. “Are you sure? California is beautiful this time of year. A little getaway might be nice.”

Shivaay’s sharp voice cut through the banter, his tone leaving no room for further discussion. “She’s staying, Anand Chacha. The decision isn’t up for debate. Niharika understands her responsibilities here, and I trust her to manage them in my absence.”

The firmness in his words startled Niharika slightly, but she remained composed, offering a small nod in agreement.

Anand chuckled lightly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. No harm in asking, though. Just making sure our queen has a say in the matter.”

The room settled back into its usual rhythm, but Niharika couldn’t ignore the subtle flicker of something in Shivaay’s tone—was it trust? Authority? Or just a sense of control? Whatever it was, it left her heart uneasy, the weight of his words lingering long after the conversation had ended.

As everyone was enjoying their breakfast, Shweta noticed Niharika hovering near the table, serving parathas and pouring juice for others, without eating herself.

“Niharika, beta,” Shweta said gently, “why are you standing there? Sit down and join us for breakfast. You’re part of this family, and we’d love to have you eat with us.”

Before Niharika could respond, Indra, who had been observing silently, added in his deep authoritative voice, “Yes, Niharika. You’ve been taking care of everyone. Now sit and eat. That’s an order.”

Niharika hesitated for a moment, glancing nervously at Shivaay, who was quietly eating but seemed to be paying attention.

Shivaay, noticing her uncertainty, finally spoke in a casual tone, “There’s an empty chair right here. You might as well sit. No need to keep running around.”

Niharika nodded slowly, her hands nervously fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. She took the seat offered beside Shweta, her movements cautious, as if she were intruding.

“I hope you like aloo paratha,” Shweta said, serving her with a kind smile. “It’s Shivaay’s favorite, but I’ve heard you enjoy it too.”

Niharika gave a small smile, her voice soft. “Thank you, Ma....”

“No formalities, beta,” Shweta corrected with a smile.

As Niharika began eating, the conversation at the table resumed. Occasionally, someone would ask her a question, drawing her into the discussion. Though she was hesitant at first, she gradually started to relax, her polite responses and warm demeanor earning approving glances from Indra and others.

Shivaay, however, remained unusually silent, occasionally glancing at Niharika from the corner of his eye, his mind clearly occupied with thoughts he wasn’t voicing.

The atmosphere at the table felt unusually warm, though there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air between Shivaay and Niharika that only they could feel.

Shivaay stood in front of the mirror, his fingers fumbling with the tie. Despite being the king of Jaipur and a master of almost everything, wearing a tie was something he could never manage. He muttered under his breath, pulling the fabric this way and that, but it refused to cooperate.

The door opened quietly, and Niharika walked in, holding a basket of freshly folded laundry. She paused when she saw him, struggling like a child with the simple task. For a moment, she considered leaving him to his frustration, but something inside her stopped her.

Setting the basket down on the bed, she walked toward him. Shivaay noticed her reflection in the mirror, but before he could say anything, she stood in front of him and took hold of the tie.

Without a word, she began adjusting it. Her fingers were quick yet gentle, and the room fell silent except for the faint rustling of the fabric. Shivaay’s eyes stayed fixed on her face, studying her expression. There was no trace of the defiance or pain she usually wore around him. Instead, her focus was entirely on the tie, as if it were the most important task in the world.

“Why didn’t you call someone if you didn’t know how to tie this?” she finally broke the silence, her voice soft but firm.

“I don’t call anyone for trivial things,” he replied, his voice quieter than usual.

She didn’t respond, simply finishing the knot with a slight tug. As she stepped back to inspect her work, their eyes met for a brief moment. His gaze was intense, as if he was trying to read her thoughts, while hers remained unreadable.

“It’s done,” she said, stepping aside and picking up the laundry basket again.

As she turned to leave, Shivaay’s voice stopped her. “Niharika.”

She turned slightly, not meeting his eyes. “Yes?”

“Thank you,” he said, the words coming out awkwardly, as if they were foreign to him.

Her grip tightened on the basket, and she simply nodded before walking out, leaving Shivaay standing there, staring at his reflection.

For the first time in a long while, his tie didn’t feel suffocating.

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