42. Her ethereal beauty

Niharika sat comfortably on the large sofa in the living room, her soft laughter mingling with the cheerful voices of Riya, Ivaan, and Ishaan. The four of them were engaged in animated conversation, the kind of lighthearted gossip that felt like a breath of fresh air in the otherwise grand and imposing Ranawat mansion.

“Bhabhi, you should have seen Ivaan’s face when the professor caught him daydreaming in class,” Riya teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “He looked like he was about to cry!”

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Ivaan protested, throwing a cushion in Riya’s direction. “I wasn’t daydreaming, I was... analyzing!”

Niharika chuckled, her laughter soft and melodic. “Analyzing what, Ivaan? How to avoid getting caught next time?”

The group burst into laughter, and even Ivaan couldn’t hold back a grin. “You’re teaming up against me, bhabhi. This isn’t fair!” he said, pretending to pout.

“Oh, don’t act like a victim now,” Ishaan chimed in, leaning back with a smirk. “We all know you’re the king of excuses. Remember the time you said the dog ate your assignment?”

“That was a valid excuse!” Ivaan defended himself, though his grin gave him away. “Besides, the professor actually believed me.”

As the laughter died down, Riya turned to Niharika, her expression curious. “Bhabhi, what about you? You’re always so composed. Don’t you have any fun stories to share from your college days?”

Niharika’s smile faltered for a moment, her thoughts drifting to the life she had left behind. She had been so immersed in her studies and ambitions back then, dreaming of becoming a cardiologist. That world felt like a lifetime ago now.

“I don’t know if they’re fun,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “But I do miss those days. Studying late into the night, hanging out with friends... life was simpler then.”

Ishaan noticed the shift in her tone and quickly tried to lighten the mood. “Well, you’re part of the Ranawat family now, bhabhi. Simplicity doesn’t exist here—we’re all about drama and extravagance!”

Niharika laughed, grateful for his attempt to cheer her up. “I’ve noticed,” she said, her smile returning.

Riya leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief again. “Speaking of extravagance, bhabhi, how about we plan a shopping trip soon? You need to add more sparkle to your wardrobe!”

“Sparkle?” Niharika repeated, raising an eyebrow. “I think I’m fine without it, Riya. Besides, I’m not exactly a queen like you make me out to be.”

“Oh, but you are!” Riya insisted, throwing an arm around Niharika’s shoulders. “You’re the queen of this house, and queens deserve the best.”

The group fell into laughter again, the air filled with warmth and camaraderie. For a moment, Niharika felt a sense of belonging, a connection she hadn’t expected to find in this house.

But beneath the laughter, a part of her couldn’t shake the lingering question in her mind: Could she truly fit into this world, with all its grandeur and complexities? Or was she still the girl who had dreamed of a different life entirely?

Riya leaned closer to Niharika, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Aren't you thrilled, bhabhi? You're finally resuming your studies! I mean, we’re going to have a great cardiologist in the family soon," she said, clapping her hands in delight.

Niharika smiled faintly, her fingers playing with the edge of her dupatta. "I am, Riya. It’s just... it feels surreal. After everything, going back to studying feels like stepping into a life I almost lost."

Ivaan, who was lounging nearby, looked up from his phone. "Bhabhi, you’re already halfway there. You’ve got the brains and the determination. It’s only a matter of time before you’re saving lives and making headlines."

Niharika chuckled softly. "Making headlines? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Ivaan."

Ishaan chimed in with a grin, "Don’t be modest, bhabhi. With your dedication, you’ll probably end up being the best cardiologist in the country. Just don’t forget us common folk when you’re famous."

Niharika shook her head, laughing. "You all are making it sound so grand. I’m just taking small steps right now. Honestly, I’m nervous. It’s been a while since I last studied seriously."

Riya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You’ve got this, bhabhi. I mean, look at you! You’re managing everything so gracefully—this family, your responsibilities, and now your studies. If anyone can do it, it’s you."

Touched by their support, Niharika felt a lump rise in her throat. For so long, she had carried doubts about whether she could balance her duties as a Ranawat daughter-in-law with her ambitions. But hearing their encouragement filled her with a newfound sense of confidence.

"Thank you," she said softly, looking around at them. "It means a lot, knowing you all believe in me."

Ivaan smirked and said, "Of course, we do! And don’t worry, if you ever need a break, Riya and I will make sure to drag you out for some fun."

Riya grinned. "Exactly! No more boring routines. You’re one of us now, bhabhi, and we Ranawats know how to keep life interesting."

Niharika couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a warmth she hadn’t experienced in a long time. For the first time in a while, the weight on her shoulders seemed a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to make this new life work without losing herself in the process.

After spending some cheerful moments with Riya, Ishaan, and Ivaan, Niharika excused herself and headed to the kitchen. It was nearing dinnertime, and she felt the need to contribute, especially since Shweta had been complaining of leg pain earlier in the day.

The kitchen was bustling with activity. The aroma of spices filled the air as Anita instructed the maids on the dishes for the night. Niharika stepped in quietly, rolling up her sleeves.

"Chachi sa," she said softly, "Can I help with something?"

Anita turned around, momentarily surprised. "Niharika, you don’t have to. The maids are handling everything."

"I know, but I want to," Niharika replied with a gentle smile. "Besides, it feels good to do something."

Anita gave a small nod. "Alright, then. Why don’t you knead the dough for the rotis? The maids are a bit slow with it."

Niharika got to work, her hands moving rhythmically as she kneaded the dough. She found the process oddly therapeutic, a break from the whirlwind of emotions she had been experiencing lately.

As she worked, Shweta entered the kitchen, leaning slightly on a walking stick. "What’s going on here?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Niharika insisted on helping," Anita explained, handing over a plate to a maid.

Shweta walked closer, observing Niharika’s focused expression. "You’re always running around, doing something or the other. Why don’t you take a break, Niharika?"

Niharika looked up and shook her head. "I’m fine, Shweta ma. I enjoy helping out, and it keeps me busy."

Shweta sighed but smiled fondly. "You’re too sweet for your own good. Just don’t overwork yourself, okay?"

Niharika nodded and continued, her mind drifting to thoughts of Shivaay. She wondered if he had eaten properly, if he was managing his work without overburdening himself. As much as she tried to push the thoughts away, they kept creeping back.

Once the dough was ready, Niharika helped Anita set up the dining table, ensuring everything was perfect. The family gathered soon after, engaging in light chatter as they ate.

Throughout dinner, Niharika remained quiet, her mind preoccupied. She couldn’t help but notice the empty chair where Shivaay usually sat. A pang of longing tugged at her heart, but she quickly brushed it aside, focusing instead on serving the family.

As the night wore on, Niharika finished cleaning up and finally retired to her room, exhaustion weighing on her. Yet, as she lay in bed, her mind was far from calm. Thoughts of Shivaay and her budding ambitions swirled around, making her wonder what the future held for her.

Finally, after hours of battling her thoughts, Niharika's body gave in to exhaustion. She curled up under the blanket, her mind still flickering with stray images of her day and thoughts of Shivaay, but they gradually blurred into nothingness.

The room was silent, the soft rustling of the curtains the only sound accompanying her deep, even breaths. The faint glow of the moonlight seeped through the windows, casting a serene ambiance around her.

In her sleep, a small, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips—whether it was from the warmth of the family dinner, the thought of resuming her studies, or something else entirely, even Niharika wouldn’t know.

For the first time in days, her heart felt a little lighter, even if she wouldn’t admit it to herself.

Niharika woke up to the soft rays of the sun filtering through her window. She freshened up and chose a simple yet elegant white saree to wear. The fabric draped effortlessly over her petite frame, and the minimalistic look only enhanced her natural beauty.

As she descended the stairs gracefully, her serene demeanor and ethereal appearance made her look nothing less than a goddess. The family members in the living room paused to glance at her, their expressions mixed with admiration and affection.

Ivaan, ever the cheeky one, quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a candid photo of her. Smirking to himself, he typed a message to Shivaay:

"Bhaiya, she isn’t trying to grab attention from us, but she deserves it. Just thought you should see how beautiful she’s looking today, especially since you’ve been reflecting on things lately."

He hit send, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He knew how much Shivaay had been missing her and believed this would brighten his brother's day.

Meanwhile, Niharika was unaware of the photo being sent or the impact it might have. She made her way to the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast, her thoughts focused on the little tasks of the day.

In California, Shivaay’s phone buzzed with Ivaan's message. As he opened it and saw the picture, his breath caught. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, her serene expression and the white saree making her seem angelic. For a moment, he could almost imagine her standing before him, filling the empty void in his penthouse with her calming presence.

Shivaay leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing over the image on the screen. A rare, genuine smile spread across his face as he whispered to himself, “She truly is something else…”

As Shivaay gazed at the photo, his heart clenched. He traced her image on the screen with his thumb, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

"Gosh, I wish I was there," he thought, his mind instantly filling with images of her gliding through the house, her soft voice mingling with the laughter of the family.

The white saree she wore wasn’t just beautiful; it was a reflection of her grace, simplicity, and the quiet strength she carried within. He imagined her walking around the kitchen, her bangles softly clinking, and the serene aura she exuded bringing peace to anyone around her.

For the first time in a long while, Shivaay felt a pang of longing so deep it was almost unbearable. The distance between them seemed insurmountable, and he hated that he wasn’t there to witness her beauty in person, to bask in her presence, and to see the way she lit up their home.

He closed his eyes, resting his head back against the chair, trying to shake off the ache in his chest. "What I wouldn’t give to be there right now," he murmured.

But as much as he wanted to, he knew there was still work to be done, battles to fight, and a bond to rebuild. He resolved silently, "Soon, Niharika. Soon, I'll be there, and I’ll make everything right."

As Shivaay stared at the photo on his phone, a deep ache settled in his chest. The image of Niharika in that white saree, her serene beauty glowing effortlessly, was enough to make his longing unbearable.

"Right now, it's killing me to not be with you," he thought, clenching the phone in his hand.

He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. The distance between them was more than just physical; it was the emotional chasm he had created in the past, one he was determined to bridge. But today, it felt impossible to endure.

Her beauty wasn’t just in the way she looked; it was in her resilience, her quiet strength, and her ability to light up even the darkest corners of his life. And the thought that he couldn’t be there to see her, to talk to her, to feel her presence—it was eating him alive.

Shivaay’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He wanted to pick up the phone and call her, but what would he say? How could he explain the turmoil he was feeling? He sighed deeply, his fingers hovering over her contact on his phone before deciding against it.

Instead, he whispered to himself, "You don’t even know, Niharika, how much I need you right now. But I promise, soon, this distance will end. And when it does, I'll make up for all the time we've lost."