46. Explosion

A servant rushed into the room, panting slightly from his hurry. "Queen, some people have arrived. They urgently wish to meet you," he said, glancing at Niharika with a sense of urgency in his eyes.

Niharika, who had been finishing up a few tasks in the kitchen, immediately straightened. Her role as the queen and her newfound responsibility never ceased to demand her attention. "Alright, tell them to wait in the meeting area. I’ll be there shortly," she said, her tone calm, yet her mind already calculating how to handle the situation.

Shweta, who had been nearby, overheard the conversation. Her expression softened with pride as she walked toward Niharika, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It’s your time now, beta. Best of luck," she said with encouragement, her voice warm with affection and trust.

Niharika smiled at her, grateful for the support, though her thoughts were already focused on the task ahead. "Thank you, Maa," she said softly, nodding with respect. Niharika had grown up with her mother’s wisdom and guidance, and now, as a woman in charge, she wanted nothing more than to live up to those expectations.

With a final glance toward Shweta, she headed toward the meeting area, her steps quick yet composed. As she entered the room, the visitors stood up as a sign of respect, but Niharika motioned for them to sit. "Please, there’s no need for formalities. Sit down," she said, her voice as warm as her smile.

The visitors, a group of local landowners, were clearly anxious, their expressions tight with worry. One of them, a middle-aged man, spoke up first. "Queen, we’ve come to seek your help. There’s a land dispute that has been ongoing for months, and we can’t seem to find a resolution. We’ve tried everything, but the situation is only getting worse."

Niharika nodded thoughtfully, taking a seat and gesturing for the servant to bring the necessary documents. She began reviewing them with a practiced eye, noting the conflicting claims and the legal nuances involved. "Let me take a look at this," she said, her voice steady and confident.

The group fell silent as Niharika pored over the documents, her mind calculating the best approach. She knew the importance of resolving such matters quickly, especially when it came to maintaining peace and fairness in the community.

After several moments, she looked up from the papers, her sharp gaze meeting the man’s. "I understand the situation now," she said. "You’ve all been caught in a legal quagmire due to some misunderstandings and a lack of clear documentation. The previous agreements were poorly drafted, leaving too much room for interpretation."

She paused for a moment to ensure they were all following along. "But, I believe there’s a way forward. We can arrange for the proper documentation to be drafted and submitted to the authorities, ensuring that all claims are settled legally and fairly. You’ll need to gather some more evidence to back up your case, but once that’s done, the dispute can be resolved swiftly."

The room seemed to relax as Niharika spoke, her words clear and assured. It was evident she was well-versed in such matters, and her calm demeanor reassured the visitors that they were in capable hands.

One of the women, a younger landowner, spoke up hesitantly. "But what if the other party refuses to cooperate?" she asked.

Niharika smiled, the answer coming easily to her. "If that happens, we’ll involve the local authorities. The law is on your side, and it will be upheld. If anyone tries to resist, we’ll make sure their claims are legally challenged."

The tension in the room eased further, and the group began to nod in agreement, visibly relieved by Niharika’s confident handling of the issue. She had not only laid out a clear plan but had done so with such authority and expertise that it left little room for doubt.

When the meeting concluded, the visitors stood up, gratitude written on their faces. "Thank you, Queen," the middle-aged man said, bowing his head respectfully. "You’ve solved a problem that seemed impossible to overcome. We were stuck, but now we see the way forward."

Niharika nodded, her smile genuine. "It’s my duty to serve and to help those who need it. I’m glad I could assist you."

As they left, Niharika felt a quiet satisfaction. Another challenge had been met, another problem solved. But it wasn’t just the resolution of the dispute that gave her this sense of fulfillment—it was the fact that she was beginning to truly understand the weight of her position, the responsibility it brought, and the impact she could have on her people.

Walking out of the meeting room, Niharika found herself feeling a bit lighter. Each day she spent in this role brought her closer to understanding herself and her purpose. The queen she was becoming was not just defined by her title, but by the strength, compassion, and intelligence she brought to everything she did. And with each step, she knew she was slowly but surely carving her own path, one that would honor her heritage and the future she envisioned for herself.

Anand, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room, stepped forward with a proud smile. "Beta, I heard you solved the matter so efficiently. I’m proud of you," he said, his voice warm with admiration.

Niharika, still basking in the satisfaction of having resolved the dispute, turned toward him and smiled. The praise from Anand, her chacha sa, meant a great deal to her. "Thanks, Chacha sa," she replied, her tone humble yet filled with a quiet pride.

Anand chuckled softly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You’ve come a long way, Niharika. Your father and I always knew you had it in you. Just remember, this is only the beginning. There will be many more challenges ahead, but I’m confident you’ll handle them just as well."

Niharika nodded, feeling the weight of his words but also the warmth of his encouragement. "I’ll do my best," she said, her voice steady, already thinking ahead to the next task that awaited her.

Anand gave her a reassuring pat on the back before he turned to leave. "I know you will," he said over his shoulder, his smile lingering as he exited the room. Niharika stood there for a moment, reflecting on his words. She felt a renewed sense of determination, knowing that every challenge she faced would only make her stronger.

With a deep breath, she returned to her work, the quiet pride of the moment fueling her as she continued to navigate the responsibilities of her position.

In California, Shivaay stood by the large windows of his penthouse, brooding over the disturbing information he had just received. His men had been instructed to dig deeper into Kanishk Verma’s background, and after hours of investigation, the report had finally arrived. Shivaay's eyes skimmed the details, and with each line, the anger within him grew.

Kanishk Verma, Niharika’s cousin, was the son of her father’s cousin. The two had grown up together, attended the same school, and were classmates. But what caught Shivaay’s attention was Kanishk’s twisted view of their relationship. According to the report, Kanishk had always believed Niharika was not truly a part of the Verma family. He saw her as the illegitimate daughter of Shikha and Vishal, convinced that she was a “step-cousin” and that her place in the family was questionable.

Shivaay’s fists clenched as he read on. It was clear that Kanishk’s feelings for Niharika were anything but familial. The report detailed how Kanishk had fallen in love with her, despite knowing they were cousins. But when he confessed his feelings, Niharika had rejected him, as anyone would. However, Kanishk couldn’t accept that rejection. His obsession only deepened, and he tried to force himself on her.

The shock of it all made Shivaay’s heart pound with fury. How dare anyone hurt Niharika? How dare Kanishk, of all people, think he could claim her as his? But the report didn’t end there. It revealed that Kanishk’s father was a businessman with significant influence. Through his wealth and connections, Kanishk had managed to leverage his family’s power, giving him the means to manipulate situations to his advantage.

Shivaay’s vision blurred with rage. The more he read, the more the need for retribution grew within him. Kanishk had crossed a line—a line Shivaay would never allow anyone to cross when it came to Niharika. His heart burned with a fierce protectiveness, and he knew that he had to put an end to Kanishk’s obsession once and for all.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself. No one—no one—would touch Niharika again, not while he was alive. Shivaay had already made up his mind. Kanishk would pay for everything he had done, and Shivaay would make sure of it. His love for Niharika was absolute, and he would do anything to protect her.

The thought of Kanishk getting anywhere near her again was unacceptable. Shivaay’s expression hardened as he picked up the phone, ready to take the responsibility of saving her from him.

As Shivaay continued to digest the disturbing details about Kanishk, one question gnawed at the back of his mind. His thoughts shifted back to the conversation he had had earlier with his secretary, Mr. Mehra. Mehra had been the one to casually mention, with a sense of conviction, that Niharika and Kanishk had been in a relationship. That statement had set off alarms in Shivaay’s mind. Why would Mehra say something like that? It didn’t add up.

Shivaay’s brow furrowed as the realization hit him. Mehra was usually meticulous with his work and wouldn't make such a mistake. But what if it wasn’t a mistake at all? What if it was part of a larger game? Shivaay’s mind began to race. Could Mehra have been involved in something more than just being Niharika’s secretary? Could he have been manipulated by Kanishk? It didn’t sit right with him.

He paced the floor, the pieces slowly coming together. Mr. Mehra had been working with Shivaay for a long time, but now Shivaay wondered if he had been hiding something. What if Mehra’s words had been deliberately planted to mislead him? After all, Kanishk had a wide network of connections, and manipulating someone like Mehra wouldn’t have been difficult for him.

Shivaay’s lips curled into a thin line. He couldn’t afford to trust anyone completely right now. He needed to know what was going on with Mr. Mehra. There was no room for mistakes or loose ends in this situation.

He quickly called his assistant, Prashant.

“Prashant,” Shivaay said, his voice cold and sharp, “I need you to do something for me. Keep a close eye on Mehra. I want to know everything about his recent movements, who he’s meeting, what he’s up to. Don’t let him out of your sight. If there’s anything suspicious, report it to me immediately.”

Prashant’s voice came through the phone, steady and professional. “Understood, sir. I’ll handle it.”

Shivaay hung up the phone, his mind focused and determined. If Mehra was involved in any way with Kanishk’s games, he would find out. And when he did, he would deal with it swiftly and without mercy. No one, not even someone as trusted as Mr. Mehra, could be allowed to get in the way of his mission to protect Niharika. He had already lost too much—he wasn’t about to lose her.

Shivaay’s mind raced as he pieced together the puzzle. The strings of events, each seemingly unrelated, began to weave into a tangled web of deception and manipulation. Kanishk, his obsession with Niharika, and now, Mr. Mehra—everything felt connected, but the full picture eluded him.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the phone in his hand as he tried to connect the dots. Kanishk had already proven himself to be a man willing to manipulate and control anything or anyone to get what he wanted. But the question remained: why had Mehra suddenly seemed so insistent on pushing the idea of Niharika and Kanishk being in a relationship? Was it just a careless slip, or was it more than that?

Shivaay’s suspicions grew stronger. Mr. Mehra had been a loyal secretary, yes, but was there a deeper connection? A part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that Mehra was unknowingly part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Kanishk. Could it be that Kanishk had used his connections to manipulate Mehra, feeding him false information to stir the pot and make Shivaay doubt Niharika’s loyalty or their bond?

Then there was the revelation about Kanishk’s past—how he had been in love with Niharika, how he had forced himself on her once, and how his obsession had only grown from there. Shivaay’s blood boiled at the thought. But now, everything seemed more calculated, more deliberate. Kanishk wasn’t just obsessed; he was playing a long game.

Shivaay stood up abruptly, running a hand through his hair, trying to see the full picture. If Mehra had been manipulated, that meant Kanishk was more dangerous than he had initially thought. This wasn’t just about love and obsession anymore; it was about power. And Shivaay would be damned if he let Kanishk use anyone in his life, especially Niharika, as pawns in his game.

Shivaay knew that he had to act fast. The connections were starting to fall into place, but they weren’t solidified yet. And he couldn’t afford any more surprises. He needed to find out exactly how Kanishk had worked his way into his inner circle, how far his influence stretched, and how Mehra had gotten caught in this web.

He couldn’t rely on anyone blindly. Not anymore. The time for playing games was over. Shivaay was going to take control.

As he walked out of his office, determination in his step, his mind was clear. One thing was certain: whoever tried to tear him away from Niharika or hurt her in any way would regret it. Kanishk was playing a dangerous game, and Shivaay was ready to play, too. But this time, he would be the one pulling the strings.

Shivaay's thoughts raced as a chilling realization settled over him. The pieces were starting to come together, but this new angle threw him into deeper suspicion.

Kanishk knew that Niharika was now with me, my wife.

How could he possibly know that? The only explanation was that someone from his inner circle had betrayed him—someone who had access to his personal life, someone close to him. His mind immediately went to the trusted few, those who had been around him for years, but none of them seemed likely to leak such sensitive information. Yet, if Kanishk knew, it meant there was someone who had either purposely told him or had their own interests in mind.

Someone from my home...

His stomach churned with the thought. Who in his household would have shared such personal information with Kanishk? The only people who knew about Niharika’s true place in his life were those closest to him. But if Kanishk knew... that meant there had been a deliberate leak.

And with that person, someone else is also connected...

Shivaay’s jaw clenched as the theory began to form. What if this wasn’t just about Niharika? What if someone from his home had a connection to Kanishk, either directly or through someone else? What if there was a bigger scheme at play, one that involved betrayal from someone he trusted?

His mind flickered to a few individuals in his life who had access to his personal affairs, his inner circle, and his family. Mehra? It was possible. But Shivaay knew he couldn’t be sure yet. He had to investigate, find the link, and make sure there were no surprises waiting for him in the shadows.

With his resolve hardening, Shivaay’s mind went into overdrive. The game had shifted. He wasn’t just dealing with Kanishk anymore. He was dealing with a web of connections—betrayal and deceit at every corner. But one thing was certain: whoever was behind this, whether it was an insider or an outsider, Shivaay wouldn’t rest until they were exposed.

As he paced the room, Shivaay made a vow to himself. He would uncover the truth, no matter how deep the deception ran. And once he did, there would be hell to pay for those who dared to betray him—and more importantly, those who dared to hurt Niharika.

But first, he needed to dig deeper, follow the trail, and figure out who had allowed Kanishk to play his dangerous game with his life, his wife... and his family.

In the Ranawat household, Niharika was overseeing breakfast preparations in the kitchen. She glanced at the pressure cooker as she spoke to one of the maids, Jhumki.

"Jhumki, place that pot on the table, and the daal will be ready soon," Niharika instructed, glancing at the pressure cooker to check on the progress.

Jhumki nodded, "Yes, madam," and carefully placed the pot as directed. Niharika continued with her work when suddenly, her phone buzzed. She stepped out of the kitchen to answer the call, unaware of what was unfolding inside.

As soon as Niharika stepped away from the kitchen, a loud explosion echoed throughout the house. The sound was deafening, and everyone rushed to the kitchen in panic.

Inside, the pressure cooker had exploded, sending debris flying and filling the air with a thick cloud of smoke. Jhumki stood frozen in fear, her hands trembling as she overdramatically held her head, pretending to be on the verge of fainting. She looked as if she might collapse from shock, acting in an exaggerated manner.

Niharika, rushing back into the kitchen, gasped in horror at the sight. "Oh my God, how did this happen?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Riya, who had been nearby, breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God your phone buzzed, and you stepped out of the kitchen when you did. Otherwise, things would have been much worse."

Niharika, still trying to process the situation, turned to Riya. "What went wrong? Why did the pressure cooker explode?" she asked, trying to understand what had caused the accident.

A man who had come to check the damage approached the pressure cooker. After a brief inspection, he said, "The lid wasn’t properly closed. That’s what caused the pressure to build up and led to the explosion."

Niharika’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Jhumki, you closed the lid properly, right?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "This has never happened before. How could this happen today?"

Jhumki, still acting overly dramatic, lowered her gaze, clearly guilty. "I... I thought I closed it right, madam," she stammered, still holding her head in exaggerated distress. "I don’t know how this happened."

Just then, Anita stormed into the kitchen, her eyes filled with anger. She immediately began scolding Jhumki. "Why were you so careless, Jhumki? You’ve never made such a mistake before! What if something had happened to Niharika? What if she had been in the kitchen when this happened?" Anita’s voice was sharp and filled with worry. "You’ve never messed up like this. Why today?"

Niharika, trying to maintain calm, stepped in to intervene. "Chachi sa, please, I understand your concern," she said, looking at her mother-in-law with a reassuring smile. "But scolding her right now won’t solve anything. Let’s focus on what happened and how we can make sure it doesn’t happen again."

Anita sighed, her anger subsiding slightly. "You’re right, beta. I just can’t bear the thought of something happening to you. You’re too important to all of us."

Niharika nodded, grateful for Anita's concern but also understanding the need for calm. "I’m fine. Thanks to Riya for making sure I wasn’t in the kitchen when it happened. Jhumki, please just be more careful next time."

Jhumki, now feeling the weight of her mistake, nodded apologetically. "I’m really sorry, madam. I promise it won’t happen again."

Niharika patted her on the back, offering a comforting smile. "It’s okay, just be more mindful in the future."

As the family members worked together to clean up the mess, Niharika couldn’t help but feel a little shaken by the close call. She had been lucky to step out of the kitchen when the explosion happened, and she knew she needed to be more cautious in the future.

Jhumki’s mistake had caused a scare, but Niharika was grateful that no one was harmed. The family rallied around her, thankful that the worst had been avoided.

As the family settled down and the chaos in the kitchen began to calm, Jhumki, with an almost imperceptible smirk on her face, stepped forward to begin cleaning up the mess.

While everyone was still talking and ensuring Niharika was alright, Jhumki grabbed a cloth and started wiping the surfaces. Her expression, previously full of exaggerated concern and fear, now shifted into something more calculating. She was careful not to make her smirk too obvious, but the glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

As Niharika and Anita discussed what had happened, Jhumki continued with her cleaning, her movements slow, almost too deliberate. She had played her part in the drama, and now it was her time to revel in the small victory, knowing no one would suspect her real intentions.

The others were still distracted, and as Niharika gave a final reassuring word to the family, Jhumki took a brief moment to glance up. Her smirk lingered for just a second before she quickly wiped it away, turning back to her task with an air of innocence that hid the truth behind her actions.

With that last subtle smirk, she resumed cleaning, her mind already plotting her next move.

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Okay so in this chapter I also don't know what I have written. I have just missed it up.

Tell me in the comments what are your opinions.