48. Proud

In India, Arav Gupta, an undercover spy working for Shivaay, had been assigned the task of monitoring Mr. Mehra, an employee at the Ranawat household. Arav, blending in as a new worker in the office, had kept a low profile, quietly observing everyone, but his focus remained solely on Mr. Mehra. Shivaay had suspected that Mehra might be hiding something, so Arav's job was to gather information on him, to see if he was truly loyal or if there was something more going on behind the scenes.

As the days passed, Arav started noticing strange behaviors from Mehra, things that seemed off—brief moments of nervousness, unexplained absences, and odd looks exchanged with certain people. However, nothing concrete had come up. That was until today, when Arav got a tip-off that Mehra had gone to the washroom alone, something he rarely did.

Seizing the opportunity, Arav silently followed him into the building, his footsteps quiet but purposeful. As Arav entered the washroom, he saw Mehra standing by the sink. At first, everything seemed normal, but as Arav looked closer, he saw Mr. Mehra’s shoulders shaking slightly. His back was to him, but Arav could tell something wasn’t right. A closer look revealed Mehra’s face was slightly red, and he appeared to be wiping his eyes hastily, trying to hide his distress.

Arav approached him, his curiosity piqued. “Are you crying, Mr. Mehra?” he asked casually, but his voice held an underlying edge of suspicion.

Mr. Mehra froze immediately at the sound of Arav’s voice. His hands trembled, and he quickly spun around, his face flashing with surprise and panic. His eyes darted around the room, clearly trying to compose himself, and he stammered, “No, I... I just... umm... got something in my eyes.”

But Arav wasn’t convinced. He had seen through the lie in Mehra’s eyes. Arav had been trained to detect the smallest signs of deception, and this was one of them. His gaze hardened, and before Mr. Mehra could back away, Arav stepped forward with purpose. In one swift motion, Arav grabbed Mehra by the collar, yanking him close, and pinned him against the tiled wall of the washroom. The pressure from Arav's grip on Mehra's collar was immediate, and Mehra’s breath hitched in shock.

"I demand the truth now, Mehra," Arav said, his voice dripping with authority and menace. "Stop pretending, and tell me what’s going on. I know something’s not right. You’re hiding something."

Mehra’s eyes widened in terror, and his hands instinctively tried to push against Arav’s chest, but his strength was no match for the force Arav was applying. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his mind raced. His heart was pounding in his chest as he realized he was cornered.

He had known this day would come. The secret he had been keeping for so long, the emotions he had been hiding, were finally about to be exposed. But how much did Arav know? And what would Shivaay do when he found out the truth?

"I... I can’t...," Mehra gasped, his voice barely a whisper. He wasn’t sure whether he was afraid of Arav or what would happen once he told the truth.

Ankit Mehra’s tears flowed uncontrollably as Arav released his grip. His chest heaved with the weight of everything he had been holding in for so long. He wiped his face with trembling hands, unable to control his emotions. The gravity of the situation had caught up with him, and he couldn't stop the flood of guilt, fear, and regret from consuming him.

Arav, seeing the breakdown, softened his stance and stepped back, though he was still tense and alert. “What is it, Mehra? Tell me what’s going on. I’m here to help you,” he said, his voice calmer now, offering a sense of understanding.

But Ankit shook his head vehemently, his sobs shaking his body. “No, you can’t help me,” he said through broken breaths. “There’s nothing anyone can do. I’ve already done too much.”

Arav’s patience was starting to wear thin, but his training told him that Mehra was a man on the edge. He needed to hear the full story. “I told you, I’m here to help you,” Arav repeated, his voice firmer now. "If you want out, you need to tell me everything. I’m a spy, and I’ve been assigned by Sir Shivaay. You’re not alone in this anymore.”

At the mention of Shivaay's name, Ankit paused. His tears slowly began to subside, and a flicker of hope appeared in his eyes. His gaze met Arav's, filled with doubt but also a sense of longing for an escape. After a long moment of hesitation, he finally spoke, his voice shaky but clear.

“Alright… I’ll tell you everything,” Ankit whispered, as he struggled to catch his breath. “But I can’t undo what I’ve done.”

Arav nodded and motioned for Ankit to get into the car, where they could talk more freely. The tension in the air was palpable as they drove through the quiet streets. When they were far enough from the Ranawat estate, Ankit finally began to speak.

“It all started in 2013,” he began, his voice quieter now, as though speaking the words made the pain real again. “I married my college sweetheart, Amrita. We were so happy. We had our first child in 2015, a beautiful girl named Nikita. Then in 2019, I was blessed with another daughter, Alisha. My life was perfect. I had everything—love, family, a great job with the biggest company in the country.”

Arav’s expression softened as he listened, but his eyes remained fixed on Ankit, sensing that the worst was yet to come.

"But then… everything changed," Ankit continued, his voice cracking. “About a month ago, I came back home from a meeting, and everything was in pieces. I couldn’t find Amrita or the girls. It was like my entire world had been shattered. I thought it was some sort of horrible dream, but it wasn’t. That’s when I got the call. The person on the other end said, ‘If you want your family alive, you need to do exactly as we say. You need to go to this address and do what we tell you.’”

Arav’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, the weight of what Ankit was saying settling in. “And then?” he prompted, his voice calm but insistent.

Ankit wiped his eyes, trying to gather himself before continuing. “From that day on, I’ve been controlled by them. Two women and a man—strangers—have been holding my family hostage. They’ve been forcing me to do things, to plot against Shivaay and Niharika. I was the one who created the misunderstandings that night, the night when everything fell apart. I didn’t want to do it, but I had no choice. If I didn’t, they threatened my family’s lives. I had to comply… or they would kill them.”

Arav’s eyes narrowed, his mind working furiously as he processed this new information. He had suspected there was something wrong with Mehra, but he hadn’t anticipated this. The man sitting next to him, the one who had been plotting against Shivaay and Niharika, was a victim himself—trapped in a dangerous web, forced to betray his own principles to protect his loved ones.

“I didn’t want any of this,” Ankit whispered, his face pale as the weight of his confession sank in. “But I need my family back. I will do anything to protect them. I just need help.”

Arav’s expression softened further, understanding the depths of Ankit’s desperation. He knew that, despite Mehra’s involvement in the scheme against Shivaay and Niharika, he was still a man with a family who was just trying to survive. Arav had the power to help him, but he also knew this would be a complicated situation.

“We’ll figure this out,” Arav said firmly, his voice steady. “You’re not alone anymore, Mehra. But you have to work with us. You have to tell us everything you know about those people controlling you. The more you tell us, the sooner we can get your family out of this.”

Ankit looked at Arav, his hope growing but his fear still evident in his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Arav nodded. “We’ll get them back, Mehra. I promise.”

Arav’s grip on his phone tightened as he dialed Shivaay’s number. His mind raced with the information he had just learned from Ankit Mehra. The situation had become more complicated than he had ever anticipated. But he couldn’t afford to waste time. He needed to inform Shivaay immediately.

The phone rang twice before Shivaay answered. His voice was cold and commanding, as always. “Arav, what’s the situation?”

Arav exhaled sharply, collecting his thoughts. He needed to be precise, no room for hesitation. “Sir, there’s something important you need to know. It’s about Ankit Mehra.”

Shivaay’s tone shifted, his attention now fully on the conversation. “Go on.”

Arav quickly briefed Shivaay on everything Ankit had told him, detailing how Mehra had been blackmailed and forced to work against Shivaay and Niharika. He explained how two women and a man had been controlling Mehra, threatening his family’s lives if he didn’t comply. How Mehra had been made to create misunderstandings, and how he felt trapped in a web of fear and guilt.

Shivaay’s jaw tightened with each passing word. He remained silent for a moment, processing the information. When he spoke again, his voice was calm but carried a dangerous edge. “So, you’re telling me that Mehra has been playing us this whole time, but he wasn’t acting of his own will?”

“Yes, sir,” Arav confirmed. “He’s been forced into this. He wants to save his family, but he’s been manipulated into betraying you. He’s not our enemy anymore—he’s a victim too.”

Shivaay’s silence lingered for a moment longer. Then, in a low, controlled voice, he said, “We need to handle this carefully. Ankit Mehra might be a victim, but he still played a part in the chaos. And we can’t let these people go free. Not until they’ve paid for what they’ve done.”

Arav nodded, fully aware of the weight behind Shivaay’s words. “I understand. We’ll need to move quickly. Mehra’s family is still in danger. But we also need to find out who these people are. We need to cut the strings they’ve tied around him.”

“I’ll be in India tomorrow,” Shivaay replied, his voice sharp. “Prepare everything. I want to speak to Mehra personally. We’ll make sure his family is safe. And we’ll make those who’ve been pulling the strings regret ever crossing me.”

Arav’s heart raced at the intensity of Shivaay’s tone, knowing the storm was about to unfold. “Understood, sir. I’ll make all the arrangements.”

Shivaay’s final words echoed with cold determination. “Make sure Mehra doesn’t feel like he’s still in danger. We’ll handle this. I’ll see you soon.”

The line went dead, and Arav lowered his phone, deep in thought. This situation had taken a turn none of them had expected. But now, they had a new mission—one that would require all their resources and cunning. And with Shivaay’s arrival, the game was about to shift into an entirely new phase.

After disconnecting the call with Arav, Shivaay sat back in his chair, his thoughts clouded with frustration and unanswered questions. The information about Ankit Mehra was shocking, but it didn’t provide a clear picture of who the two women and the man pulling the strings could be.

He ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled deeply. “Two women and a man... Who could they be?” he muttered under his breath, tapping his fingers on the desk rhythmically.

He leaned forward, staring at the files scattered on his desk. None of them contained anything that could hint at who might be behind this elaborate scheme. It was infuriating.

Shivaay’s mind circled back to Mehra’s words. “Two women and a man controlling me and making me plot against you and Niharika.” But there was no clue, no connection.

“Think, Shivaay. Think!” he commanded himself. “Who has the motive to come after me, to come after her?”

His phone buzzed with a notification, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was from Prashant, who had been compiling every bit of information regarding suspicious activities connected to the family. But even his report didn’t offer much clarity.

He frowned and dialed Prashant’s number.

“Prashant, did you find anything about the people controlling Mehra?” Shivaay asked, his voice low but tense.

“No, sir,” Prashant replied apologetically. “There’s no solid lead yet. I’ve been tracing their communication patterns, but they’re using encrypted channels. Whoever they are, they’re professionals.”

Shivaay sighed heavily. “Keep digging. I don’t care what it takes, but I need answers.”

“Yes, sir,” Prashant said before ending the call.

Shivaay leaned back in his chair again, his eyes narrowing in frustration. His instincts told him this was a deeply personal attack, but without any leads, he was at a standstill.

He thought about Niharika. She was innocent, kind-hearted, and sweet. She wouldn’t have enemies—or so he thought. But someone was clearly targeting her too. Could it be connected to her past? Her family?

The questions circled endlessly in his mind, but there were no answers. Not yet.

For now, all he could do was wait. Wait for Prashant to uncover more, wait for Arav to squeeze out every detail from Mehra, and wait for the right moment to strike. But waiting wasn’t Shivaay’s strength. He was a man of action, and this inaction was eating at him.

“I’ll find you,” he muttered under his breath, his resolve hardening. “And when I do, you’ll regret ever crossing me.”

In the grand halls of the Ranawat mansion, Niharika walked gracefully towards Shweta’s room, holding a small bottle of oil in her hand. Shweta had mentioned earlier that she was experiencing pain in her legs, and Niharika, ever the dutiful daughter-in-law, insisted on helping her.

Just as she was about to enter Shweta’s room, one of the servants approached her in a hurry. “Queen Niharika,” he said with a slight bow, “the people who came yesterday with land disputes are here again. They wish to meet you.”

“At this hour?” Niharika asked, slightly surprised. It was unusual for visitors to come late in the evening. But she composed herself quickly and said, “Alright. Please send them in.”

The servant bowed again and left to inform the guests. Niharika turned and made her way to the sitting hall, where she found Indra Singh Ranawat, Shweta, and other family members already gathered, sipping tea and chatting.

“Who is here at this time?” Indra asked with a curious glance.

“The land dispute party from yesterday, Bauji,” Niharika replied with a smile. “They’re here to meet me again.”

Before anyone could respond, the group of villagers entered, their faces lit up with gratitude. They were holding trays of sweets and small gifts in their hands. One of the older men stepped forward, his voice filled with respect and warmth.

“Queen Niharika,” he said, bowing deeply, “this is for you. Because of your help and guidance, our dispute has been resolved, and we got what we wanted. We can’t thank you enough.”

Niharika’s eyes widened in surprise, but her heart swelled with joy. “Oh, you didn’t have to do all this,” she said gently, taking a step forward. “I’m so happy that your problem was resolved. That’s enough for me.”

“But we wanted to show our gratitude,” another villager chimed in. “You listened to us patiently and found a solution when no one else could. You truly deserve this.”

The Ranawat family watched the scene with pride. Indra’s eyes gleamed as he exchanged a glance with Shweta, who nodded approvingly. Even Riya, who was seated nearby, couldn’t help but smile.

“You’ve brought honor to this family once again, Niharika,” Shweta said, her voice soft with affection. “It’s no wonder everyone looks up to you.”

Niharika blushed slightly and turned to the villagers. “I’m truly happy to see you all content. Please, take a seat and have something to eat.”

The villagers declined politely, explaining that they needed to return to their homes, but they left the sweets and gifts behind as a token of their appreciation.

As they left, Indra walked up to Niharika and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve made us all proud today, Niharika,” he said warmly. “The way you handle things with such grace and intelligence… it reminds me of a true queen.”

“Thank you, Bauji,” Niharika said softly, her heart brimming with happiness.

In that moment, surrounded by her family’s love and pride, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and belonging in the Ranawat household.

Indra Singh Ranawat approached Niharika with a proud smile. His authoritative yet affectionate tone filled the room as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“You’ve truly proven today, Niharika,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle, “that my choice for Shivaay was not wrong. I always knew you were special, but today you’ve also shown that in our absence, you are more than capable of handling everything this family stands for.”

Niharika looked up at him, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Bauji, it’s only because of the love and trust you all have shown me. That gives me the strength to do my best.”

Shweta, who had been quietly observing the moment, joined in with a smile. “Not just capable, Niharika,” she added warmly, “you’ve proven that you’re a perfect daughter-in-law, a dedicated queen, a loving wife, an exceptional doctor, and, most importantly, a wonderful daughter. Whether your parents see it or not, you will always be the best.”

Niharika’s heart swelled at Shweta’s words. She felt a lump form in her throat but managed to say, “Thank you, maa. Your words mean everything to me.”

Riya chimed in with her characteristic cheerfulness, “Bhabhi, you’re like an all-rounder! Is there anything you can’t do?”

The room filled with laughter at Riya’s comment, and even Niharika couldn’t suppress a soft chuckle. She looked around at the family who had embraced her so wholeheartedly, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Indra’s eyes softened further as he said, “You’ve earned not just the family’s pride but also the people’s love and respect. That is no small feat, Niharika. Remember, we’re always here to support you.”

Shweta nodded in agreement, her pride evident. “You’re a gem, Niharika. And no matter what challenges come your way, we know you’ll shine through them all.”

In that moment, surrounded by her family’s unwavering support and love, Niharika felt an unshakeable resolve to live up to their trust and expectations. She knew she had found not just a family, but a home.

As the warm moment continued, Ivaan and Ishan stepped forward, their faces glowing with admiration.

Ivaan, always the playful one, grinned and said, “Bhabhi, you’ve set the bar so high that now anyone who thinks they can take over your responsibilities should think twice. You’re truly incredible.”

Ishan nodded, his tone more serious yet equally filled with respect. “Exactly. The way you’ve managed everything with such grace and wisdom is inspiring. Shivaay Bhaiya is lucky to have you as his partner.”

Niharika smiled warmly at them, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. “Thank you, Ivaan, Ishan. Your words mean a lot to me.”

Just then, Anita walked in, accompanied by Anand. Anita, known for her straightforward nature, said with a genuine smile, “Niharika, I’ve seen many women struggle to balance responsibilities, but you do it effortlessly. You’ve proven yourself not just as a capable daughter-in-law but as the backbone of this family.”

Anand added with a proud nod, “She’s right. You’ve brought nothing but pride to the Ranawat family. Keep being the amazing person you are.”

Touched by their kind words, Niharika replied, “Thank you, Chachaji, Chachiji. I’m only able to do this because I have such a supportive family standing by my side.”

The room was filled with heartfelt congratulations and admiration. The family’s love and pride for Niharika created an atmosphere of unity and warmth. In that moment, it was evident that Niharika had become the true heart of the Ranawat household.

Ivaan smirked mischievously as he picked up his phone and announced, “Let me call Bhaiya and share the big news. He should know how amazing bhabhi is!”

He quickly dialed Shivaay’s number. After a few rings, Shivaay answered the video call. His face appeared on the screen, showing clear signs of exhaustion. He frowned slightly. “What now, Ivaan? Can’t you let me have a moment of peace?”

Ivaan grinned widely. “Oh, so you’re too tired to hear some good news, huh? Fine, I’ll just hang up—”

Shivaay raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Ivaan, just get to the point. What’s the big news?”

Riya’s excited face suddenly popped into the frame, pushing Ivaan aside. “Bhaiya, guess what? Bhabhi solved a major land dispute today!”

Shivaay’s expression shifted to one of interest. “She did what?”

Ivaan laughed and moved back into view. “Yes, Bhaiya! Those villagers who came with the land problem yesterday? Bhabhi handled their case all by herself. She resolved it so well that they came back today with sweets to thank her. They were singing her praises!”

Shivaay leaned forward, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “She handled everything on her own?”

Indra’s voice echoed in the background, filled with pride. “Yes, and she did it perfectly. She proved that my choice for you wasn’t wrong. She’s not just a perfect wife but also an excellent queen who can handle responsibilities in your absence.”

Shweta stepped closer to the screen, smiling warmly. “Shivaay, your wife is truly incredible. She’s not just a great daughter-in-law, queen, and doctor, but she’s also a wonderful person. Whether her parents recognize it or not, we do, and we’re so proud of her.”

Shivaay’s lips curved into a smile as he leaned back in his chair, pride evident in his expression. “I see. So, my wife is stealing all the glory while I’m stuck here, is that it?”

Ivaan laughed. “Absolutely, Bhaiya! She’s handling everything like a pro. Honestly, if you’re not careful, she might take over your throne, too!”

Shivaay chuckled, shaking his head. “That throne belongs to her as much as it does to me. Make sure you tell her I’m proud of her, and I’ll call her soon to congratulate her myself.”

Riya chimed in, her eyes sparkling. “Don’t worry, Bhaiya. We’ll tell her. But you should really let her know how much you appreciate her!”

Shivaay nodded, his voice softer. “I will. Make sure she knows I’m proud of her. And... thank you all for being there for her.”

As the call ended, the family exchanged smiles, their hearts swelling with pride for Niharika.

As Shivaay ended the call, he leaned back in his chair, his mind replaying Ivaan’s words about Niharika. A soft smile played on his lips, but it was quickly replaced by a flicker of regret.

“She handled it so effortlessly,” he muttered to himself. “She stepped into a role that wasn’t just handed to her—it’s one she earned. And here I am, the bastard who couldn’t even see her for who she truly is.”

His thoughts took him back to the times he doubted her, the moments when his mistrust and cold demeanor overshadowed her innocence and strength. He closed his eyes, guilt washing over him like a tidal wave.

“Niharika,” he whispered, almost as if calling out to her. “You deserved so much more from me... trust, respect, and love. And yet, I let my insecurities and arrogance blind me. You stood tall despite everything. You proved yourself not just as a queen but as a woman of substance.”

He sat up straight, his jaw tightening with determination. “It’s time I stopped being the man who takes her for granted. She’s more than just my wife or the queen of this household—she’s the backbone, the light, and the reason this family thrives.”

A soft knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts. It was one of his assistants, reminding him of a pending meeting. Shivaay nodded, dismissing them with a brief wave of his hand.

“I’ll make it up to her,” he vowed silently. “I’ll show her that I see her now. I’ll make her believe in me, the way she’s always believed in everyone