58. New bodyguard for Riya

Shivaay stood in the doorway, watching as Riya and Ivaan whisked Niharika away with excited chatter. Her laughter echoed down the hallway, and he couldn't help but let his lips curve into a small smile.

Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, “These two never fail to ruin a moment.”

But despite his initial irritation, the smile lingered. His gaze followed Niharika until she disappeared from sight, her golden saree shimmering in the light.

He leaned against the doorframe, running a hand through his hair, the warmth in his chest undeniable. “What are you doing to me, Nia?” he whispered to himself, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

For the first time in years, Shivaay Singh Ranawat felt something he couldn’t quite put into words—a sense of happiness, of belonging, of change. He shook his head once more, this time in disbelief at how much she’d managed to break through his walls.

Still smiling, he turned back into the room, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

As Niharika was led downstairs by Riya and Ivaan, the grand living room was buzzing with life. Everyone had gathered to celebrate her special day, their faces lighting up at the sight of her in the golden saree.

Just as she stepped inside, a familiar voice called out, “Happy birthday, Niharika!”

She turned to see Kanika approaching her, dressed in a stunning red anarkali that complemented her graceful demeanor. The rich color of the outfit, paired with her radiant smile, made her look every bit as elegant as the occasion demanded.

Kanika walked up to Niharika and, without hesitation, pulled her into a warm hug. “You look so beautiful,” Kanika said, her tone genuine and affectionate.

“Thank you, Kanika,” Niharika replied, her smile wide as she returned the hug. “And thank you for coming.”

“How could I miss it?” Kanika said, pulling back slightly to look at her. “It’s your day, after all. And I must say, this golden saree is stunning on you. Did Shivaay pick it out?”

At the mention of his name, Niharika’s cheeks turned pink. She looked down shyly, mumbling, “Well... yes, he did.”

Kanika smirked knowingly. “I thought so. He has good taste, clearly.”

Before Niharika could respond, Kanika reached into her purse and pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift box. “This is for you. I hope you like it.”

Niharika took the box, her eyes shining with gratitude. “You didn’t have to, Kanika, but thank you so much. I’ll open it later.”

Kanika smiled and squeezed her hand. “Anything for you, my dear. Now, go enjoy your party. You deserve all the happiness today.”

Niharika nodded, her heart swelling with warmth from Kanika’s words. As Kanika stepped aside to greet others, Niharika glanced around the room, her gaze instinctively searching for Shivaay. When their eyes met across the room, he gave her a subtle nod, his expression unreadable but his presence reassuring.

It was shaping up to be a birthday she would never forget.

As Niharika stood in the center of the beautifully decorated hall, a radiant smile on her face, the entire Ranawat family gathered around her to celebrate.

Shweta Singh Ranawat, her mother-in-law, was the first to step forward. Draped in a graceful chiffon saree, she took Niharika's hands in hers, her eyes warm with affection. "Happy birthday, beta," she said softly. "You’ve brought so much light into this house." She placed a small red velvet box in Niharika’s hands, a gesture that made Niharika’s heart swell.

Next came Indra Singh Ranawat, her father-in-law. Standing tall and regal, he gave her a rare smile. "Happy birthday, Niharika," he said, his voice firm yet kind. "May you always stay blessed and happy. And thank you... for everything you’re doing for this family."

Anita Singh Ranawat, her aunt-in-law, gave her a warm embrace. “Happy birthday, Niharika. You’re truly a blessing to this family. May your year be filled with happiness.”

One by one, the family members stepped forward, showering her with kind words, hugs, and thoughtful gifts. Niharika felt overwhelmed by the love and attention.

Finally, as the well-wishing subsided, Shivaay, who had been watching quietly from the side, stepped forward. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent.

He took her hand, his gaze softening as he spoke. "Happy birthday, Nia," he said, his deep voice carrying a warmth that made her heart flutter. “You’ve changed everything for me—for all of us. And I hope today, we’ve managed to make you feel as special as you are.”

The room erupted in applause and cheers, and Niharika, unable to contain her emotions, wiped away a tear of happiness. Surrounded by her new family, she realized this birthday was unlike any other she had ever experienced. It was filled with love, acceptance, and the promise of new beginnings.

The dining table was set beautifully, filled with an array of delicious dishes that reflected both tradition and warmth. The aroma of freshly made parathas, spiced curries, and fluffy idlis filled the air, making everyone's mouth water.

Shweta Singh Ranawat and Anita Singh Ranawat, the matriarchs of the household, stood proudly near the table, their faces glowing with satisfaction at the spread they had prepared.

As everyone gathered, Indra Singh Ranawat was the first to take his seat at the head of the table, followed by the rest of the family. Riya and Ivaan were busy teasing each other about who would eat the most, while Niharika quietly took her seat next to Shivaay, who pulled her chair out for her—a small but thoughtful gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by the others.

“Bhabhi,” Riya said, leaning toward Niharika, “you’re in for a treat today. Mom and Anita bua rarely cook together, and trust me, when they do, it’s a feast!”

Anita smiled, placing a bowl of steaming dal on the table. “Well, today’s special. We wanted to make Niharika’s birthday morning memorable.”

Niharika blushed at the attention and said, “Thank you, both of you. Everything looks amazing.”

Shweta waved her hand dismissively but smiled warmly. “Beta, this is your home. You don’t have to thank us for such small things. But make sure you eat well. You’ll need energy for the day ahead.”

As everyone began serving themselves, Indra took a bite of the paratha and nodded approvingly. “Shweta, Anita, you’ve outdone yourselves today.”

“I second that!” Ivaan chimed in, already halfway through his plate. “Bhabhi, you’re lucky to have such amazing cooks in the house.”

“Lucky?” Riya teased. “Don’t forget, she also has bhai to cook for her now. Remember that cake last night?”

The mention of the cake made Niharika glance at Shivaay, who was quietly sipping his tea. Their eyes met, and he gave her a small smile, almost as if he were reliving the memory.

“Shivaay cooks?” Anita said, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Well, Niharika, you’ve managed to bring out a side of him none of us ever expected.”

“Miracles do happen,” Ivaan joked, earning a glare from Shivaay.

As laughter filled the room, Niharika couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. For the first time in her life, she felt truly surrounded by love and acceptance. It wasn’t just breakfast; it was a celebration of togetherness, a bond she had slowly but surely built with this family.

She quietly thanked Shikha, her late mother, in her heart and promised herself to cherish every moment of this newfound happiness.

As everyone began dispersing after breakfast, Riya and Ivaan grabbed their bags, ready to head to college. Riya adjusted her sling bag over her shoulder, her usual excitement bubbling up. Ivaan, however, looked distracted, scrolling through his phone.

Just as they were about to step out, Shivaay’s authoritative voice stopped them. “Riya, wait.”

Riya turned around, her eyebrows raised. “What happened, bhai? I’m getting late!”

Shivaay walked toward her, his expression calm but firm. “From today onwards, I’ve assigned a new bodyguard for you. He’ll accompany you everywhere.”

“What? A bodyguard?” Riya exclaimed, crossing her arms. “Bhai, this is ridiculous. I don’t need a babysitter!”

“It’s not up for debate,” Shivaay said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Your safety is my priority.”

Before she could argue further, Shivaay gestured toward the door. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped in, dressed in a crisp black suit. His sharp features, piercing eyes, and confident stance immediately caught Riya’s attention.

Riya froze for a moment, her eyes widening in disbelief. It was him—the man she had bumped into yesterday, the one who had left her flustered and annoyed.

“This is Rohit Parihar,” Shivaay introduced. “He’ll be responsible for your safety from now on.”

Riya blinked, her mouth opening and closing as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, she managed, “Wait… you’re the—”

“Lady from yesterday,” Rohit—or rather, Arav Gupta—interrupted with a small smirk, his tone laced with amusement. “Yes, I remember. It seems we meet again.”

Shivaay’s sharp gaze flickered between them, but he said nothing. Arav—or Rohit, as he was now known—gave no indication of his real identity. His demeanor was calm and composed, masking the layers of secrets that Shivaay had orchestrated to protect his true mission.

Ivaan, who had been silently observing the exchange, chuckled. “Well, Riya, looks like you’re stuck with him now. Have fun.”

Riya shot him a glare before turning back to Shivaay. “Bhai, this is insane. I don’t need a bodyguard, especially not him!”

Shivaay raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have a choice. And Rohit is one of the best. You’ll get used to it.”

Riya huffed, clearly frustrated, but she knew there was no point in arguing further. She grabbed her bag and stormed out, muttering under her breath.

Arav followed her at a respectful distance, his expression unreadable. But deep inside, he was already bracing himself for the challenge that was Riya Singh Ranawat.

As they walked to the car, Riya couldn’t resist throwing one last comment over her shoulder. “Just so you know, I don’t like being followed around. So stay out of my way.”

Arav smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Noted, ma’am. But I don’t take orders from you.”

Riya glared at him, but her heart skipped a beat at his confident tone. This was going to be interesting.

As they reached the car, Riya slid into the backseat with a huff, crossing her arms and staring out of the window, clearly still annoyed by the whole situation. Ivaan, ever the easygoing sibling, simply leaned back, enjoying her frustration.

Shivaay, who had been walking behind, stopped Arav before he could get into the driver’s seat. His tone turned serious, his eyes sharp and unwavering.

“Arav,” Shivaay said, his voice low but firm, “her protection is in your hands now.”

Arav turned to face Shivaay, his expression neutral but respectful. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

Shivaay stepped closer, his gaze intense. “This isn’t just about doing your job, Arav. Riya is my sister. Her safety is non-negotiable. If anything happens to her…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but the unspoken threat was loud and clear.

Arav met Shivaay’s gaze without flinching. “You have my word. No harm will come to her as long as I’m here.”

Shivaay studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Good. Remember, her life is more important than yours. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t,” Arav replied firmly.

Satisfied, Shivaay took a step back and gestured toward the car. “You can go now. Make sure she doesn’t notice anything unusual.”

Arav nodded and walked toward the car, slipping into the driver’s seat. As he adjusted the rearview mirror, his eyes briefly met Riya’s in the reflection. She looked away quickly, her expression a mix of irritation and something else she couldn’t quite place.

As the car rolled out of the Ranawat mansion, Shivaay watched it disappear down the driveway. His jaw tightened, and he let out a quiet sigh. Arav was one of his most trusted men, but when it came to Riya, even the best wasn’t enough.

Inside the car, Riya finally broke the silence. “So, Rohit,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “how long do you plan on being my shadow?”

Arav smirked but kept his eyes on the road. “As long as your brother deems necessary, ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am,” she snapped.

“Noted,” he replied, his voice calm, which only seemed to irritate her more.

Ivaan chuckled from the back seat. “Riya, you’re going to make this guy’s job way harder than it needs to be, aren’t you?”

“Obviously,” Riya muttered, crossing her arms again.

Arav’s smirk widened slightly, but he said nothing. This was going to be an interesting assignment, indeed.

As the car pulled up outside the college, Ivaan was the first to step out, his casual demeanor instantly shifting as his eyes landed on someone familiar—Saanchi. She was standing near the entrance, her black dress hugging her frame elegantly, making her look effortlessly gorgeous. Her hair was left loose, falling over her shoulders, and her confident aura seemed to catch everyone’s attention.

Ivaan froze for a moment, his hand still on the car door. He quickly composed himself, trying to act as casual as possible, though his heart was racing.

Saanchi noticed him almost immediately and, with her usual composed yet approachable demeanor, walked over. There was a faint smile on her face as she addressed him.

“Ivaan,” she began, her tone professional yet friendly, “any updates on the assignment? Have you managed to gather something for the correlation to real-life applications?”

Ivaan blinked, taken aback by her directness. For a split second, he forgot how to speak. Damn, she looks stunning, he thought to himself, but quickly snapped out of it.

“Uh, yeah,” he replied, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “I’ve, uh, started working on it. Got a few examples lined up… just need to refine them.”

Saanchi raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his vague answer. “Started working on it? Ivaan, the deadline is next week. You’re not seriously planning to wing it at the last moment, are you?”

He chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood. “Come on, Saanchi. You know me—I work best under pressure.”

“That’s not exactly something to be proud of,” she replied, crossing her arms. Despite her stern tone, there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Riya, who had been watching the interaction from behind, smirked. “Looks like someone’s in trouble,” she muttered under her breath, loud enough for Ivaan to hear.

Ivaan shot her a glare before turning back to Saanchi. “Don’t worry,” he said, trying to sound confident. “I’ll have everything ready in time. You can count on me.”

Saanchi sighed but nodded. “You better. This assignment isn’t just about theory—it’s about how we apply what we learn to real-life situations. If we mess this up, it’s going to affect our grades significantly.”

“Got it,” he said, giving her a thumbs-up. “No pressure at all.”

Saanchi gave him a pointed look but didn’t say anything further. Instead, she glanced at her watch. “I have a class to attend. See you later.”

As she walked away, Ivaan couldn’t help but watch her go, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Riya nudged him playfully. “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, feigning ignorance, though the slight blush on his face gave him away.

“Nothing,” she said with a smirk. “Just that you might want to focus on that assignment and on impressing her.”

Ivaan groaned, running a hand through his hair. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re obvious,” she retorted with a laugh as they headed inside. Meanwhile, Arav silently followed behind, observing everything with a quiet smirk of his own.

As they made their way into the campus, Riya suddenly stopped in her tracks, spun around, and glared at Arav.

“Stop following me!” she snapped, her voice laced with irritation.

Arav, who had been walking a few steps behind her, stopped and raised an eyebrow. His face remained calm and unreadable as he said, “It’s my job, Riya. Your brother made it very clear.”

“I don’t care what my brother said,” she shot back, crossing her arms. “I don’t need a babysitter. I can take care of myself.”

Arav tilted his head slightly, his calm demeanor unfazed by her outburst. “I’m not here to babysit you. I’m here to ensure your safety. There’s a difference.”

“I don’t need ensuring,” she said, mimicking his tone mockingly. “This is college, not some war zone.”

Arav let out a soft sigh, clearly trying to maintain his composure. “You may not see the danger, but I do. It’s my responsibility to stay close.”

Riya narrowed her eyes, frustration bubbling up inside her. “Well, your ‘responsibility’ is ruining my day. How do you expect me to live normally with you hovering around like a shadow?”

Arav stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “You don’t have to like it, Riya. You just have to deal with it. I’m not going anywhere.”

She stared at him, her jaw tightening in defiance. “Fine,” she said after a moment, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Just don’t get in my way.”

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off toward her class, her annoyance evident in the way she walked.

Arav stayed where he was, watching her retreating figure. A small smirk played on his lips as he muttered under his breath, “She’s going to be a challenge.”

As Riya disappeared into the building, Ivaan walked up to Arav, having witnessed the whole exchange. “She’ll come around eventually,” he said with a grin. “Riya’s just... spirited.”

Arav glanced at Ivaan and chuckled lightly. “Spirited? That’s one way to put it.”

“Good luck handling her,” Ivaan added before heading off in the opposite direction, leaving Arav to follow Riya at a respectable distance, ready for whatever came next.