66. Love Guru

As Shivaay and Arav made their way back home, Arav's gaze shifted as he spotted Riya walking through the hallway of the mansion. For everyone else, he was still known as Rohit Parihar, a trusted bodyguard, but the connection between him and Riya had deepened in ways no one else could understand.

Riya was talking to Kanika and laughing about something when she noticed Arav approaching. She gave him a warm smile, her eyes lingering on him a little longer than usual, which made his heart skip a beat. Arav, however, didn’t show any sign of his inner conflict. Instead, he gave a polite nod, his expression cool and unreadable, hiding the tension beneath.

He was supposed to be “Rohit” in front of the family, and in his role as a bodyguard, he was to maintain distance from Riya. But something about the way she looked at him now felt different—almost as if she could see through his carefully constructed façade.

Riya didn’t suspect anything, of course. She was still unaware of Arav's true identity and his connection to the dangerous game that was unfolding around them. But Arav couldn’t help but feel the weight of the secret he was holding. The more he was around her, the more difficult it was to keep up the act.

As he passed by, their eyes met for a brief moment, and Riya raised an eyebrow. “Rohit, everything okay?”

Arav gave a tight smile, keeping his voice neutral. “Yes, Miss Riya. Just returning with Shivaay sir.”

"Alright, just don’t get lost again!" she teased, her playful tone making his heart tighten.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Arav replied smoothly, though the words felt heavy on his tongue.

He turned and walked away, but his mind was already racing. The more time he spent around Riya, the more complicated things became. He couldn't let her get too close, but his emotions were at war with his responsibilities.

His mission was clear, but it was getting harder to separate his duty from his feelings.

The dinner table was filled with casual chatter as everyone savored the delicious food. Mr. Brijesh, Kanika’s father, sat at the head of the table, his composed demeanor never faltering. His reputation in the police force had earned him respect, but tonight, he seemed relaxed, enjoying the company of the family.

As the conversation continued, Anita, ever the curious and lively one, leaned in and teased, “Mr. Brijesh, are you searching for a groom for Kanika?”

Kanika’s cheeks flushed with discomfort at the question, but her father merely raised an eyebrow, not letting his calm expression slip.

"Anita ji, always asking the tough questions," Mr. Brijesh replied with a small smile, his tone light but still authoritative. "Kanika is focused on her career, and there's no rush when it comes to marriage."

Kanika, feeling the weight of the conversation, spoke up softly, “I’m not thinking about marriage right now, Papa. There’s still a lot I want to achieve.”

Before anyone could respond, Anand, seated next to Mr. Brijesh, chuckled. “Well, Mr. Brijesh, it seems we have something in common,” he said, his voice warm and friendly. “Our Ishaan is also unmarried, and we’ve been looking for a bride for him. Would you mind if we thought about introducing him to Kanika?”

Mr. Brijesh glanced at Anand, considering the suggestion. For a moment, there was silence at the table. Kanika could feel the tension building as her father thought it over.

Ashna, Mr. Brijesh’s wife, smiled warmly and added, “Yes, I mean, if there’s no problem, why don’t we look into it? It could be a good match.”

Kanika’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected her parents to entertain the idea so soon. Her father, who had always been reserved when it came to matters of marriage, now appeared open to the idea.

Mr. Brijesh looked at his wife, then at Anand, before speaking. “Ishaan is a fine young man. But let’s not rush anything. If Kanika agrees, then we’ll consider it. Marriage isn’t just about arrangements, it’s about compatibility and respect.”

Kanika nodded silently, trying to process the conversation. It was clear that her parents were already considering the possibility of this alliance, but she wasn’t sure how she felt about it yet.

Her father then turned to her, his tone softening. “Kanika, what do you think?”

Kanika was caught off guard by the question. Her parents’ gaze was expectant, and she could feel the pressure building on her. She glanced at Ishaan, who had been quiet during the entire exchange. He seemed like a kind enough person, but she hadn’t even considered the idea of marriage with him until now.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, “I think... we should take things slow. Let’s get to know each other better first.”

Her father smiled, his expression proud. “That’s a sensible approach, Kanika.”

The conversation moved on, but Kanika couldn’t shake the unease she felt. The dinner had started out so casual, but now her mind was filled with thoughts of marriage, expectations, and what the future might hold. She didn’t know if she was ready for such a step, but at least her parents were understanding.

As for Ishaan, he seemed a bit more relaxed than before, though Kanika could tell he was also unsure of what to make of the conversation. For now, they would take it slow and see where things went.

The night carried on, but Kanika couldn’t shake the feeling that her life had just taken a turn in a direction she hadn’t anticipated.

Kanika, still processing the conversation, made her way to the kitchen, her mind swirling with emotions. As she entered, she found Niharika standing by the counter, stirring something in a pot, but her expression was serious, almost tense.

“Kanika, could you come here and help me with this?” Niharika called out softly, trying to hide the concern in her voice.

Kanika walked over, a bit distracted, and began helping her, but she could feel the weight of her sister's gaze on her. The silence between them grew thick, until Niharika finally spoke, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Are you mad, Kanika?" Niharika spat out, startling her. She then grabbed Kanika’s shoulders and turned her to face her. "Everyone knows you and Ishaan are dating. What are you thinking? You need to stop pretending, just say yes! Say yes!"

Kanika stood there, stunned. Her heart began to race as the realization hit her. She had been avoiding the truth, even from herself. Niharika was right—everyone seemed to know about her and Ishaan, except maybe herself. She had been so focused on her career and everything else that she had kept pushing away her feelings.

Niharika, seeing the confusion in her eyes, softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. “You’ve been avoiding this, Kanika, but it’s clear to everyone. Look at your own heart—don’t you want to be with him? He’s a good guy, and he cares about you.”

Kanika didn’t know what to say. She had been so busy with the expectations from everyone else that she hadn’t taken a moment to truly reflect on what she wanted. The thought of saying yes to Ishaan felt like a big step, one she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

But Niharika wasn’t going to let her off that easy. “Come on, Kanika. Think about it—don’t let fear or pressure cloud your judgment. You’re not just saying yes to Ishaan, you’re saying yes to your own happiness.”

Kanika sighed, still unsure but feeling the weight of Niharika’s words. Her sister’s insistence made her realize that perhaps it was time to stop running from the truth. Maybe she had been holding herself back, not from Ishaan, but from fully embracing what they could be.

"Okay," Kanika said softly, looking up at her sister with a mixture of confusion and resolve. "I’ll think about it. But I need some time."

Niharika smiled, squeezing her hand. "Take all the time you need. But remember, sometimes the best choice is the one that feels right in your heart, not just what everyone else expects."

As Kanika left the kitchen, she couldn’t help but wonder if Niharika was right. Maybe it was time for her to stop fighting her feelings and see where this could go with Ishaan. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, Kanika felt like she could allow herself to be open to it.

As Niharika twirled around the kitchen, a joyful energy filling the space, she hummed a little tune to herself. It had been a while since she felt this light-hearted, and something about the moment made her want to celebrate, even if it was in her own way. Her happiness seemed to radiate, and she couldn’t help but let it out in the form of a spontaneous dance.

Shivaay, who had just walked into the kitchen, froze for a moment, his eyebrow raised in confusion as he watched his wife twirl around the room. “What in the world are you doing, Niharika?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

But before he could say anything else, Niharika, with a mischievous smile, quickly grabbed a rasgulla from the tray nearby and stuffed it into his mouth, effectively silencing him.

“Shh,” she said playfully, wagging her finger at him. “No comments from you, Mr. Ranawat. Just enjoy the sweet treat and let me have my moment of fun.”

Shivaay, slightly taken aback but amused, chewed on the rasgulla, unable to hide the small smirk forming on his face. Despite his usual seriousness, he couldn't help but be charmed by her carefree, joyful attitude. Niharika was rarely this lighthearted, and it was a welcome change.

“Alright, alright,” he finally said after swallowing the last bite. “But you owe me an explanation. What’s got you in such a good mood?”

Niharika’s grin widened as she sat down on the kitchen counter, crossing her arms. “Let’s just say, I think things are moving in the right direction. Sometimes, it’s the little moments of clarity that make everything feel... right.”

Shivaay narrowed his eyes, trying to piece together what she meant, but before he could probe further, Niharika threw a playful glance at him.

“Now, no more questions, or I’ll feed you more rasgullas!” she teased, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, no more questions. But just know, I’m curious about what has you in this good of a mood. You look like someone who’s just won a lottery.”

Niharika laughed softly, her eyes glimmering. “Maybe I just did.”

Shivaay raised an eyebrow, but before he could say anything more, Niharika’s carefree attitude had already swept him along. Maybe today was just one of those days where everything felt right.

After dinner, Mr. Brijesh and Mrs. Ashna prepared to leave with Kanika. The conversation had been pleasant, but the weight of the marriage proposal lingered in the air.

“We’ll think about it and let you know,” Mr. Brijesh said with a polite smile, shaking Anand’s hand.

Mrs. Ashna nodded. “It’s an important decision, after all.”

Kanika, standing beside them, felt a pang of disappointment in her heart. She had hoped for an immediate answer, but now, uncertainty loomed over her. Her fingers nervously clutched the end of her dupatta as she stole a glance at Ishaan.

Across the hall, Ishaan stood stiffly, his jaw clenched, his hands in his pockets. His usual confident self was nowhere to be seen—his eyes were fixed on Kanika, unwilling to blink as if afraid she might slip away.

Kanika mirrored his gaze, her eyes filled with silent questions and emotions she couldn’t voice. The longing between them was evident to anyone who noticed, but no words were exchanged. It was as if they were communicating in their own unspoken language.

As Kanika turned to leave with her parents, her heart felt heavy. She wanted to say something—anything—but her feet kept moving. Ishaan’s fingers curled into a fist, resisting the urge to grab her hand and stop her.

Shivaay, standing nearby, observed the silent exchange between them. A knowing smirk appeared on his lips. "This is going to be interesting," he murmured to himself, watching Ishaan’s conflicted expression as Kanika disappeared through the door.

Niharika, who had been watching everything unfold, turned to Shivaay with a playful smirk. She raised an eyebrow knowingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"What?" he mumbled, his voice slightly muffled.

Niharika crossed her arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Oh, nothing. Just that… someone is going to be in a lot of trouble soon," she teased, glancing toward Ishaan, who was still staring at the door long after Kanika had left.

Shivaay swallowed and smirked. "Hmm. You think he’ll survive without her for even a day?"

Niharika chuckled. "Not a chance. Ishaan is doomed."

Shivaay shook his head in amusement. "Then let’s sit back and enjoy the show."

Niharika giggled, knowing that the real drama was just about to begin.

After everyone left, Indra leaned back in his chair and said, "It was nice having Kanika here. We enjoyed it."

Shweta nodded in agreement. "Yes, she brings such a positive energy to the house."

Meanwhile, Niharika, always observant, noticed Ishaan sitting quietly, lost in thought. Sensing something was up, she walked over to him, Shivaay following close behind.

"What happened, Ishaan?" she asked, waving a hand in front of his face. "Why do you look like someone just stole your ice cream?"

Ishaan didn't respond, still staring at the floor.

Ivaan chuckled and leaned in, whispering dramatically, "Aree bhabhi, you don’t understand. Ishu bhai won't survive this at all."

Shivaay smirked. "Looks like someone's love story just took an unexpected turn."

Niharika placed her hands on her hips. "Ishaan, are you really going to just sit here and mope, or are you going to do something about it?"

Ishaan finally looked up, his jaw clenched. "I don't know what to do," he admitted. "Her parents didn’t say yes… but they didn’t say no either."

Niharika and Shivaay exchanged a glance. This was going to be interesting.

Just then, Ivaan's phone buzzed, and his eyes lit up when he saw the caller ID—Saanchi. A small smile crept onto his face as he quickly picked up the call and walked a little away from the group.

Shivaay, who had been watching everything silently, smirked and crossed his arms. "Looks like many people in this house are having their own love stories."

Niharika chuckled, nudging Ishaan. "See? You're not alone in this. Do something before it's too late."

Ishaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Easier said than done, Bhabhi."

Shivaay smirked. "Then let us make it easier for you."

Ishaan looked at them, confused yet intrigued, while Niharika and Shivaay shared a mischievous glance. This was going to be fun.

Ishaan narrowed his eyes at the two, sensing their mischief. "What are you both planning?"

Niharika grinned innocently. "Nothing, devar ji. Just trying to help you get your love story moving."

Shivaay smirked. "You both have been dating for so long, and now when an official proposal is right in front of you, you're acting clueless. You love Kanika, don’t you?"

Ishaan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course, I do. But what if her parents refuse? What if—"

Niharika cut him off, rolling her eyes. "No more 'what ifs,' Ishaan! Just tell her you’re ready to marry her. Do you think she doesn’t want this?"

Just then, Ivaan returned from his call, grinning. "Bhabhi, Bhai, guess what? Saanchi was talking about some wedding she’s attending in a few days, and it’s giving her ideas. Seems like our dear Ishaan bhai isn’t the only one thinking about love and marriage."

Shivaay raised an eyebrow. "Really? Interesting."

Ishaan, now even more lost in thought, looked toward the door where Kanika had left. His heart ached at the thought of her going away from him.

Niharika placed a hand on his shoulder. "If you don’t act now, someone else might come and take that place. Are you willing to take that risk?"

Ishaan clenched his jaw, determination flashing in his eyes. "No. I won’t let that happen."

Shivaay smirked, crossing his arms. "Good. Then be ready, because we’re going to make sure Kanika’s parents say yes to this proposal."

Niharika grinned. "Time for Operation Ishaan-Kanika!"

Ishaan groaned but couldn’t hide the small smile forming on his lips. With a family like this, there was no way he could escape their matchmaking plans.

Ivaan turned to Niharika with a confused look on his face. "Bhabhi, Saanchi was telling me to meet her tomorrow sharply at 5 PM at the Pink Cafeteria. What do you think she wants with me?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Niharika raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Looks like someone’s in for a surprise," she teased, crossing her arms.

Ivaan frowned, clearly unsure. "I mean, it could just be about wedding stuff, right? You know, planning and everything."

Niharika chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I don’t think so. When Saanchi asks to meet you at the Pink Cafeteria, it's not just about wedding details." She leaned in closer. "She’s a smart girl, Ivaan. She’s not going to ask for help unless it’s something serious."

Ivaan’s eyes widened in realization. "You think... it’s about us? I mean, like, personal stuff?"

Niharika nodded, her tone playful but knowing. "It’s possible. Think about it—she’s been giving you signals, hasn’t she? And now, an invitation to meet her, just the two of you, at a place like Pink Cafeteria? It’s got ‘conversation’ written all over it."

Ivaan rubbed his temples, clearly feeling the weight of the situation. "But what if I’m not ready? I don’t know what to say or how to act. I don’t want to mess this up."

Niharika smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don’t need to be anyone else, Ivaan. Just be yourself. If Saanchi wants to talk, then listen. You’re a good guy, and she probably sees that in you. Don’t overthink it."

Ivaan took a deep breath, nodding slowly as his nerves began to settle. "Alright. I’ll go. I just need to be sure I’m ready for whatever she wants to say."

"Good," Niharika replied, her smile growing wider. "Now, go and stop thinking too much. You might just surprise yourself."

Ivaan gave her a small grin, the nervous energy still buzzing in his chest but with a little more confidence now. "Thanks, bhabhi. I’ll keep that in mind."

With one last look at Niharika, Ivaan turned and walked out, feeling both anxious and excited about the meeting with Saanchi the next day.

As Niharika entered their room, she was caught off guard when Shivaay swiftly stood up and pulled her toward him, making her sit on his lap. A smirk played on his lips as he leaned in close to her ear.

"Mam," he teased, his voice low and playful, "You've been quite the love guru in everyone else's love stories, but what about ours? Aren' t we completely yours and mine yet?"

Niharika raised an eyebrow, trying to pull away, but he held her firmly, his arms encircling her waist. "What's this about, Shivaay?" she asked, her tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

He smirked again. "Oh, come on, Niharika. Everything has been set, everything's in place, but you're forgetting something important. We haven't done... everything," he said, pausing for effect.

Her eyes widened slightly as she tried to process his words. "What do you mean?" she asked, playing innocent but clearly knowing where this conversation was headed.

Shivaay leaned back a little, holding her closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "I mean, we haven't crossed that line, the one that really breaks the border between a husband and wife. Haven't you ever wondered about it?"

Niharika's heartbeat quickened as she felt the tension in the air grow thicker. She swallowed, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside her. She tried to maintain her composure, but there was no denying the electric connection between them.

"Shivaay," she said, her voice soft but laced with authority, "I know what you're saying, but... are you really ready for that? Are we ready for it?"

He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Are we? That's the real question, isn't it?" Не kissed the back of her hand lightly, holding her gaze. "Because, my dear wife, there's a lot more to discover between us than just what's already happened."

Niharika bit her lip, unsure whether to respond or just let herself feel the pull between them. "You're pushing things too fast, Shivaay," she murmured, trying to keep her distance, but she couldn't deny the magnetic force between them.

Shivaay's lips curled into a confident smile as he tilted her chin up. "Am I? Or maybe we' re just taking our time in the right way. What do you think, Niharika?" he asked, his voice husky now.

Her heart raced as the moment hung in the air, both of them caught in a game of desire and hesitation.