33b - We could never find any better than her(S1)

Prithvi's mind raced as he tried to maintain his composure.

"Thanks for gracing us with your presence," he said, nodding and flashing a strained smile.

He gestured towards an employee. "Please show the way inside. Let's continue the festivities indoors," he directed.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to the employee beside him.

"How many more are left?" he inquired.

The employee quickly scanned the guest list. "Sir, just 2-3 people left from the ministry. After that, you can proceed. As for the unofficial guests, sir, there are about 10 more," he reported, pointing towards the entrance.

"Unofficial guests? Repeat that again" Prithvi asked, eyebrows furrowing.

"Yes, sir, about 10," the employee confirmed, scanning the list once more.

"Alright, let's welcome them too. They're guests as well," Prithvi decided, turning to greet the attendees, exchanging pleasantries, and discussing the 'profit on toast' to appease the business-minded among them.

Yet, his eyes kept straying towards the entrance, waiting for that one person he truly wanted to welcome-or perhaps he was merely biding his time to personally escort them inside.

"Why haven't they come yet?" he muttered, his gaze fixed on the gate.

"What was that, Mr. Prithvi?" the ministry officials queried, catching his slip.

But he quickly recovered, redirecting the conversation. "Ah, let's discuss business and our potential profits over toast inside," he smoothly transitioned, using words that would resonate with those present.

Pleased, the attendees nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, why not?"

With that settled, Prithvi approached the remaining guests, subtly tweaking his words to make each feel uniquely valued, subtly reinforcing his own elevated status in the process.

Once the guests had departed, Prithvi found himself lost in thought. "I shouldn't have left her," he murmured regretfully.

Just then, the employee informed him, "The guest list is complete, sir. You can proceed inside. Thank you for your assistance," before subtly indicating his readiness to wrap up the welcoming duties.

With a nod, Prithvi acknowledged the employee's message and checked his watch, a hint of concern evident in his expression.

"Is she okay?" he wondered aloud, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the one he left behind.

A few hours earlier...

"Prithvi," a voice called out from behind, halting him in his tracks as he moved towards Niharika.

"Prithvi beta, you should go," the voice urged, laden with urgency.

"Alone?" He posed the question to his bua sa but cast a lingering glance at his wife, who was descending the stairs.

"Yes, we'll meet you at the hotel venue," Bua Sa informed him.

His eyes narrowed slightly, not entirely convinced.

His skeptical gaze met hers as she added, "We need to perform some rituals before she leaves the 'ghar ki dehaliji' (threshold of the house). It's what Maa-sa has instructed."

Ever the composed one, Prithvi calmly protested, "Then I can wait if it's going to take some more time." he suggested.

"No, you should go and be present at the venue early to welcome the guests. You're the host of today's reception," she reasoned. "It wouldn't look good if both of you arrived together. She's supposed to grace the occasion after you. Don't try to alter customs anymore."

"She will come with us after some time." Bua Sa assured.

"She can wait in a guest room at the hotel too," Prithvi proposed.

After a brief pause and a contemplative look at his wife, who now stood on the other side of the hall, he relented, "Okay, if that's the right way, then I'll leave first. Be careful with her," he instructed, sharing a meaningful look with Bua Sa before casting one last glance at his wife as he exited the palace.

His heart heavy with unease at the thought of leaving her alone once again.

Inside the venue...

Suhani interrupted Prithvi's on-going conversation with the gentlemen's he was engaged with, her expression serious.

"Do you have a moment? Something important to discuss?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"Of course." Prithvi responded, his tone matching her seriousness.

"We've been waiting for an opportunity to express our disappointment in you," Suhani began, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Why? What's the reason?" he inquired.

"We've seen how you treat your wife. Where did you learn to utter such deceitful words? Have you traveled the world more than your Kaka sa or your father?" Prithvi looked down, unable to meet her gaze.

"No," he admitted softly.

"Then where did you learn this? Prithvi, Do you think any man in this family behaves in such a manner?" she pressed on.

"No," he repeated, still avoiding her eyes.

"Then where did you learn it? Do you even realize how much you've made her cry?"

"She cried? Did she cry?" Prithvi asked, shock evident in his eyes.

Ignoring his question, Suhani left him with a heavy heart, saying, "Prithvi, we want to see a genuine gesture from you, something that shows your true sincerity. We've seen that girl cry enough for absolutely no reason, and it breaks our hearts."

"We are sincerely sorry--" Prithvi began, but he was cut off.

"We don't want your apologies. Do something to win her heart back, to make her realize her worth. Right now, she feels lower than even the house helpers. Otherwise, the first thing we'll do is tell everyone about your 'allergy' before. Then we'll see what Bhabhi sa will do," Suhani said, delivering her message before walking away, not interested in hearing his perspective.

"I shouldn't have said that to her," Prithvi murmured, standing in a quiet corner as he reflected on his behavior towards Niharika.

Suhani's words struck a chord with Prithvi as he contemplated them. "And she feels lower than the employees?" he thought to himself.

Niharika had never expressed such feelings, at least not directly to him.

The realization hit him hard: he had failed to see her true emotions and was too absorbed in his own world to notice her silent suffering.

***

"Am I really this talkative?" Abhi asked Amar, who stood beside him.

"Yes, you are! Why this sudden realization?" Amar replied, taking a sip of his drink and scanning the room.

"I mean, I do talk, but mostly around people like him," Abhi pointed towards Prithvi, who seemed restless, constantly checking his watch.

Amar glanced at Prithvi, and Abhi continued, "Yes, your boss. Sometimes it surprises even me, as I'm usually not so chatty."

Amar nearly choked on his drink. "What? But with people like your boss, you need to repeat things multiple times. I feel like I'm losing my mind around him," Abhi said, staring ahead but not towards Prithvi, his gaze fixed on the entrance. "I'm so out of it that I'm even imagining her here."

"To whom-" Amar started to ask.

"Ekta!" Abhi blurted out. "That girl messed with my head so much; I'm imagining her here."

"She's really here, bhai," Amar said.

Abhi shook his head in disbelief. "I must be losing it. I'm starting to imagine everything, even you," he muttered.

"Bhai, she's actually here," Amar insisted.

Abhi's eyes widened further. "No, what's wrong with me-"

"Bhai, look, your dad's watching you," Amar interrupted.

"What?" Abhi looked around, distracted, an idea forming in his mind.

He looked around more frantically. "Where?"

"They're not looking over here, but Ekta might be here for Ma'am," Amar explained, trying to keep up with the situation.

"I should go to the boss, he seems stressed. Maybe it's about Ma'am's arrival. I'll check," Amar said, placing his drink on the table and heading towards the main stage, straightening his coat as he went.

Approaching Prithvi, who appeared lost in thought and visibly stressed, Amar addressed him formally. "Boss, should I check on Ma'am? If she's arriving soon, I can go."

Prithvi, lost in his own world, muttered to himself impatiently while checking his watch and rubbing his temple with one hand. "I don't know, I shouldn't have left her there in the first place. She's new to these customs."

"I'll go myself-" Prithvi began, but his voice trailed off as his gaze fixed on the entrance.

Amar, noticing the sudden change in Prithvi's demeanor, grew concerned. "Boss, are you okay? I can hear your heartbeat," he remarked, worriedly.

Prithvi didn't respond, his attention was solely focused on the entrance.

Amar persisted, "Boss, suddenly you seem-"

Ignoring Amar's question, Prithvi pushed him aside and strode towards the entrance, captivated by Niharika's presence.

Suddenly, he felt entranced. They say that when you meet the person you're meant for, everything else fades away. Prithvi's heart raced audibly, but he didn't care about the stares or judgments from onlookers. He took a step towards his wife, the only person who mattered to him.

He had been stressed about her arrival, worried about her safety and well-being. Now that she was here, he still couldn't regain his composure. The hypnotic spell she seemed to cast over him made it impossible for him to return to his normal self.

And How could he, when Niharika kept surprising him with her different appearance? This time; She stood before him in a simple wine-colored saffron langa voni with delicate detailing on her blouse and dupatta, a small bindi adorning her forehead. Her light makeup and open hair enhanced her natural beauty, making her appear as a divine, pure southern India beauty.

The more he looked at her, the more he found himself unable to look away. It was intimidating, his desire growing stronger the longer he gazed at her.

What makes a woman seductive? It's not just her clothes or beauty; it's her ability to captivate and intimidate without even trying.

Just a few strands of hair gracefully tucked behind her ear were enough to enchant him.

Niharika's nervous demeanor, her inability to make eye contact, only fueled Prithvi's desire to protect her from the world around them.

Intentionally or unintentionally, Niharika was disarming Prithvi, her counterpart, through these subtle gestures and aspects of her personality.

Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he tried to regain control, but he failed.

Or perhaps he never really stood a chance.

As the background music signaled their grand entrance, both stood at the center of the hall, drawing everyone's attention.

Despite his efforts, he couldn't tear his gaze away from Niharika, who stood nervously playing with her fingertips.

Her fingers danced delicately over her fingertips, a unique gesture that caught his attention. This time, instead of nervously picking at her nails, her fingers seemed to caress them gently, showcasing a subtle grace. He observed her body language closely, trying to decipher the emotions behind her actions.

After somewhat composing near himself, Prithvi gestured to a staff member, who promptly approached him. Their interaction seemed premeditated, as if they had been waiting for a cue.

His eyes then met Suhani's, who was patiently waiting for a sign of his sincerity.

Returning his focus to Niharika.

The audience watched intently, cameras focused on the couple, capturing every nuance of his actions and her reactions.

She had been looking down, feeling the weight of countless eyes and camera lenses trained on her. The scrutiny was overwhelming. Then, unexpectedly, he took a handful of notes and began rolling them over her.

At this gesture, she looked up, locking eyes with him. Shock and confusion were evident in her gaze as she tried to comprehend his unexpected action.

Maintaining eye contact, Prithvi spoke sincerely, "Firstly, I want to express my gratitude towards my Annapurna. Sometimes I feel so blessed to have her. Secondly, I want to apologize for any pain I've caused, intentionally or unintentionally. I regret any mistakes I've made that have hurt her."

She remained silent, watching his every move.

Joining his hands together, Prithvi returned the money to the tray, addressing the employee, " Distribute this among those in need."

"You are the most stunning creature ever crafted by God," Abhi whispered, locking eyes with Ekta. "The most beautiful woman I've ever encountered," he added, holding her close as they danced.

"Thanks," Ekta replied, blushing shyly and lowering her eyelids in response to the effect his words had on her.

Suddenly changing his grip, Abhi swung her hand as the music shifted, pulling her close once more. He whispered near her ear, "Why are you behaving so delicately today? Where's the nakchadhi girl I know?"

Their dance continued, moving in slow motion as the music changed.

"Do you like it or not?" she questioned, briefly looking down before locking eyes with him again.

Puzzled, Abhi questioned, "Like what?"

"My behavior?" Ekta clarified, her eyes searching his.

As they paused in place, Abhi nodded in agreement, drawing her closer. He gently traced his fingers near her face, saying, "Your lips-they're stirring my deepest desires. May I claim them as mine?"

She nodded slightly, and he leaned in slowly, drawing closer to her face...

Suddenly, he pulled back, looking around in confusion. Hearing applause from people near the stage, he joined in, clapping with an expression of bewilderment.

He subconsciously followed the crowd's actions, his eyes searching impatiently for a girl.

His gaze finally settled on a less crowded area near the back alley, where she stood. The whirlwind of emotions and thoughts she had stirred in his mind became evident. His eyebrows relaxed as he realized that reality had not matched his daydreams. All this while, he had been standing still while she was lost in a phone call, oblivious to the fact that she was slowly becoming a part of his wild and sweet fantasies. He let out a weary sigh.

The loudest sound of people clapping brought his attention back to the stage. He looked towards his friend, smiling as he saw him enjoying a moment with his wife.

Meanwhile, Prithvi extended his hand to Niharika. She took it modestly, casting shy glances downward. Prithvi then tightened his grip on her hand, leading her towards the stage. Applause erupted, with Suhani declaring, "Now, that's our nephew!" as she clapped proudly, joined by others.

While standing next to him on stage, Niharika stole glances at Prithvi, trying to gauge the sincerity of his words. As he addressed the guests, accepting their congratulations, she found herself lost in time. She glanced at him more often than necessary, and each time he caught her gaze, he raised an eyebrow in question. Flushing with realization, she quickly looked away.

Instead of questioning her open admiration, he leaned down to her level and whispered, "No negative thoughts here. Stay calm; I've got you. You look beautiful. I won't let anything happen to you. You're safe."

With a genuine look of reassurance, he lightly squeezed the back of her hand, offering silent comfort.

"Understood? No doubt," he said, causing her to nod like a child in agreement.

Returning to his original position, he held her hand tightly, refusing to let go,silently promising to protect her without fail.

***

"Mrs. Rachita Yashwardhan, I must say, what kind of daughter-in-law you have chosen for your son, the sole heir of the Chauhan empire. I must express my disappointment in you. You are smart and educated enough; you should have prevented him from marrying just any girl. She looks so ordinary," the lady remarked, casting a glance toward the couple from a distance, her tone tinged with disapproval.

Suhani was about to interject, but before she could, Rajmata, Rachita, spoke up. "Keep your disappointment to yourself, Mrs. Gehlot. We didn't ask for your opinion. And as for the kind of daughter-in-law I could have, she is perfect for my son," Rachita stated firmly, her words carrying weight as she directed her gaze towards the lady from the Gehlot empire.

"In every aspect, she is the one. Her aura exudes innocence, not cunningness like we feared," Rachita continued, her voice laced with affection as she looked at her son and his wife. "And unlike some, she doesn't resemble a leech, draining her in-laws behind their backs, turning her husband against his dear parents, am I right, Mrs. Gehlot?" she added, her gaze challenging.

Mrs. Gehlot appeared flustered, feeling personally attacked, but Rachita didn't give her a chance to respond. "Your daughter-in-law, a former Miss India, if I recall correctly, was once the pride of your family. What happened? Be cautious; rumors spread quickly, especially between neighboring states. Your eldest daughter-in-law seems to enjoy being in the headlines, with rumors too spicy to be digest in one course meal. Getting drunk at clubs, disregarding her in-laws' wishes." Rachita stated pointedly.

"My daughter-in-law, on the other hand, is nothing like that. She is innocent and respects her elders, even when their opinions differ from hers. And if my son couldn't resist her enchanting beauty, what could she do? My son is known for his self-control, and I am proud of his choice. She possesses inner beauty that surpasses the superficial charm of the eldest daughter-in-law of the Diamond Merchant Group. Outer beauty fades with time, but inner beauty only grows," Rachita concluded, her tone final.

While Rachita may have grievances against her daughter-in-law, she refused to allow others to disparage her.

In silence, both ladies from the Gehlot and Chauhan empires stared at each other, Mrs. Gehlot clenched her fists in frustration.

"She isn't naive or silly, Rachita. Firstly, she looks completely out of place, and now she's been here for barely a month and already opposing you by wearing attire that goes against our customs. Low class!" Mrs. Gehlot retorted, folding her arms across her chest.

"It's her culture, Mrs. Gehlot. She has every right to embrace it, and it's a part of our country, not something foreign. Merely giving speeches on cultural diversity doesn't make one diverse; you need to respect other cultures in reality. She was born in another state, just like Suhani. She can do whatever is within her power, as long as she doesn't offend others' sentiments," Rachita countered, this time, in defense of her daughter-in-law.

"And why does she look out of place? Perhaps she's afraid of being judged or ridiculed for her simplicity," Rachita added calmly, diffusing the tension.

Mrs. Gehlot unfolded her arms, feeling defeated, as a thick air settled between them, their eyes locked in a silent battle.

"Uhh Why are we creating such thick air or tension? Let's enjoy the celebration for our children. Embrace each other," Abhi's mother intervened, urging them to reconcile.

They both turned their gaze towards her. Abhi's mother urged them on, "Come on now, we all agreed to meet each other, in fact, it's been so long since we've all been together."

"Exactly, in the end, we are all one big family, after all," Rachita added with a smile, extending an olive branch.

Breaking the hug, Rachita asked, "Are you returning to Rajkot tomorrow? If not, why not join us for tea in our botanical garden? Suhani has put so much effort into it."

"We would love to show you around," Suhani added graciously before the two ladies excused themselves, leaving behind a more harmonious atmosphere.

"Bhabhi Sa, we couldn't believe our ears. You complimented her, no, you praised her," Suhani gushed as she walked beside Rajmata, her smile fading, her words grew shorter as her eyes met with her husband, who was engrossed in conversation.

Quietly, she excused herself from the gathering.