He Stayed Anyway

~6~

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Agar votes nahi mile toh confidence kam hota hai yaar, bohot log are reading this😭 but aren't voting.

The sound of raised voices floated through the corridor as Reeva unlocked the main door.
She slipped off her heels, exhaustion still clinging to her shoulders after a long day at the university.

From the living room came Rishika's sharp tone — half whining, half commanding.

"I told you, Maa, the lighting at the hall isn't good enough! The pictures will look dull!"

"Rishika, it's just an engagement, not a film set," Vikram said patiently, newspaper in hand.

"Papa!" she huffed, hands on her hips. "Everyone's engagement is perfect these days. I can't compromise. And Jaipur for the wedding, that's final. Ruturaj's family already agreed."

Sonal, sitting on the sofa beside her, tried to calm her down. "Beta, we'll handle it. Don't stress so much."

"You don't understand, Maa," Rishika said, pacing the floor. "Everything has to look flawless. People still talk about Neha's engagement photos from last year!"

Reeva entered quietly, setting her bag near the stairs.
She didn't announce herself — just stood by the corner, watching her sister's reflection bounce off the glass cabinet.

"You're home early," Vikram noticed first, relief flickering on his face.

"Classes ended sooner today," Reeva said softly, offering a small smile. "Everything alright here?"

Rishika turned instantly, her tone softening only slightly.
"Of course it's fine, Di. I was just explaining to them how important it is that everything goes perfectly. It's my engagement after all."

"Day after tomorrow, right?" Reeva asked.

"Yes! And nothing's ready!" Rishika groaned dramatically. "Maa hasn't finalized the decorators, Papa's acting too calm, and—" she paused, realizing how it sounded, then added quickly, "you'll help, right?"

Reeva hesitated for a second. "I can, if you need me."

"Obviously I do," Rishika said with a sigh of relief, then gestured at her mother. "See, Maa? Di gets it."

Sonal smiled faintly, tired. "I'm just trying to keep things organized. You know your father hates chaos."

"Organized?" Rishika scoffed. "Maa, you're too chill. Jaipur bookings, guest lists, lehenga trials—everything's pending!"

Reeva stepped forward, placing a calm hand on Rishika's shoulder.
"Rishika, take a breath. It'll all come together. Just... don't forget to enjoy it a little."

Rishika looked at her sister — something flickered in her eyes, pride maybe, or guilt — then she quickly looked away.

"I can't relax, Di. This is my big day. I want it perfect."

"And it will be," Sonal said softly, glancing between her daughters. "You both just focus on being there for each other. We'll manage the rest."