Singhania mansion:
1:00 am:
The scene unfolds on the balcony, where Dhriti sits, enveloped in the cool breeze of the night air. Despite the tranquility of the surroundings, her mind is plagued by the echoes of a haunting whistle, stirring feelings of anxiety and fear within her.
"Ahh" suddenly, Dhriti startles with a sharp intake of breath as she feels a cold hand on her shoulder.
"It's me , relax" Her heart races as she turns to see her husband, Shashvat, standing beside her. His soothing voice offers reassurance, calming her frayed nerves as she struggles to compose herself.
"Iam sorry, it just I was startled.."Apologizing for her reaction, Dhriti attempts to explain her unease, though she finds it difficult to articulate the true source of her discomfort
"Relax dhriti , you don't need to explain" Shashvat's understanding gaze and gentle words provide solace, easing her guilt and allowing her to release the tension that had gripped her.
"And by the way why are you not sleeping??" Shashvat questions, his raised brows betraying his concern.
"Mujhe need nahi aa re" Dhriti responds wearily, admitting that sleep eludes her, her voice laden with exhaustion.
"I will freshen up" Shashvat prepares to freshen up, but Dhriti's grip on his wrist halts his movement. Their eyes meet, and for a moment.
"Did you had your dinner" her voice laced with genuine concern.
"Yes and you?" His affirmation prompts her to nod in relief, having already eaten with the other daughters-in-law.
"Okay then wait for me here only, I will get freshen up" With a promise to return shortly, Shashvat heads indoors to freshen up, leaving Dhriti alone on the balcony.
She settles onto the couch, her thoughts drifting as she awaits her husband's return, finding comfort in the quiet solitude of the night.
After few minutes shashvat return with oil bottle in his hand . Dhriti frowned looking at oil in his hand . She asked him through her eyes to which shashvat just shrugged her shoulders and sat on the couch where she was sitting before and taped her to take a seat down inbetween his legs. Dhriti obliged his actions.
He carefully pours fragrant oil into his palms, warming it before tenderly massaging her scalp.using his fingertips to massage it in circular motions, ensuring that every strand is coated evenly. With each stroke, he applies just the right amount of pressure, allowing the oil to penetrate deep into her roots, nourishing her hair and scalp. His fingers move with a soothing rhythm, working their way from the nape of her neck to the top of her head, creating a sensation that is both calming and rejuvenating. As he continues, the oil spreads through her hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and infused with the soothing scent of the oil.
With each stroke, the tension in her body seems to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and comfort. The room is filled with the soothing aroma of the oil, creating a tranquil atmosphere. As he continues, the dhriti 's weary expression softens, and a small smile of appreciation tugs at the corners of her lips. It's a quiet moment of love and care amidst the chaos of everyday life.
As his skilled hands massage her head, dhriti feels a wave of relief wash over her. The tension that had been building up in her muscles begins to dissolve, replaced by a deep sense of relaxation. With each gentle stroke, she feels the weight of the day's stress lifting from her shoulders, allowing her to momentarily forget about her worries. A sense of warmth and comfort envelops her, and she leans back into his touch, grateful for his loving gesture. In this moment, she feels safe, cared for, and deeply cherished.
After massaging her for few more minutes . Shashvat runs his fingers through his wife's hair, gently untangling any knots with practiced ease. As he combs through her locks, his touch is tender yet confident, smoothing out any kinks and leaving her hair silky and manageable. Gradually, he begins to gather her hair into a neat pile, weaving his fingers through the strands to form a perfect braid.
With each twist and turn, he carefully gathers more hair, ensuring that the braid remains tight and secure. His movements are deliberate and precise, as he expertly creates an intricate pattern that cascades down her back. As he works, the wife closes her eyes, savoring the sensation of his touch and the intimate connection they share in this moment.
Finally, with the braid complete, shashvat secures it with a gentle tie, ensuring that it will stay in place. As dhriti turns to admire his handiwork, a smile spreads across her face, filled with gratitude for his care and attention.
"How do you know this ?" Dhriti asked while sitting on other end of couch and facing him. She is admiring the braid and impressed with his braid skills.
"It's because of sanjana. When she used to attend the school. She dived her duties among me and vivaan as Bhai was not here at that time. So he got saved. My duty was to braid her hairs and drop her till her class and vivaan duty was too iron her dress and clean her shoes" shashvat said recalling those days.
"Vivaan used to throw tantrums but atlast he had to complete his duty" well no one can blackmail vivaan more than sanjana. Vivaan is doctor but sanjana knows his every nerve and she knows where and when to press it .
"You love her alot" the pure adoration and deep affection he held for his siblings specially his sister, evident in the way his eyes sparkled and softened at the sight of them. In that moment, she saw a side of him she had always known existed but had rarely witnessed firsthand-the unspoken love he harbored for his siblings, reflected so vividly in his gaze.
"We love her alot , you know dhriti she was one rebellious kid. Everyday we used to hear a new complain about her and damn that girl is not afraid of anyone even now also" shashvat eyes twinkle while saying the mischiefs about his sister. Who got not one but three brothers wrapped around her fingers and whenever he see miksha, he see his sister in her same mischievous eyes and the naughty smile.
"If someone can back answer or shut priyanka bua mouth then it's sanjana, Bhai and choti maa . you know when we got to know about pratik and her relation we were shocked because pratik is Little silent and our sister is anything other than silent . Even family members were shocked with their relation but She literally convinced everyone" dhriti eyes are becoming wide hearing about her sister in law.
"She is pampered child" dhriti chuckled before saying it .
"You are also a pampered child " shashwat said playfully .
"Agree it or not your mother loves you alot that's why she won't leave any chance to mock me and not to forget your bestie, jeevika she literally hates me . I have only one supporter in your family my innocent brother in law" shashvat said making sad face like he is done with her family. Dhriti giggled seeing his flop acting.
"He is not innocent. It's just a facade" dhriti argued her brother can be anything but innocent.
"But atleast he is better than your other family members" shahsvat said remembering the love and care his mother in law and his sister in law have for him (note the sarcasm) .
"And by God if we give knife to your mother and bestie then they won't hesitate to slit my throat and free you once for all" shashvat said with horrified face.
"It's not like that , it just.." dhriti tried to defend her family.
"You no need to explain it . I understand their concern towards you" shashvat said making a beautiful smile form on her face. Her smile, radiant and genuine, captivates him, drawing him in with its infectious joy. In that moment, he feels a gentle flutter in his heart, a growing fondness that he can't quite put into words. It's as if with each curve of her lips, she's unraveling a piece of his soul, and he finds himself falling deeper under her spell.
"Chalo let's sleep" shashvat said while standing from his place . Dhriti stood and followed him.
They layed on their respective side Facing eachother. Dhriti looked at the invisible line between them . It's true their relation is moving ahead , but she is waiting for the day when this invisible wall Also fall. Dhriti was about to close her eyes when she remembered something.
"Shashvat" dhriti called in him in low voice. While shashvat hummed with his eyes closed.
"I want to ask something" dhriti was sacred to ask him but it should be better if things get clear now only instead of creating troubles in future.
"Go ahead" shashwat said being curious to know what is cooking in her head.
"Few days before I met with a lady, She said it's you who is behind the nilwal attack the massive bomb blast which occurred last a year ago" dhriti said and her eyes noticed the way the calmness of future still remain same after her saying.
"Do you believe her?" Shashvat deep voice made dhriti gulp. What other thinks never matters to him but what his wife thinks is definitely his matter.
"No" dhriti said with truthfully .
"Its not me completely, but some of my party members who did this and they already enjoying the punishment in the jail. May be that lady hold some grudges against me" shashvat said. He needs to be alert his wife is already under spotlight. They are trying use her to pull him down from politics.
"Shahsvat, mumma says politics is very dirty and people in it can do anything for their profit . Will you also do like this for profit" she is not afraid of seeing blood. She is just don't want her husband to be the reason of it .
"No, i will not . If I want to achieve something then I want to achieve on my own not by risking someone's life" shahsvat said . He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her who was looking at him .
In a quiet moment , shashvat looks deeply into his wife's eyes, his expression serious yet filled with unwavering determination. As he speaks, his words carry the weight of his commitment to protect those he holds dear .
"And i won't harm anyone untill they tried to harm me or my family" His gaze softens as he emphasizes the word "family," encompassing his wife in that sacred circle of protection. In that moment, she feels the depth of his loyalty and the strength of his resolve, knowing that he will stand by her side and shield their family from any threat.
"Now sleep" shahsvat patted her head softly making dhriti close her eyes and relax under his touch .
In the dim light of the bedroom, dhriti tosses and turns, her movements becoming increasingly restless. Her brow furrows in distress, and soft murmurs escape her lips as she becomes entangled in the grips of a haunting nightmare. With each passing moment, her movements grow more frantic, as if she's trying to escape the clutches of her subconscious tormentor. The room feels heavy with her distress, a silent witness to her inner turmoil. As she twists and turns, her breath quickens, and beads of sweat form on her forehead, betraying the intensity of her fear.
Shashvat stirs from his slumber, his senses alert to the faint sound of his wife's murmurs. Concerned, he reaches out in the darkness, his hand finding hers, offering comfort in the midst of her distress.
"Dhriti" Gently, he whispers her name, his voice a soothing presence in the night. As he feels her trembling beside him, he gathers her into his arms, pulling her close in a protective embrace.
"Shh, relax..i got you " With each whisper filled reassurance, he tries to anchor her to the present, to remind her that she is safe in his arms.
Yet, even as he holds her, he can't shake the ache in his heart at seeing her tormented by her nightmares. In that moment, all he can do is hold her tight and silently pray for the dawn to chase away the shadows of her dreams.
And soon she relaxed under his warmth . A sigh of relief left from his lips . He joined his lips on her forehead and closed his eyes to feel , she is safe in his arms . Dhriti slowly opened her eyes and her eyes meet with one of the most beautiful site . Shashvat removed his lips and lift his face to look at her .
"You scared me" his vulnerable voice reached near her ears making her feel guilty.
"Iam sorry" dhriti mumbled while caressing his face .
Shashvat gently gathers his wife into his arms, her form fitting perfectly against his chest. With a tender touch, he brushes a stray strand of hair away from her face, his heart swelling with care and protectiveness.
As he holds her close, he can feel the steady rhythm of her breath against his skin, a reassuring sign that she is safe and sound. With each comforting stroke of his hand along her back, he silently reassures himself that she is with him and completely fine.
Drawing her nearer, he presses a loving kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment as if to seal their bond and shield her from any harm. And as they drift off to sleep together, entwined in each other's embrace.
*****************
Singhania mansion
Morning:
The breakfast table was shrouded in a heavy silence, broken only by the gentle clinking of crockeries as they were moved and handled. Steam rose from the freshly brewed coffee, curling lazily in the air, while sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the scene. Today no one is hurry as it's Sunday .
Amit was brought to home and now he is resting in his room. After completing their breakfast shlok and ashok went to their respective room.
"Priyanka Amit will be fine soon" uma tried assure her daughter seeing her gloomy face.
"Ji buaji , Hum usse Marney mein, sorry uski care karna mein koi kasar nahi chodenge" vivaan said while receiving glare from his dadi for using some specific words .
Well he is not wrong. This man should have died. It's his brother mistake and vivaan is definitely waiting for a chance to rectify the mistake. He just can't see that man alive knowing Priyanka bua was behind miksha's poision attack. He wants Priyanka to be in Amit place and soon he will make it happens.
"And if you are thinking about those who are responsible for his condition, then they have already got their karma" only if those men were died when Priyanka knows very well that those men are still alive. Priyanka raised her eyes from her plate and looked at abhyant who was calmly feeding his daughter.
"And if we want to punish them also then also Marney ka baad koi zinda kaisa ho sakta Hain" dhriti was about take the bite of poha but her movement stopped hearing Karishma words .
Yes, a dead person can never return. She is just overthinking about Vikram. He is dead, so how can he return?
"So relax" Meera also joined the group to light up the mood of Priyanka. Soon Priyanka finished her breakfast and she left from their with her daughter following her
"Karishma and Meera finish your breakfast fast. today you, me and Meera have to attend a charity event organised by Mrs Kapoor" uma dadi said.
"Iam sorry to say dadi but badi maa will be not going with you" vivaan said in behalf of his badi maa knowing very well what is her today's plan .
"Why?" Except Karishma and abhyant everyone asked .
"There is a art exhibition and her favourite artist is painting also going to display in this exhibition. So she is definitely going there. Am I right badi maa" vivaan said looking at Karishma who is smiling more than usual.
"Absolutely" Karishma agreed with a radiant smile stretched across her face, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and a playful gleam danced in her gaze, reflecting the bubbling joy within.
"Iam sorry mummy ji but can you and Meera attend the charity event" Karishma denied it politely. Uma nodded her head.
"Who is your favourite artist badi maa" a curious navya asked .
"Bonita hubb" Karishma replied with excitement filled eyes . Ayushree who was having her breakfast avoiding their conversation coughed suddenly hearing the name of the artist. Navya passed her glass of water . Ayushree gulped water and tried to relax her rising heartbeat. She never knew that her mother in law favourite artist is Bonita hubb, Who is none other than herself.
Her shock expression didn't went unnoticed by her husband who is ready to get some entertainmnt. It's time to introduce the Bonita hubb identity to his family.
"Really, she is my favourite also" dhriti yelled while she and Karishma gave high five to eachother. Making the other family suprised . When did this mother in law and daughter in law bonded.
"Her paintings are damn good!!" Dhriti praised .
"But what does that mean dadi" asked miksha being the curious child of her parents on finding the name fascinating.
"It means beautiful love baby" replied karishma to her granddaughter who was looking very cute upon knowing the meaning of the name (:Bonita means beautiful and pretty in Spanish while hubb means love in Arabic:)
Unknown to them, the talented artist stood among them, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude at the recognition of her work,
"You are also fan of her??" Navya asked with suprised face. Well her bestfriend is also big fan of that unknown artist. Dhriti nod her head with a big smile on her face.
"Even I am also big fan of her" vivaan said .
"But her identity is hidden from world" navya said while Ayushree just wants to finish her breakfast and leave from here.
"You know navya ,she donates 90% profit of her every painting to orphan children welfare organisation. She is too kind yaar" dhriti filled them with information making the other family members get impressed with unknown artist for her kindness.
Vivaan cleared his throat making the people eyes fall on him .
"You know, When I will meet her. I will go on my knees infront of her Taking her hand on mine and say" vivaan said while going on his knees, while members are aww at his action except one?
" Ah, my dear artist , you're like a masterpiece brought to life! Every stroke of your talent mesmerizes me. I find myself lost in the colors of your art and the beauty of your painting. If only I could stop this movement and admire you" vivaan voice quivers with a mix of awe and passion as he speaks, each word carefully chosen to convey the depth of his admiration.
Ayushree heart flutter with happiness as she realizes that her creativity and efforts are being recognized and appreciated by others. She feels a sense of pride in her work, knowing that it has touched someone else .
"Then I will give tight hug to her saying how much I love her" vivaan said standing on his feat and hugging navya tightly to show how tightly he will hug his favourite artist. Navya annoyingly slapped his arms to which vivaan pouted and removed his arms around her . He looked at his mom thinking she will scold his wife but with whom he is expecting his mom becomes blind for him when her favourite daughter in law is there .
"What!!!" Abhyant yelled standing from his chair in shocked posture. His brother loves that unknown artist. Peoples are startled with his loud reaction.
"You love her??" Abhyant asked fisting his hand tightly and trying to mask his fury .
"Yah so what?" Vivaan asked with confused face .
"You can't love her" abhyant said in his dominating and possesive tone . Making the people around him frowned at his tone even ayushree got confused seeing his behaviour.
"And why so?" Vivaan asked while folding his arms near his chest .
"Because she is elder than you" abhyant said giving quick excuse .
"And how you know that Bhai??" Vivaan asked with Wide-eye in surprise, mouth slightly agape while Leaning back, as if taken aback by the unexpected response.
"What happened abhyant??" Uma Singhania asked with Concerned look and furrowed brows.
"Nothing. He is married and he can't love any other woman" abhyant replied with dismissing tone while Crossing arms to display confidence in the statement he made.
"Comeon abhyant. It's just an artist and fan love. Relax" Meera said giving Reassuring smile and eyes softened.
"Yes Bhai . You are overacting. You are behaving like she is my bhabhi" vivaan said giving Playful grin. While Tilting his head slightly to one side to know the reason behind his loud reaction for a unknown artist.
Without answering to anyone abhyant walked out from there making ayushree stare his back confusingly. Is he having mood swings or what . First he tells her to jump and when she try do it, he becomes angry. His unexpected sound reaction for the artist when he doesn't know the identity of the artist.
"So are we going today?" Vivaan asked as gush of excitement rushed inside him .
"Yes!!!" Karishma, dhriti and navya yelled.
"ayushree bhabhi you also join us" navya said while Ayushree gave a nod. Hoping everything goes smoothly and her identity remains hidden from everyone and if by chance it got revealed then she will be bombered with questions for hiding her identity and all.
"Shashvat, are you also coming" Karishma asked to get son .
"No mom . I have to go office. Still some preparation are left for elections" shashvat said .
"You guys go and enjoy" he gave soft smile to his wife encouraging her to enjoy.
"Okay then let's meet after a hour" vivaan said while everyone quickly left to their respective rooms to get ready .
*****************
As the shashvat stealthily steps into the closet, his intention to get the required file , his breath catches in his throat as he catches sight of his wife .
Dressed up In a lush green anarkali suit adorned with delicate floral printing, the dhriti's beauty radiates like a blossoming garden. The vibrant hues of the outfit accentuate her natural elegance, while the intricate patterns add a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Draped gracefully around her shoulders, a lemon-colored dupatta billows softly, adding a gentle contrast to the rich green fabric. Her silver earrings glint delicately in the light, framing her face with subtle yet enchanting sparkle, echoing the timeless charm of her attire. With every movement, she exudes grace and poise, a vision of beauty that captivates all who behold her.
He slowly approaches, his footsteps barely audible against the floor, he stands before her, halting her movements with a gentle touch. His eyes, filled with tenderness and admiration, meet hers, conveying a depth of emotion that words could never fully express. With soft eyes locked on hers, he reaches out, his hand trembling slightly as he brushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his touch reverent and tender. In this intimate moment, time seems to stand still as they share a silent exchange.
"You are looking beautiful," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with sincerity and warmth. His compliment hangs in the air, wrapping around her like a soft embrace, as he gazes at her with genuine admiration. In his eyes, she sees the reflection of his admiration and appreciation, a silent affirmation of her beauty that fills her heart with joy and gratitude. With a soft smile, she returns his gaze, feeling cherished and cherished in his presence.
"I am getting late" she murmurs breaking his trance . He nod his head and she took slow steps towards the door .
"Dhriti ,Are you fine" his soft words reached out her ears, She turned to answer him but saw him taking frim steps towards her .
"Yess I am" dhriti said giving assuring smile but His doubt lingers, casting a shadow over his expression as he searches her eyes for affirmation.
"Then what happened yesterday night ?" Shashvat asked with his deep voice.
"Ohh ohh yesterday. I just got a nightmare. It's nothing to worry much" dhriti said giving a quick excuse .
"Sorry yesterday I disturbed your sleep" she apologized
"It's okay," he replies softly . Just then a knock on door interrupted their conversation. It's navya who asked to come soon as it's time to leave. Dhriti replied to her with small yes and looked at her husband.
Shashvat closes the gap with measured steps until he stands beside her. Leaning in gently, he presses a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment as he murmurs, "Take care." The words are soft against her skin, carrying with them a silent promise to always watch over her, even in the smallest of moments.
Feeling his lips graze her forehead and hearing his whispered words, she closes her eyes, soaking in the warmth of his affection. A soft smile graces her lips as she leans into his touch, savoring the comfort and reassurance he provides. His gesture fills her heart with a sense of security and love, melting away any lingering worries or doubts. As dhriti leaves, shashvat takes out his phone from his pocket and dials his right hand karl number who answers the call in two rings only.
"I need full history of Vivek Srivastava in one hour" shashvat said and hang up the phone without waiting for any reply from him.
******************
Navya with vivaan were waiting for dhriti too join so that they can leave for art exhibition. Vivaan was scrolling his phone with bored expression until it was snatched from his hand . Vivaan lifted his head to yell at the person But on seeing his mother, he gulped the words .
"Kya hua maa" vivaan asked masking his irritation .
"Kuch nahi , I just came to tell you to take care of my bahu She shouldn't feel lonely at all Make her drink some liquids in between" Meera ordered him making navya aww at her mother in law care and vivaan gets annoyed with his mother words.
"See how lean she became" Meera said holding navya arms .
"Itna karna hain toh mein apke bahu ko ghod (adopt) bhi le lu" vivaan sarcastically replied.
"Shut your mouth and don't forget to take care of her" Meera yelled while pointing finger at her son making him shut.
"Fine" vivaan gritted out irritatedly.
"Navya if you want something, then don't hesitate to buy from his card" Meera said softly to navya while navya can't feel less blessed to have a mother in law like her .
"What the hell maa" vivaan yelled .
"If you have forgotten your bahu is a COO of oberoi industries. She can buy everything on her own . Why she needs to take my money" vivaan tried to feed his mother with required information. His wife is not poor that she can't afford her expenses.
"It's her right, a wife has full rights on her husband's money" Meera said slapping her son forehead with her palm .
"As you say maa , i will definitely buy only from my patidev card" navya said like a perfect daughter in law who follows her mother in law every words while vivaan scowls at his wife action.
"I am not going to give a single penny" vivaan replied stubbornly .
"Ahh, maa.. leave it" vivaan yelled in pain as his mother twisted his right ear . His mother never thinks about his reputation.
"What were you saying??" Meera asked in threatening tone .
"Listen carefully Mr vivaan Singhania if you don't want me to show your childhood naked photographs to her , then you will let her shop whatever she wants with your card"
Vivaan's eyes widen in sheer horror at his mother's unexpected threat. His jaw drops, and he feels a cold sweat break out on his forehead as the implications sink in. The mere thought of his childhood naked photographs being exposed to his wife fills him with a deep sense of dread and embarrassment. Panic sets in as he realizes the gravity of the situation, and he quickly assesses his options. With a shaky breath, he nods frantically.
"O-okay, meri maa" his voice stammers as his mind racing with a mix of humiliation and desperation to avert the impending disaster.
"Good" Meera quickly left his ear not before rubbing it little softly. She left from their giving the couple privacy .
After the conversation, Vivaan sits there in a mixture of annoyance and resignation, knowing he's been embarrassed by his mother's tactics once again. He watches as Navya tries to stifle a laugh, clearly amused by the exchange between mother and son. With a resigned sigh, he reaches for his phone, silently accepting his fate.
As they finally prepare to leave for the art exhibition, Vivaan can't help but shake his head in amusement at the dynamic between his mother and Navya, knowing that their banter is all part of the familial love they share.
_______________________________
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Vivek Srivastava? Do you guys remember?
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