The golden hues of the setting sun slowly disappeared behind the skyline, welcoming a calm and pleasant evening. The weather wasn't rainy, nor was it too sunny. A cool breeze gently passed through the city, making the atmosphere surprisingly peaceful.
Inside the magnificent Rana Mansion, everyone was already prepared.
The women looked graceful in their elegant sarees while the men were dressed in perfectly tailored suits. The servants hurried around, making sure everything was in order before leaving.
Today wasn't just another family gathering. It was the first time the Rana family was going to meet the girl chosen by Rajeshwari Devi Rana.
Everyone knew one thing...If Dadi had chosen someone...She had already imagined that girl as the eldest daughter-in-law of the Rana family.
The only surprising thing...Was Rudra Rana.
Standing near the staircase, dressed in a perfectly fitted black three-piece suit, with a silver watch resting around his wrist and his usual emotionless expression, he looked every bit the powerful Chief Minister everyone feared.
Even his family looked at him in surprise. Because no one had expected him to get ready without creating another argument.
Rajeshwari smiled to herself.
"At least he came."
For now... No one dared to question it. Soon, everyone settled into their respective luxury cars.
Mahendra and Rajeshwari occupied the first car. Rudra, Advik, Armaan, and little Ayaan sat together in another. As the convoy left the mansion...
The atmosphere inside the car remained relaxed. Armaan looked at Rudra before hiding a smile.
"So...Our punctual Chief Minister."
He glanced at his watch dramatically.
"I hope your future wife knows how much you hate waiting."
Advik simply shook his head without saying anything. Ayaan looked between his uncles with curiosity.
"What happened, Chachu?"
Armaan laughed.
"Nothing, champ. I'm just praying your future Chachi comes on time."
Rudra ignored every word. His eyes remained fixed outside the window. Completely uninterested in the conversation.
The convoy slowly made its way towards the Mehra Residence.
At the same time...
The atmosphere inside the Mehra House was completely opposite. Servants hurried from one room to another.
Fresh flowers decorated every corner of the living room. Snacks were arranged neatly. Tea was prepared. Everyone seemed busy checking whether everything was perfect.
"Are the sweets ready?"
"Yes."
"Did you arrange the gifts?"
"They're already kept in the living room."
Every few seconds...
Someone remembered another small detail. Amidst all the preparations... One person remained completely unbothered. Anika Mehra.
She was still sitting comfortably inside her room. Not even ready. Her father, Raghav Mehra, walked upstairs and knocked gently.
"Anika."
She opened the door. Still wearing casual clothes. Raghav sighed helplessly.
"The Rana family can arrive at any moment. You should get ready now."
Anika dramatically pouted.
"Papa...I still don't understand why everyone is behaving as if I'm getting married today."
Raghav smiled.
"You aren't. But at least don't make the guests wait."
She rolled her eyes playfully.
"Fine...But I'm only getting ready. Nothing else."
Raghav chuckled before walking downstairs. With a defeated expression... Anika finally entered her dressing room.
A few minutes later...
Ding Dong...
The sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house. Everyone instantly became alert. Kavya quickly adjusted her saree before opening the main door.
Standing outside...Was the entire Rana family. She greeted everyone with a warm smile.
"Please come in."
The Ranas entered gracefully. Pleasantries were exchanged. Soon, everyone settled comfortably in the beautifully decorated living room.
Tea and refreshments were served.Just then... Rajeshwari's eyes fell upon an elderly woman walking towards her. For a brief second...Both women stared at each other.
Then...
Their faces broke into wide smiles.
"Savitri!"
"Rajeshwari!"
The two elderly ladies immediately embraced each other. The entire room watched in surprise. Armaan looked towards his father.
"They know each other?"
Mahendra smiled.
"Know each other? They've been best friends since childhood."
Rajeshwari laughed while holding Savitri's hands.
"It's been years!"
Savitri smiled warmly.
"And today our friendship is finally becoming a family."
Unknown to everyone else... This meeting wasn't entirely a coincidence. The two best friends had secretly planned everything. Savitri had promised to convince Anika.
Rajeshwari had taken the responsibility of convincing Rudra.
Their mission... Was to unite their families.
After a few moments, Rajeshwari looked around curiously.
"So...Where is our Anika?"
Savitri smiled knowingly.
"She's getting ready. She'll be here in a few minutes."
The moment she finished speaking... Armaan slowly leaned towards Rudra. Keeping his voice low enough that only Rudra and Advik could hear, he whispered,
"The man who gets irritated if someone is five minutes late..is about to marry a girl who's already late for her own marriage meeting."
Advik pressed his lips together, trying not to smile. Rudra simply gave Armaan a cold look. Before he could respond... Rajeshwari's cheerful voice echoed through the room.
"I still can't believe I managed to convince Rudra to come today."
Everyone laughed softly. Except Rudra. His expression remained unchanged. Inside his mind...He already knew exactly how she had convinced him. And remembering that conversation...
Made his jaw tighten ever so slightly.
Flashback.
A few hours earlier. The atmosphere inside the Chief Minister's Office was calm and disciplined.
Government officials moved in and out of the conference room while files were neatly arranged across the large mahogany desk...
Seated behind it...
Rudra Rana.
His eyes were fixed on an important file as he carefully signed one document after another. His expression remained as unreadable as ever.
Just then...
His phone vibrated. The caller ID displayed—Mom. Without much thought, he answered.
"Yes, Mom?"
Before he could say anything further... A panicked voice came from the other side.
"Rudra! It's your Dadi...She suddenly got a panic attack. She... she wants to talk to you."
For the very first time that day...Rudra's calm expression disappeared. He immediately stood from his chair.
"What happened? Give the phone to Dadi."
Meanwhile...Inside the Rana Mansion...The entire family was trying their hardest not to burst into laughter. Rajeshwari Devi sat comfortably on the sofa, perfectly healthy.
Yet...
She was pretending to breathe heavily while Nandini fanned her dramatically. Mahendra stood beside her with a worried face.
Armaan had turned away, biting his lips to stop himself from laughing. Advik simply lowered his head, already understanding exactly what his grandmother was planning. Rajeshwari stretched out her hand.
"Give me the phone..."
She took the call and immediately began acting.
"R... Rudra...My child..."
Her voice sounded weak enough to fool anyone. On the other side...
Rudra frowned.
"Dadi...Are you alright?"
She sighed dramatically.
"I don't know how much time I have left..."
The entire family exchanged amused glances. Rajeshwari continued her performance flawlessly.
"I only had one last wish..."
Rudra closed his eyes.
"Dadi...Please don't talk like that."
She spoke softly,
"I just wanted to see all my grandsons married...Especially you. If you don't agree today...I don't know whether I'll ever see that day."
The moment Rudra remained silent...Everyone around Rajeshwari immediately understood their cue. Nandini quickly exclaimed,
"Maa's breathing is getting worse!"
Mahendra added,
"Rudra... please don't upset her."
Armaan instantly joined the drama.
"Bhai! Please... It's Dadi's last wish."
Even one of the servants looked confused by the sudden performance. Rudra pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew.
Every single second of this...Was a performance. He could almost imagine Armaan trying not to laugh. Still...
When it came to one person... He never had the heart to refuse. His grandmother. Rajeshwari waited patiently.
"So...Will you fulfill this old woman's last wish?"
Rudra let out a long, exhausted sigh.
"You all..."
He muttered under his breath. After a few moments of silence...He finally spoke.
"...Fine. I'll come."
The moment those words left his mouth... Rajeshwari instantly sat up straight. Her breathing returned completely to normal. She smiled victoriously.
"I knew my grandson loved me the most."
Before Rudra could say another word...The call was disconnected. Inside the Rana Mansion...The entire family burst into laughter. Armaan clapped dramatically.
"Dadi! You're the greatest actress in this family."
Rajeshwari proudly adjusted her saree.
"I've raised these boys. I know exactly how to make them listen."
Back inside the Chief Minister's office. Rudra stared at his now-disconnected phone. A helpless smile almost appeared. But disappeared just as quickly. He leaned back in his chair and shook his head. He had known from the beginning...
It was all an act. Yet...No matter how many times Rajeshwari trapped him with her emotional dramas. He could never bring himself to say no to the woman who had been his greatest strength since childhood.
And perhaps...Rajeshwari knew that better than anyone else.
Flashback Ends...
Rudra let out a deep, helpless sigh.
"Only Dadi can do this..."
He composed himself before lifting his gaze.
The living room was filled with pleasant conversations. The elders discussed family traditions, while Ayaan innocently played with Armaan's watch. Laughter echoed softly throughout the house.
Everything seemed peaceful. Until...
The delicate sound of bangles echoed through the hallway.
Chhan... Chhan...
Every conversation came to an abrupt stop. Every pair of eyes instinctively turned towards the staircase.
And there she was. Anika Mehra. For a brief moment... Time itself seemed to slow down.
She gracefully walked into the living room wearing a beautifully embroidered pastel Anarkali suit that fit her perfectly, highlighting her elegance rather than extravagance. Her long, softly curled hair rested over one shoulder, while minimal makeup enhanced her natural beauty. A pair of pearl earrings completed her simple yet breathtaking look.
A faint fragrance of jasmine followed her with every step. The room unconsciously admired her presence. Even the Mehra family smiled proudly.
Rajeshwari exchanged a satisfied glance with Savitri.
"Our choice wasn't wrong."
However...
One person's gaze never left her. Rudra Rana.
The man who always claimed to dislike women...The man who never paid attention to anyone... Found himself silently looking at Anika from the moment she entered the room. His sharp eyes followed her every step without him even realizing it.
Armaan noticed. A mischievous grin spread across his face. Without making it obvious, he gently nudged Rudra's arm with his elbow.
"Bhai..."
he whispered with a teasing smile,
"Come back from your dream world."
Rudra blinked. As if waking from a trance. Realizing everyone was still present, he immediately looked away. His expression once again became cold and unreadable. As though nothing had happened.
Armaan bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing.
"The brother who says he hates women...hasn't blinked since she entered."
Meanwhile...
Rajeshwari warmly held Anika's hands.
"My child...You look absolutely beautiful."
A slight blush appeared on Anika's cheeks.
"Thank you, Dadi."
Rajeshwari affectionately made her sit beside her. The conversations resumed naturally.
The elders discussed family values, careers and traditions while tea and snacks were served. Anika answered everyone's questions politely.
Rudra, on the other hand, remained mostly silent. Occasionally replying with only a nod or a single word. After observing them for a while...
Rajeshwari slowly looked towards savitri. The two lifelong friends exchanged a knowing glance.
Savitri smiled.
"It's time."
Rajeshwari nodded almost invisibly. She looked towards Rudra.
"Rudra."
He turned towards her.
"Yes, Dadi?"
"Take Anika with you. You both should talk. You should know each other."
Rudra frowned slightly.
Keeping his voice low enough that only Rajeshwari could hear, he whispered,
"What is the point? You've already made your decision."
Rajeshwari smiled sweetly.
"And now I'm making another one. You are going."
Before he could argue again... She gave him that look. The same look every grandchild feared. Rudra closed his eyes for a second.
"...Fine."
Meanwhile, Savitri looked lovingly at Anika.
"Beta...Why don't you show Rudra the garden? You both can talk comfortably."
Anika immediately understood what was happening. She looked at her grandmother helplessly.
"Dadi..."
Savitri simply smiled.
"Go."
Knowing there was no escape...Anika slowly stood up. Rudra stood as well.
For a brief second... Their eyes met. Neither smiled. Neither spoke. Both of them walked towards the garden together...
Completely unaware...
That the next few minutes were about to change the course of both their lives forever.
If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to vote and tell me your favourite scene in this comments. Your support motivates me to write faster . See in a next chapter. Till then take care , bye bye. ❤️
Write a comment ...