𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑 (On Hold)

4.

Author POV'S

Rajesh, deeply engrossed in his shop activities, was taken aback when his phone rang, not because it was a call from the haveli, but because it was the Thakurain herself on the line.

"Ji, badi thakurain!" he greeted, his voice tinged with surprise and excitement.

"We would like to purchase some sweets from your shop..." the Thakurain informed him.

Rajesh's joy knew no bounds as he eagerly replied, "Yes, I will deliver them right away."

"Actually, if possible, bring a female along with you," the Thakurain added.

Though slightly taken aback by this request, Rajesh remained composed and ended the call. Feeling a sense of unease, he spotted Paridhi busy packing sweets.

"Paridhi..." he called out to her.

"Yes, papa?" Paridhi responded, turning towards him.

"You need to take these sweets to Thakur Haveli. I just received a call from the Thakurain," Rajesh informed her, his tone serious.

Perplexed, Paridhi questioned, "But why me?"

Rajesh explained the situation to her, ending with a stern warning, "Don't do anything wrong."

With that, Rajesh carefully packed the sweets and handed them to Paridhi. Just then, a car arrived, and a man stepped out, announcing, "Badi Thakurain has sent me."

Paridhi sat nervously in the car, clutching the carefully packed sweets to her chest. Her heart raced with fear, and she anxiously twirled her fingers, trying to calm her nerves.

As the car entered the grand haveli, Paridhi emerged, ensuring her dupatta was neatly arranged on her head. With trepidation, she followed the man who had taken the sweets from her, entering the imposing hall.

Upon entering, she caught sight of two figures seated before her. Bowing her head slightly, she greeted them respectfully. Kalyani, observing the girl in front of her, noted her nervous demeanor and gentle greeting.

Acknowledging Paridhi's presence with a nod, Kalyani gestured for her to take a seat. She then turned her attention to the sweets, opening one of the packets and savoring its taste. With a pleased expression, she remarked, "Mm, it is very pleasant."

Sumitra, too, savored the sweets, fixing her gaze on Paridhi, who kept her eyes lowered. However, upon receiving Kalyani's approval, Paridhi's spirits lifted slightly. Her eyes met Sumitra's, widening slightly in surprise.

Taking a sweet, Sumitra praised, "The sweets are very delicious, Paridhi."

Paridhi's heart swelled with relief and gratitude, knowing that Sumitra's approval carried weight. A faint smile graced her lips as she felt a sense of validation in Sumitra's words.

After Paridhi departed, Sumitra couldn't contain her excitement and eagerly turned to Kalyani, seeking her opinion.

"I liked the girl..." Kalyani responded with a nod, indicating her approval.

"Okay, so I will ask Abhimanyu once, and then we will go to her house," Sumitra declared, her happiness evident in her voice.

That night, Sumitra approached Abhimanyu and presented the proposal to him. To her delight, he readily agreed. With the first step taken, Sumitra wasted no time in making preparations for the next day. She gathered gifts and made arrangements to visit Paridhi's house, eager to finalize the match once Paridhi's father gave his consent.

                           •••

Rudra arrived at Thakur Haveli late at midnight, having completed his tasks for the day. As he moved to his own section of the mansion, he was met with an eerie silence, mirroring the emptiness and solitude that filled his life.