The Rathore's Family

wish to catch her attention.chapter-10:

"What's your college time?" Riddhima asked.

"Chachi, I think it's—" Drishti started, but her words were cut off by the stern presence of Dadi (Urmila) at the doorway.

"College? Who is going to college?" Dadi's disapproving tone pierced the air. "Riddhima, I hope you're not thinking—"

"Dadi, woh—" Drishti attempted to explain, her voice shaking.

"Stop!" Dadi raised her hand, silencing her.

"Please, listen to Bhabhi," Vihaan interjected, trying to ease the tension.

"Shut up, Vihaan. I'm not here to listen to her. It's her fault for wanting to join college after I denied her!" Dadi's voice boomed, emphasizing her last words.

"Ma, that's not what Vihaan meant! You're misunderstanding," Riddhima pleaded, her tone desperate.

Dadi folded her arms, her eyes narrowed. "Oh, please tell me what I'm unable to understand!" she mocked.

"Please don't be angry. Let's discuss this calmly," Drishti urged, her gaze steady.

Dadi's eyes flared with irritation. "You really thought I would listen to you, Bahurani? That's delusional."

Drishti felt tears welling up, her fear making it hard to speak clearly. Yet, she knew she had to stand her ground. Dadi had a habit of verbally attacking her, but today was different. I won't tolerate this mistreatment any longer. I'm going to college for myself, not for you or anyone else.

The room fell silent; everyone was taken aback by her sudden assertiveness. Drishti had always been submissive, but today she was determined to break that pattern.

Dadi didn't like the way Drishti spoke to her. She narrowed her eyes and stepped closer, arms crossed. "How dare you talk to me like this?" Dadi said, her voice dripping with authority. But Drishti held her ground, her determination unwavering.

"I'm sorry, Dadi, but I can't let you control my life," she replied, her gaze unwavering.

Dadi's grip tightened on Drishti's shoulder, pain radiating through her. "You'll listen to me! People follow my instructions, do you understand?"

Anjali stepped in, "Ma, please don't hurt Drishti. She must be in pain." But Dadi ignored her, focusing solely on Drishti.

"Young lady, I don't care about your excuses. You'll follow my orders!" Dadi's voice was filled with rage as she tightened her hold. Drishti's eyes flashed defiantly. "No, Dadi. I refuse to submit. I need to live my own life."

Anjali rushed to Drishti's side, trying to pry Dadi's fingers from her arm. "Please let her go, Dadi. You're causing her pain," she begged.

Dadi finally released her grip, stepping back. The marks left behind were a stark reminder of Dadi's anger. Anjali quickly examined Drishti's arm, her heart sinking at the sight of the red marks.

Seeing the bruises, Vihaan's anger flared. "Dadi, this is not how we treat family."

Suddenly, Dadi burst into a fit of laughter, leaving everyone confused. Anjali spoke softly, "Ma, what—"

"Family? I don't consider her family!" Dadi scoffed.

"Does Advait consider her his wife?" Advait interjected, his voice steady.

The room fell silent, everyone unsure how to respond to Dadi's harsh words. Drishti looked down, holding back tears, while Anjali and Riddhima exchanged worried glances.

Anjali tried to defuse the situation. "Dadi, let's not argue. We can all sit down and talk about this."

"I don't want to see her face," Dadi spat, turning away and leaving a heavy silence behind her. Drishti wiped her tears and forced a smile, trying to reassure everyone. But deep down, she knew Dadi's words stung.

Once Dadi left, Anjali and Drishti remained in the kitchen. Anjali could see the hurt in Drishti's eyes.

"What's wrong, Drishti?" Anjali asked gently.

"Ma, if you don't mind, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, beta. Ask me."

"Why didn't you tell her that Advait wants me to go to college?"

Anjali sighed. "If I had said that, she wouldn't have believed me. I didn't want you to face more problems."

"I promise you, one day no one will stop you from doing what you want," Anjali reassured her.

Later that evening, Drishti cleaned her room while listening to music. Despite everything being in order, she kept adjusting things. She hadn't left her room all day, feeling overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, in the hall, Dada Ji looked around. "Where's Drishti? I haven't seen her this morning."

"She's probably in her room," Dadi replied dismissively.

Vihaan and Amaira were engaged in a heated game, their playful bickering filling the background.

"Don't you both have anything better to do?" a stern voice interrupted.

Vihaan and Amaira's eyes widened as they recognized Advait. They quickly put their phones down, looking sheepish.

"Bhaiya, how did you get here at this time?" Amaira stuttered.

Advait raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, sometimes even I like to surprise you."

Vihaan pointed at Amaira. "It's her fault; she forced me to play these childish games!"

"Really? Liar," Amaira shot back, rolling her eyes. Vihaan chuckled, knowing he was caught.

Dada Ji smiled. "Advait beta, go change and come join us. It's rare to see you at home like this."

Advait nodded, heading to his room while Vihaan and Amaira sighed in relief. "Bach gaye aaj toh."

When Advait reached his door, he found it locked. "Oh my god, why did she lock it?" he muttered, knocking.

After a moment, Drishti opened the door, looking flustered. "Sorry, I didn't realize," she said.

Advait walked in, scanning the room as if searching for something suspicious. He headed toward the dressing room to change, glancing at Drishti on the sofa, absorbed in her phone.

"Why does this girl act like she doesn't want to see me?" he muttered, stepping out of the room.

He felt a confusing mixture of emotions stirring within him, realizing that, despite the restrictions, he was beginning to feel something for Drishti.

Thoda sa pyaar hua bahut hai baki>😁