Echoes Of Destiny | Multicouple ✓

22. FRAGMENTS OF SINGHANIA FAMILY

Samaira

"Samaira, are you really okay?" Riva's voice crackled through the phone, full of concern.

"Yes, Riva, I've told you about ten times now, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound convincing. "Just take care of yourself, okay?" I couldn't help but worry about her and the unborn child.

The whole reason I agreed to my father's arrangement was to ensure they were safe.

"It's not just that, Samaira. I care for you, and I'll miss you," she said, her voice soft and sincere.

"Riva, I'll miss you too. But I'm just a phone call away," I reassured her, trying to keep things light.

I was halfway up the staircase when I saw Kriti Singhania waiting for me at the top, her eyes trained on me.

"I'll have to go now," I said, glancing at Kriti. "Don't forget your doctor appointment, okay? And please, don't stress. I'll be fine."

"Okay," Riva replied, sounding a bit hesitant. "Just take care of yourself, Samaira. I know how stressful all this is for you."

"I will," I said, ending the call as I reached the top of the stairs.

Kriti was standing there, her arms crossed, a slight smirk on her lips.

What did she want now?

"Namaste," I said, bowing slightly to take her blessings.

"Mummy ji," she corrected, her smile wide but cold. The kind of smile that didn't quite reach the eyes.

Her voice was syrupy sweet, and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I didn't trust that smile for a second.

"Of course, mummy ji," I replied, keeping my tone polite. But the words tasted bitter on my tongue.

"Samaira Aggarwal, was it? You are a one lucky girl, getting to marry into this family," Kriti Singhania said with a wide smile, though her words were dripping with venom.

I simply waited for her to continue. The way she said it made it clear that she loved to hear herself talk, and she didn't disappoint.

I sighed inwardly, my good mood evaporating.

"You know, Samaira, you are very lucky to be married into the Singhania family," she began,

You already said that, get to the point lady, it's annoying.

"We have a reputation to uphold, and we expect our family members to live up to the name."

"Yes, I understand," I replied, nodding slightly. "I'm grateful to be part of such a prestigious family."

Prestigious family, bullshit.

"Good," she said, her eyes locking with mine.

"Because with that privilege comes a lot of responsibility. We don't take kindly to scandals or disrespect. I'm sure you wouldn't want to bring any unwanted attention to our family, would you?"

"Absolutely not," I said, keeping my voice steady.

"Hmm, I told you, it's your Pehli Rasoi today. Is it done?" she asked, changing the topic, her tone suggesting she was expecting me to have forgotten.

I hadn't.

"Yes, Mummy ji," I replied.

"Good," she said as if she'd given me a compliment, her eyes narrowing slightly when I didn't flinch under her gaze.