THE RAJHANS SISTERS

CAPTIVATION

The next morning, Nishi called Rajat to meet her at a coffee house. An hour had passed, but Nishi still hadn't explained why she wanted to see him. She was quietly sipping her cold coffee.

"Nishi, look, I have an important meeting in half an hour, and I need to go," Rajat said. "You haven't told me why you called me here. Since we arrived, I've been the only one talking. You haven't said a word."

"Rajat... well... the thing is... I don't know how to start," she said, holding his hand. "I know our families just discussed our relationship for the first time yesterday, but today I need to tell you... Rajat, I don't want to get married."

Rajat was shocked by her last statement. He coughed, "What?"

"I mean, not now. Look, Rajat, Nitya Di is so troubled right now. Until she gets better, until she starts laughing and smiling again like she used to... how can I..."

Rajat sighed and smiled. "This was the issue? You scared me. In fact, I was going to talk to you about this myself. When someone in the family is going through a tough time, we can't go ahead with a wedding. Don't worry, I'll explain to Mom, and I'm sure she'll understand. And don't worry, I'll wait for you... even if it means a lifetime," he said reassuringly.

Nishi smiled and kissed his palm gently, feeling delighted with his understanding and support. She was glad to have such a considerate partner.

Rajat squeezed her hand gently, looking into her eyes. "We'll get through this together, Nishi. Nitya Di will get better, and when she does, we'll have our moment. Until then, I'm right here by your side."

Nishi nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Rajat. It means a lot to me."

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, letting the words sink in. Rajat finished his coffee and checked his watch. "I really need to go now, but let's meet for dinner later? We can talk more then."

"Sure, that sounds good," Nishi agreed.

Rajat stood up and kissed her forehead gently. "Take care, Nishi. We'll get through this."

As Rajat left, Nishi watched him go with a sense of calm and certainty. She knew they were in this together, and that made all the difference. She pulled out her phone to check on Nitya and sent her a quick message, feeling hopeful about the days to come.

Aniket had called for a board meeting. All the board members were present, and until he arrived, the hall echoed with their voices speculating about the sudden meeting. Aniket entered the hall, and the voices went silent.

"Everyone, please settle down," he said to the board members who stood up.

"Before we start..." he began, but then he heard a clap. He looked up and saw Nitya entering. She was dressed in a formal suit, her hair tied in a high ponytail, wearing the same outfit he had seen her in the first time she wore formals. That one look of hers had driven him crazy.

"I'm impressed, Mr. Sharma. Personally, you've already forgotten all your responsibilities. Are you going to forget them at the office as well?" she commented.

Aniket was shocked at her sudden appearance at the office. "You're here?" he asked.

"Mr. Aniket Sharma... perhaps you've forgotten. I signed the divorce papers, not my resignation. I'm still an important board member, and I demand an explanation, Mr. Sharma. Why wasn't I informed about this board meeting?" she demanded.

"I am sorry," he said softly.

"You should be," she replied, holding a hurt expression that he could easily notice.