In the heart of chaos

Chapter 36

Eight months had passed since Aarohi and Rishi's playful banter had evolved into something neither had anticipated: an engagement. Yet, despite their growing bond, their lighthearted fights and teasing remained a constant feature of their relationship, creating a dynamic that was both frustrating and endearing. Meanwhile, the tension between Aarohi and the Birlas, especially Akshara and Abhimanyu, had simmered down into an unsettling silence. But that peace felt temporary, like the calm before a storm.

It was a sunny morning at the Goenka mansion. Aarohi, looking at her ring as it glistened in the daylight, still found it surreal. She smiled softly, thinking about how far she and Rishi had come. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ever-energetic Trisha and Shalini, who seemed to have made teasing Aarohi their personal mission since her engagement.

Shalini grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "So, Rishi messaged this morning? What did he say, huh? More flirting or some cryptic 'see you later' text?"

Trisha, with a laugh, added, "Did he ask you to meet him for another 'serious' doctor chat that somehow turns into a coffee date?"

Aarohi rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "You two really need a new hobby other than obsessing over my relationship."

"Oh please," Trisha retorted. "It's so much fun to watch you two bicker like kids one moment and then act all lovey-dovey the next. You two are like a rom-com on repeat."

Before Aarohi could respond, Kairav and Vansh walked in, arms crossed, with identical protective expressions on their faces.

"So," Kairav began, his voice serious. "What's this we hear about Rishi taking you out late last night?"

Vansh joined in. "Isn't there a curfew or something for engaged couples? Just because he's a doctor doesn't mean he gets a free pass."

Aarohi laughed, clearly used to her brothers' overprotectiveness. "Relax, it was just dinner. And he's already asked for your permission, hasn't he?"

"That doesn't mean we're going to stop watching over you," Vansh said with a smirk. "We're just making sure."

"Yeah, making sure he knows you're still our little sister, engagement or not," Kairav added.

Shalini and Trisha giggled as Aarohi waved them off. "Okay, okay. I'm not going anywhere. Besides, you both like him, admit it."

Vansh grumbled, "Maybe... but don't tell him that."

Kairav shrugged, "We might tolerate him... for now."

Just then, Manish entered the room, his smile wide. "I hear there's a family meeting, and no one invited me?"

Aarohi shot him a warm smile. "Just the usual—they're trying to grill me about last night."

Manish chuckled. "Ah, my little Aarohi. They'll never stop watching over you, but that's their way of showing love." His tone softened as he placed a gentle hand on Aarohi's shoulder. "We're all proud of you, you know that, right?"

Aarohi's heart warmed at his words. "I know, Bade Papa. And I couldn't have made it here without all of you."

Later that evening, after a long day at work, Aarohi found herself in her room, the quiet of the night wrapping around her. She walked over to her dresser and pulled out the necklace she treasured most—the one Naira had given her in a dream. As she held it in her hands, the memories of that night, the emotions, and Naira's words came rushing back.

Standing by the window, she looked up at the stars, as she often did when she needed to think or feel connected to her parents and Naira. Her mind drifted to the conversation she had with Naira in her dream, and how real it had felt.

"Naira maa," Aarohi whispered, clutching the necklace close to her heart, "I wish you could see me now. I wonder what you would say. Would you be proud of the woman I've become? Sometimes, I still feel so lost, like I'm stuck between being your daughter and Sirat's, like I don't fully belong to either world."

She sighed deeply, blinking away a few tears. "But I try... I try to be strong. Just like you were. Everyone says I'm like you, but I don't know if I'll ever be as amazing as you were."

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Shalini.

"I thought I'd find you here," Shalini said, stepping into the room. "Talking to the stars again?"

Aarohi smiled, nodding. "It helps me think. Helps me feel closer to them."

Shalini came over, wrapping her arm around Aarohi's shoulders. "You're amazing, Aaru. You've come so far, and honestly, I think you're even stronger than you realize."

Aarohi chuckled softly. "You think so?"

"I know so," Shalini said with a confident grin. "And you know what? Rishi's lucky to have you. You two may fight like cats and dogs, but I see the way he looks at you."

Aarohi rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, don't you start."

Shalini just laughed. "Come on, let's go downstairs. I think Vansh and Kairav are plotting something."

As they headed downstairs, Aarohi felt a little lighter, her worries momentarily lifted by the warmth of her family. But deep down, she knew the next few months would bring more challenges—especially with Akshara and Abhimanyu remaining unusually quiet. The silence between them was almost too peaceful, and Aarohi couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing, something she needed to be prepared for.

But for tonight, as she walked hand-in-hand with her family, she allowed herself to simply enjoy the moment. Because in this house, with these people, she was loved. And that, for now, was enough.