Beneath The Storm

Chapter-2 :Shadows of Resistance

Inaara was getting ready for work, her mind buzzing with thoughts. She carefully pinned her dupatta over her kurti and glanced at the clock. She loved her routine—riding her scooty through the busy streets, feeling the wind rush against her face.
She hurried down the stairs, her soft chappals tapping against the marble floor. The morning sun filtered through the large windows of the house, casting long, golden beams across the hallway. With a quick glance at her watch, she impatiently called out, “Ishu! Mera helmet lana toh!!
(Ishu! Bring me my helmet!!)

Her mother emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Inni, you don’t need your helmet today.”

Inaara paused, her hand mid-air, about to tie her hair into a ponytail. Confusion etched on her face, she looked at her mother. “What do you mean I don’t need it? Mamma, I’m taking my scooty like always. Of course, I need my helmet.”

Her mother’s smile deepened, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Sangeeta ji sent a car for you, along with bodyguards. They’re waiting outside.”

Inaara froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Bodyguards?” The word left her lips like a question and an exclamation all at once. She walked toward the door, peeking outside to see a sleek black car with two tall, imposing men in black suits standing beside it.

Her face twisted in irritation, her lips pursed tightly as she turned to her mother. “Mamma, you know I don’t like traveling in cars. We have two cars at home, and still, I prefer my scooty. I like the freedom, the wind, the space to think. I don’t need a car and definitely not bodyguards!”

Before she could argue further, one of the bodyguards approached her, his expression stoic and professional. “Ma’am, we have strict instructions from Mrs. Rajvansh to escort you to your office.”

Inaara blinked, momentarily stunned by the formality. Her shoulders squared as she took a deep breath, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I appreciate your concern,” she said, trying to keep her voice polite, “but I’ll be fine. I’m taking my scooty today, as always.”

The bodyguard didn’t waver. “Ma’am, we are under orders to ensure your safety and take you wherever you need to go.”

Inaara felt her blood boil. She wasn't used to this kind of treatment. She had always valued her independence, her freedom to navigate the world on her own terms. She clenched her fists, exhaling sharply as she shook her head. “Alright. I’ll talk to her.” She pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly with irritation, and dialed Sangeeta’s number.

“Good morning, Inaara!” Sangeeta’s voice was warm and cheerful on the other end of the line. “I hope everything is going well?”

Inaara forced a smile, though her voice carried the weight of her frustration. “Good morning, Maa. Everything is fine, but I just wanted to talk about the bodyguards and the car... It’s really not necessary. I’m comfortable with my scooty.”

There was a soft, knowing chuckle on the other end. “I knew this would be new for you, Inaara. But you’re part of the Rajvansh family now. It’s for your safety. We want to ensure you’re protected wherever you go.Inaara, you’re going to be the daughter-in-law of the Rajvansh family soon. There are people out there who may try to harm you or use you to get to us. This is for your safety."

"But no one even knows who I am yet. My face isn't plastered all over the media," Inaara argued.

Sangeeta sighed softly. "For now. But the wedding is just days away, and soon everyone will know. This isn't just about you, it's about our family, our name. Please, beta, understand."Inaara knew there was no winning this argument. "Alright, I understand," she replied quietly, her frustration evident. "Thank you."