His Lavender forever

chapter 4

                   Happy reading
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The evening air was thick with anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Rathore estate. Ruhani was bustling around the grand dining room, ensuring every detail was perfect for the dinner party celebrating Sanaya's marriage. The table was adorned with elegant floral arrangements and fine china, reflecting the warmth and love she wanted to convey.

Sanaya stood in the spacious kitchen, helping the staff prepare the dishes. Despite the bustling activity around her, a sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that tonight would bring scrutiny, eyes watching her every move.

As the clock ticked closer to dinner time, the front door swung open, and the cheerful voice of Viraj echoed through the hall. "I'm back!" he called out, his laughter filling the air. Sanaya turned, and saw a man walking in from the door.

"Viraj!" Ruhani exclaimed, rushing to greet her youngest son with open arms. The warmth of their reunion made Sanaya confused, as she didn’t know who he was or why he was there.

Just as they settled in, Viraj asked eagerly, "Where is my bhabhi, Maa?"

Ruhani smiled. "She’s in the kitchen, organizing for dinner."

Viraj grinned. "Let me see her."

Ruhani stopped him. "Wait here, I’ll call her."

A few moments later, Sanaya entered the room, slightly anxious. "Maa, who is he?" she asked, looking at Viraj.

Ruhani chuckled. "He’s your youngest devar, Viraj."

Sanaya’s brow furrowed. "But I didn’t see him at the wedding?"

Ruhani nodded. "He had exams, so he couldn’t attend."

Viraj jumped in, flashing his signature smile. "Hi, Bhabhi! I’m Viraj, your younger devar. If you’re ever in a bad mood, come to me—I’ve got all kinds of tricks to cheer you up!"

Sanaya managed a smile. "Thank you, Viraj."

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Abhiraj strode in, his presence instantly commanding attention. Despite having been away on business, he seemed to blend seamlessly back into the family dynamic. Sanaya’s gaze met his, and for a moment, memories of their earlier encounter flooded her mind.

**Flashback**

It had been a surreal experience returning to the Rathore mansion after the wedding. Abhimaan had opened the car door and stepped out, leaving Sanaya feeling abandoned and unsure. As she fumbled with her dress, a sudden sense of dread washed over her. The imposing entrance loomed ahead, and she hesitated.

Then, just as she was about to take a step forward, the door swung open, revealing Abhiraj. He stood there with a warm smile, his aura exuding kindness. "Bhabhi, I am your devar," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring.

Sanaya’s heart had fluttered at the unexpected warmth from him, a stark contrast to Abhimaan’s coldness. Abhiraj had helped her out of the car, offering her a sense of comfort in that daunting moment.

**End Flashback**

Shaking off the memory, Sanaya returned her focus to the present, noticing Abhiraj’s keen gaze on her. He walked over, settling on the couch near Viraj. "How are you, Bhabhi?" he asked, his tone a mix of warmth and seriousness.

Sanaya offered a small smile. "Trying to keep myself together, I guess."

"Don’t worry," Abhiraj reassured her. "Family dinners can be daunting, but it’s mostly just our parents reminiscing and embarrassing each other."

Viraj chimed in with a laugh. "And then there’s Abhi Bhai, who will sit quietly and roll his eyes at all of us."

Sanaya laughed, her heart lightening a bit. "He does seem to have a knack for that."

As the dinner guests began to arrive, the Rathore mansion was soon filled with close family friends. Laughter and chatter echoed through the grand halls, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Sanaya took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay composed.

Ruhani welcomed each guest warmly, her excitement palpable. As the table filled with delicious dishes, Sanaya found herself seated between Viraj and Pihu, who were already engaged in playful banter.

"Viraj, your hair looks like a bird’s nest," Pihu teased, nudging her brother.

"Better than your never-ending shopping addiction," Viraj shot back with a grin.

Sanaya found herself laughing as the two continued their lighthearted teasing, feeling more at ease as their brother-sister banter filled the room.

"Abhiraj bhai, tell her to stop!" Viraj mock-whined, causing Pihu to roll her eyes.

Abhiraj, seated nearby with an intense, commanding aura that mirrored Abhimaan's, . "You two never grow up, do you?"

At the head of the table, Abhimaan sat quietly, observing the interactions with a detached expression. His gaze occasionally flickered toward Sanaya, leaving her to wonder if there was something more behind his silence.

Amidst the laughter, Abhiraj and Abhimaan exchanged a few words about business, their conversation carrying a weight of authority that silenced the playful energy for a moment.

"How’s the new deal progressing, Abhiraj?" Abhimaan asked, his voice calm yet imidating and commanding.

"It’s moving smoothly.Abhiraj responded, his tone just as firm.

Abhimaan ok we'll discuss it afterwards.

Their exchange left Sanaya even more intrigued, realizing the depth of the business empire they both ran, as well as the subtle power dynamics between the brothers.

As dinner came to a close, Ruhani stood to raise a toast. "To Sanaya, our elder daughter-in-law! May your journey with us be filled with joy and love."

The room erupted in applause, and Sanaya felt warmth spread through her. For the first time that night, she allowed herself to relax, feeling a sense of belonging—though fleeting.

But her momentary comfort was shattered when Abhimaan suddenly stood. "Business calls," he muttered under his breath before leaving the table without so much as a glance in her direction.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Sanaya’s heart sank as she watched him walk away, the familiar distance between them reappearing.

Viraj was the first to break the silence. "Don’t worry about Abhi Bhai, Bhabhi. He has his own way of dealing with things. Just give him time."

Sanaya nodded, though uncertainty still gnawed at her. She turned her attention back to the remnants of the dinner, trying to enjoy the rest of the evening .

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