𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 [*Complete*]

Ch. 45 ⭐

Garewal Mansion

After finishing dinner, the Garewal and Raheja families were deeply engrossed in discussing their new business ventures when Mahir casually mentioned he'd be staying in Shimla a few more days for a business deal. Naina immediately objected, pouting slightly as she voiced her complaint.

"But Mahir, I want to go back to Delhi! I'm already bored here, and if you leave me alone in the hotel, I'll have no one to talk to."

Without missing a beat, Veena suggested, "Then why don't you stay with us, Naina? You're welcome at Garewal Mansion for as long as you're in Shimla."

Sujal's eyes snapped to his mother, looking as if she'd just announced she was adopting a pet bear. Naina, equally taken aback, glanced at Veena hesitantly, not quite sure what to say.

Mahir, on the other hand, was thrilled. "That's perfect! I'll feel so much more at ease knowing Naina's safe with you all."

The next morning, Rishi arrived at Naina's hotel, flashing her a mischievous smile as he helped load her bags into the car.

"Ready to step into your sasural, bhabhi?" he teased.

Naina raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "Bhabhi? And what do you mean by 'sasural'?" she questioned, though her curiosity held a glint of amusement.

She had long noticed the Garewal family's quiet yet persistent matchmaking attempts between her and Sujal, finding it both endearing and bittersweet. They seemed eager to bring Sujal some happiness, but little did they know the complexities beneath the surface. Naina couldn't help but think about Rajveer and her mission. She knew she'd need to get to the bottom of all this while she stayed at the Garewal mansion; she'd talk to Rajveer at the first opportunity. The clock was ticking on her mission, and everything felt like a tangled web.

Rishi smirked, catching her slight hesitation. "Just because Big Bro doesn't say much doesn't mean I haven't noticed those little looks you two keep exchanging," he said with a wink. "It's only a matter of time before you're officially 'bhabhi' to all of us."

Naina's cheeks warmed slightly as she rolled her eyes, laughing off his teasing while mentally preparing herself. "Oh, Rishi," she replied playfully, "maybe you're just seeing what you want to see."

Rishi chuckled as he settled into the driver's seat, glancing over at her. "Maybe, or maybe I just have an eye for these things!" He winked before turning his attention to the road, leaving Naina to her thoughts as they headed toward Garewal Mansion.

.. .. - - - - .. ..

After arriving at the Garewal mansion, Veena led Naina to a cozy guest room with a warm smile. "Beta, just let me know if you need anything at all," she said, her tone filled with genuine care.

"Thank you, Auntie," Naina replied, a hint of gratitude in her voice. "But you do realize that I would've been just fine at the hotel, right? You really didn't need to go to all this trouble."

Veena brushed off her concern with a wave of her hand. "It's no trouble at all, dear. We're happy to have you here." She gave Naina an encouraging smile. "Why don't you settle in? I'll bring you a cup of coffee to help you feel right at home." With that, she hurried off.

Naina smiled to herself, feeling an unexpected warmth from the Garewal family's hospitality. Setting her luggage beside the bed, she sat down, momentarily allowing herself to relax. The previous night had been productive: she'd managed to plant spy bug in Mahir's phone without raising any suspicions. Now, every time Mahir used it, she and her team would receive real-time updates, giving them an upper hand in the mission.