His Unrequited Love

Chapter ~ 22

As Reyansh and Aadrika's car arrived at Rajvanshi's mansion, Dhriti approached the vehicle. Reyansh emerged from one side, while Aadrika was still seated inside the car. Reyansh then gallantly walked over to Aadrika's side and opened the door, allowing Dhriti to assist Aadrika in fixing her lehenga.

Together, they strolled towards the grand entrance of Rajvanshi's mansion. Dhriti went inside to retrieve a thaal filled with kumkum, while Reyansh's mother performed their aarti. She then placed a pot filled with akshat (rice) and instructed Aadrika to push it with the thumb of her right foot, which Aadrika did obediently.

Afterwards, Dhriti set the thaal down and cheerfully exclaimed,

"Now put your feet in the thaal of kumkum and come inside, bhabhi." Aadrika followed her instructions, leaving her footprints behind as she entered Rajvanshi's mansion, with her husband by her side. Then they were directed towards the hall.

After being directed to the hall, they were seated and asked to untie the knots of a multi layered white thick thread tied in their wrists. Dhriti came over, removed the handkerchief tied around their wrists, and then instructed them.

"Bhai, you must untie the knots using only one hand. Remember, do not use your other hand," she said.

Reyansh sighed as the ceremony began. With difficulty, he managed to untie all seven knots. Aadrika was then asked to do the same she smiled slightly towards Dhriti and successfully completed the challenging task of untying the seven knots with just one hand.

Next, they were asked to play a game of finding a ring in a large vessel filled with water, milk, flower petals, and coins.

"Are you both ready?" Dhriti asked, receiving nods from both of them.

"Remember, bhabhi, the winner of this game will have the upper hand in your marriage. You must win at all costs."

Dhriti said, a mix of seriousness and playfulness in her tone. Reyansh looked at her and shook his head, amused by his sister's favoritism towards Aadrika.

"Okay, let's begin," Dhriti said with excitement, and both Reyansh and Aadrika started searching for the ring. Aadrika found it on her first attempt.

"Yes!" Dhriti exclaimed excitedly but Reyansh won the second round.

"Bhabhi, you must win this time, no matter what."

Dhriti said, prompting Aadrika to nod in agreement. The final round commenced, with both Reyansh and Aadrika playing with intense focus. Suddenly, Reyansh's hand stopped, and he looked at Aadrika, who was still searching for the ring. He smiled at her, then gently took her hand, under the water causing her to gulp nervously. He looked at her and then passed the ring to her.

Aadrika's heart skipped a beat as Reyansh handed her the ring first. She looked at him. He smiled at her, causing her to snap out of her trance, she pulled her hand out of the water and showed the ring to everyone, everyone clapped their hands.

"Congratulations, bhabhi, you won! I am so happy," Dhriti exclaimed excitedly, prompting those present to shake their heads at her exuberance.

"Why are you so happy?" Reyansh asked his sister, puzzled by her joy in his defeat.

"You wouldn't understand, bhai. Just forget it," Dhriti replied dismissively.

Reyansh shook his head, and then their grandmother stepped forward, putting an end to their banter.

"Enough from both of you," she said, turning to Aadrika with a warm smile.

"You must be tired, my dear."