His Unrequited Love

Chapter ~ 24

Reyansh walked into the room and saw Aadrika emerging from the bathroom. He handed her a bottle of juice. She glanced at him, then at the bottle he held out.

"Do you really think I'll accept this, Mr. Rajvanshi?" Aadrika asked.

Reyansh chuckled and replied, "The bottle is sealed, so you can rest assured."

Aadrika looked at him, opened the bottle, and confirmed that it was indeed sealed. She took a sip of the liquid and said,

"Thank you."

Reyansh smiled, walked over to her, stood close, and teased, "I expect better from you next time, not like the one you pulled out earlier."

Aadrika smiled back and replied in a same tone, "I won't disappoint you next time, husband."

With that, she walked away as her phone rang. Reyansh watched her go, a smile playing on his lips, and muttered.

"Junglee billi."

____________

Aadrika was preparing for her muhdikhai ceremony, a traditional event where she would be adorned in a heavy saree. Dhriti was assisting her with pleating the intricate fabric. After helping with the saree, Dhriti moved on to help with Aadrika's makeup and hair.

As Dhriti finished, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

"You look amazing bhabhi," she complimented Aadrika.

"Thank you, Dhriti," Aadrika replied with a smile adorned on her lips.

"I have to go get ready also." Dhriti smiled and excused herself.

Alone now, Aadrika turned to look herself in the mirror. She picked up her phone and watched a video sent by her father. A smile crossed her lips, but soon tears welled up in her eyes.

"Mamma, miss you so much baby," she whispered.

Suddenly the sound of the door opening startled Aadrika. She quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Reyansh standing there. Their eyes met briefly before Aadrika looked away, feeling a rush of emotions.

Reyansh gazed at Aadrika with a furrowed brow as he walked towards her and inquired,

"Aadrika, are you okay?"

Aadrika swallowed nervously, gathered her courage, met his gaze, and replied.

"Are you concerned about me, Mr. Rajvanshi?"

A smile played on Reyansh's lips as he responded.

"Yes, I am."

Aadrika, taken aback by his answer, was left speechless and asked.

"Why?"

Reyansh smiled, approached her, and said.

"Because I have the right to be concerned about my wife."

His words stirred something within her, sending a shiver down her spine. She broke eye contact, causing him to turn away and walk off.

Confused by his actions, Aadrika utter.

"What was that?"

She looked at his retreating back and muttered.

"Whatever this man is trying to do with me, I will not let him succeed."

She then sat down on the bed, determined to speak with her father and fulfill his promise.

________

Aadrika descended the stairs with Dhriti for her muhdikhai ceremony. Many ladies from the neighborhood had begun to arrive to celebrate this special occasion. Aadrika was seated on a small couch, her face veiled, awaiting the start of the ceremony.