Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-78: Where She's the Favourite

Long Chapter Ahead with 10K+ Words.

Enjoy!!!!

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The grand hall of Rajvansh Mansion buzzed with soft chatter and delicate laughter.

A few of Sangeeta's close friends were gathered around, dressed in elegant sarees, sipping tea from fine china.

From the kitchen doorway, Inaara appeared, graceful yet unassuming.

Two maids followed behind her, pushing a trolley laden with beautifully arranged snacks.

As they reached the table, Inaara personally began serving the dishes, her every move filled with an effortless grace that didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, Inaara beta, come sit with us!" one of the ladies called out warmly, patting the seat beside her.

Inaara offered a shy smile and set the tray down before slipping into the seat next to Sangeeta.

One of the older women, her bangles jingling as she spoke, said with a wide smile, "You know, Inaara, I was so happy to see you keeping Karwachauth. Girls these days hardly care about such things anymore."

Inaara simply smiled, her expression soft and respectful.

Another woman, sharper in her tone and demeanor, scoffed lightly.

"Honestly, I don't see the need for these fasts and all this drama. It's outdated-regressive, even. Why should only women fast? Why not men too? And you, being such an educated girl... how can you even believe in all this?"

For a brief moment, silence stretched across the group.

All eyes turned to Inaara, some expectant, some judgmental.

Inaara's smile never faltered.

She folded her hands calmly in her lap and replied, her voice steady and composed, "Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, aunty. I respect that. But I also believe in our traditions and culture. Education doesn't mean forgetting where we come from-it means understanding our roots even more deeply."

There was a pause.

Sangeeta's face broke into a proud smile, her eyes glistening with approval.

Some of the ladies nodded appreciatively, while others exchanged skeptical glances, rolling their eyes in silent disapproval.

Inaara sat poised, unaffected, her quiet strength speaking volumes without the need for another word.

Listening to Inaara's composed answer, one of the women, Talat, leaned forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Very good, Inaara," she said, clapping her hands lightly.

"I'm impressed. Sangeeta, your daughter-in-law is very intelligent. No wonder Atharv cares for her so much... always following behind her. But don't you think it's odd to atharv trailing behind his wife."

Her words, though laced with praise, carried a hidden barb.

Sangeeta's face remained calm as she replied, her voice firm, "Talat, they are husband and wife. How Atharv behaves with Inaara is their equation. It's not my place to interfere, unless his behavior is wrong towards her. And don't you think Atharv being gentle with Inaara is something to be proud of, not questioned?"