Chapter 3

Chapter 3 –

Shivani’s POV

I placed the bowl of kheer carefully on the dining table. The sweet aroma lingered in the air, warm and comforting, yet my mind remained elsewhere—still caught between rituals, expectations, and the quiet tension that seemed to breathe within the Malhotra family.

“Shivani, sit,” Ranvijay ji said.

I obeyed, sliding into the chair beside Gautam.

The servants served the kheer, and one by one, everyone tasted it. Compliments followed almost instantly.

I kept my hands folded in my lap, smiling politely, letting their words pass over me without revealing even a fraction of my thoughts.

Gautam tasted the kheer last.

A faint curve appeared on his lips, his eyes softening just enough to look convincing. Affection—carefully crafted, rehearsed, worn for an audience. Exactly as he had warned me last night.

I met his gaze and returned the smile—subtle, measured. A silent understanding passed between us.

“Thank you,” I said softly to everyone, bowing my head slightly as I accepted their praise.

Then came the gifts.

Each wrapped box, each warm gesture, felt like another thread binding me deeper into this family. Acceptance. Expectations. Responsibilities I had stepped into knowingly—and yet, cautiously.

Anamika ji’s attention shifted to Ritvik. “Why are you sitting with such a sad expression, beta?” she asked gently.

Before he could answer, Sarla chachi spoke up, almost too quickly. “Bhabhi, Ritvik is upset because we’re going back to London in two days. He wants to stay here, but Rakesh ji and I have decided he’ll help his brother Aarush with the business there.”

Her gaze flicked briefly toward Payal before returning to Anamika ji. “Payal is also coming with us. And, Bhabhi, we’ve decided she’ll get married this year. She’s the eldest—it’s time. But look at her, still single, while the younger ones are already married.”

Payal, who had been silent till now, slowly looked up.

Calm. Steady. Unyielding.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said evenly. “And I’m not marrying anyone. I’ve just secured a big deal—a huge opportunity for my business. So… I’m sorry, Maa, if that disappoints you. But I’m staying.”

She rose, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I’m getting late for the office. I’m leaving.”

Sarla ji called after her, voice sharp with frustration, but Payal didn’t stop. She walked out without looking back, leaving a palpable tension in her wake.

“What should I do with this girl…” Sarla ji muttered to herself before heading toward her room. Rakesh ji followed her quietly, likely to contain the brewing storm.

Soon, the rest of the family dispersed—off to offices, meetings, and responsibilities. The mansion slowly returned to its familiar stillness.

Gautam stood up, composed as ever. “I’m leaving for the office.”

I nodded. “Go safely. Bye,” I replied, my voice neutral, my expression carefully controlled.

I followed him to the door, watching as he got into his car and drove away. The sound of the engine faded, leaving behind an unsettling silence.

Stepping back inside, I paused for a moment.

My thoughts replayed the morning—the conversations, the subtle power struggles, the unspoken ambitions hiding behind polite smiles.

Every glance. Every word. Every pause.

I stored it all away quietly.

This house wasn’t just filled with people.

It was filled with stories.

And I had just stepped right into the middle of them.

This was going to be… interesting.

**********

Author’s Note:

If you enjoyed this chapter, don’t forget to vote, comment, and let me know what you think .

Your thoughts, theories, and reactions mean a lot and keep me motivated to write more!