Chapter: Where trust begins

Chapter: Where trust begins

“ Jail..?” His voice slid through the air , disbelief etched across his face as he tilted his head slightly, brows knitted in confusion., “Which jail are you talking about?”

Sanyogita stood rooted to the ground, a palpable tension wrapping around her like a voice. “ Aap..? “ she stammered , hastily clearing her throat ,“ I mean , you came early— didn't even inform me !” A shaky breath escaped her lips , forcing herself to steady her racing heart .

However, Prithvi's intense gaze bore into her , unwavering . “ That wasn't the answer to my question”He replied firmly, slipping hands into his pants’ pockets.

Her heart thudded violently, as she felt the air thicken between them. “ W-why are you looking at me like this…?” Her voice trembled , the words tumbling out before she could stop them . “ As if I have committed some crime .” clasping her hands over chest like armour to protect her secret.

Prithvi’s expression softened just for a moment , before he strolled inside , dropping his bag on the sofa and stood before the lavish dressing table . “You were bubbling alone and you're asking my gaze ?“ his attention shifted as he went busy unfastening his tie .

Sanyogita stood still, heat rushing to her as irritation flared within her . “ Sawal toh hume aapse puch na chaiye..”

Prithvi's hands froze mid-way , his eyes narrowing as he glanced into the mirror.“ Matlab?”

A mischievous grin glinted across her face as she shot back “ In this house, people have already declared my pregnancy without me even knowing . “

Prithvi's thoughts flickered back to his nephew's words , he turned immediately, his expression morphed from confusion to shock in an instant “ Y-you..are…?” His voice was a mix of disbelief and irritation , almost like a thunderclap in the silence.

“W-what do you mean…?” She said sharply, anger bubbling beneath the surface “Everything has happened because of you..”

“ Mere wajah se ?” He pointed at himself incredulously.

She nodded, her temper boiling over. “ You left me clueless ! Since this morning , everyone's been advising me as if the baby is about to be delivered any minute.”

Prithvi rolled his eyes, a subtle hint of amusement creeping into his amrik , “ Stop stating the obvious, …” He pivoted back to his work nonchalantly. “ You're worried about things we haven't committed yet”

Sanyogita's eyes widened, she froze momentarily, and she blinked once again. Heat pooled in her cheeks , a tempest of awkwardness seeped within.

Then, he bit back his words , and immediately changed the topic “ We will discuss it later…” He removed his tie, now switching to unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt . “ By the way , who did you lend your favourite car to ?”

Sanyogita froze, an unexpected tension coiling in her gut. She tightened her jaw, contemplating her response, before slowly moving to the drawer, pulling out an envelope. With hesitant steps, she approached him, her heart racing.

“Here,” she murmured, extending her trembling hand.

“ What's this?” His confusion deepened as he took the envelope. Upon opening it,his brow furrowed—two cheques slipped from his fingers, murmuring secrets . “Where did you get this money?”

Sanyogita’s gaze faltered, her eyes darting away, avoiding the weight of his question.

She whispered hesitantly. “ For now I only have this much …These cheques of fifty lakh and forty lakhs …” She mumbled, her throat tightened making it difficult to utter “ Other remaining nineteen crores and ten lakhs I'll return soon.”

There was a pause. The silence hung between them heavily.

Prithvi stared at her, perplexed . Her words dropped on his pride like a blow , heavy and sharp. “ Where did you get the money?"

He stepped closer, determined to unravel the truth. “ You sell your…Car!” The words were heard more like a statement than a question , heavy and unshakable.

Sanyogita's gaze faltered , she shifted her eyes to look anywhere but not at him. She swallowed hard , steeling herself . “ Those aren't your concern, where the money came from!"

Prithvi exhaled a frustrated sigh. He felt shrunk under her deed . “ What do you think you're doing? Huh? He grasped her arms , forcing her to meet his gaze .

Sanyogita recoiled, an electric jolt of anger surging through her. “ Viraj leave me..it's none of your business!”

“As long as you sell the things you love, this is my business!” He hissed sharply “ And one minute…” he paused ,his logic crumbling under the weight of confusion “The car price is fifty lakhs. Where did you get the rest ?”

“Woh aapko janne ki zarurat nahi hai ,” She snapped coldly, agitation lacing her voice “I earned it before marriage , and I'll repay every last penny …somehow.”

He turned his back to him and then put his hand above his waist, his shoulder heaving up and down as he swallowed the anger and his wounded pride . Then he turned again , a slow smirk took shape on his lips “ Repay..?”

She took a breath, her resolve hardening . “ Viraj, I told you I'll pay you back soon…” Her voice trailed off, a mix of determination and vulnerability.

Prithvi studied at her still , his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and queries, a rebellion against his pride . He held the cheque aloft, just looked at them as if they were singing in his vision. Then he turned his piercing gaze back at her .

“Tumhe lagta hai ki mein … “ He stopped, as if wrestling with the tempest of turmoil rolling within him. A faint smile flickered on his face “ Sanjh…I asked you to return it, but not like this ..”

Sanyogita's eyes squeezed shut, fighting the surge of emotions threatening to overflow. “ Viraj….” she whispered quietly, determination and gratitude laced in her tone “, You have already done so much for me .But… I can't live in your debt."

Prithvi's chest tightened , a weight setting within him heavy . His eyes bore to meet her gaze; the intensity of her resolve rattled him. He looked anywhere but not onto her face “I know my words were harsh…. but I never meant anything truly.”

Sanyogita's chest squeezed , a fresh wave of hurt washed over her , her eyes sting with unshed emotions. “ Nahi,.. Viraj. "She held her ground , the fire in her tone unbeatable “ You don't need to say anything. I should tell you the truth earlier , and if you want to end this …

His interruption sliced her words sharply “ Tum humesa chhod ne k baatein kyun karti ho? Relationships don't end over small mistakes . It's built on trust , loyalty and friendship .”

“ And I'm not worthy of your trust. “ Her voice dropped slowly. “ But my intention wasn't to use you …And I never did that “ she nodded her head.

Startled, she stared at him as he stepped closer , his hand slipped around her shoulders with delicacy yet firm that sent shivers down her spine . He held her steady , gazing deep into her eyes as if making a sacred promise. “ Sanjh…I know I hurt you . Maybe I reacted more than I should’ve . But …to let you know…” his voice traild slowly” I trust you .”

Her breathing hitched momentarily. Silence stretched .

He said softly “ I know our marriage happened under different circumstances, and we barely knew each other, nor did I even bother to get to know you . I agreed to this marriage because of sheer curiosity ; why do you harbour such disdain for the wealthy when you have been raised in privilege? “ Prithvi paused, still staring at her , unyielding.

“ But I'll try to work on it . “ He added softly “ Sanjh— ,” he whispered her name in such a way that always reached her deepest fears “ I didn't give you this dream —I just merely opened the door for you to chase it . If you still insist on giving me the debt , then promise me this …you'll become your best version of yourself, the dream you saw each day since what you want to be .”

Sanyogita felt a rush of surprise, her throat bobbing up and down with emotion. “ Viraj…” his name slipped from her lips like a soothing balm . “Aap, hamre sabse ache dost hain ... .but ..” he voice trembled, barely above a whisper “ what if one day… I disappoint you?”

Her eyes searched for him, fragile and uncertain. “What if this… doesn’t work? What if everything just… falls apart?”

For a moment, Prithvi didn’t answer.

He simply looked at her.

Then slowly, he stepped closer.

His hands rose , cradling her face as he gazed, firm , steady grounding her in place. His thumb brushed lightly against her cheek as he gazed down into her blue-grey eyes, which flickered against his amber ones . “ Tumhe pata hai…sabse zyada daar kis baat ka hoga ?” He said quietly

His voice wasn’t loud. But it carried weight.

A pause.

His gaze softened. “Seeing you think you’ve lost… that will.”

Her breath hitched.

“I don’t expect perfection from you, Sanjh,” he continued, softer now. “I’m not here to measure you… or judge you.” A faint smile touched his lips. “I’m here to stand with you.”

He murmured ,“ No marriage is perfect . It’s two imperfect people… deciding they won’t walk away.

Sanyogita’s fingers trembled slightly against his wrist.

“And if someday things do fall apart…” he added, his voice dropping deeper, steadier—“then we fix it.”

Another pause.

“Together.”

Her eyes welled up, but neither of them dared to shed.

“And if you ever feel trapped…” he said, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes again, “you’re free to leave.”

The words stunned her. But before the fear could settle—

He added softly, “ Because I never cage those I embrace ; they either I choose to stay.. or become a part of my world forever.”

A slow breath escaped him. His gaze held hers, unwavering. “Not because they have to.”

She froze, breath catching in her throat.

Because in that moment, he had unraveled the depths of her soul without her uttering a single word.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The setting sun painted the vast sky into an Indigo-purple hue, birds embarked to return to their nest. Shanaya knelt, intending to step out in the living room, but halfway across the corridor, the ground seemed to tilt beneath her feet and her posture faltered. One hand flew over her head while the other gripped the arm of the heavy cushion chair on the veranda. Her fingers tightened against the fabric as she tried to steady herself.

Her eyes fluttered, opening and closing once,.. then twice, before they finally dropped. She felt as if she were floating, somewhere between consciousness and sleep. Faint footsteps echoed in the corridor. Suddenly she felt firm hands holding her shoulders.

She heard a voice filled with urgency in the dimness.

“Shanaya Aunty…. aap ko toh chakar aa rahe hain. You need to rest ; I should call for a doctor.”

Shanaya’s eyes are a snapshot, for a moment she thought she was imagining things .

But no.

She was startled the moment she saw Sanyogita — the very girl whom she had never particularly liked.

Her brows switched faintly. Despite her dizziness, she instinctively stiffened and tried to pull away.

“ Am…I'm fine .” she murmured weakly, refusing to accept her courtesy.

Sanyogita's look wasn't completely convincing though.“ arey aise kaise!” She stated, words wondering with concern “ You were about to fall.”

Shanaya opened her mouth to prevent it, but Sanyogita didn't listen , and very gently and carefully, guided her towards the bedroom.

“ Aaiye, sit properly here .”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

After checking the vitals the doctor adjusted his spectacles thoughtfully. He concluded it might be due to low blood pressure, nothing serious but she needed adequate rest and food . He prescribed multivitamins and syrup to enhance appetite and also asked her to take plenty of liquids. And also mentioned if dizziness happens again, appoint him immediately in his clinic.

After giving a few more instructions, he left .

Once the doctor departed, Sanyogita stepped out to call for a worker to bring food , Shanaya stopped her in the doorway and asked her to take a seat on the bed next to her .

Sanyogita froze momentarily, simply stared at her . This was the first time Shanaya had asked her to sit with her.

Shanaya’s brow lifted impatiently. “ What? Do you need a written invitation?”

Sanyogita blinked, confused and awkwardly slid down on the mattress.

Shanaya's back lay leaning against the headboard. An uncomfortable silence settled in the room.

Sanyogita's eyes darted to the windows, the curtains, to the wall clock anywhere except Shanaya’s face.

However, Shanaya was watching quietly. For someone who always appeared confident, the lady suddenly looked…. unsure. Her own guarded pride heaved a sign of relief upon finding no one watched her getting hospitality by Sanyogita . Pranali was busy at work with her husband, Vikrant and Soumya had yet to return from college.

Sanyogita froze momentarily, studying Shanaya’s face. Shanaya raised her eyebrow dramatically, shrugging as she settled onto the mattress.

Unable to bear silence any longer, Sanyogita cleared her throat.“Aunty…would you like to eat something? ” Her tone was hesitant, yet laced with concern, "I'll ask the worker to make it.”

Shanaya shook her head sideways.“ No. If I need anything I'll manage.”

A slow sigh escaped Sanyogita's lips.

Shanaya let out firmly “ I want to talk to you.”

Sanyogita was more confused than before.“Why does she have to talk to me?” She asked in her mind .

Shanaya's hand suddenly reached forward and caught Sanyogita's wrist. She felt Sanyogita's abrupt shifting in demeanour.

Sanyogita's chest tightened slightly, the first time Shanaya asked her courteously , even though she expressed her eagerness to share her words with her.

Sanyogita nodded gently. “ Ji..…tell me .”

Shanaya drew a long breath, as if preparing herself before letting out the things she held up still , both bitter and real .

“ I know we don't like each other" she began bluntly. Her lips curled into a bitter laugh“Yet , I never planned anything to humiliate you .”

Sanyogita's eyes widened surprisingly, regarded Shanaya momentarily.

Shanaya continued,. “ I know I acted that way during our first meeting at the Ahuja company party. I was mistaken that you were insulting Vikrant, and I was angry with you for seemingly enjoying it, as if you had an old grudge against rich people.”

She paused, then whispered low “ But when I saw you at Goel Villa, I was surprised and decided to judge you by your culinary skills.”

Her tone held a hint of dry sarcasm.

Sanyogita's lips twitched faintly, pondering what Shanaya wanted to wind up with .

“ I thought you would come into this house as a bride and take revenge on all of us. But, you didn’t.” She sighed faintly.

Her gaze sombre slightly. “ You helped Soumya with her college dangerous program and even you saved Pranali Di’s life without thinking twice.”

She chuckled maliciously, “But don't misunderstand me. I’m not suddenly becoming sentimental… but you proved me wrong.” She paused , holding her pride and then letting out more "And frankly…it is embarrassing for me to admit that.”

Sanyogita gazed at Shanaya appalled, almost utterly speechless. She didn’t know how to respond. Her train of thoughts halted when Shanaya added more .

“ I'm not a people pleaser, Sanyogita,” she said firmly. Slightly embarrassed letting her facade down . “ I spoke my mind. But you're undeniably a good human being.,,and an excellent daughter-in-law.”

Her tone carried quiet respect. “Pranali Di made the right decision choosing you for Prithvi.”

Sanyogita's eyes cast downward, unable to look at her .

“And your mother's womb must be proud enough to bring a daughter like you. You are pure blood.”

The words struck somewhere deep inside Sanyogita’s heart. A sudden chest ache pierced her chest . For a fleeting moment she chose silence, unable to think of the right words.

Shanaya noticed the gravity of the situation but chose not to question it . Instead she shifted slightly against the pillow.

“ Khair… bhaut der ho gayi hai. I need to arrange a few things. “

“ Arrangements?" Words slipped involuntarily, Sanyogita asked“ for what?”

Shanaya's face lit up with pride . “ Reyansha is returning tomorrow in the morning.”

Sanyogita's eyes sparkled

“Poore do mahine baad ho laut rahi hai . And guess what–her company just got selected as one of the best event management companies of the Subcontinent.”

Shanaya’s happiness was beaming proudly. “ And Reyansha even won a prize.”

Sanyogita's face brightened instantly.. “ Sach!! It's wonderful news !” Her hands clasped instinctively “We should organise a part for her. We need to celebrate her success “

Shanaya nodded earnestly “ Indeed we will . Reyansha has been extraordinary since childhood. She's only twenty-five..and so already pretty successful. Meri beti nahi beta hai!”

Sanyogita smiled warmly. Her words dropped slowly, and carefully “ it's not about having a daughter or son, Aunty. It's about the upbringing you've given her .”

She added more gently ,“Aab jo bhi hua ,,,usey bhool jayein. It was past . And we're family now . Yeh sab toh hota hi reh ta hai.”

Shanaya regarded her momentarily . Then, unexpectedly, her hand lifted and lightly touched Sanyogita's cheek.

“ You're pretty generous while talking. Kafi achaa baatein karti hoon. Rishabh ji has real diamonds like you. He must be proud of you —A daughter who excels in academics and is a melodious professional singer ”

Sanyogita forced a small smile. For a fleeting moment her thoughts drifted back—her father's laughter, lifting her in his arms, sleeping together in the bedroom with her Mom, Dad and her tiny frame in between them two . Her mother's storytelling night after night, their vacations , their family gatherings.

That version of him felt like a distant memory.

But inside , a flame lit , burning her chest, whispered a spent hope …

“Maybe one day..

Maybe someday…

Dad will be proud of me again.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Mumbai airport terminal buzzed with morning travelers when figures emerged grabbing the attention of a few boys . Who stared at her for a moment. Her middle length, chestnut brown hair left freely open on her back . She was draped in an ocean blue square neck, sleeveless crop top , matching with a white trouser . Her smooth arms radiating were visible under the morning lights . She had light ornaments around her neck, a gold chain with a diamond pendant and a platinum bracelet around her right wrist. And also a diamond ring in her middle finger.

The moment she spotted a familiar face in the waiting area , the exhaustion seemed to melt away.

“Soumya stood frozen, her eyes widening dramatically like an anime character “ My Goodness, Di. “ She blurted out, almost laughing in disbelief. “ You look just like a fashion blogger from a magazine.”

Reyansha lips curled up into a chuckled. Before she could reply, Soumya ran forward and wrapped her arms around her tightly.

“ Miss you , so much you idiot.” Soumya muttered against her shoulder.

“ Miss you too, buk buk machine!” Reyansha grinned, hugging her sister back warmly.

Two months later , after back-to-back wedding and concert planning events across Asia , finally she returned. Finally she met her family.

For Soumya , her sister was more than just an elder sister—a role model .

As the two sisters shared an excited hug, a teasing voice emerged, and a voice whispered quietly in the air . Reyansha pulled away from Soumya only to glimpse onto the speaker . Her pupil dilated ..” Dad, you too have come to receive me …oh ! I’m so glad .” She leaned in instantly, Vikrant's hands slid around his daughter.

Vikrant's smile was brimming with delight. He had a special adoration for his Reyansha . The one who proved herself again and again. The one who achieved something remarkable.

When their car finally glided into the towering Singhaniya skyline, the grand building stood as if holding the authority. The moment they reached the entrance of the house , Reyansha’s smile widened, her mother was already waiting at the doorstep. She welcomed her with a traditional aarti , circling the plate intently before pulling her daughter into a brief embrace.

“ Mom, do the aarti double the number of times ... since the whole airport was ogling at Di as if they've seen a girl for the very first time.” Saumya’s cracking voice lightened the emotional weight of the room.

Reyansha rolled her eyes, barely unable to hide the amusement because of her younger sister's obsession over her fashion style.

However amidst the entire hustle and bustle Reyansha's disappointment seeped slightly, she had anticipated going back to their own home , instead as always, they were returning to her Aunty ( Bua’s ) house.

Years ago, when her grandfather had fallen ill, Pranali had promised him that she would always take care of Vikrant ( her younger brother) . Pranali kept that promise.

However, It wasn't that they were solely relying on Singhaniya's — when the company had once faced serious financial crises, it was Vikrant, her Dad who had stepped forward. He gave his shares to Prithvi and helped to stabilize the business.

Later , Pranali gifted them an entire floor in the Singhaniya skyline. Since then, the two families have lived under the same roof.

Everyone gave a warm welcome to Reyansha. The house was filled with excitement. Pragya and Ishanvi were already there waiting . All the ladies warmly embrace either.

Then she spotted a familiar smiling face , Ishita Singhaniya whose gaze softened immediately.

“ Ishita Aunty,” she said respectfully before hugging her gently.

Ishita reciprocated the hug with warmth. She was Pragya and Vardhan's step mother.

Reyansha had a special admiration for Ishita, despite being the wife of a wealthy businessman, she continued t her job at college. Ishita had never allowed her husband's wealth to overshadow her own profession.

She was an example of ambition that wasn't about money — but identity.

Slowly her smile faded from her face, when her gaze flickered towards someone standing quietly nearby.

Sanyogita Goyal Singhaniya.

Elder daughter-in-law of her Pranali Aunty.

Reyansha heard plenty about her over the past two months, how her music album was released and even she got a chance to sing as a playback singer in an upcoming Hindi movie. But Reyansha knew all were pursued as a gift being Prithvi Singhaniya's wife , not something she had earned on her own . Unlike where Sanyogita Goyal was, none heard about her name in the music industry. Rishabh Goyal wasn't that rich to fix the marriage of his daughter to the tycoons like Singhaniya.

She definitely had a gorgeous face and an attractive figure to lurking men , but how couldn't Prithvi have recognised her intentions. Since her childhood she knew Prithvi wasn't that man who would lose his mind to anything that smitten easily. He knew how to differentiate between diamonds and normal stones .

Albeit, Reyansha had no personal issue with her . But since he heard Sanyogita had once publicly humiliated her parents at a party, that thought alone made her skin burn. The idea that someone could have the audacity to insult her parents so casually…and Pranali Aunty still chose the girl as wife of her son , made Reyansha sick .

However, her younger sister Soumya often spoke about Sanyogita during their phone calls during her stay outside of the city , sometimes even out of the country. She could only roll her eyes and change the subject. Soumya was still young and immature enough to catch the hidden motive of any unfaithful person.

Soumya often praised her on the phone during Reyansha's stay outside of the city , she rolled her eyes and changed the subject often.

Now, standing face to face with the woman, she studied her expression quietly. To notice any subtle hint of conspiracy in her features, in her gaze . But nothing unusual was reflected.

Sanyogita was standing still , clasping hands close to her chest , a gentle smile lingered in her face . There was a small bandage over her forehead, Reyansha once heard about Sanyogita's minor accident, falling on the floor followed by her pregnancy rumours.

In Reyansha’s mind, one thought clung stubbornly—

“ A cunning girl who managed to marry into the Singhaniya family. And within three months of marriage turned her analytic cousin brother into a love sick husband.”

However, she wouldn't come into her trap. She won't trust her easily.