~United Kingdom~

A lady  sat amidst a group of man in a meeting room. Wearing a crisp white shirt and a black pencil skirt. Her dark black luscious hair flowing down her shoulders. Her lips with a tint of pink. Her eyes, focused on the screen in front.

And her face,stoic.

Her aura was screaming danger and power.

The one giving the presentation, didn't dare to look into her eyes.

The teammates were just anticipating for her insights in the presentation, they certainly didn't wanted to bring about any other changes in the presentation for the legit fifth time, on the same day, specially wondering over the fact that it was way past office hours, and they were made to work overtime without any bonus, just because, the lady there didn't find the presentation appealing.

She was Rishita Singh Rathore.

The Managing Director of the "Xanderz".

After the presentation, got over, Rishita got up from her sit. She looked at the one giving the presentation, he was certainly holding his breath.

She, just blinked to him, assuring that now "This is fine"!

And after that left from there.

The man in the room didn't release the breathe that they were holding still, as they could hear her clicking of heels.

Once they finally assured that she was gone out of sight, they breathed.

"Finally! She has no issues! ", one of them said.

" I thought.. She would keep us up the whole night! ", the other one pinpointed.

" Now that she's gone, let us leave as well, before something else falls over! ", one of them suggested.

In the basement, Rishita got inside her Rolls Royce and drove away.

_________ _________________ ______________

~Xander Mansion~

She came inside, and sat on the sofa. Just then somebody handed her a glass of water. It was Matthew, the eldest from the Xander clan, the owner of Xanderz.

Rishita took the glass from him and drank.

"You torment them a lot right!

They must be hating you! ", the old man said with a chuckle.

" Like I do care! ", Rishita shrugged.

After few seconds she said, "You shouldn't be up till this late! ".

" You don't tell me what to do and what not too, Young lady! ", Matthew retorted.

" Finee..! ", she again shrugged.

" I tried sleeping, but looks like old age and sleep don't go hand in hand. ", he said after few moments.

" So you agree you are an old hag! ", Rishita chuckled.

" Thank God, my princess doesn't have a sharp tongue like yours! ", he softly said.

" Yeah whatever! "She retorted.

"She's asleep! She waited for you though! ", he told her, as if answering the underlining question that Rishita wanted to know about.

" I am turning out to be a bad mumma na? "She asked with sincerity lacing her voice.

" You can never be a bad mumma Rishi!You very well know that "you are her world". ", the old man coaxed.

" Just give her some time. She misses you at times. "He said as he got up to leave for his room.

" Good night Young Lady! "

"Good night. ", she replied with a sigh as she too got up.

She freshened up in the nearby washroom, and then went upstairs.

There it was, her room.

She slowly opened the door. Her everything, was sleeping peacefully, with that regular frown of hers.

Her daughter. Her Aadhira. Her Ira.

She slowly went near the tiny sleeping figure of her nearly 4 and a half year old daughter.

Gently settling beside her, she softly ran her hand over her hairs.

"I am sorry Sweetheart.

I know Mumma's not making time for you,lately.

Par pakka promise, tomorrow my whole day is yours.

It's just that, business was getting bad, but Mumma handled. Now, it's just us. I'll be there everytime. "She said, as if the sleeping figure could understand her talks.

" You know what happened today, the office people, irritated Mumma a lot. Uhh! But Mumma didn't shout. Sacchi! ", She said again.

" Sacchi? "The soft voice quivered.

(" Really? ")

The little goofy ball of Rishita was not sleeping.

" You are not sleeping? ", Rishi asked.

" Oofo Mumma! I was sleeping. But you came and I woke up. ", little Aadhira said.

" Jhooth? ", Rishita asked with a squinted eye. (" Lies? ")

" Ehh I never lie! Your presence woke me up! ", the little one again said sweetly.

Rishita got lost in a thought, " She is just like him! ".

" Now! I should take that as a sweet compliment or should be angry that you are awake till late? "Rishita asked.

" Mummmaaa... I missed you! ", saying this Aadhira hugged Rishita tightly.

" Aachaa.. Accha... Par ab sote hai! It's quite late okay! ", she softly said.

" Okay! Par aapne khana khaya? ", Aadhira asked.

" Yes! ", Rishita lied.

" Jhoot? "

"I never lie! ", Rishita winked, as she laid Aadhira on the bed.

" Mumma lori! "

"Umm... Okay, close your eyes. "

("Okay.. Okay.. But now let's sleep. It's quite late okay? ")

(" Okay! But did you have your food? ")

(" Yes")

("Lies? ")

(" I never lie! ")

(" Mumma lullaby! ")

(" Umm.. Okay, close your eyes. ")

With that Rishita started singing a lullaby to make Aadhira sleep.

She softly patted Aadhira to sleep. Later she kissed her forehead and left from there.

She went to change into a nightwear.

After a while, she went to the balcony.

It was nearly 12'oclock there.

She could see the full moon.

She just closed her eyes, feeling the breeze.

After a while, coming inside. She hugged her sweetheart to sleep.

~ Next day~

As planned, Rishita spent the whole next day with her sweetheart. Playing, story telling, cooking, gardening, they both did it all.

________________ _______________ ___________

~In India~

"I can't believe hum shaadi kar rahe hai Aadhi! ", A pretty young girl clad in a purple kurti exclaimed. She had big brown eyes, a pair of silver oxidized earrings hang in her ears. Her soft silky hair flowed down her shoulders.

She was Nishita.

(" I can't believe we are getting married Aadhi! ")

" Woh bhi sirf nearly ek mahine mei! Can you believe that! Bhaii ki shaadi, sirf ek mahine mei! ", another young girl exclaimed excitedly. She was Anaya , Aadheesh's sister.

(" That too in nearly a month. Can you believe that! Bhaii is getting married!! ")

The groom, Aadheesh Goenka, sat there watching all the excitement that was flowing around him, with a smile.

Actually, it was just yesterday, that the wedding date of Aadheesh and Nishita had been decided.

Currently, they ,that's the youngsters from the Singh Rathore and Goenka families were sitted in the common garden.

Yes, a common garden. These both families of businessmen were neighbors. They had been neighbors from ages now. And finally they were going to turn their friendship into relationship now.

"Yeh bhagwaan, Tum sab log yaha bethe ho. ",Sulaksha shouted.

"Aadheesh beta, Nishi, tumhe Babasa andar bhula rahe hai! ", she futher said.

" Sirf un dono ko? ", Alok asked.

" Ha!! ", Sulaksha replied shrugging her shoulders.

" Hmm! ", Aadheesh just hummed, as they began walking inside the Rathore villa.

(" Ooh God, you all are sitting here! ")

(" Aadheesh, Nishi, Babasa is calling you both inside! ")

(" Just them both? ")

(" Yeah")

("Hmm ")

__________ ___________________ _____________

The elders of both the families were sitting in the hall.

There were cups of tea, and snacks all over.

Aadheesh and Nishita settled inside amongst the elders.

The heads of both the families exchanged looks as Rajnish spoke, "Nishi.. Aadheesh, hum sab log tumse kuch baat karna chahte hai! "

"Ji kahiye na dadusa! ", Nishita spoke softly.

" Nishi, hum sab jante hai, Iss ghar ki koi bhi shaadi pure parivaar ke bina nahi hoti. Aur kai saalo baad iss ghar mei phir se shehnayiya baaj rahi hai. ", Rajnish began.

" Beta, hum chahte hai, ki yeh shadi bhi pure parivaar ke sath ho. Usse bhi shaadi mei shamil karna chahte hai hum! ", he dropped the bomb.

(" Nishi.. Aadheesh we wanted to talk to you both about something. ")

("Yes, say na Dadusa! ")

("Nishi, we all know, none of the family's wedding has even taken place without all the family members being present. And your wedding is the first wedding that is taking place after years! ")

(" Beta, we want to have her here for the wedding as well! ")

Nishita stiffened. Everyone from the family felt that.

Rajdeep went next to her, holding her hand softly he said, " Agar Tu nahi chahti toh nahi bulayenge usse! Your say matters Nishi! "

("If you don't want then we won't, Nishi! ")

Nishita had here eyes filled with tears.

The family regretted picking up the topic.

But after few minutes they heard their Nishi's soft voice, "Bula lijiye dadusa! "

The family felt peace, somewhere.

"Nishi..

" Nahi bhai, I want my sister in my marriage.

Mei chahti hu, ki woh sare rituals me ho! "

("Call her dadusa! ")

(" Nishi.. ")

(" No bhai, I want my sister in my marriage! ")

(" I want her to participate in all the rituals! ")

The family felt proud of their upbringing. Even after so much that happened with their Nishi, she was still a kind and considerate soul.

"Aadheesh? ", Rajnish asked.

" Agar Nishi ko aitraz nahi hai, toh aap sab logo ko jo sahi lage woh kijiye! ", with this, Aadheesh got up and went out.

(" Aadheesh? ")

(" If Nishi has no problem, then you'll can do it the way the families decide! ")

But now the question that stayed in front of the whole family was, will she come?

And more than that, what about him? Will he return?

_______________ _______________ ____________

After lot of contemplation Rajnish     finally dialed his friend's number. The phone was on speaker.

As it ringed, with that the family members anticipation rised.

As the phone got picked up, they heard a voice with a thick  accent.

" Hello, my friend. " Rajnish Said.

" Hello! "The other voice responded.

" How are you doing? "

" All's good. What about you? "

" I am also fine. "

" So what made you remember your friend now? "

"Ahh! Actually.. I wanted to talk to her, Matthew. "

Yes, the other person was none other than Matthew Xander.

Matthew, was baffled by the demand. One end of him didn't wanted him to fulfill his friend's demand.

But the other end knew, how much his friend wanted to talk to her, to Rishita.

But then, Matthew's sight caught hold of the scene in front of him, across the glass window in the garden, he saw Rishita and her sweetheart, planting the saplings. The smile. The joy. On their faces.

No.. He couldn't let that fade.

"She's not home,Rajnish.Once she's back, I'll let you talk to her. ", Matthew gave the same old excuse.

" You have been saying that since long Matthew. I think I deserve to have a talk with my granddaughter, if not more. "Rajnish pleaded.

"It's.. It's.. Not like that. " Matthew tried dismissing his friend.

"Please, this time do make her call me up. I am literally begging you, if that's what you want. " Rajnish said in a pleading tone.

With that the call went off.

Matthew sighed.

It was around night time in United Kingdom. It was such a tiring day for Rishita. She had already put Aadhira to sleep.

After that, she moved to the sitting area, she was sure she'll find her old hag there.

"So, what's it that's getting on your nerves old hag? ", she asked as she sat on the next chair.

Matthew looked at her for a second or two, as he said, " He called. "

"Not again! ", Rishita sighed.

" He really wants to talk to you Rishi. "

"I don't want to! ", Rishita quickly said.

" It's been nearly a year, that you spoke to him Rishi. " Matthew tried coaxing.

"He thinks that it's me, who's not allowing him to talk to his granddaughter. ", Matthew said taking some time.

" That family, is habitual to misunderstandings. ", Rishita said.

" But, he's my friend. ", Matthew chided.

Seeing that Rishita is not responding Matthew continued, " He begged me. I have never seen him do that ever.

Not for him, but for me atleast. Talk to him. "

Rishita looked at Matthew.

She finally agreed.

"Okay, lagao call! ", She said.

Matthew gave her a smile.

" Damn old hag! Doing this only for you! ", she again said as she gulped down the glass of whiskey kept in front of her.

As Matthew ranged to his friend, he looked at Rishita surprised as he saw her gulping down the drink.

" What was that for? " He asked.

"I need the strength to tolerate a lot of stuff, you see.", she said boringly.

" You can show a bit excitement ,young lady. " Matthew chuckled.

"As if! " Rishita shrugged.

It was around 6:30 pm in India.

 Rajnish picked up the call. His happiness knew no bound.

He called the whole family. As the whole family gathered,Rajnish began.  Rajdeep sat holding Nishita's hand.

On the other side, Matthew, after ringing the call, got up to leave, as he left the phone on the table for Rishita. But Rishita held his hand, "Don't! ", she said.

" But..

"I need you! ", Rishita said.

"Hello! "Rajnish greeted from the other end.

"Hello! ", Matthew greeted after few seconds as he saw that Rishita was not responding.

Matthew gave a pleading look to Rishita to make her speak.

" Matthew.. Rishita? ",Rajnish asked.

" Huh..

Matthew was saying, he gave a final look to Rishita gesturing that he would leave if she doesn't speak.

Rishita sighed.

"Hello! ", she finally said.

" Hello Rishita.. ", she heard a lot of her family members say. The chaos was totally evident to her.

" Rishi.. Kaisi hai beta? ",

" Tu phone kyu nahi karti?

"Kitne mahine ho gaye teri awaz sune Rishi. "

"Tu thik toh hai na? "

("Rishi.. How are you? ")

(" Why don't you call us? ")

(" Its been months that we heard from you Rishi.. ")

(" You are fine na? ")

Rishita felt the questions building.

"Aapko kuch kaam tha?", Rishita's single question dampened their excitement.

(" You had any work with me? ")

" Rishi.. Hum chahte hai tu India wapas aaye!Ghar wapas aaye beta",Raghbir, her father spoke. This statement made Nishita stiffen.

("Rishi.. We want you to return back to Indian. To return back home, child. ")

On hearing nothing from the other side, Rajnish continued, "Beta, ghar mei shaadi hai, Tu janti hai na, ghar ki shadi bina sadasyo ke nahi hoti.

Saal bit chuke hai beta, wapas aah ja ab. "

("Beta, there's a wedding in the house. And you know na, wedding don't take place without the whole family being present na!

It's been years beta, come back home! ")

Rishita stiffened on hearing about the wedding.

"Nishita aur Aadheesh finally shaadi kar rahe hai, Rishi. Sab chahte hai tu aaye! Nishi, khud tujhe bula rahi hai, haina Nishi! "Sulaksha Said.

"Ha.. Ha.. Rishi.. Mei chahti hu tu meri aur Aadheesh ki shaadi me aaye. Mei, aur Aadheesh dono bohot khush honge tujhe dekhkar. Hum dono chahte hai, ki Sare functions ko tu hi manage kare. Tu aayegi na Rishi? ", Nishita asked with hope.

("Nishita and Aadheesh are finally getting married, Rishi. Everyone wants you to come. Nishi, is calling you herself, right Nishi? ")

(" Yes.. Yess.. Rishi.. I want you to come for my and Aadheesh's wedding. We both will be very happy to have you here. We both want that you handle every function. You'll come na? ")

Matthew looked at Rishita. She was emotionless, expressionless.

Matthew shaked Rishita's hands a bit.

Rishita looked at Matthew. He could feel her dilemma.

" I'll come. ", Rishita said finally.

" Sacchi. I can't believe it Rishi. ", Nishita exclaimed.

" Tu kaal hi aah jana! I'll book your tickets. I am soo happy to hear that. ", Nishita further continued.

("You come tomorrow only. I'll book your tickets. I am soo happy to hear that! ")

" Nahi. Itni jaldi kya hai? ", Rishita was baffled.

(" No, what's the hurry? ")

" Oh come on Rishi. Ek mahine se bhi kam din bache hai meri aur Aadhi ki shaadi ko. And as I said, you have to take care of everything, Every function, everything. Toh tuje kaal hi aana hai bus. ", Nishita said with excitement.

(" Oh come on Rishi. We have less than  a month, for my and Aadhi's marriage. And as I said, you have to take care of everything, every function, everything. So you have to come tomorrow only. That's it! ")

" I know nothing else. Mei teri kaal ki ticket book kar rahi hu bas! ", Nishita said.

(" I know nothing else. I'll book you ticket for tomorrow! ")

" Mei parso aah jayungi. I'll book my tickets myself. " Rishita said with finality.

("I'll come day after tomorrow. I'll book my tickets myself. ")

"Acha Rishi, Tu..

Someone from the family was saying something , but Rishita cut the call off.

" You don't have to do this to yourself Rishi. ", Matthew said.

Rishita looked at him, her eyes could convey her heart to Matthew.

After a brief stare of few seconds, without saying anything, Rishita went upstairs.

In the room, Rishita laid near her sweetheart, she kissed her daughter's forehead.

As she closed her eyes to sleep, she said to herself, " So you are finally getting married, Mr. Goenka.

Congratulations to you! "

"Aadhi! ", saying this she chuckled as she let sleep consume her.

____________ ____________________ __________

Okay, a new story!  A new beginning!

Tell me what do you feel about them?

I hope this tale receives all your love and support. 💓

How's Rishita?What's her character's vibe?

Aadheesh?

And thoughts about Ira?

The family?

Any evil vibes flowing out, or is it just a drama of emotions running around?

What's your thoughts about Matthew?

Baki, hope the chapter's good enough! ✨

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