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Samyukta's POV

Today, the entire Rathore family is visiting the family temple in Jodhpur via our private jet. I'm excited, not just for the sacred puja but also for the house party planned at our mansion later in the evening. There's something special about these moments when the family comes together, especially after everything we've been through.

Abhimanyu and I both freshened up separately—for once!—since we're supposed to reach the temple by dawn. I can't help but smile to myself, thinking of how he's been glued to my side lately, but today's rituals require a bit of tradition.

I'm putting on a beautiful maroon saree, one that Abhimanyu had picked for me yesterday. It's been such a long time since I've wrapped a saree around myself. As I drape the fabric, I can't help but feel the elegance it brings. There's something deeply comforting in this simple act, like I'm reconnecting with a part of myself that's been tucked away amidst all the chaos.

I glance at the mirror, adjusting the pallu over my shoulder, feeling the rich silk brush against my skin. A small smile plays on my lips as I imagine his reaction. Maan has always had a way of making me feel beautiful, but today, I want to surprise him.

As I was carefully making the pleats of my saree, concentrating on getting each fold just right, I suddenly felt the warmth of his presence behind me. Before I could turn, Abhimanyu's fingers gently brushed against my bare shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine. His touch was light, teasing, and entirely distracting.

"Looking absolutely breathtaking," he murmured, his voice low and husky, as his fingers trailed down my arm, sending sparks across my skin.

I paused, mid-pleat, unable to resist the fluttering in my stomach. When I finally turned around, my eyes met his—those smoldering dark eyes that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. My gaze wandered down, taking in the sight of his lean, perfectly sculpted body. His towel was hanging on his waist, revealing more than enough of his toned chest and his excessively attractive V-line to make me gulp. How does he manage to look this irresistible, even when we're supposed to be in a rush?

For a second, I was tempted to forget everything—forget the family waiting for us, the day's plans. But I knew if I kept gawking at him like this, we'd definitely end up late. He smirked, catching the way my eyes lingered on him, and leaned closer, his lips hovering near my ear.

"Don't look at me like that," he whispered, his breath warm against my neck. "Or we might have to spend some more time here"

I blushed, immediately snapping back to reality. 

"Maan, stop!" I said, flustered, trying to maintain my composure. "We're going to be late!"

His laugh, deep and playful, made my heart flutter. 

"We have plenty of time, Mrs. Rathore." 

He teased, wrapping an arm around my waist, pulling me just a little closer.

I pushed him away gently, managing to steer him toward the closet. 

"Go get ready! You're not even half- dressed, and we're supposed to be at the temple by dawn." 

I scolded, though I could feel my cheeks heating up.

He chuckled again, raising his hands in surrender. 

"Alright, alright. But you're making it really hard to behave." 

He said, that wicked gleam in his eyes making it clear he wasn't finished with his flirting.

I couldn't help but laugh at my own shy reaction, and as I turned back to finish fixing my saree, I could still feel the tingling warmth of his touch. 

"Go get ready!"

I called after him, and he shot me one last mischievous grin before disappearing into the closet.

He always knew how to get under my skin, and today was no exception. But as I adjusted the final pleat, I couldn't deny the anticipation bubbling in my chest. 

 Author's POV

The Rathore family's private jet touched down smoothly on the outskirts of Jodhpur, and as the sun slowly began to rise, casting a golden glow over the desert landscape, the entire family made their way to the ancestral temple. This temple, nestled within the heart of their ancestral village, was where the Rathore family had sought blessings for generations. Today was no different, but the occasion was extra special—it was the anniversary of Uday Singh Rathore and Vasundhara Devi, the oldest and most respected couple of the Rathore lineage.

Upon arrival, the sacred atmosphere of the temple washed over them. The towering structure stood timeless, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush greenery. The pandit was waiting at the entrance, his white dhoti and orange shawl fluttering lightly in the cool morning breeze as he greeted the family with folded hands and a serene smile.

The temple bells chimed as Uday Singh and Vasundhara Devi were led to the front of the temple's main hall. They sat gracefully, side by side, on the floor, in front of the holy fire, their expressions peaceful and content. Their next generation, Abhimanyu's parents, along with his uncle and aunt, sat directly behind them, their faces reflecting pride and joy for the day.

Abhimanyu and Samyukta took their seats alongside Pallavi, Khushi, and Suyash. Pallavi, still processing the weight of recent events, seemed more at peace today, while Khushi sat quietly, her eyes occasionally darting to Samyukta for reassurance. Suyash, though quieter than usual, had a calmness about him that suggested his wounds were beginning to heal. Samrat and Abhishree joined them, completing the close-knit circle, all dressed in traditional attire that reflected the importance of the occasion.

The pandit began the puja, chanting the ancient mantras that echoed through the temple, the rhythmic sounds filling the space with a divine energy. As the holy fire flickered and crackled, the family offered ghee, rice, and flowers, one by one, to the flames, praying for the well-being of the Rathore family and their continued unity.

The air grew heavy with the fragrance of incense as the pandit sprinkled holy water on each member of the family, symbolizing purity and renewal. Uday Singh and Vasundhara Devi clasped their hands in reverence, their eyes closed in silent prayer, while Abhimanyu and Samyukta exchanged a brief glance, feeling the deep spiritual connection that moments like this brought to their lives.

As the puja concluded, the pandit led the family in an aarti. The brass lamps with burning wicks were passed from one family member to the next, each taking a moment to offer their gratitude to the gods. Vasundhara Devi held the lamp carefully in her hands, the warmth of the flame bringing her a sense of calm. Standing beside her, Uday Singh Rathore supporter her palm by placing his under hers as they offered their prayers together. The couple looked so good together. Their years of togetherness was reflecting in their body language. 

After the aarti, as the family began to mingle and converse in light-hearted chatter, Vasundhara Devi, the matriarch, softly called out to Abhimanyu and Samyukta. With her usual grace and authority, she made a special request to Pandit ji, asking him to perform a separate puja for the couple. Her voice was warm yet firm, signaling how much she valued this gesture.

"They've recently overcome a big hurdle," Vasundhara Devi said, looking fondly at the couple. "I want the gods to bless their relationship, for it to grow stronger and deeper with every passing day."

Abhimanyu and Samyukta were both taken aback by her thoughtful gesture. Abhimanyu glanced at Samyukta, his expression softening, while she stood by his side, feeling a rush of warmth. The love and care that Vasundhara Devi showered on them never ceased to touch their hearts.

The pandit, who had known the Rathore family for decades, smiled and nodded gladly. He motioned for Abhimanyu and Samyukta to sit in front of the holy fire once again, while Vasundhara Devi and Uday Singh Rathore took their seats just behind them.

The chanting began once more, the sacred mantras filling the air as the flames flickered, casting a warm glow on the couple. Abhimanyu and Samyukta folded their hands in prayer, their hearts filled with gratitude for this moment. They exchanged soft glances as the pandit performed the rituals, blessing their bond and praying for their long and happy life together.

When it was time for the couple to perform the aarti, Abhimanyu and Samyukta stood side by side, holding the lamp together. As they moved it in a slow circular motion, offering their prayers, Samyukta could feel the love and strength in their unity. It was not just a religious act—it was a symbol of their journey, how far they had come and how much they had yet to discover together.

After the aarti, they bent down to touch the feet of Panditji, seeking his blessings. As they rose, Panditji smiled mischievously and asked.

"Beta, aapki ladka chahiye ya ladki?"

(Son, do you want a boy or a girl?)

Abhimanyu glanced at Samyukta, and with a serene smile, he responded. 

"Jo humari dharm patni ki iccha hai wahi humari ichha hai."

(My dear wife's wish is my wish.)

His voice was low and romantic, filled with affection.

Samyukta's cheeks turned crimson as she blushed deeply. She nudged him lightly, shy but delighted by his playful response. Before she could say anything, Vasundhara Devi's voice came from behind them.

"Aur aapki kya khwaish hai, Samyukta beta?" 

(And what do you want, Samyukta?)

She teased with a knowing smile.

Caught off guard, Samyukta looked at her with wide eyes, her blush deepening. Gathering her courage, she whispered.

"Dono hi."

(Both.)

The entire family burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the temple halls. Abhimanyu chuckled, pulling her closer, while Samyukta covered her face in embarrassment, her heart racing. The teasing and laughter only made the atmosphere more joyful, with everyone in high spirits.

"Bhagwaan, aap dono ki two pyaare pyaare bacchon se bhar dein."

(May god bless you both with two cute kids.)

Pandit ji chimed admiring the couple's bond and blessing them profoundly.

As the laughter settled, Uday Singh Rathore stepped forward with his usual calm authority. 

"Panditji," he began, "we would like to request another puja, this time for Samrat and Abhishree. They'll soon be parents, and we want to bless them for their journey ahead."

The family nodded in agreement, and Samrat and Abhishree exchanged a look of delight. With the same grace and warmth, Panditji began yet another puja, this time for the expectant couple. Samrat and Abhishree took their places near the fire, glowing with anticipation and happiness as the prayers for their future child were performed.

The rituals were solemn and heartfelt, as the family watched with smiles and soft murmurs of support. Abhishree, resting her hands gently over her one month old belly, felt a sense of peace, while Samrat, ever the protective husband, sat close to her, his face reflecting the depth of his emotions. They too performed the aarti together, their eyes filled with hope for the new chapter in their lives.

After all the rituals were completed, the entire family gathered outside once again to distribute essentials to the villagers. Uday Singh and Vasundhara Devi took the lead, handing out grains, clothes, and other necessities to the crowd that had gathered.

The villagers were overwhelmed with gratitude, offering their blessings and wishes in return for the Rathore family's continued prosperity and well-being. The children, running excitedly, received sweets and small gifts, their laughter filling the air. It was a moment of joy, connection, and community, the family extending their love and care to those around them.

Abhimanyu and Samyukta worked side by side, distributing items with warmth and kindness. As the sun began to climb higher in the sky, they looked at each other, their hearts full from the blessings and love they had received, both from their family and from the people who had gathered to celebrate with them.

After the final prayers were offered in front of their deity, the Rathore family made their way back to the mansion, feeling blessed and rejuvenated. There was a sense of calm and contentment that lingered from the temple visit, but soon everyone shifted their focus to the preparations for the grand evening party.

Close family friends, including the Chauhans, had been invited, and everyone was eager to ensure the mansion looked perfect for the event. As soon as they arrived home, the entire household got busy, each member taking on a task to get everything ready.

Abhimanyu, always taking charge, immediately began calling his friends and acquaintances, personally inviting them to the party. He stood near the large windows of the living room, his phone pressed to his ear as he made quick calls. 

"No excuses, you have to be there! It's a family affair." 

He laughed, charming his friends into coming.

He has become so lively, so different than what he was before. 

Nandini noticed everything but never mentioned. After coming back from London, she noticed the glow alway present on her son's face.

"This time let's make maa sa's favourite halwa puri" Anjali, Nandini's sister- in- law declared proudly, bringing her back to the present, "and we'll make sure everything tastes just as it did when she used to make."

In the kitchen, Anjali Mahendra Rathore and Nandini Ranjit Rathore had taken charge of preparing sweets. The rich aroma of freshly made sweets wafted through the air, making everyone's mouth water.

Mahendra Singh Rathore and Ranjit Singh Rathore, in an unusual display of enthusiasm, had teamed up with the house staff to clean the mansion. The staff hesitated at first, unsure of how to respond to their employers rolling up their sleeves and joining in the effort.

"Are you sure you want to help, sir?" 

One of the staff members asked cautiously.

"Of course!" Mahendra grinned, grabbing a mop. "The house has to be spotless, and besides, I think I'm pretty good at this."

Ranjit chimed in, his voice lighthearted. 

"Yeah, you'd rather have us doing this than experimenting in the kitchen. Last time we tried cooking, we almost set the stove on fire."

Mahendra laughed.

"Yeah, Anjali won't let us anywhere near the kitchen anymore. We'll stick to what we're good at—cleaning!"

The staff couldn't help but chuckle silently without breaking the decorum as they watched the two men sweep and dust clumsily, occasionally throwing playful jabs at each other about who was doing a better job.

"Just leave the food to the experts!" 

Anjali called from the kitchen, clearly overhearing their conversation. "The last thing we need is a disaster in the kitchen today!"

"We've learned our lesson!"

Mahendra Singh Rathore shouted back with a wink.

Meanwhile, Pallavi took charge of decorating the mansion. She directed the house staff with grace, overseeing the placement of flowers, arranging the fairy lights, and ensuring that every corner of the house radiated warmth and festivity. 

"I want those roses to be evenly spread out!" 

She instructed, standing on a ladder as she adjusted a garland herself. The staff watched in awe, trying to match her precision. She was coming back to her oldself- that jolly woman. Of course, she'd need time but she was trying. And she was being appreciated by every member of the family

Suyash, on the other hand, was handling the sound system. He connected speakers and adjusted settings, making sure the music for the evening was perfect. 

"We need some soft tunes at first, and then we'll turn it up later." 

He muttered to himself as he fiddled with the controls. Every now and then, a mischievous grin appeared on his face as he considered sneaking in a few of his favorite songs.

The entire mansion buzzed with activity, each member of the Rathore family completely immersed in their respective duties. As the day progressed, the house began to transform, from a tranquil space into a vibrant setting for the evening's festivities. The chandeliers sparkled, the fragrance of freshly made sweets filled the air, and the soft music Suyash had set up began to play, creating the perfect ambiance.

Every now and then, family members would pass each other, exchanging smiles and sharing a quick laugh. The anticipation of the evening's party brought a sense of joy and excitement to the house.

Everything was coming together beautifully, thanks to the combined efforts of the family. Even the staff, who were initially hesitant, soon got into the spirit, appreciating how the Rathores made them feel like an integral part of the event.

All the staff members were in for a surprise as they were each gifted sweets and a generous bonus to celebrate the day, a gesture from the Rathore family that made them feel valued and appreciated. Amid the flurry of preparations, Samyukta ensured that everyone took a moment to pause and enjoy a hearty breakfast. She took it upon herself to prepare the meal, lovingly setting the table for her busy family. Even when her duties piled up, she wouldn’t allow herself to skip her own meal, as Uday Singh Rathore and Vasundhara Devi, stood watch over her, refusing to let her leave until her plate was clean.

Later, the family sent the couple away to spend some good time with each other on their special day. 

After Abhimanyu finished making his last round of invites, he retreated to his private balcony. The cool breeze kissed his skin as he made a couple of quick calls to the warehouse where Suraj was being held hostage, his voice steady yet calm as he handled the matter with calculated precision. The serene morning air gave him a brief moment of peace before the evening festivities.

On the other hand, Samyukta had something special in mind. She tiptoed quietly into the kitchen, making sure no one noticed. There was a particular dish she had wanted to prepare—gajar ka halwa, a sweet that held a deep significance in their relationship. Nandini had mentioned how, after Samyukta left India, Abhimanyu hadn’t even touched the dessert, which was once his favorite. His avoidance of it mirrored the grief and emptiness he felt during their separation, a fact that weighed heavily on Samyukta’s heart.

Even after things had been resolved between them, Samyukta knew that he still hadn’t tasted it. Today, with everyone busy with the preparations, she decided it was the perfect opportunity to make it just for him. With love and care, she quietly prepared a small bowl of gajar ka halwa, the fragrant aroma filling the air as she stirred the pot. Once it was done, she carefully placed the bowl on a tray and slipped away unnoticed, heading up to their room.

However, she hadn’t been as invisible as she thought. Nandini stood nearby, watching silently. Her eyes followed Samyukta as she walked away, a soft smile forming on her lips. But beneath that smile, there were tears.

Nandini’s heart had been shattered when Samyukta left. She had watched her son, Abhimanyu, deteriorate before her eyes, crumbling under the weight of his grief and loneliness. Her son had always been deprived of love, ever since childhood. He had been sent away at an early age to train in the family's underworld business, robbing him of the warmth and affection every child deserves. The circumstances of his upbringing had left him emotionally guarded, and when he finally opened his heart to Samyukta, their separation had left him devastated.

Nandini never blamed either of them for the turmoil. She understood that it wasn’t their fault. They were both victims of the circumstances that had torn them apart. The pain and distance had only strengthened their bond, forcing them to confront their deepest emotions and fight for their love. Watching them now, especially Samyukta’s quiet act of love, reminded Nandini of how far they had come. Her son, who had once closed himself off from the world, now had someone who loved him enough to heal the deepest wounds in his heart.

As Samyukta disappeared into her room, Nandini wiped her tears, smiling to herself.

Stay blessed, my children.

˜"*°•°*"˜

WORD COUNT: 3.3k

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