Shivangi notices the beautiful vibrancy in Niyati. The cheerfulness on her expression suits her the most, the extra bounce in her feet , what could be the reason behind it?

"All fine?" Niyati asked. Shivangi and Ranveer has come to their house to spend the weekend with them. They watched a latest comedy movie on the television laughing and rolling on the floor and after eating the hefty dinner made by Radha they all retired towards their bed which was the bunch of mattresses adjusted together so all four can sleep together in the living room.

Shivangi has just cut the call from Shivam and turned towards her sister. "Hm. Everything is alright." She watches Niyati branding her hair getting ready to sleep. Nothing seems out of the ordinary about her and yet there was something special that was glowing inside her.

"Amu..you know Vishal bhaiya likes you." Shivangi started. It was Shivam who told her about this, and how Sushma kaki asked Niyati's hand for Vishal but Radha kaki refused because of the age gap. That Vishal, might still be stuck on her sister and truth be told, Shivangi was elated at hearing the news.

How nice it would be..if they both wed in the same family..that way they both will remain together under the same family.

But..she also understand Radha kaki's concern. If Niyati marries Vishal she would be superior to Shivangi in the post and that can create the rift between them. Beside, Radha would not give Niyati to just anyone. She is the pride of Radha and only the best will deserves her.

"Hm. I noticed that on your engagement. He was looking for me everywhere and he always has this weird look on his face whenever I came in view like-" Niyati stopped not wanting to offend Shivangi about her in-laws.

"Like a fool. I know " they both giggled together at the shared inside joke in between them. "One day he will be in trouble for that, I'm sure."

Somber Niyati blinks her eyes. Shivangi knows nothing about how true her words were to be.

"I didn't smashed that knucklehead on the wall because I knew it would upset you if your sister's engagement would be ruined. Beside, it was me who has the problem with him, but if it comes to you I'm ready to commit any crime ."

Sometimes, Niyati can't decide whether she should cry over his astonished logics or be on the cloud 9. It was becoming harder for her to decide.

"Let's pray that day never come." Shivangi nods not understanding the actual meaning behinds her words.

In the darkness of the room Niyati murmurs "dii..what if..what if it would be me who will like someone? Will you support me in that?"

Her weight supported on her left arm Shivangi sit up "I will. Even if others won't I will."

Niyati too turned to her side gratitude dripping in the form of tears from her eyes "thank-you. But..but what if he will be someone no one will approve of?"

"I trust you enough to know Amu..that you will not choose just anyone. If that person is selected by you..he will definitely be someone special."

He is. The most special person for her..and for others too. The charming Achintya Chaudhary who do magic with his words and smile.

Shivangi waited for few seconds but when Niyati didn't said anything, she asked it herself "who it is?"

"Will you believe me if I will say no one."

Patting her cheeks gently Shivangi assured "yes. If you will say that I will believe you. But deep down I know there is someone..but I will wait untill you told me yourself."

The youngest embraced the oldest. Niyati was the luckiest person alive for getting such understanding people around her, those who do not need her words but for whom her silence works as equally as her words.

__

"Lokesh tell choti Dulhan to call the girl's family on the next Wednesday. I will be at home for the Kanya pujan." Phulan Chaudhary dictated on the dinning table.

The whole family was there for the lunch including Lokesh, Meena and Sundar. Meena looked up from her plate elated at the news, finally her patience beared the fruit.

"It will be the eight day of the navratri. Yes, an auspicious day for the auspicious occasion." Meena commented from the sideline.

Shaking his head at her Lokesh question "but isn't it too fast..we should look at this matter after the elections ."

Mithilesh was helping Abhay eating his leg piece. He looked upon his Kaka pitying the man. His condition was of washerman's dog who is neither of home nor at the river. If he say something Meena kaki will have his head and if he won't then also Meena kaki will have his head. Poor Lokesh, the feared criminal who hold multiple charges of murder is the same man who has no authority in his home.

"What is early in this? We have to wed Sundar with someone then what will be the logic behind of passing it on the other day." Meena scowls. Her husband really is always ready to spoil all of her hard work.What he will know how much she begged Durga Devi so she could talk with Phulan Chaudhary so the matter escalate quickly.

"She is right Lokesh. There is no need to delay the things..who knows Sundar might actually likes the girl." Durga Devi stated from the side. Clearly aware of the impatience of the Meena and the intentions behind it. But she has learned it long before that there was no point in casting pearl infront of the pig.

And who knows..the girl who entered in their home at that auspicious day will indeed becomes the part of their family by the blessings of the goddess Durga.

__

"Jiji..for the Kanya pujan should we extend the invite to the Mishra family too?" Rukhmani asked cutting the betel nuts in half.

"Hm..why?" Durga Devi looked from the bundle of the notes she was counting with Nupur and Gayatri. The bus drivers has just left after giving the day fare to her.

"You remember the small girl that came to our house? She is pandit ji's niece. "

"Invite then. "Ventured the eldest lady. She saw no problem with that. And it is always wise to invite moore Brahmins to any good things. The more they are the merrier.

__

The invite came to the Mishra along with to other families. The Kanya pujan at the Chaudharys'were celebrated with great enthusiasm where they welcome the whole town's girls in their home. It was a grand event one where Mishras never went to because before this year they had no one who could attend the Kanya pujan.

"It must be for Mitthu " Roopa told Radha. "They do this every year, holding a feast, opening their gates for everyone. A great fair is organised, types of stalls are setup, many colourful things are there to be seen.The whole town is invited so do not be worried Mitthu, she will be fine there. "

"But still jiji..she is a child. What if she lost her way in the crowd or if-"

"Hush Radha..you thinks too much. And if you are so worried send Niyati along with her. I would have sent Shivangi and Ranveer too but we three are going to meet my mother since she is admitted in the hospital. "

They sipped their tea, it was the start of the first day of the navratri and everyone in the family has kept the fast. "Won't bhaisahab be angry? He do not like the girls going anywhere near the Chaudharys.."

"What he didn't know won't hurt him." Roopa shrugged her shoulder. "We are leaving in the early morning and will be back the next day..I don't see how he will know anything. And Amma ji won't be present too..since she will be with other ladies in the nearby temple."

"But still..I do not like to do anything that can offend bhaisahab." Whispered Radha. She respects Raghuveer too much and do not want any of her action to disrespect him in any way.

Roopa understanding it, pats Radha's hand. Her husband fears what the Chaudharys are capable off hence he never take any of his children with him to meet those people. But it will not be like that, that day..there will be others and Mitthu and Amu will be safe there.

"Don't be so worried. Have faith in the goddess, whatever will happen will be good for us."

__

On the Wednesday, Radha herself selected the outfit for both of her daughters.

Mitthu in a yellow anarkali with pink dupatta and leggings and Amu in a dark blue coloured suit covering her from her neck to the toe not a hint of the skin to be shown.

"Maa..why this one? I feel so suffocated in this." Niyati complained sitting infront of the mirror as her mother braided her hair in a fish tail.

"What suffocation? You look so preety in this." And covered too. The netted sleeves, the high neck and the flowy garment all works in her favour.

"Maa..looking preety is not enough. I can't even breathe in this properly.." she adjusted the neck for the hundredth time. The boat neck was clutching her neck so hard, she felt she will pass out any second.

Radha see a thin perspiration running on her forehead, Niyati indeed looked uncomfortable. At last she hande the girl another suit -after another careful inspection - a turquoise coloured anarkali with netted sleeves and covered back but this time a bit loose neckline pinning dupatta on here either side.

When Radha looked at both of her daughters she was impressed with her handiwork.

With that she sent them along with their neighbours Mr Jha who was also going in the same direction with his two granddaughters.

__

Achintya was along with his father for to pour the water when Phoolan washes the feet of the girls.

Rukhmani has told them not to start as they were waiting for the another girl. "Choti Amma they are here.." Nupur said from the door and barking orders at the servants to keep everything ready she made motion Phulan to start with the first girl.

Achintya poured the water as Phulan washes the feet of the children, Mithilesh wiping them and Vijay offering the 'akshat'. A thin layer of the Alta was applied on the children's feet by Nupur all under the meticulous eyes of the Durga Devi and Rukmani.

When they reached the ninth girl Achintya was surprised to find Maithili -so she was the one choti Amma was waiting for- it makes sense considering the obsession of his family with worshipping the nine children from the nine Brahmin families.

He didn't let the happiness shown on his face, there was too many people here and not to forget both Mithilesh bhaisahab and Nupur bhabhi are suspecting him.

Right now they both think he was heartbroken because of the girl's engagement and Achintya left them at that not bothering to correct their doubt. He has the feeling that both of them are already against him being involved with anyone from the Mishras, but he is not going to let other people's opinion bother his.

If he act recklessly, he will put her on the radar and that is the last thing he wanted now.

"Sundar.. come..come with me.." Meena came hurrying over beckoning her son with her to know his fortune by the hand of a famous monk.

Irritated Sundar made his way behind her but not before seeing the mocking smile on the bastard's face.

His mood soured he sat on the chair as the old monk pondered his palm eyes busy everywhere when they catches the sight of a familiar face he was searching for so many days. He stood abruptly that the chair toppled backward and run after her -

He saw her standing around on the book stall eyeing a book in her hand, and his imagination did nothing, she was much more preetier than any image his mind could conjured.

Her hair was swept away in a elegant style braid, the temple earrings in her ear but her neck was bare. If he squints, he could make out the collarbone peeking from her neckline as she lowered herself to reach for another book.

He made his way towards her, this time nothing could seprate her from him..the goddess finally has blessed him afterall. When someone shouted his name, he turned for a second it was his friends waving hisbhand back he moved his eyes where they were fixed before to find the place..vacant.

He looked here and there but suddenly there was no trace of the turquoise in the sea of the people. "Where that girl goes to?" He demanded from the two workers.

"Vijay Babu..we- we don't know. "

Kicking his leg in motion he looked around again but she was gone. Just like the last time.

Fuck..he thought he finally had her this time..only for his dreams to be shattered.

__

Reecha found Niyati at the book stall,facepalming she dragged the girl to the much more intresting stalls then to waste the time at the boring one .

Together they flocked around hand in hand from stalls to stalls, buying trinklets, silver bangles, earings and other things. Stopping at the food vendor's to eat golgappe.

"Any update on Asha?" Niyati inquired. Now she knows the truth, she felt guilty towards the girl.

Reecha shrugs her shoulders "only god's knows about her. I didn't even saw her today and her brother and other family member are here. "

Humming she turns her head looking at the tall haveli . He is there, inside and despite Niyati being so close she couldn't go to see him. Mitthu found another girl from her class and went inside with her and Niyati knowing she has no works there decided to stay outside.

His family intimidates her alot.

Men holding rifles standing everywhere, the harsh tone of theirs, people worshipping them, the atmosphere there polar opposite of the environment she grew up in.

But still that doesn't push out the want to see him. Just one glance and she will have enough. Should she-

"I know. The haveli look extremely beautiful from here. I wonder how it looks from inside." Reecha commented.

"The inside is even more beautiful than than the outside. " Niyati tell her about the two fortunate times she get to step foot inside the guarded mansion, Reecha hearing everything with her mouth ajar.

"Why you never told me?" She accuses.

Frowning, Niyati replied sheepishly "oh it slipped from my mind. Sorry na.."

Reecha looks more offended than she should. Niyati get to be there two times.. two while she never ever entered even grazed from the front of the mansion. Her parents were the normal people, for them fear and respect goes hand in hand. They respected Chaudhary very much but feared them enough to never let their children mingle with them.

Huffing she walk away from the stall..not at all angered at Niyati -the girl holds no fault- but at the ways things worked in the Begusarai.

Niyati belonging to the priestly clan make her superior to everyone, Reecha belonging to the Kaiyasth clan holds none of that privilege.

"I can take you there..if you want to" Niyati ran behind her grabbing the hand and turning her. Asha already hates her for the reasons and she didn't wanted to loose Reecha too for the pity reason such as that.

The other girl's eyes twinkle.. excited at the the prospect of having her childhood dream comes true. She is gonna totally brag about this between her cousins and the relatives and she nods her head. "You can?"

"I mean.. Mitthu is inside. I have to go there to take her..you can come with me " she said unsurely.

The guard gave them the death stares as the two girls approaches him "I'm Niyati Mishra. My sister went inside for the Kanya pujan she called me to come inside..." Niyati lied not liking one bit of it.

But atleast she was the convincing lier as the guard glared at her from head to toe his eyes stopping at the red and yellow thread on her left wrist and allowed her inside with a curt nod.

_

Achintya knows it before he see it.

He along with his brother was serving the last batch of the course, the kheer prepared by the Nupur.

When he reached towards Maithili the girl has her eyes fixed on someone behind him "kheer.."he served extra potion in her plait as the girl looked down and then at him and then away with flustered cheeks.

It really amuses him how much those two sisters looked alike. Maithili was Niyati's carbon copy in the miniature form except for the skin tone. Niyati was naturally a shade darker than the Maithili and Shivangi.

"Uh..my belly is gonna burst soon" the girl groaned lowly not wanting for the handsome man to heard her words. She would die of mortification right then and there.

She sends signal to her sister who was standing there like the ghost, eyeing her and then the food. "Hurry up..don't sit there eating untill every vessel is empty.." but how Maithili will tell her that even though she wanted to run away from here..she can't.

The old lady sitting on the chair told them all that after the bhoj the gifts will be distributed and only then they can go. The parents of others girls were also present there and they all seems content with that information.

Just her luck, Maithli thought. The whole fair is waiting outside for her and she was sitting here awkwardly stuffing her face.

Atleast, she has the handsome man to sneak glances at. There was some relief.

_

Mithlesh saw Gayatri running after a excited Abhay, he eyed the boy who latches on an unknow girl's legs demanding to be taken in the arms.

The girl sent uncertain looks towards everyone present, clearly uncomfortable with the child's demand and whines "Niti.."

At last she bend down holding Abhay in her arms mumbling something as his son answered enthusiastically burying his head in her neck when another girl beside her pokes his plump stomach.

Oh..so this is the Niti..

Mithilesh's eyes instantly went to the Achintya, who was talking with the few guards on the side only glances once towards Abhay and then returned back to the conversation. Seems like some sense has gotten inside his head after seeing the girl getting engaged to someone else. He returned to his previous self albeit with little bit of the hesitation.

But then Achintya was always the best actor of their family.

Mithilesh should be relieved. The knife dangling above their head is now gone, Achintya will soon drop the idea of that girl completely out of his mind and then Mithilesh won't have to be in the constant dilemma of choosing his brother or the command the society dictated to them.

And yet, something was telling him that the calm that he was seeing was of the before of the storm. Something will indeed happen and it won't be something everyone gonna appreciate.

_

Something was wrong.

Niyati could feel it. Achintya haven't even spared her a glance and she was standing there for about fifteen minutes.

She tried to catch his eyes when he turned to watch Abhay but he..again ignored her.

What happened suddenly? Why he is acting like this? She risked getting caught by the others..just to see him and he- he is not even acknowledging her presence.

"Niti..." Reecha teases making the girl glower. "How and when you meet this goofball?" She was having too much fun playing hide and seek with Abhay who hides in her hair, peeks at Reecha standing behind her and giggling after getting caught each time again hide in her neck.

"At shivu dii's engagement. He has dirt over him and so I helped. "

"Ah..." Niyati moved Abhay from her one arm to another. He was not heavy but she was not used to carry a child. The most she has done was carrying her aunt's daughter who is two years old.

Beside giggling and in the excitement Abhay moves a lot, Reecha even tried to make him come in her arms but the boy refuses with a clear "no.." making few people turns their head.

Not like, others were not watching her as it is. The town people might be busy with the splendor and grandeur of the Chaudharys not paying much attention to two girls playing with the youngest heir of the Chaudharys but they themselves have their eyes fixed on them.

From Durga Devi to Mithilesh Chaudhary to Nupur and Gayatri to even Phulan Chaudhary, they hold every pairs of the eyes on them. Carrying variety of the expression in them from confusion to curiousity to suspicions. The last one loud in Mithilesh's expression.

Everyone looking at them except for the one person she wanted the most.

Maithili came running towards them, handing the silver anklets and the envelope to the free hand of the Niyati before standing along with Reecha and playing with Abhay who thrives in the attention he received.

"You done?" Inquired Niyati in a low voice "shall we leave then?" to Maithili who was teaching Abhay her name.

"Say Ma-ith-ili..it is not that hard.."she whined again when the boy didn't followed her command hiding in her sister's neck again.

And then heard Niyati's voice "for you idiot. He is five ofcourse he will find hard to pronounce certain things. " And it was valid. But Abhay calls her sister Niti maybe he can also give her a name of his version.

"Dii..give him to me na..I also want to hold him.."

Exasperated Niyati wanted to facepalm herself, the whole Chaudhary clan is watching them and her sister wanted to hold the boy. She truly is surrounded by idiots only.

"Mitthu..." She started only to be cut off by the loud giggle of Abhay who repeated after her

"Mi-Mitthu.." Maithli's delight hold no bound when she pointed to herself as if telling him that she is Mitthu.

Niyati tried to steady Abhay who start jumping in her arms along with her idiot sister and friend, fearing she would topple him she put her other arm around his back tightly -

"Abhay..." The boy stopped at once turning to his father's voice and almost leaping out of her hold then to his. "You've made friends?"

The boy nods his head proudly turning in his hold and touching a flustered Niyati's face "Niti.." and then pointing towards the other two girls "mi-tthu.. Papa..I made friends."

Mithilesh nods his head to his words. He was watching the trio from the far..so far the three girls seems fine to him. Just..overly excited at the prospect of playing with his son.

Which is understandable, women loves children even if they are not their own.

Everything was going smooth except his son being not ready to get out of the Niti's hold and then when the third girl joined them he became even more involved in playing.

The girl smiled at him, her sister and friend standing behind her. "What is your name?"

"Niyati, sir. "She folded her hand and feeling the common courtesy introduced the other two along "this is my sister Maithili and my friend Reecha. We are from Raghuveer Mishra's family."

Mithilesh already knows that. He wouldn't have allowed his son near them without knowing anything about them. The girl was polite and soft spoken and he can clearly see why Abhay finds her so endearing. The Mishras hold the certain charm that gravitates the people towards them.

"Thank you so much for extending the invitation to us and inviting our family. We are truly very grateful to you." Mithilesh heard her saying and nods again. Understanding she was asking the leave without being obvious.

"Abhay...hey.." she calls his boy in her gentle tone and the boy instantly turned to her "I'm leaving. Okay. But we will meet soon.."

"Don't go. We will play. " The boy said innocently. She was gone when he woke up that day and now again she is going.

"Next time. I'll come-" she glances towards Mithilesh turning her word "I mean..when we meet the next we will play along with these two. Cool?"

Abhay nods his head albeit not wanting to. He waved the three of them bye as they waved back.

Maithili poking his stomach one last time making him burst giggling and hiding in his father's shoulders. "Bye..don't forget my name. It's Mitthu.. understand.."

"Hm... mi-tthu...bye.." Mithilesh watches the three girls making his way outside of the haveli as his son's smile dimmed and he asked "papa..order Niti to live with us?"

Chuckling at his words "definitely." Mithilesh said hoisting Abhay higher in his arm.

Not knowing the fate and its plans and how soon his words will come true.

_

It is after two hours of the dilly dally in the fair thus Maithli shrieks loudly standing near the pottery stall "dii..my gift pouch?"

Making bloods drain from her sister's face as she looked around herself in hope to see the sparkling jewellery pouch and the envelope.

"I think you left it at the Chaudharys.." Reecha commented from the side making Niyati remember fearing she would topple him she put her other arm around his back tightly..

Oh dear lord..

Facepalming herself she looked down not knowing what to do next. They can not leave the gift pouch at the Chaudharys or they would think they have no care for their given gift neither they could go their again demanding to be allowed inside again because they lost the pouch in the carelessness.

The Chaudharys closes their gate for the outsiders half an hour ago when important looking people in expensive suits and sarees entered the gate.

Niyati didn't saw it but heard about it from the people who were discussing the grandeur of the people who came to the door of the Chaudharys with shining gifts and fruits baskets and sweets enough to feed the whole Begusarai.

"What should I do now?" She asked to the two people standing along with her.

"I don't know...I want my gift pouch back..how could you loose it?" Maithili whined .

Irritated at her tantrum Niyati jeered "why you even handed it to me seeing I was carrying a child?"

"Because you were supposed to be the responsible one between the two of us." Snapped Maithili back.

And..that is how Niyati found herself standing infront of the Chaudhary's huge gates mustering her courage .

Reecha advised that she should take the crying Maithili to her house and Niyati should come there after getting the pouch. She didn't even have much time in her hand their mother would be expecting them at home before the sunset and the darkness envelope them.

Checking the watch it shows that she only has the two hours in her hand before the clock hitting five. It was the relief that Maithili was comfortable with Reecha and her home was near the Chaudhary's place.

Which means if she hurry up she will soon be at the Reecha's house.

Now, only if she can hurry up.

Her hands sweaty and cold, Niyati made her way towards the blurry guards.

_

Achintya was expecting this sooner but they took too much time.

So when he saw the guard walking inside from far he slid away from the scene -it was the headache standing there hearing Meena kaki tying bridges of compliments for her dearest Sundar. "He is extremely hard working and is handling the business with Mithilesh.." "oh yes..a man of extreme poised nature..no bad habit could touch him from even the ten meter pole.."

Meena kaki was weaving the lie about her son and everyone was forced to sit there and listen to it. How come his father was not saying a thing? Even badi Amma is silent? Are they really going to let that poor girl marry that alcoholic bastard and ruin her life.-

"Achintya Babu..a girl is standing on the gate. She introduced -" the guard started only for Achintya to hold his hand.

"I know. You can leave now." The guard bowed his head and left the house.

Finally, finally she's here. The pouch and envelope was secured in his black kurta's pocket.

He might have not have his eyes set on her but his other senses were completely focused on her. And that is how he knew she dropped them on the floor in the process of handling his overly excited nephew.

Which again turned in his favour. The faith is really..at his side.

_

Sonam notices the piece of her infatuation leaving the hall and she has to stop her eyes from following after him.

Achintya Chaudhary was really an eye candy. She might be here for her sister Preetika's proposal but that does not mean she could not appreciate a hot meal when she sees one.

The man was looking majestic in the black traditional loose kurta paired with white pants, hairs curtainting his face like he has ran his fingers through them multiple times.

Oh..she really can't wait to find him alone and shoot her shot.

__

Oh..what an amazing goofball Abhay is.. I wanna eat him up..
__

Like || Comment || Follow
It helps in gaining the ranking and for the book to grow to a bigger audience.