Duties Over Desires

                                        

                                              
Vote kardo guys!!! 
The morning sun spilled into the Singhania mansion, bathing it in a golden glow. On the balcony of her room, Rashi stood quietly, her eyes fixed on the sprawling garden below. The jasmine vines swayed gently in the breeze, their fragrance mingling with the crisp morning air. Despite the beauty around her, an ache lingered in her chest—a reminder of the distance between her and Raj.
Her fingers lightly traced the intricate carvings of the marble railing. “Maybe this is all life has to offer,” she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible. But even as she said it, a small part of her refused to believe it.
With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders. If love wasn’t hers to claim, she would find solace in her responsibilities. She had a home to manage and a family to care for. And that, she decided, would be enough—for now.
Rashi’s day began in the kitchen, where the staff bustled about, preparing for the evening’s grand dinner. Priya had placed her in charge of the event, and Rashi was determined not to disappoint her.
“Rashi beta,” Priya called from the doorway, her face warm with approval. “The arrangements for the dining hall—are they coming along as planned?”
“Yes, Ma,” Rashi replied, her tone respectful but confident. “The decorators are on schedule. I’ve asked them to keep the gold and ivory theme understated yet elegant, just as you wanted.”
Priya smiled, her eyes glimmering with pride. “You’re a natural at this. I don’t think anyone else could’ve managed it as seamlessly as you have.”
Rashi felt a warmth in her chest at the compliment. “Thank you, Ma. I just want to do justice to the trust you’ve placed in me.”
As Priya left, Rashi turned her attention back to the preparations. She moved through the house with quiet efficiency, ensuring that every detail was perfect. Whether it was the floral arrangements in the garden or the placement of candles in the dining hall, nothing escaped her notice.
By mid-morning, Rashi was in the garden supervising the placement of bouquets when a familiar voice broke her concentration.
“Still running the house like a pro, I see.”
Rashi turned to find Kartik standing a few feet away, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his beige trousers. His easy smile immediately brought a sense of comfort.
“Kartik Bhai!” she greeted, genuinely happy to see him. “You’re back early. I thought you’d be in Delhi for another week.”
“I couldn’t stay away too long,” he replied, his tone light. “The house feels incomplete without me, doesn’t it?”
Rashi laughed softly, shaking her head. “The house doesn’t miss a beat, but the family does. It’s good to have you back.”
Kartik sat down on a nearby bench, motioning for her to join him. “So, how’s my dear sister-in-law holding up? Ma says you’ve been handling everything like a champ.”
“I’m doing my best,” Rashi said, taking a seat beside him. “Ma has been very supportive. It makes things easier.”
Kartik’s expression softened. “You’ve done more than anyone expected, Rashi. Even Raj notices it, though he’ll never admit it.”
Rashi looked away, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her saree. “Raj and I… We’re still figuring things out,” she said carefully, not wanting to delve too deeply into her personal struggles.