Shadows of the past, Flames o...

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The Singhania mansion buzzed with activity the morning after the grand dinner. Sunlight streamed through the ornate windows, and the fragrance of fresh roses lingered in the air, remnants of the previous night’s success. Priya Singhania was in the drawing room, sipping her morning tea, her face glowing with pride as she recalled the compliments they’d received about the event. 

Rashi walked in quietly, her saree perfectly draped, exuding an air of calm efficiency. She carried a tray of tea and biscuits, setting it on the table before Priya. 

Priya with a warm smile “Beta, last night was perfect. Everyone couldn’t stop praising the arrangements. You’ve truly outdone yourself.” 

Rashi said “I’m glad you were pleased, Ma. That’s all that matters.” 

Priya patting her hand “You’re more than just a daughter-in-law to this family, Rashi. You’ve become its backbone.” 

Raj walked in at that moment, his phone in hand, his tie slightly askew from his rushed morning routine. He overheard Priya’s words and paused briefly. His eyes flicked to Rashi, and for a moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face. 

Raj comes and clean his throat “Looks like I missed the morning appreciation session.” 

Priya laughs lightly “Oh, don’t tease. You should be grateful. Rashi has taken care of everything in your absence.” 

Raj said in casual tone “Well, that’s what a Singhania daughter-in-law is supposed to do, right?” 

Rashi glanced at him, her expression composed, though his words stung. 

Rashi softly said “I’m happy to help, Ma.” 

Raj didn’t respond, instead pouring himself a cup of tea and focusing on his phone. Priya watched the interaction, her brows knitting slightly, sensing the tension but choosing not to comment. 

Just then, Kartik strolled in, his usual cheerful demeanor lightening the atmosphere. 

Kartik grinning “Good morning, family! Did I hear someone say ‘perfect’? Must be about Rashi again.” 

Priya chuckling “Of course. Who else?” 

Kartik: (sitting beside Rashi) “Seriously, Bhabhi, you’ve set such high standards, the rest of us are going to look incompetent.” 

Rashi: (smiling) “You’re exaggerating, Bhai.” 

Kartik: (teasing) “Not at all. Even Samaira would agree.” 

The mention of Samaira brought a sudden warmth to the room. The youngest Singhania sibling, Samaira had left the family home at 17 to pursue her dreams and lived independently since. Though they spoke often, her absence was deeply felt by her brothers and now by Rashi, who admired her strength and free spirit. 

Priya: (fondly) “Speaking of Samaira, she called her dad last night after the dinner. She wanted to know how everything went.” 

Kartik: (pulling out his phone) “Let’s call her now. It’s been too long since I heard her voice.” 

Raj: (without looking up) “She’s probably busy. You know how she gets.” 

Kartik: (ignoring him) “Nonsense. She’ll pick up for me.” 

Kartik dialed her number, putting the phone on speaker. After a few rings, a cheerful voice answered. 

Samaira: “Good morning, Kartik Bhai! Missing me already?” 

Kartik: “Always, kiddo. How’s our little rebel doing?” 

Samaira: (laughing) “Still rebelling, of course. But tell me, how was the big dinner? Dad and you mother in law said Rashi Bhabhi worked magic.” 

Rashi: (blushing slightly) “Hi, Samaira. It was nothing special, just doing my part.” 

Samaira: “Don’t be modest, Bhabhi! I wish I could’ve been there to see it. Dad and Bhai keeps telling me how lucky we are to have you.” 

Raj: (finally speaking) “You could see for yourself if you visited once in a while.” 

Samaira’s voice softened, the teasing note replaced by a touch of sadness. 

Samaira “You know why I stay away, Raj Bhai. But I promise, one day, I’ll come back.” 

The room fell silent for a moment. Everyone knew the underlying pain in her words, though no one addressed it directly. Kartik, ever the peacemaker, spoke up. 

Kartik“Well, whenever that day comes, it’ll be the best day ever. Until then, you’ve got to at least promise to visit Bhabhi and me.” 

Samaira(lightly) “I promise, Kartik Bhai. And Bhabhi, I want all the details about last night. We’ll have a long chat soon.” 

Rashi: (smiling) “I’ll hold you to that, Samaira.” 

The call ended with laughter, but the mood lingered. Samaira’s absence was a wound the family carried, even as they tried to move forward. 

Later that day, Raj found himself in the study, flipping through reports while the faint hum of activity from the dining hall filtered through the door. Unable to concentrate, he stepped out, drawn by curiosity.

In the dining hall, Rashi was overseeing the placement of delicate crystal centerpieces. Her saree, a soft lavender with intricate silver embroidery, flowed gracefully as she moved. The staff hung on her every word, their respect for her evident.

Raj leaned against the doorway, unnoticed, as he watched her. She wasn’t just fulfilling her duties—she was thriving in them. Every detail, every decision, carried her mark.

Kartik appeared beside him, his usual easy smile in place. “She’s something, isn’t she?”

Raj raised an eyebrow. “She’s efficient. I’ll give her that.”

Kartik chuckled. “Efficient? That’s all you’ve got? Raj, she’s doing more than just running the household. She’s holding everyone together. Even Ma is less stressed because of her.”

Raj’s jaw tightened slightly. He didn’t like the way Kartik seemed to admire her so openly. “She’s just doing what’s expected,” he said dismissively, pushing off the doorframe.

Kartik sighed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible sometimes, Raj.”

After dinner, Raj stood in his study, staring out the window. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Samaira’s words had struck a nerve, bringing old memories and unresolved emotions to the surface. 

A soft knock on the door broke his reverie. He turned to see Rashi standing there, a hesitant expression on her face. 

**Rashi**: “May I come in?” 

**Raj**: (gesturing) “It’s your house too. You don’t need my permission.” 

She stepped inside, her hands clasped in front of her. 

**Rashi**: “I just wanted to say… thank you for what you said to Samaira earlier. It meant a lot.” 

**Raj**: (shrugging) “I only spoke the truth. She should visit more often.” 

**Rashi**: (gently) “She will. She just needs time. Leaving wasn’t easy for her.” 

Raj looked at her, surprised by the understanding in her voice. 

**Raj**: (quietly) “You seem to know a lot about giving people time.” 

**Rashi**: (meeting his gaze) “Sometimes, that’s all we can do. Wait and hope.” 

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Then, Raj nodded slightly, a flicker of something softening his usually stoic expression. 

**Raj**: “Goodnight, Rashi.” 

**Rashi**: “Goodnight, Raj.” 

As she left, Raj turned back to the window. For the first time in a long while, he felt a twinge of something unfamiliar—a sense of warmth in her presence. It unsettled him, yet he couldn’t deny it was there. 

In her room, Rashi sat at her desk, writing in her diary. 

*Today, I just have a wish one wish that this family will stay like this only i love they they all are so perfect and humble even I was a stranger to them they accept me and treat me like there own i just want that they all live happy like they are now especially Raj and for my cutie samaira she is the best i hope she come back soon...*

As she closed the diary, her phone buzzed with a message from Samaira: 

*“Bhabhi, you’re amazing. I’ll visit soon. Promise. ❤️”* 

Rashi smiled, her heart feeling a little lighter. Perhaps, slowly but surely, the pieces of this fractured family could come together.

*
Hey guys so that is it for this chapter see you next week for sure next chapter is going to be adventurous 😉.... and finally my Sam is here she is amazing now let's se how will she give a lesson to her brother..... and next book is gonna be so much cool , sab , happy , thrill, adventure, romantic, chaotic , and full of suspense..
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