Arav and Ranav stood on either side of Arnav, leaning casually yet watchful, while Arnav remained quiet, lost in thought.
Arav broke the silence, his voice soft but teasing. "Brother… your life is really… complicated. I mean… most families search for a wife based on qualities—good heart, beauty, maybe status. But… yours?" He gave a small, ironic laugh. "Our family is checking for a future wife through flower buds and diyas."
Ranav shook his head with a grin. "Not exactly searching," he corrected. "More like… confirming. We've known Ruby since we were kids. Our parents just want to be sure she's truly Rivanshi."
Arav tilted his head, curiosity obvious. "Don't mind me asking… but will this Rivanshi… be strong? I mean, she'll have to match you, right? Our brother… he's a da—"
"Daavansh," Arnav finished quietly, the word heavy in the air. "That's my reality."
The three brothers shared a brief, reflective silence. Outside, the villa seemed unusually still, as if waiting for the inevitable signs to appear.
---
Outside the Raizada Villa, the driveway buzzed with life. A sleek car rolled in smoothly and came to a stop.
Ruby's foster parents, the Rathores, stepped out, adjusting their outfits and checking their surroundings. Behind them, Ruby herself emerged—a striking young woman in her early twenties, dressed like a true fashionista, her confidence radiating with every step.
At the same moment, a familiar scooter pulled up near the gate. Pranati swung her leg off, holding the tiffin carefully in her hands, the golden sunlight catching the shimmer of her flowery lehenga. She paused, eyes widening at the sprawling mansion before her.
"Oye rabba," she muttered under her breath, a mix of awe and disbelief. "This looks like a castle."
She adjusted the tiffin in her hands and took a deep breath, ready to step inside, unaware of the storm of events about to unfold within those walls.
Meanwhile in the villa
Vedshree stood before the softly lit mandir in the mansion's prayer room, her hands folded, eyes fixed on the tranquil idol of Lord Shiva. The gentle scent of incense and marigolds wrapped around her.
"It's Maha Shivratri today," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "All I wish for is for the Rivanshi to come into our life."
She paused, her gaze drifting from the deity to a framed photograph on the nearby wall—Divya and Avinash, young and smiling, their faces forever preserved behind glass.
"I am not just searching for my son's saviour… or his future wife," Vedshree continued, tears lining her eyes. "I am looking for my best friends' lost daughter. Divya… Avinash… I made a promise. I will find her. I will bring her home."
She closed her eyes, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek.
The front door of the Raizada Villa opened, and Suman stepped forward, all smiles, to welcome the Rathores.
"Welcome! Please, come in," she said, her tone warm and practiced.
Ruby's foster parents nodded politely, returning the greeting. "Thank you, Suman. The house is beautiful," her father remarked, trying to sound casual yet impressed.
Vedshree appeared from behind, composed but alert, as the rest of the family gathered near the entrance, exchanging subtle glances.
Ruby stepped out from the car, her eyes scanning the grandeur of the villa, a hint of curiosity and excitement in her gaze. She smiled at Suman. "Thank you for having us. The place… the decorations are beautiful."
Vedshree's eyes flickered toward the carefully arranged flower buds throughout the villa. They sat there, small and closed, still waiting. She held her breath for a moment, but nothing stirred.
Ruby, unaware of the deeper significance, tilted her head. "Are these for decoration? They're lovely," she said innocently, not sensing the silent test unfolding around her.
The family shared a brief, quiet glance. This was the first moment of the Rivanshi test, but to the Rathores and Ruby, it was simply a house full of flowers and curious customs.
To be continued....