Meanwhile — Inside the Raizada Villa
Vanraj and Sanjeev sat with Ruby's foster father, their conversation polite, measured—like men discussing a future that was still only a possibility.
"We've known each other for years," Vanraj said calmly. "Our children have grown up together. A marital alliance would not be unfamiliar… but we believe such things should only happen with complete clarity."
Ruby's father nodded in agreement. "Of course. We want the same for Ruby—stability, respect, and happiness. If both families are satisfied, we see no objection."
Sanjeev added, carefully, "Today is about understanding destiny's role. Nothing more."
Nearby, Arnav stood quietly, his expression unreadable, his attention divided between the elders and the strange stillness around the flower buds.
Suddenly—
"Sweetie!"
Ruby appeared beside him and wrapped her arms around him without hesitation. "It's been so long," she said brightly, pulling back just enough to look at him. "You've grown even hotter since the last time I saw you."
Arnav stiffened—only slightly, but enough.
He offered a restrained smile, his body language polite yet guarded. "Ruby," he said evenly. "It's good to see you."
But inside, discomfort crept in.
The familiarity felt forced.
The touch lingered longer than it should have.
He gently stepped back, creating space without drawing attention, his eyes instinctively flicking toward his family—as if grounding himself.
Ruby, however, didn't seem to notice.
The flower buds remained closed.
Unmoved.
Unaware.
And somewhere beyond the gates, fate was already inching closer.
---
Meanwhile — Inside the Raizada Villa
Laughter, music, and chants filled the villa as the Maha Shivratri celebrations continued, but Vedshree's attention remained unsettled.
Again and again, her gaze drifted toward the rows of unlit diyas arranged along the pillars… then to the white flower buds placed carefully near the mandir and along the corridor.
Nothing.
The buds remained tightly closed.
The lamps stayed dark.
Beside her, Suman noticed it too. She leaned in slightly, keeping her voice low.
"It's been so long," she murmured. "If Ruby truly carries the Rivanshi shakti… something should have happened by now."
Vedshree's lips pressed together. Doubt flickered in her eyes.
"Tabeezi never said the signs would be delayed," she whispered. "They respond to presence… not intention."
From a little distance, Bani Dadi watched them—silent, observant, her prayer beads resting in her palm. She said nothing, but the heaviness in her eyes mirrored Vedshree's unease.
Could it be, Vedshree wondered, that Ruby is not Rivanshi at all?
---
Meanwhile — Outside the Villa Gate
Pranati parked her scooter carefully, adjusting the tiffin balanced in her hand.
She looked up at the sprawling mansion, eyes widening.
"O Rabba," she muttered with a soft laugh, "this isn't a house… it's a castle."
Straightening her flowery lehenga, she stepped forward.
The moment her foot crossed the threshold—
Something shifted.
Unseen.
Unannounced.
Inside the villa, a single white flower bud quivered… then slowly bloomed.
A diya flickered.
Then another.
Soft flames rose on their own, calm and steady, as if they had simply been waiting.
At that exact moment, Ruby stood nearby, reaching for a glass of juice beside the floral arrangement—laughing with her mother, completely unaware of what was unfolding.
Vedshree froze.
Suman inhaled sharply.
Bani Dadi's fingers tightened around her beads.
Their eyes met—no words, just stunned silence… followed by cautious hope.
The signs, Vedshree thought, her heart pounding. They've begun.
Instinctively, their gazes shifted toward Ruby.
Smiling. Unknowing. Uninformed.
They did not realize the truth.
They did not see the girl who had just stepped inside.
And quietly—secretly—Vedshree, Suman, and Bani Dadi allowed themselves a smile.
Hope had returned.
Even if it had arrived wearing the wrong name.
To be continued....