Chapter 6
Aditi
I’m relieved that my final semester is over and the results will be out soon.
I’m confident about graduating with flying colours because studies have always been something I value the most in life. Education, I believe, shapes a good future, and I’ve always taken it seriously as I want to become someone I can be proud of myself. Now that I finally have a break from studies, there’s another thing occupying my mind for the past week.
Reyansh Thakur. The golden boy. The heartthrob. The charming enigma.
Every young girl in the city swoons over him, and the media never misses a chance to capture him through their lenses. Yet, he never seems to care.The sole heir to Suryaveer Thakur’s empire is raised like royalty, yet he’s one of the most grounded people I’ve ever seen.
When I entered Bajaj Mansion ten years ago, I quickly noticed how often the Thakurs visited. It didn’t take long to realize the two families were not just business partners but lifelong friends.
Reyansh always struck me as warm, composed, and effortlessly cool. There was a time I wanted to befriend him. But soon, I sawhow inseparable he was from my Amyra Di, how they shared a bond so close that no one could step in. I gave up the thought easily. It never stung. I’ve always been a reserved person, content with my small circle, so I let the idea fade and buried myself in academics.
Still, the chemistry between Amyra Di and Reyansh was undeniable. It was raw, real, magnetic. I even heard from Neelima Aunt about Reyansh’s childhood promise to marry my sister. It amused me how both families had already envisioned them as life partners.
Like everyone else, I believed they were destined for each other.
I was convinced.
I was sure.
Until I wasn’t.Because I never saw this coming.
The man who was always meant to orbit around Amyra Bajaj…had his eyes on me. On Aditi Raina, the girl who doesn’t even belong to the household.
When I heard it, my heart stuttered. It felt…exciting. And the best part? He’d been feeling this way for two years, and I never had a clue.
For the first time since my parents passed away, something warm bloomed inside me, a tiny hope that maybe my life wouldn’t be lonely anymore.
I liked how Reyansh announced his feelings before everyone, with no hint of hesitation.
Wow. To imagine that I was proposed to in front of my family!
And instead of rushing me for an answer, he insisted that I take my time, finish my semester, and think about it.That was impressive.
Oddly, I already knew my answer, but I didn’t want to appear desperate. Besides, there was something I needed to clear up before deciding. I step out of my room, pacing down the corridor until I reach the grand door on the left side of the staircase, my elder sister’s room.
I knocked.
“Come in,” a whisper comes from my sister.
Once I step inside, I take a moment to scan my sister’s room, which looks more like a luxury suite from a five-star hotel, a perfect blend of elegance and extravagance. The queen-size bed commands the center, a lavish crimson wardrobe lines the left wall, and a glittering velvet couch, full-length mirror, and sleek study table are arranged with flawless precision.
“Di,” I call gently.
“Adi! Come, sit here!” She gestures to the couch beside her with a faint smile, one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
But my attention drifts to her. She looks utterly drained, her face pale and dull, eyes rimmed red with dark circles shadowing beneath, skin tired, and lips dry. The usual sparkle in her gaze is gone, and the sight tugs painfully at my chest.
Is it because…
“Everything okay? How did your exams go?” she asks.
“Good, Di. I’m confident I’ll score well, just like you and…Reyansh.” I murmur his name, but the way she stiffens tells me she caught it.
“Good to know, Adi. What else?”
