The day finally comes to an end. Most of the guests have already left, and only the close family remains. Everyone looks exhausted but happy. We are getting ready to leave for Shergill Mansion when it happens.
I’m hurrying towards Mom, one hand trying to keep the pallu of my sari in place as I walk, when my sandal slips off my foot. Honestly, I’m not even surprised. I’ve always preferred comfort over fashion. So I’m particular about my footwear. Soft straps, the perfect fit, and nothing too tight or restrictive.
But with a saree and a hurried step… even the most well-fitted sandal can betray you. I stop at once, slightly flustered. It’s a struggle to fix the sandal with one hand while adjusting my pallu with the other. That’s when I see him. Without a word, Raghav kneels in front of me.
I literally freeze as he picks up my sandal and holds it for me to slip my foot in. But how can I… when he’s doing something so intimate, that too in front of the entire family?
Realising I’m making no move to take his help, he finally lifts his head. His gaze meets mine… waiting. As if he’s asking me to place my foot into the sandal.
Almost instinctively, my hand rests lightly on his shoulder for balance as I slip my foot into the sandal he’s holding. Raghav adjusts it, making sure it fits perfectly before securing it to my foot.
The family is staring at us in shock, as if none of them had ever imagined seeing Raghav kneeling like this, doing something so simple yet so personal for his wife. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I glance around before lowering my eyes.
The moment Raghav straightens up, Simran breaks the silence with a smile. “Wow, Siya, I love your sandals.”
I manage a small smile, still somewhat dazed as she continues, “In fact, Trisha and Meher have told me all about your fascination with footwear. I’ve heard so much about your collection. Even we buy from the same luxury brands, but honestly, I’ve never seen anything like the ones you’re wearing.”
“Exactly,” Meher immediately agrees. “They always look so exclusive, almost as though they’re custom-made.”
“Don’t tell me you have a secret designer we don’t know about,” Trisha grins.
This time, I freeze for an entirely different reason.
My fingers tighten around my clutch. Nobody, not even my dad, knew. Only Mom was aware. I glance at her, hoping for help. Before I can think of how to respond, Raghav steps forward and stands beside me, his shoulder almost brushing mine.
“You won’t find them anywhere,” he says, casually slipping one hand into his pocket as he addresses the group.
“Why not?” Simran asks, blinking in surprise.
“Because every pair of footwear Siya wears is designed by her.” He looks at me for a moment before turning back to the others. “She’s one of the designers for Louboutin.”
I stop breathing. He knows?
Even Mom’s eyes widen beside me.
“Wait... what?” Simran exclaims, her mouth falling open. “You design your own footwear, Siya? Oh my God… how?”
“Siya! Seriously?” Meher shrieks, looking at me in awe.
“Now I know why your footwear is so exclusive,” Trisha almost squeals.
But I don’t hear any of them. I’m too busy staring at my husband.How does he know?
Raghav isn’t done yet. His lips curve slightly as he continues, “Her name isn’t publicly associated with the brand because Siyaprefers to keep her work private.” His eyes find mine. “My wife is very talented.”
I remain rooted to the spot in shock. This man… he knows things I never told anyone. And instead of keeping them hidden, he’s speaking about them with such pride, leaving me completely speechless.
The entire room erupts with excitement.
“That’s incredible!” Simran screams, practically throwing herself at me.
“And so creative!” Devika adds.
Trisha laughs, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you kept this a secret?”
Meher beams at me. “First Simran with her fashion empire, and now Siya designing luxury footwear. Looks like our family is filled with incredibly creative women.”
Everyone talks at once, showering me with compliments.
