Return Gift
Daksh went to meet the girl whom Jai chose for him, with Jai, and his parents.
“Welcome, Jai Uncle.” The girl’s father, Rakesh, and his wife, Aarti welcomed them.
“Thank you, Rakesh.” Jai looked at Daksh and introduced him. “He is my grandson, Daksh.” Daksh smiled and touched Aarti’s and Rakesh’s feet for blessings.
Later, Jai introduced them to Aakash and Sakshi, and they went to sit inside the living room. They all were happily talking with each other when Rakesh said to Aarti, “Aarti, Go and bring Niharika.”
Aarti nodded and left the room. Niharika was nervously sitting on the bed. When she saw Aarti entering her room, she quickly stood up and asked, “Mom, is this really important? I don’t want to meet him.”
“Niharika, it was your late grandfather’s last wish that you get married into this family.” Aarti touched her cheek. “Trust me, they’re nice people, and the boy is very handsome. You will like him. Let’s go now.”
They entered the living room. Rakesh smiled, seeing Niharika. “Jai Uncle, She is my daughter, Niharika.” Daksh looked at her and got mesmerized by her beauty.
Niharika greeted everyone and sat opposite Daksh. After asking some questions to Niharika, Jai turned to Rakesh. “If you don’t mind, Can Daksh and Niharika talk to each other alone to get to know each other?”
“Sure, Uncle. I don’t mind.” Rakesh looked at Niharika. “Niharika, Take Daksh with you and give him some company. He must be getting bored sitting between the elders.”
“Go, Daksh.” Sakshi patted his back lightly.
They both left the room but didn’t say anything to each other. They came to the garden. “Please have a seat.” Niharika pointed at the wooden bench which was placed in the garden.
“Thank you.” Daksh sat on it, and Niharika sat beside him, maintaining a little distance.
She looked at him carefully and observed that he was lost somewhere. “Is something bothering you? Aren’t you ready for this marriage?”
He looked at her and smiled a little. “There’s nothing like that. I am missing my younger sister.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “Mom didn’t say you’ve sister. Well, where is she?”
He didn’t want Niharika to judge Lavanya in any way before she could meet her, so he didn’t tell her about Lavanya going to London and then not coming back because of a boy with whom she fell in love there because it’s clearly telling her that Lavanya ran away from home to marry someone, so he simply answered, “She lives in London with her husband.”
She widened her eyes. “Wow. London, but you’re the elder brother and your younger sister got married first.”
“We just got a perfect marriage proposal for her.” He replied casually trying to be calm.
“Nice, I would love to meet her. Will she come here for our engagement?” His smile disappeared when she asked this question, but he didn’t let her notice this. “I am not sure about engagement, but she will come for our wedding.”
He had said this, but inside his heart, he was also not sure if his words would come true or not.
“Oh, okay.”
They talked about a few more things like each other’s likes and dislikes and went back to the living room.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Daksh went to sit beside Sakshi. Aarti and Rakesh excused themselves and took Niharika outside. Rakesh touched Niharika’s cheek. “Did you like him?”
Niharika nodded with a smile. “Is it a yes?” Rakesh asked, and she again nodded.
Rakesh hugged her. “You have made me the happiest father in this world. God bless you.”
Inside the living room, Sakshi, Aakash, and Jai asked the same question to Daksh and were waiting for his answer. Daksh looked at everyone with a smile. “It’s a yes.”
Everyone squealed in happiness. Rakesh and Aarti came back inside the room with Niharika.
Aakash stood up and hugged Rakesh. “It’s a yes from our side. Now we would like to make Niharika a part of our family soon.”
“Niharika is ready too.” Rakesh smiled.
“Then, let’s decide the date of their engagement.” Jai said. They all sat down to start deciding on the date.
“Eighth of next month will be great.” Aakash suggested.
“Yes, it will be perfect.” Rakesh agreed with him.
“It’s decided then. Their engagement will be next month, and I am also deciding on the wedding, which will be in July.” Jai announced, and a round of congratulations took place in the living room as everyone was very happy while Niharika and Daksh looked at each other with huge smiles on their faces.
***
Eden was working till midnight in his study after having dinner. Lavanya silently entered the study room and stood behind his chair. He was busy working on his laptop and didn’t realize that she was standing behind him.
She leaned down and hugged him from behind. He tilted his head to look at her. “Why haven’t you slept yet?” He held her hands, turning his chair to face her.
She pouted. “I am not able to sleep without you.”
He smiled, closing his laptop. He went inside their room with her and got surprised when he saw a chocolate cake placed on the table, which was decorated with rose petals.
She wrapped her arms around his torso from behind. “Happy Birthday, Hubby.”
She came in front of him and put her arms around his neck. “You shouldn’t forget your birthday because of work.”
He placed a kiss on her forehead. “I am sorry.”
They cut the cake, and she ate a piece of cake after feeding him, which left some chocolate on the side of her lips. He noticed this.
“Baby.” She looked at him to say yes, but he captured her lips with his as soon as she opened her mouth. He licked the chocolate which was on the corner of her lips while kissing her and slowly laid her down on the couch as their kiss turned passionate.
He left her when he felt shortness of breath and smiled while panting. “Your return gift for my birthday surprise.” He whispered in her ear, biting her earlobe.