Chapter 18 Unexpected New Member
Evening has settled in and the Rajput Mansion is glowing under the soft, golden lights. Samar enters the mansion, glancing around. Everyone is present in the hall except me.
Mrs. Shobha looks at him and says warmly, "Come, son. Sit down." Samar gives a polite smile and replies, "I'll just freshen up first," and walks straight to his room.
As he enters the room, he finds me fast asleep. My face looks peaceful, but the fatigue and emotional exhaustion are clearly visible beneath my eyes. Samar can sense it I have been mentally disturbed these days. Maybe that's why I have been sleeping so much.
After a while, Samar comes out of the shower. He sits down beside me on the bed, gently holds my arm and nudges me, "Ishani? Ishani, wake up."
I stir a little, slowly open my eyes. I look extremely tired. In a soft voice, I say, "You're back?" Samar, slightly annoyed, says, "You sleep a lot, don't you? I lower my head and reply quietly, I... just felt sleepy."
Samar stares at me for a moment. I nervously twist my fingers together, clearly uncomfortable, unsure of how to express what I am feeling.
Suddenly, something shifts in Samar. As if he realizes what he is doing, he quickly looks away, stands up, and says coldly, "Come out for dinner," then walks out of the room without waiting.
I sit there for a moment, take a breath, then slowly get up and walk out too. Everyone is now seated around the dining table, and the atmosphere is calm, though slightly tense.
Just then, a voice echoes through the villa: "Hello, everyone...!" Everyone's attention turns toward the source of the voice.
There, at the entrance, stands a tall and broad-shouldered man someone who looks just as striking as Samar or Vihaan. His height is impressive, and his presence radiates strength and quiet confidence.
He appears to be around the same age as Samar, but there is something different about him something intense and mysterious.
His gym-toned body and heavy muscles clearly show he is no stranger to tough workouts. His eyes very sharp and grey draw anyone who lays eyes on him instantly.
His face is sharp, with a perfectly chiseled jawline, and his long hair is styled flawlessly not a single strand out of place. From every angle, he looks smart, stylish, and like a dangerously attractive mix.
The moment Neeti sees him, a surprised whisper escapes her lips, "Karan Bro..?" There is disbelief in her voice, but also a spark of joy in her eyes.
That boy is Karan Rajput, the son of Mr. Ajay's younger brother. Three years ago, he lost both his parents in a tragic accident. Since then, he has received immense love from Mrs. Shobha ji and the entire Rajput family.
Karan has always been a smart, funny child. He went abroad to complete his medical studies. And now, after three long years, he has returned home not just as our Karan, but as a qualified doctor.
His arrival brings a wave of happiness throughout the house. Everyone's faces light up with smiles. He quickly walks over to the dining area, and without wasting a second, bends down to touch the feet of Mr. Ajay and Mrs. Shobha.
Mrs. Shobha twists his ear affectionately and says with mock anger, "Now you decide to show up?!" Karan quickly grabs his ears with both hands and says dramatically, "Badi Mom, what are you doing? Your super handsome son is finally back after so long, and this is how you welcome him?"
Neeti rushes over and hugs him tightly, "Bro! You're here after so many days!" The whole hall fills with joy, but Samar simply looks at him without saying a word. Vihaan doesn't even acknowledge his presence and completely ignores him.
Seeing this, Karan looks at them both with annoyance and says, "How are my dear brothers? Your handsome brother is back after ages and you're not even coming to greet me?"
Just then, his eyes land on me, and I watch him with curiosity and confusion. Karan looks at me and asks, "And who's this beautiful girl?" Mrs. Shobha smiles and replies, "She's your Sister-in-law. Samar's wife."
Karan freezes in surprise. He drops into a chair with a dramatic thud and says, "You got married without telling me?" Samar just gives him a dry, unreadable look. Everyone knows how dramatic Karan can be. He pretends to cry and says loudly, "I don't want to live in this cruel world anymore!"
Samar, in his usual calm but sarcastic tone, looks away and says, "Then go. Who's stopping you?" I stare at Samar in shock this is the first time I have seen this witty, sarcastic side of him.
Karan glares at Samar, then changes the subject. "Where's Ruhi?" Neeti replies, "She's sleeping in her room." Ignoring everyone else, Karan walks over and sits beside me. He extends his hand and says with a confident grin, "Hello bhabhi, I'm your most handsome, good-looking, and talented Brother-in-law."
I shyly shake his hand and say softly, "Hello..." Karan smiles, "Wow, your voice is so sweet!" But just then, his eyes meet Samar's, who is now glaring at him with bloodshot eyes. Karan instantly lets go of my hand and gives an awkward smile to cover up.
Mr. Ajay speaks up, "Why didn't you inform us before coming? We would've come to pick you up at the airport."
While serving food onto his plate, Karan casually replies, "No Dad, I didn't want to trouble you all. Besides, you already have enough headaches thanks to your useless sons."
He says it in a joking tone. Everyone is used to his sharp humor, but Samar and Vihaan don't take it lightly. Both stand up angrily and walk off to their rooms without a word.
Karan watches them go, briefly falling silent. Mrs. Shobha gently places her hand on his shoulder and says, "Leave them. They always get upset over every little thing. You eat."
Karan then starts sharing stories from abroad his college life, the fun, the struggles, and the unforgettable memories. Everyone listens with interest, slowly bringing life and laughter back to the dinner table.
I have only eaten a little dinner when I look at Mrs. Shobha and ask, "Mom, can I take dinner to his room?"
Karan smirks and teases, "Ohho! So much concern for your Husband."
I hear it, and a faint blush spreads across my cheeks. Neeti laughs and adds, "Bro, why are you troubling Sister-in-law?"
Mrs. Shobha scolds them lightly, "You both be quiet." Then, turning to me, she says with a warm smile, "Child, he's your husband. If you want to do anything for him, you don't need anyone's permission. This is your home."
Hearing that, I quietly fill a plate and walk toward the room. When I enter, Samar isn’t inside. I place the plate on the table and walk to the balcony.
Samar is standing there silently, staring into the distance. I gently call out, "Excuse me."
Hearing my voice, Samar turns around. His eyes are red, and seeing them, I am shaken to the core. I quickly look down and softly say, "Please have your dinner, They were just joking."