Chapter 56 Rimjhim's Arrival
She is Rimjhim. There is a strange calm on her face, but her eyes reveal a hidden unease. Samar stares at Rimjhim in surprise, and she immediately averts her gaze, holding onto Vihan’s hand even tighter.
The entire family watches Rimjhim and Vihan in silence. No one speaks. Everyone has countless questions about the unknown girl, yet no one voices them.
Suddenly, to break the tension, Ruhi steps forward with a smile and asks, “Brother… who is she?”
A faint smile flickers in Vihan’s eyes as he replies, “She’s your sister-in-law Rimjhim.”
His words stun everyone. The whole house is left in shock. Still, no one reacts. Everyone only looks at one another, unable to process the truth no one knows the girl Vihan has brought home as his wife.
Ruhi quickly walks up to Rimjhim and says warmly, “Hello bhabhi… come, I’ll show you brother’s room.”
Mr. Ajay also speaks gently, “Daughter, welcome to our home. You must be tired. Go and get some rest.”
Rimjhim nods softly and steps forward to take Mr. Ajay’s blessings. Then she moves toward Mrs. Shobha, but Mrs. Shobha steps back slightly and says coldly, “There’s no need.”
Rimjhim doesn’t react. She quietly returns to Vihan’s side and then leaves with Ruhi toward the room. Vihan looks at everyone and says firmly, “I know I’ve done wrong. I admit it. But please don’t punish Rimjhim for my mistake… she is innocent.”
After saying this, he walks away, Samar remains silent. A storm rages inside him, but he doesn’t say a word to Vihan. He knows Vihan wouldn’t be able to explain anything, and he himself isn’t ready to hear it. Silently, Samar and I go to our room.
The moment we enter the room, I can’t hold myself back anymore. There’s a restless ache in my heart that refuses to stay quiet. I look at Samar with concern and ask softly, “Can’t you forgive Vihan bro? He’s drowning in guilt.”
My eyes plead without words. Samar looks at me, says nothing, and sits down on the bed. His face is calm, but I can see the storm raging behind his eyes.
I walk to him and sit beside him. “Can I talk to Rimjhim?” I ask gently. “You won’t stop me, right?”
He glances at me and replies with a faint smile, “You can.”
I still sense pain on his face and add softly, “You should forgive him too… people only feel guilt when their hearts are good.”
Samar doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he takes my hand, gently pulls me onto his lap, and looks into my eyes. I blush, but the sadness in my heart refuses to fade. He asks quietly, “First tell me… why was your mood off?”
My expression falls. The light in my eyes dims. After a pause, I whisper, “Shorya bhai doesn’t talk to me at all…”
Samar strokes my hair softly. “And why doesn’t he talk to you?”
My throat tightens. Tears fill my eyes. “When I was little… I almost met with an accident. While trying to save me… Mumma came in front of a car… and she died.” My voice breaks. “That’s why brother believes Mumma left this world because of me.”
I break down completely, sobbing into his chest. Samar holds me close, wipes my tears, and murmurs lovingly, “Shhh… stop crying, silly girl. Your brother is crazy completely crazy. But don’t worry… he’ll come around soon.”
I pout through my tears. “Say sorry.”
He looks at me in surprise. “Why?”
“Because you called my brother crazy,” I say stubbornly.
Samar chuckles, kisses both my cheeks, and says, “He is crazy… and so are you. Both of you are the same.” He laughs softly. I glare at him.
Vihan walks slowly through the corridor of Shekhawat Mansion, his heart heavy with guilt. The silence of the house presses down on him. Turning a corner, he spots Ruhi walking toward her room.
“Ruhi…” he calls softly.
She stops. Without a word, Vihan steps forward and hugs her tightly. The hug carries desperation, regret, and a silent plea for forgiveness.
Ruhi understands. Gently, she says, “I’m sorry, Brother… I said hurtful things. I was angry.”
Vihan tightens the hug. “No, child. The fault was mine. Everyone in this house has started to hate me.”
Ruhi pulls back slightly, resting her hand on his shoulder. “No one hates you. They’re just hurt. Everything will be fine… slowly.”
Vihan strokes her head. “Don’t distance yourself from Rimjhim because of me. She’s innocent… just like you.”
Ruhi smiles curiously. “But tell me, Bhai… how did you two get married? It doesn’t look like love.”
Vihan smiles faintly, taps her cheek, and says, “Go to sleep now. I’ll tell you everything later. I promise.”
Ruhi nods and walks away.
Vihan enters his room and pauses at the doorway. Rimjhim stands near the shelf, admiring his awards and gold medals. She holds one medal carefully, a soft smile on her face, unaware of his presence.
Suddenly, she notices him and quickly puts the medal back.
Vihan watches her quietly, a thought crossing his mind, "I don’t know if I can truly fulfill this marriage… but your presence feels like a blessing. Because of you, my stubborn sister hugged me again after years. I believe your arrival will heal every broken bond in this house."
Vihan walks closer and asks softly, “What are you looking at?”
Rimjhim smiles gently. “You’re a genius… so many achievements, so many medals. I’m impressed.”
Vihan smiles back. “One day, you’ll achieve great things too.”
Rimjhim lets out a quiet sigh. “That’s impossible.”
Vihan meets her gaze and says firmly, “I’ll make it possible.”
Rimjhim looks at him, a silent question forming in her eyes. She asks softly, “Is everyone in your family upset with you?”
Vihan’s smile fades. Silence settles between them. Before Rimjhim can say anything more, he speaks gently, “You should rest now."
Rimjhim nods and lies down on the bed. After some time, Vihan changes his clothes and returns, finding her asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, he quietly lies down on the sofa, but his tall, broad frame doesn’t fit. After struggling for a moment, he sighs in frustration, gets up, and finally lies down on the other side of the bed.