Chapter 21 A Sudden Engagement
They share a brief laugh. The receptionist steps forward and adds politely, “Sir, your cabin is on the third floor, Block B. The lift is just ahead.”
“Thank you,” Karan replies and walks toward the elevator.
As he steps inside the lift, he mutters under his breath with a smirk, “Oh God, just protect me from all the girls today. With a face like mine, someone might actually give me the evil eye.”
The elevator doors slide open, and Karan walks toward his new cabin. The glass door opens automatically, revealing his name already etched on it, Dr. Karan Rajput Senior Consultant Cardiologist
He steps inside and pauses for a moment, taking it all in. The cabin is clean, modern, and perfectly arranged white orchids on the side table, a neat stack of fresh patient files on the desk, and a welcome note placed carefully on top.
He sits down, picks up his stethoscope, and stares at it for a second, feeling the weight of responsibility settle in. His expression sharpens. The doctor in him switches on.
Just then, his phone vibrates. He glances at the screen messages from Neeti, Ruhi, Mrs. Shobha, Mr. Ajay, and Samar, all wishing him “ALL THE BEST…!”
Everyone except Vihaan. Karan looks at the screen for a moment, then lets out a faint, unreadable smile.
At the grand Rajput Mansion, Mr. Shekhawat and Shorya arrive. Inside the drawing room, Mrs. Shobha and Mr. Ajay are already engaged in conversation with them.
Mrs. Shobha suddenly looks around and asks, “Ruhi, where are Neeti and Ishani?”
Ruhi replies quickly, “Mom, I think they’re on the terrace. I’ll go call them,” and hurriedly walks away.
A few moments later, I run downstairs, my steps fast and unsteady. The moment Mr. Shekhawat sees me, he stands up immediately.
I rush straight into his arms. Smiling warmly, he asks, “How are you, dear?”
My voice comes out choked, “I’m fine how are you? Are you taking your medicines on time? Are you eating properly? Have you gone for your check-up?”
Before I can go on, he interrupts gently, “Yes, yes, my child. I do everything. Shorya takes very good care of me.”
I glance at Shorya. He stands quietly, his gaze turned away. I wipe my tears and step back.
Meanwhile, Neeti keeps stealing glances at Shorya. A strange emotion stirs inside her something she herself doesn’t understand.
Just then, Mrs. Shobha says thoughtfully, “I’ve been thinking… along with Ishani and Samar’s wedding, we should also get Neeti and Shorya married.”
The words hit Neeti like a thunderbolt. Shorya almost loses his breath. Ruhi and I are equally shocked. Noticing my expression, Mrs. Shobha asks, “What happened?”
Mr. Shekhawat smiles broadly and adds, “Yes, absolutely! I would love to see Neeti become the daughter-in-law of our house soon.”
Shorya blurts out in disbelief, “Dad? You…?”
Mr. Shekhawat snaps sternly, “Son, when elders are speaking, children should not interrupt.”
Mr. Ajay asks gently, “What’s wrong, Shorya? Are you not ready for marriage? If that’s the case, it’s alright.”
But Mr. Shekhawat cuts him off sharply, “No, Ajay. It’s nothing like that. He is ready.”
He turns toward Neeti and asks, “Neeti, you’re okay with it, right?”
But Neeti has already slipped away quietly behind Ruhi. Mr. Ajay chuckles, “She never says no to us anyway.”
I ask softly, “Dad Neeti?”
Mr. Shekhawat smiles at me, almost apologetically. “Sorry, dear. I didn’t tell you earlier. I was the one who spoke to Ajay about this. And honestly, what could be better? Such a sweet girl becoming your Sister-in-law.”
I nod slowly and return to chatting with him, but Shorya’s mood has completely shifted. Restlessness is clearly written all over his face.
After lunch, Mr. Shekhawat and Shorya return to Shekhawat Villa. The moment they step inside, Shorya explodes, his voice full of anger, “Dad! How can you fix my engagement without even asking me? And that too with Neeti?!”
Mr. Shekhawat snaps in a stern voice, “Lower your voice, Shorya!”
Hearing this, Shorya reins himself in slightly. Mr. Shekhawat continues firmly, “I asked you about marriage, and you clearly said, ‘Get me married to anyone you like.’ So I chose the daughter-in-law I liked.”
Shorya protests immediately, “But Dad, just two days ago I told you about a girl I want to marry!”
Mr. Shekhawat replies coldly, “I know you’re talking about Sunaina. I have all the details about that girl, and I don’t think she’s suitable for you.”
Shorya clenches his jaw. “Dad, you can’t insult her like this!”
Mr. Shekhawat responds harshly, “She deserves it. Every other day she’s involved with some boy or the other. If you don’t believe me, go ask at her university.”
Shorya tries to reason, voice strained, “Maybe that was her past but she’s not like that anymore. She’s changed. She’s a good person now.”
Mr. Shekhawat looks straight into his eyes and says coldly, “A person can change but their nature never does.”
Shorya, now burning with anger, snaps, “I will not marry Neeti. She knows nothing. She doesn’t have the confidence to walk beside me. She’s not right for me!”
Mr. Shekhawat’s voice turns final, unshakable. “You will marry Neeti. That’s my final decision.”
Shorya’s voice drops, heavy and bitter. “She will never be happy in this marriage.”
Mr. Shekhawat replies calmly but firmly, “She will be happy. And you will be the one to make sure of it.”
Shorya grits his teeth. “That’s never going to happen.”
Mr. Shekhawat narrows his eyes and ends it coldly, “You’re here. I’m here. We’ll see.”
Meanwhile, at Rajput Mansion, Rohit sits comfortably in the living room. He has come to discuss a file with Samar since the office meeting gets postponed and Samar returns home earlier than usual.
When Mrs. Shobha enters the room, her eyes fall on Rohit after a long time. Her expression sharpens instantly.
She says sternly, “Aren’t you ashamed? You’re showing up after so many days! Have you forgotten where this house is?”
Rohit smiles sweetly and replies playfully, “Your son gives me so much work, aunty. I hardly get time to breathe forget visiting!”
He casts a teasing glance toward Samar. Samar shoots him a sharp glare, his eyes warning, Don’t get too comfortable.
But Rohit remains relaxed, unfazed. He continues discussing important matters with Samar as if nothing is wrong. His calm tone makes it obvious he isn’t bothered by Samar’s silent warnings at all.
What Rohit doesn’t realize is that someone is watching him from the upper balcony. It’s Ruhi.
She stands there quietly, eyes fixed on Rohit. A wide smile spreads across her face as she whispers softly, “He came finally. I just hope he stays this time.”