Chapter 9 Under His Command
I start all the work in the villa. The place is so huge that wherever my eyes go, there is nothing but cleaning to be done.
I pick up the broom first and begin sweeping the floors. From one corner to another, I keep sweeping tirelessly. But within a short while, my hands grow sore, my back starts aching, and sweat covers my face.
Still, I don’t stop. I know very well that if I don’t complete the work, Samar will send me back home and right now, leaving is not an option for me.
With that thought, I push my exhaustion aside and pick up the broom again. Room by room, corner by corner, I clean the entire floor with full dedication.
Sometimes I bend, sometimes I stand, but my determination never wavers. Sweat drips down my face, my hands burn from the strain, but my eyes hold only one resolve to prove my worth.
I know this isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about my dignity, my identity, and the first step toward my new journey. And I do not give up.
Samar sits in the meeting room with his usual authority and sharp presence. The meeting is in full swing. People sit on either side of the long table, presenting their projects one by one. Everyone wants a chance to work with Samar Rajput, but he examines each proposal coldly and rejects them without a second thought.
Among those present is Vihaan, a successful businessman in his own right. But no matter how much he achieves, in Samar’s presence, he always feels like a shadow.
His eyes burn with envy as he watches Samar command the room effortlessly. No one looks at Vihaan. No one asks for his opinion. All eyes and all respect remain fixed on Samar.
That truth pierces Vihaan like a dagger. He sits quietly for a while, jaw clenched, fists tightening. Then suddenly, without saying a word, he stands up abruptly and storms out of the meeting room.
Everyone turns toward the door in shock, confused by his sudden exit. But Samar does not even glance at him once.
Ignoring the silence, Samar calmly resumes the discussion, completely unfazed.
Outside, Vihaan’s fury explodes. He walks straight to his car and slams his fist onto the bonnet in rage. Grinding his teeth, he growls under his breath, “Samar I’ll erase you from this world very soon.”
His eyes burn with the fire of revenge. Without another word, he jumps into the car and drives away, tires screeching behind him.
Meanwhile, in the hall, Neeti and Ruhi tell everything to Shobha. All three of them sit together. As she hears the news, Shobha’s expression shifts from shock to anger, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Samar got married? And didn’t tell anyone?” her voice rises, filled with both hurt and fury.
She stands up abruptly, pacing the floor, her anger as a mother clearly visible. His authority echoes in her voice.
“I’ll handle him right now… let me see how he refuses to come home today!”
Ruhi tries to lighten the mood and asks excitedly, “Are you going to meet Samar bro?”
Shobha turns sharply toward her. “No. I’m going to bring him back home. Let’s see how he dares to stay away now.”
Ruhi and Neeti exchange excited glances. If Shobha aunty herself is stepping in, something big is about to happen. They quickly get up and follow her outside.
The car is already waiting. Shobha steps in with determination written all over her face. Ruhi and Neeti sit beside her. The car speeds away from the mansion.
A few minutes later, the car stops in front of SR Villa. Shobha steps out immediately, her face firm with resolve. Ruhi and Neeti follow closely. The three of them enter the mansion together.
The moment Shobha steps inside, she freezes. Her eyes widen in shock. It is as if she forgets to blink.
Right in front of her, I stand wearing a simple white suit. My clothes are slightly dusty, my face has light specks of dirt, and my hair is tied in a messy bun.
Yet even like this, I stand holding a broom, cleaning the grand mansion all by myself. Ruhi and Neeti rush toward me happily. “Sister-in-law!”
They are about to hug me, but I step back slightly and say softly, “I’m covered in dust… your clothes will get dirty.”
They ignore my words and hug me tightly. Tears and happiness fill their eyes. Mrs. Shobha walks toward me slowly, her expression unreadable. I look at her with nervous confusion.
Neeti then says gently, “Sister-In-law, this is your mother-in-law… our lovely Mumma.”
Hearing that, I immediately bend forward to touch her feet, but before I can, Shobha holds my arm and pulls me into a warm embrace.
“Aunty… your clothes will get dirty,” I whisper.
She smiles kindly. “That doesn’t matter.”
Then she looks at me with concern and asks softly, “Go freshen up. I need to talk to you. And why are you doing all this? Where are the servants?”
I stay silent. A maid walks in. Shobha turns to her sharply. “Why is my daughter-in-law doing all this work?”
The maid answers nervously, “Sir ordered her to do everything… and told us not to help.”
Mrs. Shobha, Ruhi, and Neeti are stunned.
Mrs. Shobha turns back to me and says firmly, “Go now. Freshen up.”
I nod quietly and walk toward my room without saying anything.
Once I leave, Mrs. Shobha tells the maid, “From now on, my daughter-in-law will not do a single task. If Samar orders otherwise, come straight to me.” The maid nods and leaves.
Later, I come downstairs wearing a green suit and trousers, my dupatta draped softly. My hair is open but neatly pinned back.
As soon as Shobha sees me, she holds my hand and makes me sit beside her. For the first time, I feel something unfamiliar the warmth of a mother’s love.
Until today, “mother” was just a word for me.
She gently strokes my head. “You’re such a beautiful girl.”
I smile softly. Ruhi adds proudly, “Of course she is! She’s my Sister-in-law!”
Shobha looks at me fondly and asks, “Did Samar go to the office?” I nod.
Ruhi laughs, “Sister-in-law, Mumma will love you so much you’ll forget your own mom!”
Tears fill my eyes. “I could never forget my mom.”
“Why?” Neeti asks.
“Because… I never saw her. She passed away when I was born.” Silence fills the room.
Mrs. Shobha asks gently, “What was your father’s name, dear?”
“Mr. Abhay Shekhawat.” Her eyes widen. Tears roll down as memories return. She pulls me into a tight hug.
“You’re his daughter? Your mother was my best friend.” I freeze in shock.
“My child… everyone called you Ishi. You were so little when I last saw you.”
Emotion overwhelms me. I cry in her arms like a child who finally finds home. She holds my head softly. “Some bonds can’t be broken. Yours and Samar’s is one of them.”
She explains everything the childhood marriage, the disappearance. Then footsteps echo from the gate. Samar has returned.
“Bro is here!” Ruhi says excitedly. The moment I hear that, my heart trembles. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly.