Siya's Raghav

After Kashyap Left…

After Kashyap left, Nishtha cursed her fate countless times—and hurled endless insults at Jagjeet Raj Chauhan. What was the need for her mother to accept favors from that man? Her father had already passed away. No amount of money or favor could bring back the shadow of her father's presence. Still, her mother chose to become a servant in Jagjeet Raj Chauhan's house… Why, Maa? Why?

Thinking about it, she broke down in tears—until suddenly, a thought struck her: Mom…? Where is she?She had left her in Banaras, but if Jagjeet Raj Chauhan had tracked her down, then maybe he'd found her mother too.No! Nothing should happen to Maa!Nishtha was terrified and started searching for her phone. After a while, she found it and quickly dialed her mother's number. It rang once and disconnected. No answer. Her anxiety spiked. She called again, and finally, her mother answered. Hearing her gentle voice brought Nishtha such deep relief that she couldn't express it in words.

Nishtha said, "Maa, where are you?"

Her mom replied, "Beta, I'm in a hotel… your fiancé brought me here."

"Fiancé…?" Nishtha said in shock.

"Yes, dear. Didn't you message me saying you were about to marry him and to come along with him? So I did…"

Nishtha checked her phone and realized the message was indeed sent—most likely by Kashyap. She took a breath of relief and said, "Yes, Maa. Stay there. I'll come to meet you soon."

Mom: "Take care of yourself, beta…" she said, and the call ended.

A little while later, a maid entered the room and said, "Ma'am, your lunch…"

Nishtha got up and asked, "Where's your sir? I need to meet him."

While setting the plate, the maid replied, "Ma'am, sir has probably gone home."

"Home…? But isn't this his home too?" Nishtha asked curiously.

Maid: "No, ma'am. This is just sir's farmhouse. He comes here occasionally to spend time."

Nishtha muttered to herself, "Of course, he's a politician—should've expected politician-style habits too. Shows a saintly face on TV but spends his private time in seclusion… Wow, what a politician! They don't have money to fix roads, but surely an endless budget to spend on women…"

After the maid left, Nishtha turned on the TV while starting her meal. A live broadcast of Kashyap was playing, where he was speaking about women's safety and his plans for the future.

She gave a hollow laugh and said, "These are our leaders… all wearing masks of Ram, but inside, they're Ravans. If Sita gets fooled by these masks, can she even be blamed?"

And then Nakul's face flashed in her mind.

The Next Morning

The next morning, Kashyap arrived with his lawyer. The lawyer explained the marriage contract terms to Nishtha.

Lawyer: "Look, miss, there are some very simple terms. This marriage will last only one year. After that, you'll be granted a divorce—but you will not receive any alimony. You must behave like an ideal daughter-in-law in front of Kashyap's family. In return, Kashyap will ensure your mother is taken care of. You cannot demand any marital rights from him during this time, nor interfere in his personal matters. Most importantly, you must never disclose the existence of this contract to anyone—during or after the marriage. If you do, legal action will be taken. Do you agree to all terms?"

Nishtha nodded and said, "Yes, I agree… but I have some conditions too."

Kashyap glared at her. "Have you lost your mind, girl?"

Ignoring him, Nishtha said, "No one can take away my freedom of expression. I will continue my job and support myself. I will not live under anyone's charity."

Kashyap shouted, "The wife of Kashyap Yaduvanshi will work a common shopkeeper's job? Are you insane? Listen carefully—my family has a respected reputation in society, and I won't let that be dragged through the mud because of you."

The lawyer tried to calm them both, but Kashyap kept insisting that a working woman couldn't carry the honor of his name.

When Nishtha didn't back down, Kashyap said coldly, "Fine. I have no interest in this contract. You can leave."

Nishtha looked at him in surprise, "But… where will I go?"

Kashyap yelled, "Go wherever you want—hell, the streets, I don't care! You're of no use to me, and I won't waste money supporting someone useless."

Nishtha went into deep thought. If she stepped outside, Jagjeet Raj Chauhan would surely find her. The only person who could protect her now… was Kashyap Yaduvanshi.

Kashyap turned to leave, instructing the lawyer to follow, when Nishtha quietly said—"Fine. I accept your terms."

Kashyap froze mid-step. A crooked smile formed on his face. Under his breath, he muttered—"Finally, the camel has come under the mountain."

He signaled the lawyer, who placed the papers in front of Nishtha. She signed them. As Kashyap was leaving, he said, "Be ready for the wedding tomorrow."

Nishtha sat back down and let out a deep breath.

Elsewhere – Anurag

Anurag was in his room playing video games—but mentally, he was consumed by Siya. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Her image kept flashing before his eyes. Like stormy waves in the sea, thoughts of her stirred a whirlwind within him.

To distract himself, he took a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and held it between his lips while spinning the lighter in his fingers stylishly. Smoke drifted from his face into the air.

"If only this heart was under control—Neither memories would haunt,Nor love would exist."

Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. He threw the cigarette down, crushed it under his foot, grabbed his car keys, and stormed out.

It was 11 PM. Anurag was sitting in his car outside Siya's house. All the lights in his car were off, making him invisible. One hand was out the window, holding a burning cigarette.

Two minutes passed. He said to himself—

"The crazy one won't get even a glimpse of the moon tonight…Maybe the moon too enjoys watching a lover suffer…"

Just then, he saw Siya approaching—dressed in a wine-colored gown, subtle makeup, open hair. She looked like a celestial nymph. Anurag couldn't take his eyes off her. He forgot to blink.

Each step Siya took echoed in his heartbeat. He wished he could just hide her in his arms, far from the world.

When Siya finally went inside, Anurag clutched his heart and whispered—

"Even the mirror would be shockedAt her killer gaze,And then the havoc of her kohl-laced eyes…"

He sat there a while longer. Suddenly, a voice broke his trance—"Bro, if you're done ogling, can we go home now? My legs are sore…"

Anurag nodded absently. Then, realizing the voice, he turned—"You?! What are you doing here?!"

Avyaan had his legs on the dashboard and said, "The same thing you're doing. By the way, you and bhabhi—what a pair! Perfect match."

Before Anurag could respond, a familiar feminine voice rang out—

"What are you doing here…?"

Anurag turned—and froze. It was Siya.

She had come out to check on Kabir and to show her dress, but hearing Anurag's voice had made her curious. She walked toward the car—and was stunned to see him there.

Anurag was dumbfounded. Siya waved a hand in front of his face to snap him out of it. Avyaan, from behind, pinched his waist. Regaining composure, Anurag stammered—"Um… my car broke down…"

Siya snapped, "There's no mechanic around here…"

To cover up, he grabbed a water bottle and began chugging. Avyaan added cheerfully, "No, actually… we were going to the market and took a shortcut. The car broke down here, so now we're just…"

He flashed a cute smile.

Anurag, now back in his attitude mode, said, "What, you think I came to see you? Please…"

Siya flipped her hair and said, "You must be dreaming while walking. I, Siya, make my dreams reality, got it?"

Anurag snapped, "Anurag Chauhan fulfills every dream—whether seen awake or asleep. And anyway, I heard it's Radha's birthday. She lives nearby, so I thought I'd wish her. So excuse me."

He pretended to call Radha.

Siya, feeling a tinge of jealousy, turned quickly—but her high heels tripped her and she fell.

Anurag wanted to rush and help—but worried she might misunderstand, he looked the other way.

From behind, Avyaan quipped, "Bro, bhabhi just fell. Help her!"

Anurag growled, "Call her bhabhi again and I'll break your face! And so what if she fell? It's not my problem."

He started the car and drove off—completely forgetting he'd just said the car was broken.

Siya turned, hearing the car's engine, and said, "Wasn't his car broken…? 🤔"

After a moment, Avyaan added, "You said it was broken. Now what will bhabhi think about how it magically started…?"

Anurag slammed the brakes, glared at him, and shouted, "You couldn't say that earlier?!"

Avyaan, lying back lazily, replied, "Didn't feel like it, bro…"

Anurag got out and said, "Well, I don't feel like giving you a ride anymore."He sped off in anger.

Avyaan ran after him, shouting, "Cruel man! Who abandons someone on the road like this?! My phone is at home, and there's not an auto in sight!"

Avyaan slumped down near the roadside and began fighting mosquitoes for survival.