Page 2 of ARIDHI: His Never-Ending Desire

"Okay, I understood. There was a girl you met in your childhood and since then she has become permanent in your heart." I nodded at the speaker of these words, my mother.

Mrs. Ritu Rathore, the epitome of beauty with brains.

With her dedication and love for our family, she has made this mansion a home.

"You are so obsessed with her that you started avoiding all the girls except her." She further spoke making me furrow.

"You and Rishika are also an exception, Mum." I said childishly while making faces.

No one can take my mother's and sister's place of course. They are both equivalent.

*

"Ruvit." I heard Dhruv calling out my name from behind.

Dhruv Thakur, my one and only best friend.

It's been so many years since we both are together. Despite our different families, we had almost the same journey.

"I found out that Manish bhaiya is getting married." He pouted, narrowing his eyes briefly, "And you didn't even invite me."

I rolled my eyes to his taunt.

If someone sees us behaving like this they will definitely think that we are gay or something.

"Stupid. The marriage date has not been decided yet." I replied on which Dhruv sat on my cabin's sofa lazily.

"We are going to see her tomorrow." Dhruv slightly nodded, "You can come if you want to." I invited.

"Of course I would love to." He shouted with full enthusiasm as if he was just waiting for this moment.

*

I was walking towards my room when I heard some noises coming out from my grandmother's room.

I know it's not good to hear someone's conversation but I have the right to know about what's going on in my family.

Walking towards grandma's room, I stopped just outside as I heard her stern voice.

"Hmare ghar ki auratein bahar jakar kaam nahi karti aur mujhe pura yakeen h ki koi bhi ladki is khandan mein shadi krne k liye itna to sacrifice kr hi sakti h."

(The women of our house do not go out to work and I am sure that any girl can make this much sacrifice to get married in this family.)

What. The. Hell.

Like I know her mentality but why should a girl leave her career for the family?

"Yeah, that's why you forced mum to leave her business. Right?" The next voice of bhaiya as he snickered.

Manish Rathore, my elder brother loves a woman. As he told us that he wanted to marry her, everyone agreed.

But grandma seems to have a problem with her.

"Mum was such a perfect businesswoman of her times and you ruined her career. But my wife is not going to suffer the same." Bhaiya raised his voice.

I clenched my fist because that's literally the end of my patience.

Mum was a businesswoman, like seriously? And grandma ruined her career? Wae? How? When?

I held the door knob, ready to barge inside the room but paused.

"If you are ready for our marriage then you are invited to every ritual and if not, none cares about your opinion." Bhaiya retorted.

"I will still marry her and we will live together in this house but she won't leave her profession just because of you."

A smile formed on my lips. Bhaiya is supporting his woman. She is really lucky to have him.

"So you will break ties with this family just to marry her and live with her?" Grandma asked, her tone cold.

"Not with this family but only you. I will settle with her somewhere else." Good, I will also join him. At least there will be no more family drama.

"You-" Bhaiya cut off grandma's words, "Remember, our son will be the next heir of our family." He smirked as if he won half of the battle.

Grandma isn't saying anything. So that's all the drama for today I guess.

*

It was already morning. Everyone was present at the dining table except someone.

Rishika Rathore is my younger sister, who was outstanding since childhood. Always A+ and a topper.

She is currently majoring in engineering but little did she neglect her health.

"What's taking her so long?" Mum spoke as she placed all the dishes on the table in front of papa and me.

I turned my head towards her direction and said, "Give me her breakfast. I am going up in her room."

"Mujhse jyada to tune usko bigada h." Papa joked as mum gave me her breakfast plate.

(You have spoiled her more than me.)

"She is my little princess and it's my duty to take care of her." I chuckled and went to her room with the tray in my hands.

As I lifted up my knee to knock on the door, Rishika opened the door by herself from the other side.

She was looking dull and tired making me scrunch my nose.

I immediately kept the tray on her study table, "What happened, Rish?"

Keeping both my hands on either side of her shoulder, I pulled her in a hug.

"Nothing bro. Just stressed because of all the assignments."

Appreciation and encouragement is what she needs the most at this moment.

I knew it. Engineering would be tough but she is also stubborn and determined to achieve her goal.

She is trying her best all day and night but it hurts me to see her try so hard.

"You are doing great but don't be so careless. You can't compromise with your health like that, Rish."

Rishika hugged me back more tightly, "I love you, bro. You are the best."

Finally her bright side.

"Have your breakfast." She nodded at me before breaking the hug.

She took a seat on her study table to have her breakfast.

"What are your views about big brother's marriage?" Her sound was muffled as she chewed.

A flash of yesterday's night ran through my brain. Raising up a thumbs up I slightly smirked, "I am excited."

"His wedding might end up with yours." She chuckled before stuffing her mouth with another bite of her sandwich.

I shrugged, "I don't have any issues until it's her. Her and me." I closed my eyes, getting lost in her memories.

I'm sure I must be smiling like a freak by now.

"Already whipped for her, huh?" I opened my eyes to look at Rishika who was teasing me.

"Too much whipped even without her." I repeated, "With her, it's going to be eternal."

I become a completely different person when I'm talking about her. My Ardhangini. And I like every inch of it.

"Then," Rishika interrupted my thoughts, "I think you are soon getting a big surprise." She winked.

"Surprise?" I tilted my head in confusion, earning a nod from her.

Ugh! She is not going to tell me, I'm aware.

I sighed internally as Rishika will now get on my nerves for this 'big surprise'.