Manik's POV

It was evening and I came home after a long and tiring day at work.

James told me that his dad liked the designs and they wanted some rare pieces of gems from us and at the same time, they wanted their diamonds to be cut and polished by us.

They selected some very authentic Indian traditional Jewellery from different regions of India. So it was a huge order and I was quite excited about it.

I went to my room and took a refreshing bath. Wore a kurta and churidar as I wanted the traditional theme.

I came downstairs and saw that Roshni was helping the servants to make arrangements. She was arranging the fresh flowers. And was laying the table.

" Hey, Roshni!! Why are you doing all this?? You don't have to do it. " I said.

" I wanted to help them. So I volunteered. You said that it is my home too. So if someone is coming to my home, I have to welcome them. " She said.

How thoughtful! She is not that bad. Actually, she is sweet... and pretty... And cute.

" How was your day? " She asked.

" Very tiring. I didn't even get the time to have lunch properly..." I said.

" What?? You haven't had anything since breakfast?? Wait!! I will get something for you. "

" Rosh... " I was trying to stop her but had already rushed out of the room.

Within five minutes, she came with some snacks.

" Have them! You should not stay hungry for such a long time. " She said like my Chachi. I smiled at that.

" But If I eat now, I would not be able to eat dinner with them," I said.

" Then have a bite of everything. This way you can taste all the things and would neither feel starved nor too full. You can't starve yourself like this. " She said and I accepted the plate as I was really hungry.

" Ummm!! Everything is awesome. Did you try them? " I asked and she nodded.

She told me her favourite dishes and asked about mine. I was enjoying talking to her. So told her whatever she asked.

I looked at her, she was looking even prettier in the yellow and orange traditional Gujrati suit.

It was a bit too colourful for me but suited her personality being so full of life.

She was looking like a young girl... not a child by any standard.

I averted my eyes from her and looked around to check if everything was right and found that everything was better than my expectations.

My staff was ready to give them a royal treatment. They would never forget this evening.

A servant came to tell me that they have arrived. I got up from my chair and went to the huge drawing room which was meant to receive guests.

" Don't go away... " I looked at Roshni and said. She nodded.

I went to greet and welcome them.

" Welcome to my humble adobe. " I said.

" Humble adobe?? This looks like a palace. And you are looking like a prince. " They said. I threw my head back and laughed.

" Well, thanks for your compliments. But the night has just begun. Let's go inside. " I said and they entered the home there was a Rangoli at the entrance and they were amazed to see it.

Even I liked it a lot. Something my Chachi does on special occasions and sometimes even Mahi helped her.

I would like to give a raise to whoever thought of this beautiful idea to show our culture.

We went in and a servant sprinkled rose Itr ( natural rose extract spray) on them.

Wow!! I had not even thought of it.

They liked it a lot.

I made them sit in our grand drawing room which was tastefully decorated with antiques and authentic handicrafts. It was done by my one and only Chachi who is a renowned interior designer.

The room looked like picture-perfect from some home decor magazine.

" Oh, my God!! Your home is as big as the hotel we are staying at and it is much more esthetic. Hats off to you. Who are you?? A real prince? " Bob asked.

" Well, my grandfather was known as the diamond king of the country. So I guess, you can think of me as a prince. " I said with a smile.

The welcome drinks were served. It was an almond and rose drink. It had a very cooling and refreshing effect.

I looked around and could not see Roshni. I asked the servant about her and he said that she was helping Maharaj Ji.

" Tell her to come and join us. " I said and he went in after nodding.

She came in with two men following her with a big brass vessel and another one with a brass carved surahi and hand towels.

The men were looking at her with interest. She greeted them they smiled back at her. She asked the servants to go ahead.

" What is that for? " Bob asked.

" A little warm water to wash your hands before eating the food. " I explained.

The man with a brass basin held the basin below their hands and the man with surahi poured water with rose petals over their hands and then handed them fresh towels to wipe their hands.

" I am awestruck with all this. I must say, we are really impressed with all this. Your country is so rich with so many colours, aromas, cultures, values, hospitality etc. Now I can understand why my girlfriend is crazy about India. " James said.

" James, Bob... I would like to formally meet my friend Roshini, and Roshni meet my new friends and business associates, James and Bob. " I said, she smiled at both of them with folded hands.

" Hey, you are looking and behaving differently today. I prefer your that look. But you are looking beautiful this

way too. " Bob said to her.

I saw that she was getting uncomfortable with his gaze on her.

" Shall we have the food?? " I asked, and they nodded.

Maharaj Ji had asked me if I would like the food to be served in low-sitting traditional settings or at the dining table. I told him that the dining table was fine.

The traditional silver thali (utensils, plates and several little bowls) were arranged on the table and the servants started serving the food James and Bob were shocked to see the variety of the food that was being served.

" Oh, God!! So much food. " James said. Roshni and I smiled.

" Start eating the food. It would get cold otherwise. " I said.

I took the chair that is set for the master of the house and Roshni was sitting beside me. On my left side, while the men were sitting on my right side, in front of Roshni.

We all started having food, James kept asking me many things and I was telling him with enthusiasm. We had almost finished the main course and were having dessert which was already served with the main course as per Gujrati tradition.

I was amazed to see that Roshni didn't even say a single word.

It was not like her to be quiet for so long. I looked at her and was surprised to see a frown on her beautiful face.

What happened to her?

" What happened, Roshni? You didn't like the food? " I asked.

" No! It is very good. " She looked at me and smiled at me.

" Are you not feeling well?? " I asked again. As she frowned again.

" Actually, I am having a headache, maybe I didn't sleep well last night. Do you mind, if I leave after dinner?? " She asked.

" Hey, why?? Please stay. It is nice to see such a beautiful face around. The evening becomes more beautiful. " Bob said. But she ignored him.

" Of course, you can go, if you are not feeling well. Please check the fever and take medicine accordingly. " I said.

" Sure, I will !! Good night, gentlemen. Please, excuse me." She said.

" Good night, take care. " I said with concern. She gave me a sweet smile and turned to go.

" Excuse me!! I need to use the washroom. Can you please guide me to it?? " Bob got up and said to Roshni.

"It is on the right side once you go outside this room. The first door is on the right-hand side. " She said in a bit harsh manner.

What happened to her?? He didn't say or do anything...

" Oh, everything here is so mesmerizing that I think I would get lost somewhere. Please show me the way. " Bob said. She looked hesitant.

But why??

She looked at me and I felt as if she was looking unsure.

" Please... see, both of them are still eating, I don't want to disturb them. Only you are free and going away, " Bob said but she looked a bit annoyed.

Just then a servant came and I told him to show the way to the washroom. He nodded and asked Bob to come with him. I looked at Roshni again and felt that she looked relieved and rewarded me with a cute smile before going away.

Both James and I kept talking to each other.

" I am wondering what is taking so long for Bob to come back," James said.

" I hope he didn't get lost. You enjoy the dessert, I will go and find him. " I said and went to look for him. But could not find him there. The door of the washroom was open and he was not there.

Maybe he got lost or was intrigued to look at the haveli, so was looking around.

I also wanted to ask Roshni if she was alright and make sure that she has taken the medicine.

Just then I heard something heavy and metallic falling on the floor. I followed the sound and was shocked to see the scene in front of me.

No!!!

I could not believe my eyes. This is not happening.

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Good morning friends 🌻

Happy Independence day to all of my Indian friends. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Here is my today's chapter I hope you liked it please let me know.

Please vote, comment, share and follow.

Friends, I am going to post the epilogue of my book 'The Rejected Bride ' today in about an hour.

I want to thank all of you for making it such a big hit. It has always toped the charts. Thanks for your love and support.

Take good care of yourself and have a nice day.

Thanks

Chhavi ❤️❤️❤️