Chapter 21: A Gift Beyond Gold
The morning after the grand wedding felt like a gentle dream unfolding. Soft laughter floated through the hallways, the lingering scent of sandalwood clung to the fresh curtains, and the rhythmic jingling of Niyati’s bangles added music to the quiet home. Everything seemed new, yet comfortingly familiar — as if the house itself welcomed its new daughter with open arms.
Niyati stood before the mirror draped in a deep red silk saree. The fabric hugged her delicately, its golden border catching every drop of sunlight that slipped through the window. Her hair, neatly tied into a bun, was adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers whose scent filled the room. With a red bindi glowing on her forehead and minimal yet elegant jewelry, she looked every bit the graceful bride she had become.
But beneath all the beauty was something deeper — a quiet strength, a maturity that life had carved within her. The wedding hadn’t changed her; it had simply polished the jewel she always was.
The First Cooking Ceremony
According to tradition, it was time for Niyati’s first rasoi — her first day stepping into the kitchen as the daughter-in-law of the Mehta family.
As she walked in, the warmth of home enveloped her. Her mother-in-law sat with a gentle smile, her father-in-law’s eyes shone with affection, and Vansh stood leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, grinning like a mischievous schoolboy who had been caught doing nothing wrong.
Within thirty minutes, the sweet aroma of freshly prepared halwa filled the room. Niyati served it with folded hands, her heart beating with the mix of respect and newness this moment held.
Her mother-in-law blessed her wholeheartedly and slipped golden bangles onto her wrist — a symbol of love, acceptance, and belonging. Her father-in-law nodded in approval, clearly touched.
Vansh leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
“Mrs. Niyati Vansh Mehta… you’re not only beautiful but also an amazing chef. Lucky me.”
She rolled her eyes at him but failed miserably at hiding her shy smile.
The Urgent Request
Hours passed with rituals, laughter, and teasing. But suddenly, Niyati’s expression softened into seriousness.
“Vansh… can we go to the office? It’s urgent.”
He looked confused.
“Today? But it’s your first day here as my wife.”
“I know,” she said gently. “But it’s important.”
Her tone was calm, steady — the kind that came from long internal decisions. Vansh studied her face for a moment, then nodded with trust.
“Alright. Give me thirty minutes. I’ll be ready… okay, my wifey?”
Before leaving, he leaned down, kissed her forehead with tender affection, and walked away. The warmth of that kiss stayed with her long after he left the room.
At the Office
The drive was peaceful. The newly married couple exchanged soft smiles, fingers brushing now and then, as if both were still adjusting to the newness of being husband and wife.
But the moment they reached the office, Vansh’s curiosity deepened. Their company lawyer was already waiting in the conference room, a stack of important-looking documents laid neatly before him.
“What’s going on, Niyati?” Vansh asked, puzzled.
She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she calmly took the pen, signed a few papers, and slid them toward him.
Vansh picked up the top sheet — and froze.
Every share.
Every property title.
Every ownership right.
Even the CEO position…
All transferred to his name.
His hands trembled slightly.
“Niyati… what is this? I can’t accept this. I didn’t marry you for—”
She placed her hand over his, her touch steady and full of love.
“Vansh… I didn’t marry you for anything. I married you because I want to be your soulmate, not your boss. I’ve carried responsibilities for so long… now I just want to enjoy my life with you. I trust you. That’s why I chose you.”
Her voice didn’t shake; it carried the weight of years — years of holding everything together alone, years of proving herself. Today, she simply wanted to let go and live.
Vansh’s Answer
For a long moment, Vansh couldn’t speak.
Her trust felt heavier than any contract, any company, any power he had ever known.
He took a breath, his voice quiet yet full of emotion.
“Okay… but remember this, Niyati — all this is still yours. I am yours. Never think you’re left out of anything. I’ll take responsibility, yes… but I want you beside me in every decision. Always.”
She smiled — a soft, relieved smile that had both gratitude and love woven into it.
“Deal.”
A New Beginning
As they walked out of the office hand in hand, the world outside felt different. Lighter. Brighter. Full of possibilities.
Suddenly, Vansh turned to her with a playful spark in his eyes.
“Pack your bags. We’re going away for a while.”
“Where?” she asked, surprised.
“Somewhere far from work, far from the city… where we can just be Niyati and Vansh. Not CEO and wife.”
She laughed softly.
That laugh alone was worth every effort he had ever made.
That night, their home was filled with the rustling of packed clothes, playful arguments about what to take, and soft laughter that echoed through the rooms.
Two hearts, two suitcases, one new journey.
A reminder that the greatest gift they shared wasn’t gold, not ownership, not power —
but trust, love, and each other.
