Chapter 28 — Our Daughter-in-Law

The Qureshi mansion was filled with happiness as the family gathered for Ritika's Muh Dikhai ceremony.

Rehnaa came forward carrying a beautifully folded saree.

Rehnaa: Beta, this is for you. Go and change. Today is your Muh Dikhai.

Ritika smiled and accepted it.

Ritika: Thank you, Phupi.

She went upstairs and changed into the beautiful red saree.

When she returned, Shabana gently adjusted her veil over her head.

Everyone looked at her with admiration.

Shabana: You look beautiful, beta.

Rehnaa: Absolutely beautiful.

Ritika smiled shyly.

Shabana then brought out a jewellery box.

Shabana: These are the traditional Qureshi family bangles. They have been passed down in our family.

She carefully placed the khandani bangles on Ritika's wrists.

Ritika looked at them emotionally.

Ritika: They're beautiful.

Rehnaa then brought another box.

Rehnaa: And these are from me.

She opened it and revealed a pair of beautiful gold bangles.

Rehnaa: These are my gift to you.

Ritika folded her hands slightly.

Ritika: Thank you, Phupi.

Rehnaa smiled and touched her cheek affectionately.

Rehnaa: You are our daughter now.

The atmosphere was warm until a voice interrupted them.

Arnav's paternal aunt, Safeena, looked at Ritika with disapproval.

Safeena: Shabana, you never had a daughter. And now you've married your only son to a widow with a child?

The words reached Ritika clearly.

She froze.

The smile disappeared from her face.

The words pierced her heart, but she remained silent.

Before anyone else could respond, Abhram's voice became firm.

Abhram: Enough, Safeena.

Everyone turned toward him.

Abhram: Don't you dare speak about our daughter-in-law like that.

Safeena: But—

Abhram: We chose Ritika for Arnav. And Arnav accepted her. He accepted Ritika and Rishi completely.

His voice was unwavering.

Abhram: Nobody in this family has the right to insult her because of her past.

Shabana stood up.

Shabana: Safeena, leave this house.

Safeena stared at her.

Shabana: You will not disrespect my daughter-in-law under my roof.

Rehnaa stepped forward.

Rehnaa: Apologise to our daughter-in-law.

Safeena gritted her teeth.

Safeena: Sorry.

Rehnaa: And don't step into this mansion again unless you understand how to respect the people living here.

Safeena glared at everyone before walking away.

The room became quiet.

Shabana immediately turned toward Ritika.

Shabana: I'm sorry, beta.

Ritika forced a small smile.

Ritika: It's okay, Maa.

She didn't want anyone to see how deeply the words had affected her.

Ritika quietly went upstairs.

A few moments later, Rishi followed her.

He found his mother sitting quietly.

Rishi: Mumma...

Ritika looked at him.

Rishi gently held her hand.

Rishi: Don't cry.

Ritika's eyes filled with tears.

Rishi: That aunty is bad.

He hugged her.

Rishi: You don't have to worry. Rishi will love you and take care of you.

Ritika hugged her son tightly.

Ritika: I love you, beta.

Rehnaa had followed them upstairs and stood at the doorway with a warm smile.

Rehnaa: Beta, don't give importance to those words.

Ritika looked at her.

Rehnaa: We don't regret our decision for even one moment.

She walked closer.

Rehnaa: I am happy that Arnav married you.

She gently held Ritika's hand.

Rehnaa: You are our Qureshi bahu now. And Rishi belongs to our family too.

Ritika's eyes softened.

Ritika: Thank you, Phupi.

Rehnaa smiled.

Rehnaa: Always remember that.

Rishi smiled and held his mother's hand.

For the first time since entering the Qureshi mansion, Ritika truly felt that she had people standing beside her—not because they had to, but because they genuinely considered her family.