As the days went by, Preeta's connection with Rukmini grew stronger. Every morning at 9 sharp, she would arrive at the Parihaar mansion, her routine beginning with gentle exercises, diet advice, and heartfelt conversations with the elderly woman. Slowly but surely, she became a warm presence in Rukmini's life-a source of comfort and companionship.

Through these visits, Preeta also got to know the rest of the family. Krushna, the younger Parihaar brother who'd originally reached out to her, was especially friendly. His easygoing nature and playful sense of humor helped her feel at ease amidst the grandeur of the mansion, and soon they developed an effortless camaraderie.

However, her bond with Avantika was another story. No matter how professional or courteous Preeta tried to be, Avantika always seemed to find fault. Whether it was Preeta's clothing, her "middle-class" manners, or even her methods with Rukmini, Avantika never held back her criticisms. It didn't help that Avantika's snide comments often came laced with sharp sarcasm, leaving Preeta struggling to keep her composure.

After one such taxing session with Avantika, Preeta found herself wandering down the long corridor, quietly fuming. She sighed, grateful the ordeal was over for the day, but just as she rounded a corner, she felt an odd, faint presence behind her.

Curious, she slowed her pace, listening intently. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed a small figure peeking from behind a pillar, only to quickly hide when she turned around. A smile crept onto Preeta's face as she put the pieces together-it was a little girl, no older than two, trying to be stealthy.

Preeta stopped, pretending not to notice, and called out softly, "I wonder who's here... Could it be a little bird following me?"

She waited, smiling to herself, and heard tiny footsteps shuffling closer. Moments later, a pair of small eyes peeked out, wide with curiosity and slight mischief. It was none other than Meesha, Rishabh's adopted daughter. She seemed to be studying Preeta with a mix of fascination and shyness, clutching a small stuffed bunny close to her chest.

Preeta crouched down, softening her voice. "Hello there, little one," she greeted warmly. "Are you my little shadow today?"

Meesha hesitated, her big eyes taking in Preeta's face before giving a shy nod. She hugged her bunny tighter and took a few small steps forward, as if gathering courage.

Preeta chuckled softly. "You've been following me all along, haven't you? I think you're curious about me." She extended her hand gently. "I'm Preeta. Do you want to be friends?"

For a moment, Meesha just stared at her hand, seemingly contemplating. Then, with a tiny smile, she stretched out her own hand, her small fingers lightly brushing against Preeta's.

Meesha whispered shyly, "Bunny likes you."

Preeta's heart melted. "Well, I like Bunny too. And you, of course." She gave Meesha a playful wink. "Now that we're friends, would you like to show me around your favorite places in the house?"

Meesha's face lit up, her eyes brightening as she nodded eagerly. She reached for Preeta's hand, leading her down the corridor with an unexpected boldness. They went past the rooms and hallways, Meesha pointing at different decorations and paintings, babbling in her tiny voice about each one, even if her words were mostly incomprehensible.

Preeta listened intently, nodding and reacting with animated expressions, fully invested in Meesha's little tour. The two wandered around like that for a while, sharing laughter and quiet moments. It was a simple connection, yet it filled Preeta with warmth.

Just then, Rishabh came around the corner, looking for Meesha. He paused at the sight before him-Preeta crouched beside his daughter, both of them laughing softly as Meesha showed her something from her little world.

Rishabh smiled, a rare, soft expression. "Looks like you've made a new friend, Meesha," he said, his voice warm.

Meesha's face lit up, and she ran to him, tugging at his hand. "Dada, loow! My friend" she announced proudly, holding Preeta's hand as if to prove it.

Preeta straightened, a bit surprised but touched by Meesha's declaration. She smiled at Rishabh, who gave her a nod of gratitude.

"You've made quite an impression," he said, his tone softer than usual. "She doesn't usually take to people so quickly."

Preeta looked at Meesha, then back at Rishabh. "She's a wonderful little girl. It's impossible not to feel close to her."

As Rishabh held Meesha close, Preeta could see the love in his eyes, a reminder of the quiet strength he carried for his family. And though her journey in the Parihaar mansion had its challenges, moments like these made it all worthwhile.

------

As Preeta watched Rishabh and Meesha together, an innocent question surfaced in her mind. Seeing their close bond and Rishabh's tender care for the little girl, she couldn't help but wonder about Meesha's mother.

Gently, she ventured, "So... does Meesha's mother stay at home with her too? I'm sure she must be happy to see how close you both are."

Rishabh's expression shifted slightly, his smile fading just a bit as he glanced down. For a moment, he seemed caught off guard, as if he wasn't quite sure how to respond. Meesha, oblivious to the tension, continued playing with her bunny, holding it up to Preeta with a grin.

Finally, Rishabh cleared his throat, giving Preeta a small, polite smile. "Actually... Meesha doesn't have a mother," he said quietly. "She's my adopted daughter."

Preeta's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and admiration crossing her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry-I didn't mean to assume," she said softly. "That's incredibly kind of you, Rishabh. She's very lucky to have you."

Rishabh shook his head, a hint of warmth returning to his expression. "If anything, I'm the lucky one. She changed my life in ways I never expected. I never realized how much joy she'd bring." He looked at Meesha, who was now tugging at his sleeve, eager for more attention.

Preeta smiled, understanding more of Rishabh's character. "You're doing an amazing job with her. She clearly adores you."

Rishabh met her eyes, gratitude visible beneath his usual composed demeanor. "Thank you, Preeta. That means a lot." There was a pause, a moment of quiet understanding between them, as Preeta saw a softer, more vulnerable side to the usually reserved man.

With that shared understanding, Preeta felt she was beginning to see Rishabh beyond his reputation-as someone who cared deeply, someone who carried the weight of his responsibilities with both strength and compassion. And as she watched him hold Meesha close, she realized just how dedicated he was to the family he had built, even if it didn't follow the traditional path.

After a few minutes of silence, Rishabh, noticing the calm and the quiet that had settled between them, turned to Preeta with a thoughtful look.

"So, Preeta, tell me about your family," he asked, his voice gentle but sincere. "You mentioned your brother and sister earlier... do you have a big family?"

Preeta paused, her smile faltering slightly as she looked down for a moment. The question, though innocent, struck a chord in her. She had always kept the details of her past close to her chest, especially when it came to her marriage. But Rishabh had been kind and patient, and the warmth in his voice made her feel comfortable in a way she hadn't anticipated.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully. "I... yes, I do have a family. I have my younger brother, Rishi, and my sister, Mayra. We're very close." Her eyes flickered with a bittersweet expression. "But... I'm divorced."

Rishabh's brow furrowed slightly in surprise, but his gaze remained steady and compassionate. "I didn't know... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up anything painful."

Preeta shook her head, offering a small smile. "No, it's okay. It's just not something I talk about much." She paused, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I was married to a man named Ravi. We were together for a few years, but... we grew apart. It just didn't work out, and we parted ways three years ago."

Rishabh didn't immediately respond, sensing that the topic was a sensitive one. He gave her a moment of silence, allowing her to collect her thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his tone soft but understanding. "I can't imagine how hard that must have been. But I think it's admirable how you've kept moving forward. It takes strength to rebuild after something like that."

Preeta felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had always been careful about how she portrayed her past, not wanting to seem weak or vulnerable. But Rishabh's kindness made her feel safe in sharing something so personal.

"It wasn't easy," she admitted quietly. "I spent a long time feeling lost after it happened. But I've learned a lot about myself in the process. My family, especially my siblings, they've been my rock. And then... I found my passion again. Helping people, like Rukmini ji. It gave me something to focus on."

Rishabh nodded, a faint smile forming on his lips. "I think it's a beautiful thing that you found that strength. Not everyone does." He paused before adding, "It's clear that you care deeply about your work, and about helping people. It's inspiring."

Preeta looked up at him, meeting his gaze with gratitude. "Thank you, Rishabh. That means more than you know."

There was a moment of understanding between them, two people who had each experienced loss in their own way. Though their lives had taken different paths, both had found healing and purpose, even in the face of their struggles.

And in that quiet, unspoken exchange, Preeta felt a connection with Rishabh-a bond that went beyond the simple roles they played in each other's lives.