A long chapter ahead...
(Double update soon)
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Saanvi's pov
We stumbled back into the farmhouse, both drenched, looking like we'd just stepped out of a rainstorm disaster movie.
Aaditya's hair was completely soaked, and my dupatta was hanging on me.
My gaze shifted to my mom and Mrs. Malhotra sitting together, the latter looking like she was holding on to her last thread of sanity.
My mom was calmly patting her back, whispering something soothing like a comforting lullaby.
As soon as Mrs. Malhotra saw Aaditya, though, she jumped up as if the earth had shifted beneath her.
"Aaditya! Mera beta! Are you okay? Did you get hurt? Your hair is soaked!"
she cried, reaching for him like she was ready to do a full medical check-up.
I blinked in surprise, but honestly? It was cute.
She loved him, and that love radiated all around her. 'Aww, mera beta,'
She murmured, ruffling his hair as though he were six years old, just back from playing outside.
It was funny... but also kind of heartwarming.
She was so unashamed in her love for him.
And before I knew it, my mind took off on a wild flight.
What if I had a son like Aaditya someday?
My brain immediately started crafting a scenario.
I imagined myself, wearing a saree (because, of course, I'm a desi mom now), standing at the door as my little kid (looking exactly like Aaditya, of course) ran to me.
I'd wrap him in a hug and say,
"Aww, mera beta, are you okay? Did you eat your vegetables? Have you been behaving?"
Suddenly, my subconscious smacked me upside the head:
Saanvi, STOP.
I shook my head, realizing I was getting way too carried away. "Okay, okay.
No more delusions of being a dramatic, overprotective mom. Focus, Saanvi!"
Mrs. Malhotra finally stopped her "inspection," her hands still lingering on Aaditya like he was her precious baby.
She sighed in relief.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, beta," she said softly, her voice filled with so much love that it could've melted any heart.
Aaditya shifted uncomfortably, a small smile forming on his face as he adjusted to the flood of attention.
And as I watched them, I couldn't help but think...
maybe one day, if I had a son like Aaditya, I'd end up just as dramatic.
Mrs. Malhotra finally turned to me, her eyes full of gratitude. "Saanvi, meri beti, I don't know how to thank you. Only because of you, Aaditya is safe." She clasped her hands in front of her chest, looking like she was about to burst into tears of joy.
She then went on, "You're so caring, so selfless. You really are an angel." Her words made my heart swell, but I couldn't help glancing at Aaditya, who was just shaking his head with a small, amused smile.
He looked like he was used to this level of affection, but I couldn't stop myself from feeling a little victorious.
Aww,
day by day, I'm impressing my future mother-in-law. Hehe.
And then-delulu mode on.
I remembered Aarna's words: "If you impress Mrs. Malhotra, Aaditya will automatically be yours."
I tried to shake off the thought, but who knew?
Maybe Aarna was onto something.
Just as I was basking in my future Malhotra bahu victory, Varsha walked in, holding a towel.
Her steps were hesitant, and her face still held traces of sadness-
probably from when Aaditya scolded her over the coffee incident.
Without a word, she handed it to Aaditya.
Aaditya, still dripping wet, took it with a grateful smile.
And then-ugh-Varsha smiled back.
Something twisted in my stomach. Excuse me?
Why are they exchanging these soft, secret smiles?
Why did she get the "I'm-sorry-for-scolding-you" look while I was standing here
Before I could overthink (or plot Varsha's immediate disappearance), she smirked at Aaditya. "Jaake naha le, Bandar ke sakal ka. Sardi lag jayegi."
(Go and take a bath, monkey. You will catch cold)
Aaditya just chuckled, shaking his head before walking off to his room, still smiling.
I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at Varsha. Hmph.
Why does she get a special smile?
I should be the only one getting those. Future wife privileges, hello?
I took a deep breath.
Okay, calm down, Saanvi.
You're not officially Mrs. Malhotra... yet.
But one thing was clear-
I had some serious competition.
And I did not like it.
I ignored whatever was happening and marched straight to my room.
As soon as I entered, Ruhi looked up from a south Indian recipe book.
She gasped dramatically. "Oh! Tu zinda hai kya?"
(Oh! Are you alive?)
Then, without even giving me a second to breathe, she clutched my hands like I was her long-lost soulmate. "Thank God! Ab mai bhuki nahi marungi!"
I squinted. "What?"
She waved her giant book in my face. "Arey wo na, aaj sab bade log jaa rahe hai kahi bahar, time spend karne aur groom-bride ka bonding badhane. Kyunki Aaj last day hai farmhouse mai, kal subha-subha nikal na hai na"
"So?" I asked
She sat up, serious. "Toh aaj raat ham log sab akele honge. Parents honge nahi, toh khana hume banana padega. Maids bhi chhutti pe hai." "Toh mai yaha pe kuch easy recipe dekh rahi thi" she continues
I crossed my arms.
Unbelievable.
It could be better if I have gotten lost in the jungle, or been swept away by the rain, or been eaten by a bear-
But no, here I am with Ruhi and her dinner tension.
I sighed, shaking my head. This girl and her food obsession...
Still dripping wet, I grabbed my clothes and turned to leave. "Main nahaane ja rahi hoon."
Ruhi didn't even look up from her book. "Thik hai, lekin jaldi karna. Bhook se meri aatma nikal rahi hai."
I rolled my eyes. "Aatma chhod ke chali bhi jayegi na, tujhe phir bhi dosa hi chahiye hoga."
Ruhi gasped, clutching her heart. "Dosa pe mat ja! Dosa toh ek underrated emotion hai."
I groaned, walking away.
Why am I even arguing with her?
Shutting the bathroom door behind me.
I finally let out a deep breath.
Peace.
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~Author's Pov~
The dining table was anything but peaceful.
Ridith was glued to his laptop, typing furiously.
Aaditya and Varsha were busy on their phones, lost in their own world.
Ishaan, however, was restless.
"Yaar, kuch toh karna chahiye. Bhook lag rahi hai." He sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair.
Ruhi, flipping through a magazine, didn't even look up. "Then go to the kitchen and cook for yourself."
Ishaan gasped. "If you said then, can I eat you?"
Silence.
Everyone's heads snapped up. Ridith stopped typing.
Aaditya and Varsha looked up from their phones.
Even Ruhi, the queen of ignoring Ishaan,
froze.
Ruhi picked up a spoon and pointed it at his face. "Say one more word, and I'll break your head with this."
Varsha coughed, trying to hide her laugh.
Aaditya just shook his head, muttering, "Yeh kabhi sudhar nahi sakta."
(He can never change.)
Meanwhile, Ridith simply closed his laptop and sighed. "Pata nahi mai yaha pe ho he kyun?"
Without waiting for a response, he stood up and walked away, mumbling under his breath, "I'll finish my meeting and come back. Hopefully, these lunatics will be normal by then."
No one stopped him.
They all knew better.
Meanwhile, Ishaan looked at Ruhi with an innocent face. "Toh... jawab kya hai?"
(So... what's your answer?)
Ruhi picked up a fork this time. "Teri maut."
(Your death.)
Ishaan opened his mouth to say something else-
probably another flirtatious remark-when Aaditya, tired of the nonsense, got up from his chair.
But just as he stood, he collided with someone.
Saanvi.
She had just walked into the kitchen, her hands still in her hair, finishing a loose braid.
She wore a simple cotton kurti with her dupatta tied at the waist, the very definition of a desi girl.
A faint fragrance of chandan and roses lingered around her,
making Aaditya momentarily forget why he was even standing up in the first place the way her bangles softly jingled as she moved.
Aaditya immediately stepped back. "Oh... sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Saanvi lowered her gaze, a soft pink creeping onto her cheeks. "K-koi baat nahi..." she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips.
Oblivious to her reaction, Aaditya simply walked over to the counter, picked up a glass, and filled it with water.
As he lifted it to his lips, he casually glanced back-
only to find Saanvi still standing there, still smiling, still lost in her own world.
He frowned slightly, lowering the glass. "What?"
Saanvi blinked, realizing she had been staring. "K-kuch nahi," she stammered, quickly turning away to hide her smile.
Aaditya just shook his head, clueless as ever of what storm he have created in saanvi's heart,
and went back to drinking his water.
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With Ridith gone and the chaos settling, everyone found themselves gathered around the dining table, debating the most crucial topic-
food.
"We should order something," Aaditya suggested, scrolling through his phone.
"No need!" Ruhi groaned. "Saanvi makes amazing food. Let her cook!"
Saanvi, who was still standing near the kitchen counter, blushed at the unexpected compliment. "A-agar sabko koi problem nahi hai toh... main bana deti hoon."
"No problem at all!" Ishaan grinned. "Actually, that's the best idea of the day."
Ruhi rolled her eyes. "Flirt kam kar, aur bata kya khana hai?"
Aaditya, still clueless about Saanvi's soft smiles and stolen glances, leaned back in his chair. "I want something spicy."
Before anyone else could react, Saanvi, who had been planning to make something sweet just moments ago, instantly nodded. "Main bhi wahi bol rahi thi!"
The room fell silent for a second.
Ishaan, never one to miss an opportunity, smirked. "Haan haan, ab Aaditya ne bol diya toh wahi banega."
Aaditya frowned. "Matlab?"
Ishaan leaned back smugly. "Matlab yeh ki tu rehne de. Tu jaake Pogo dekh."
Before Aaditya could retort, Saanvi shot Ishaan a sharp glare, silently warning him to stop.
Ishaan, knowing better than to mess with desi sherni mode, quickly zipped his lips.
Aaditya, still confused, turned to Varsha. "Waise tu aaj hamare picnic pe kyun nahi aayi? Tu gussa thi kya?"
Varsha, who had been quietly sipping her juice, didn't even look up. "Tu na jaake Cocomelon dekh, bas."
Silence.
Then Ruhi burst out laughing, and even Saanvi had to press her lips together to hide her smile.
As Saanvi rolled up her sleeves, ready to start cooking, she glanced at Aaditya with a playful smirk.
"Waise..." she drawled, leaning slightly against the counter. "London wale, Indian spicy food bear bhi kar sakte hain?"
Aaditya straightened, scoffing at the challenge. "Of course! Tumhe kya lagta hai?"
Saanvi raised an eyebrow. "Pakka?"
Aaditya smirked, folding his arms. "Bilkul."
Saanvi tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Acha... toh phir Hyderabadi Dum Biryani chalegi?"
Aaditya's confidence wavered for a second before he masked it with curiosity. "Can you make it?"
Saanvi flipped her braid over her shoulder, smiling proudly. "Main Hyderabadi hoon. Ye biryani banana toh mere liye bohot easy hai."
Aaditya just shook his head, smiling slightly at her confidence.
There was something about the way she said Hyderabadi-like it was a badge of honor.
Ruhi and Varsha exchanged amused glare.
"Well then, let's get to work," Saanvi announced. "We need fresh ingredients."
The girls quickly got up to fetch the required items from the storage and market.
Meanwhile, Ishaan and Aaditya... well, they simply sat there, watching the kitchen empty out.
Ishaan leaned toward Aaditya, smirking. "Aur hum?"
Aaditya leaned back in his chair. "Hum bas intezaar karenge."
Ishaan grinned. "Sahi hai."
And so, the boys waited while the girls went off to bring back the magic.
As the girls left, the kitchen fell into a rare silence.
Ishaan, who was usually full of energy, suddenly sighed deeply, his expression turning unusually serious.
Aaditya frowned, glancing at him. "Ab kya ho gaya?"
Ishaan stared at the ceiling dramatically. "Aaditya... kya main bohot bura insaan hoon?"
Aaditya's confusion deepened. "Nahi... kisne kaha?"
Ishaan sighed again, looking like a tragic hero from an old Bollywood movie.
Aaditya leaned forward, concerned. "Tune kisi se kuch galat keh diya?"
Ishaan shook his head.
"Toh tune kisi ka dil dukhaya?"
Another shake of the head.
"Toh phir kisi ka khana chura ke kha liya?"
Ishaan glared at him. "Main itna bhi gira hua nahi hoon."
Aaditya rolled his eyes. "Toh phir dhuki kyun ho gaya? Abhi toh bada flirt kar raha tha."
Ishaan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Bhai, mujhe samajh nahi aa raha... Ruhi mujhe apna banda kyun nahi banati?!"
Aaditya blinked. "Kya?"
Ishaan sat up dramatically. "Mujh jaisa handsome ladka use aur kahaan milega? Uske life ka best option hoon main! Phir bhi woh avoid kar rahi hai. Yeh kya mazaak hai?"
Aaditya took a deep breath, as if preparing himself for the most important response of his life.
Then, with a completely straight face, he said-
"Shaayad Ruhi ko boyfriend chahiye... cartoon nahi."
Silence.
Ishaan's mouth fell open. "Tu... tu abhi mujhe cartoon bola?!"
Aaditya smirked. "Main toh bas bol raha hu, shayad tu sach ka hai."
Ishaan clutched his chest. "Bhai tune toh mere dil pe chhuri dal di."
Aaditya casually leaned back. "tu mujhe Pogo dekhne bol raha tha na? Lagta hai uska asli hero tu hi hai."
Ishaan groaned while Aaditya just laughed, enjoying his moment.
Just as Ishaan was recovering from Aaditya's savage remark, the girls returned, carrying bags filled with ingredients.
Saanvi, Ruhi, and Varsha placed everything on the counter, ready to start cooking.
Aaditya and Ishaan, deciding to be decent for once, got up to help.
But as they picked up the vegetables,
Ishaan's eyes suddenly twinkled with mischief.
He turned to Aaditya, grinning like a devil.
Aaditya immediately shook his head. "Nahi, bilkul nahi."
Ishaan smirked, leaned closer, and whispered, "Bhai, bas thoda mazaak hai. Join in my drama."
And before Aaditya could refuse again-
"AAAHH! Meri aankhein!!" Ishaan suddenly screamed, dropping the basket of onions.
Everyone turned in shock.
Aaditya sighed, already regretting this. But since he had no choice, he lazily muttered, "Arey, dekh ke karna tha na."
Ishaan, still clutching his eyes, hissed under his breath, "Bhai, feeling daal!"
Aaditya rolled his eyes, then, with full Bollywood-level drama, placed a hand on his chest and gasped loudly.
"HEY BHAGWAN! MERA BHAI! USKI AANKHON MEIN KUCH CHALA GAYA! AB KYA HOGA?! OMG!"
The girls exchanged glances, half concerned, half amused.
Ruhi sighed, stepping forward. "Uffo, idhar aa!" She grabbed Ishaan's hand, scolding him all the way to the washbasin.
"Itna overacting kyun kar raha hai? Thoda sambhal ke nahi kaam kar sakta?"
Ishaan, still pretending to be in agony, let her drag him.
Ruhi turned on the tap and splashed cool water into his eyes, her fingers gently holding his face in place.
"Ab theek hua?" she asked, frowning.
Ishaan blinked, still playing along. "Nahi... bohot dukh raha hai..."
Ruhi huffed in frustration.
Without thinking twice, she pulled the corner of her dupatta and wiped the water from his face.
Then, as if instinctively, she leaned closer and softly blew into his eye to soothe the irritation.
That's when it happened.
Their faces were too close.
Ishaan, who had been playing around just a second ago, suddenly forgot how to breathe.
He could feel her breath against his skin, see the concern in her deep eyes. For once, he had nothing witty to say-his brain had completely short-circuited.
Ruhi, oblivious to his internal crisis, asked, "Ab theek hai?"
Ishaan barely managed to nod. His heart was still racing.
And for the first time ever...
The flirt had been left completely speechless.
Saanvi, Varsha, and Ruhi returned to the kitchen while Ishaan followed them, still in a daze.
Aaditya, watching the entire scene unfold, smirked and gave him a knowing look, but Ishaan simply ignored it, still lost in the memory of Ruhi being so close.
"Bas khade rahne ka hi plan hai ya help bhi karoge?" Saanvi teased, nudging Ishaan's arm as she started prepping the ingredients.
Ishaan immediately snapped out of his trance. "Haan? Haan! Bilkul! Main toh bohot helpful insaan hoon."
He quickly grabbed a knife and started chopping onions-only to tear up within seconds.
Aaditya shook his head. "Bas drama karne aata hai tujhe."
Ignoring him, the rest of them got to work.
Saanvi took charge, preparing the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani with her signature touch.
The rich aroma of spices filled the kitchen, making everyone's stomachs growl in anticipation.
Ruhi and Varsha helped with side dishes while Aaditya and Ishaan tried to assist without causing major disasters.
At one point, Aaditya was assigned the simple task of stirring the gravy, but somehow, he managed to drop a spoon into the pot.
Saanvi sighed. "Mujhe pehle hi doubt tha tumse kaam nahi hoga."
Aaditya, offended, picked up a handful of coriander and sprinkled it into the dish dramatically. "Dekha? Perfect finishing touch."
Saanvi just rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
After what felt like hours, the food was finally ready.
The rich, fragrant biryani was placed in a large serving dish, and the side dishes were neatly arranged on the table.
As everyone sat down, Aaditya stretched lazily. "Bas, ab sirf khaana reh gaya."
Ishaan grinned. "Aur khane ka toh mazaa hi alag hai."
Aaditya scooped some biryani onto his plate and took a bite.
The explosion of spice hit him instantly. His throat burned, his eyes widened, but he refused to show any weakness.
Saanvi, watching him carefully, smirked. "Toh, Mr NRL, kaisi lagi Indian spicy food?"
Aaditya, holding back a cough, gave a thumbs-up. "Bohot... acchi bani hai."
Ishaan, noticing Aaditya's struggle, grinned. "Arey yaar, paani toh pe le."
Aaditya shook his head stubbornly. "Nahi, mujhe toh mazaa aa raha hai."
Meanwhile, Ruhi served Ishaan some biryani.
As she placed his plate in front of him, their fingers brushed slightly.
Ishaan, still remembering their earlier moment, almost choked on air.
Varsha raised an eyebrow. "Sab mast hai?"
Ishaan quickly cleared his throat. "Haan! Bilkul! Khana bohot tasty hai."
Saanvi beamed. "Of course. Mane jo banaya hai."
As everyone dug into the delicious Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly. However, amidst all the chaos, Saanvi's gaze landed on Aaditya.
His face had turned red, his lips slightly parted as he took slow breaths.
His eyes-
usually sharp and focused-looked glossy, as if he was fighting back tears.
Saanvi frowned.
Yeh theek toh hai na?
"Aaditya..." she called softly. "Sab theek hai?"
Aaditya, ever the stubborn one, shook his head quickly. "Haan, bilkul. Bohot accha bana hai."
But before he could finish his sentence, he let out a sharp breath, and that's when Saanvi noticed it-
his fingers gripping the edge of the table too tightly.
Her eyes widened. "Aaditya, tumhe mirchi lag rahi hai na?"
"N-nahi..." Aaditya croaked, but his body betrayed him.
His throat burned as if it was on fire, and his eyes watered uncontrollably.
Saanvi didn't wait for another excuse.
She immediately grabbed a glass of water and pushed it toward him. "Yeh lo, jaldi piyo."
Aaditya hesitated for a second, his ego stopping him, but then another wave of spice attack hit him, and he quickly gulped down the water.
But that wasn't enough.
The mirchi was too strong.
He coughed slightly, his breathing uneven.
Without thinking, Saanvi reached out, her warm hand landing on his back as she gently rubbed slow circles, trying to ease his discomfort.
Aaditya stiffened at her touch.
He wasn't sure if it was because of the mirchi or the sudden proximity, but his heart skipped a beat.
Saanvi, too, realized what she was doing.
Her fingers stilled for a moment, but then, seeing him struggling, she continued.
"Bas, bas... ab theek hai?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.
Aaditya swallowed hard, looking up at her.
Her face was close-too close.
He could see the concern in her warm, brown eyes.
The way her lips were slightly parted, as if she was holding back from saying more.
His gaze dropped for a second to her hand, which was still on his back.
Why does this feel... different?
For a moment, everything else faded. The noise of their friends, the lingering spice on his tongue-
nothing seemed to matter except the way Saanvi was looking at him right now.
Saanvi, unaware of the effect she was having on him, gently said, "Agar nahi handle hota toh bata dete... itna ego kyun?"
Aaditya blinked, forcing himself to snap out of it. "M-mujhe ego nahi tha... bas socha... handle kar lunga."
Saanvi rolled her eyes. "Haan haan, bohot handle kiya."
He smiled a little, and in that small moment, something unspoken passed between them.
Aaditya's heart thudded a little louder than usual, and Saanvi-
realizing she was still touching him-quickly withdrew her hand, clearing her throat.
Just then-
"Arrey waah, yeh kya ho raha tha?"
Ishaan's teasing voice broke the moment.
Saanvi turned red, quickly grabbing her plate and pretending to focus on her food.
Aaditya, on the other hand, rolled his eyes, trying to act unfazed.
"Bas, mirchi lag gayi thi inko," Saanvi muttered.
Ishaan smirked. "Haan haan, bas mirchi hi lagi thi... ya kuch aur?"
Aaditya picked up a spoon and pointed it at Ishaan. "Tu chup kar ke kha na."
Ruhi, enjoying the drama, chuckled. "Saanvi, tujhe mirchi nahi lagi kya?"
Saanvi, flustered, quickly shook her head. "Nahi! Mujhe toh bilkul bhi nahi lagi."
Ishaan leaned toward Aaditya and whispered, "Bhai, tujhe mirchi lag gayi, magar Saanvi ko nahi? Kuch toh gadbad hai, Daya!"
Aaditya groaned. "Ishaan, main kasam kha ta hu tujhe chhodoonga nahi."
The table burst into laughter, and while Aaditya tried to act normal again, his mind kept going back to the way Saanvi had touched him so gently... as if she cared.
And Saanvi? She tried to focus on her food, but her fingers still tingled from how she cares him.
Maybe the biryani wasn't the only thing spicy tonight.
-----------------------------------------------------
On the other side away from the chaos of the dining table, Ridith was walking toward his car, his laptop bag slung over his shoulder.
His mind was occupied with pending work, and he barely paid attention to his surroundings.
Just as he reached the parking area, distractedly scrolling through emails on his phone-
BAM!
He collided into someone with force. His laptop bag slipped from his shoulder, and his phone almost fell from his hand......
~to be continue.
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~chapter aesthetic~
Saanvi's Kurti
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~spoiler alert~
He sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Mujhe irritate mat karo. Mera team mere liye aadhe ghante se wait kar raha hai."
her, who had already turned to leave, suddenly stopped.
She stood still for a moment before turning back to face him.
Her expression was unreadable, but her voice was steady. "Lekin koi aur bhi hai jo tumhara 12 saal se intezaar kar raha hai, Unpe bhi dhyan do."