Chapter : 6

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It was early in the morning, and the first light of dawn was beginning to seep through the curtains of the room. Ananya stirred in her sleep. As per her habit of being an early bird, her eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft golden hues of the rising sun. She found herself embraced by Rihaan, his arms securely wrapped around her.

Ananya looked at Rihaan's peaceful and still face with softened eyes, a gentle smile forming on her lips. He looked so serene and innocent, like a child lost in his dreams. She carefully got out of his embrace, making sure not to disturb his sweet sleep. His arms fell to his side, and he murmured something unintelligible, his lips curving into a small smile as if he could still feel her presence.

Quietly, Ananya got up and walked to the wardrobe, choosing a simple yet beautiful baby pink saree. As she draped it around herself, she looked in the mirror and couldn't help but notice how serene and beautiful she looked. The saree complemented her perfectly, making her look like an angel. Satisfied, she gave Rihaan one last glance and walked out of the room quietly, careful not to make any noise that might wake him.

She made her way to the kitchen, the soft patter of her feet barely audible on the cold marble floor. As she entered, she saw Mrs. Mehra making herself a coffee. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

"Good morning, Aunty," Ananya greeted her with a warm smile.

Mrs. Mehra looked up from her cup, her eyes twinkling with mock anger. "Don't call me Aunty, call me Mom," she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Ananya had a sad glint in her eyes. It was a term she had longed to use, but circumstances had always prevented it. Now, looking at Mrs. Mehra's face, which radiated motherly care, Ananya felt a warmth spreading through her heart. She gave a small smile and said, "Yes, m...mom."

Mrs. Mehra's face lit up with a huge grin. "That's better," she said, setting her coffee cup down. "So, ready for your first rasoi? What are you going to make for breakfast?"

Ananya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, I'd love to. I'll make an authentic breakfast."

Mrs. Mehra's face was adorned with excitement. "Of course, whatever you wish!"

Ananya smiled and nodded, rolling up her sleeves. She began gathering the ingredients, her mind buzzing with the recipes she had learned from her grandmother. As she started cooking, the kitchen was filled with the sound of chopping vegetables, the sizzle of spices in hot oil, and the rich, mouth-watering aromas of traditional authentic dishes.

Just as she was nearly done, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Mrs. Mehra standing there with a curious look on her face.

"Yes, Mom, do you need help?" Ananya asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

Mrs. Mehra nodded. "Can you wake up Rihaan?"

Ananya hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. She wasn't sure how Rihaan would react to being woken up. But she nodded, trusting that she could handle it. "Sure," she said and left the kitchen, making her way back to their room.

Entering the room, she saw her husband hugging a pillow, his face buried in it. He looked so cute and vulnerable that she couldn't help but smile. She walked beside the bed and called out softly, "Rihaan, wake up."

Rihaan turned away in his sleepiness and muttered, "Five more minutes, Mom."

Ananya's smile widened, and she shook his body softly. "Rihaan, it's time to get up."

He groaned softly, pulling her onto the bed with him in his sleepy state. A surprised yelp left her mouth as she found herself enveloped in his arms again. She stroked his hair gently, whispering in his ear, "Rihaan, wake up. It's morning."

His eyes fluttered open slowly, and he looked at her with sleepy eyes. "Anya?" he asked, his voice groggy.

"Yes, it's me," she said softly, continuing to stroke his hair. "It's time to get up. Breakfast is almost ready."

Rihaan's face broke into a sleepy smile. "Okay," he said, reluctantly letting go of her. He stretched and yawned, rubbing his eyes as he tried to fully wake up.

Ananya helped him sit up, smoothing his hair back. "Come on, let's get you ready," she said, her voice gentle and caring.

Rihaan nodded, still half-asleep, as Ananya guided him to the bathroom. She helped him wash up and get dressed, her movements patient and tender. Once he was ready, she led him to the kitchen, where the delicious breakfast awaited.

Mrs. Mehra looked up as they entered, her face lighting up. "Ah, there you are, sleepyhead," she said teasingly to Rihaan.

Rihaan smiled shyly, holding onto Ananya's hand. "Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Mehra replied, her eyes twinkling with affection. She turned to Ananya. "Everything looks and smells wonderful, Ananya. You've done a fantastic job."

Ananya blushed at the praise, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Mom," she said softly.

"Come on Rihaan, call everyone for breakfast." Rihaan nodded at his mom and left to call everyone for breakfast.

*****

The morning sun bathed the dining room in a warm, golden glow. Ananya was setting the table for breakfast, her pink saree shimmering in the light, when she heard the rapid pitter-patter of small feet. Before she could turn around, Isha and Rishi, Rihaan's niece and nephew, ran up to her with gleeful smiles.

"Aunty, you look so pretty!" Isha exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Yes, very pretty!" Rishi echoed, nodding vigorously.

Ananya smiled warmly at them. "Thank you, darlings."

Rihaan, who had just walked in, pouted and said, "She is not your aunty, she is my Anya."

Ananya stifled a laugh, clearing her throat. "Come on, everyone, let's eat breakfast."

The family gathered around the dining table. Everyone took their seats. The breakfast was filled with laughter, and compliments towards Ananya flowed freely, melting her heart.

"Ananya, these parathas are amazing!" Raj complimented, taking another bite.

"Indeed, you've outdone yourself," Mr. Mehra added with a nod of approval.

Ananya blushed under the praise, feeling a warmth spread through her. After everyone had finished eating, Mrs. Mehra quickly got up and left the room, returning moments later with a beautiful box.

"This is for you, Ananya," Mrs. Mehra said, handing her the box.

Ananya hesitated but then accepted it with a smile. "Thank you, Mom."

As she opened the box, she found a delicate diamond necklace inside. Her eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. "It's beautiful, thank you so much."

One by one, the family members began presenting her with gifts. Raj handed her a set of bangles, and Priya gave her a beautifully embroidered shawl. Mr. Mehra presented her with a small, intricately carved wooden box, and Isha and Rishi handed her a teddy bear.

"This teddy bear is very soft to hug," Isha said proudly.

Ananya smiled, taking the bear and giving both children a soft peck on their cheeks, making them giggle cutely.

Rihaan, sitting at the table, looked confused. "Mom, why is everyone giving Anya gifts?" he asked.

Mrs. Mehra smiled gently at him. "Because she made us such a tasty breakfast for the first time."

Rihaan's face lit up with understanding, but then he puffed his cheeks angrily, looking around the room as if searching for something. Suddenly, he jumped up and ran to his room. Moments later, he came back with his hands behind his back, standing in front of Ananya with a determined look on his face.

Ananya looked at him curiously. "What are you holding, Rihaan?"

Rihaan brought his hands forward, revealing a small chocolate. He handed it to her with a shy smile. "For you, Anya."

Ananya's heart melted at the sweet gesture. She took the chocolate with a soft "Thank you." Rihaan then put his finger on his cheek and looked at her with a pout.

Ananya tilted her head in confusion. "What are you doing, Rihaan?"

He continued to pout, pointing at his cheek. "You gave a kiss to Isha and Rishi when they gave you gifts. I want one too."

Ananya bit her lips to keep from laughing. She noticed the family exchange amused glances and then, with comically flimsy excuses, they all left the room to give the couple some privacy. Rihaan stood there with his pout, not moving an inch.

As the last family member left, Ananya turned to Rihaan. "Come on, let's go, Rihaan."

He shook his head stubbornly and tapped his cheek again. "No, kiss here."

Ananya took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She nodded, gesturing for him to bend down a bit. Their height difference wasn't much, but it was enough to make her neck sore if she had to stretch up too far. Rihaan bent down, a sheepish smile on his handsome face.

Blushing furiously, Ananya leaned in and quickly pecked his cheek. Rihaan's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with joy.

Suddenly, they heard fast footsteps approaching the kitchen. Ananya turned her face away to hide her flustered expression while Rihaan looked at the source of the sound. It was Isha and Rishi.

"Buddy, do you want to play with us?" they asked eagerly.

Rihaan's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, let's play!" he said, quickly following them to the backyard.

*****

Ananya was sitting on the couch in the living room, enjoying a moment of peace after the lively breakfast with her family. The house was quiet, with everyone either napping or busy with their own activities. Suddenly, her phone rang, breaking the tranquility. She picked it up and saw that it was Dev.

"Yes, Mr. Dev?" she answered, her voice calm and composed.

"Ma'am, we are facing some complications with the Prakash Industry merger project," Dev's voice came through, tinged with urgency and concern.

Ananya took a deep breath, processing the information quickly. "Okay, Dev. I'm coming to the office right away."

She hung up and went to find Mrs. Mehra. She found her in the kitchen, washing dishes. Mrs. Mehra turned around, concern etching her features as she saw the determined look on Ananya's face.

"What happened, dear?" Mrs. Mehra asked gently, drying her hands on a towel.

"I need to go to the office. It's important," Ananya explained, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mrs. Mehra gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You don't need to ask anybody if you want to do something, Ananya. You are part of this family, and you have your own responsibilities. Go ahead."

Ananya looked at her with softened eyes, grateful for the understanding and support. "Thank you, Mom," she said, nodding with a smile.

Ananya quickly went to her room, feeling the urgency of the situation. She changed out of her saree and opted for a formal suit, knowing it would give her the professional edge she needed for the office. The suit was a tailored charcoal gray, with a crisp white blouse that added a touch of elegance. She chose a pair of black heels that were both comfortable and stylish, giving her the height and confidence she wanted.

She tied her hair back into a neat bun, her fingers moving quickly but with precision. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she adjusted the lapels of her blazer and gave a nod of approval. Her appearance was sharp, and the suit accentuated her poised demeanor. Grabbing her bag and keys, she took a deep breath and walked out of the room with a determined stride.

Before leaving, she stopped by the kitchen where Mrs. Mehra was still tidying up. With a final glance at her mother-in-law, she headed out the door and got into her car.

She drove towards the office with determination, her mind already racing with thoughts about the project complications. She trusted her team, but she knew that her presence was sometimes necessary to steer things back on track.

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