28. Unknown cooking

Indian Navy Day ♡

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At the night of Aaryansh and Aditya’s weddings, the Raghuwanshi brothers, Rudraksh, Daksh, Aarush, Rishi, Vikrant, and Ashwin, gathered in a secluded room away from the bustling celebrations.

The dimly lit room carried a serene vibe as they sipped wine, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation amidst their chaotic lives.

Rudraksh leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass lazily. “So, Mr. Commissioner, how’s your police life going, huh?” he asked, his tone half-teasing, half-curious.

Ashwin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fine… but a gang is giving me a hard time lately.”

“Huh? Which gang?” Rishi perked up, raising a brow in curiosity.

“The Shadow Senanis,” Ashwin replied, his voice laced with irritation.

Daksh nearly choked on his wine. “Oh yeah! That five-girl mafia group?”

Ashwin nodded, his jaw tightening. “Yeah. They’ve been a thorn in our side for months. They’re smart—always one step ahead. Every time we think we’ve got them cornered, they slip away like shadows. Their leader is especially cunning.”

Rudraksh smirked, setting his glass down. “A five-girl mafia group taking on you and your entire force? Damn, Ashwin, that’s embarrassing.”

Ashwin shot him a glare. “It’s not funny, Rudra. They’re dangerous and unpredictable. Their network is vast, and they seem to know everything before we do. It’s like they have eyes everywhere.”

Aarush leaned forward, his expression intrigued. “Who are they, really? Do we know anything about them?”

“They’re a mystery,” Ashwin admitted. “No real names, no personal information. Just code names—Queen, Phantom, Pheonix, Venom, and Vetra. All we know is they’ve taken down some of the most powerful syndicates in the region. They don’t just deal in power; they destroy anyone who catches their eye.”

Vikrant raised a brow. “Sounds like they’re not just another gang. What’s their motive?”

Ashwin shrugged. “That’s the thing—no one knows. They don’t seem to care about money or territory. It’s like they’re on some personal vendetta, but against whom? That’s the question.”

Daksh chuckled, raising his glass. “Well, if they’re giving you this much trouble, they must be something special. I’d love to meet them—just to see what kind of women can outsmart the great Commissioner Rathore.”

Ashwin narrowed his eyes. “Trust me, Daksh, you wouldn’t want to cross paths with them. They’re lethal.”

Rishi smirked. “Lethal and mysterious? Sounds like your type, Ashwin.”

Ashwin rolled his eyes, refusing to rise to the bait. “Laugh all you want, but if you ever run into them, don’t underestimate them. They’re not just dangerous—they’re unstoppable.”

Rudraksh leaned forward, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “Unstoppable, huh? Maybe we should keep an eye out for these Shadow Senanis. They sound… interesting.”

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Rudraksh stepped into the room, his gaze falling on Ishika, who lay curled up in peaceful slumber.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he quickly looked away, dismissing the unfamiliar warmth rising within him.

He slid into bed beside her, the faint haze of alcohol dulling his senses. Turning to face her, his dark eyes softened as they traced her serene features.

"Thank God I didn't drink too much tonight," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with relief. "Who knows what nonsense I might've done when I am not in my senses otherwise."

His eyelids grew heavy, and the world around him faded as sleep claimed him, the quiet rhythm of Ishika's breaths lulling him into a rare moment of calm.

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The next morning, the four girls gathered in a cozy room. Amrita lay with her head resting in Ishika's lap, while Ishika lovingly ran her fingers through her hair.

Across the room, Ananya leaned against Divya, her head comfortably resting on her shoulder as she scrolled through her phone.

“Mayya?” Amrita's voice was softer than usual, a rare vulnerability peeking through.

“Hmm?” Ishika hummed, her hand continuing its soothing movements.

“Do you think we made the right choice? Marrying them, I mean...” Amrita asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ishika paused, considering her words. “I don’t know about mine, but your husbands… they’re good men. I’ve seen it. I was sure they were perfect for you all even before the wedding.”

“And we got a wonderful family too,” Divya added with a warm smile.

“Yeah?” Ananya asked skeptically. Ishika and Divya both nodded, their smiles reassuring.

“Today is your pehli rasoi, isn’t it?” Ishika asked suddenly, remembering.

“Oh yes! We should head downstairs,” Divya said, standing up quickly.

“Pehli rasoi...?” Ananya repeated nervously, her eyes wide.

Shit yaar, I don’t know a thing about cooking. Not even Maggie!

Both Amrita and Ananya exchanged panicked glances, their mutual worry evident.

The girls made their way downstairs to the kitchen.

“Good morning, girls,” Geeta greeted them with a warm smile as she approached Amrita and Ananya.

Amrita’s features softened slightly, and Ananya returned Geeta’s smile with a big grin. They both bent to touch the elders’ feet, receiving blessings.

“Today is your pehli rasoi. Do you know how to cook?” Rukmini asked gently, a playful smile on her lips.

Amrita and Ananya exchanged quick glances, then nodded hesitantly, their nervousness carefully hidden.

Soon, both of them stood in the kitchen, staring at the unfamiliar array of utensils and ingredients.

Their expressions betrayed a mix of curiosity and anxiety.

“What now, Amul baby?” Ananya asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm and unease.

Amrita shrugged, just as lost.

“Hello, Ammu,” a familiar voice called from behind.

Amrita froze, her long-lost nickname echoing in her ears. She turned quickly, her eyes widening as she saw Aaryansh approaching, his radiant smile lighting up the room.

Her heart skipped a beat, and despite her best efforts, the corner of her lips threatened to curve upward. She fought hard to maintain her stoic demeanor.

Ananya caught the fleeting softness in Amrita’s eyes and smirked knowingly before glancing at Aditya, who had entered the kitchen with his usual grumpy expression.

Meanwhile, Amrita’s gaze remained fixed on Aaryansh, her rare vulnerability surfacing.

Aaryansh walked up to her and, without a word, wrapped her in a warm hug. Amrita stood frozen, her lips parting in shock.

“How’s your stomach pain?” he whispered, his voice gentle and intimate.

A shiver ran down her spine as his warm breath caressed the nape of her neck.

She nodded mutely, unable to find her voice, and Aaryansh smiled, clearly pleased with the effect he was having on her.

Ananya watched the scene unfold, biting her lip to suppress a laugh.

Her attention shifted to Aditya, who remained as stoic as ever, though his sharp gaze didn’t miss a thing.

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