✨9. First Rasoi

Niharika entered the sprawling kitchen area, its grandeur making her pause for a moment. The marble counters gleamed under the light, and the neatly arranged spices and utensils spoke of a well-organized household. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Shweta joined her shortly, holding a silver tray with turmeric, vermilion, rice grains, and a small diya for the chulha pujan. “This is a tradition, Niharika. Before cooking for the first time, we seek blessings for prosperity and happiness in the household.”

Niharika nodded, her heart swelling with a sense of responsibility. Following Shweta’s guidance, she lit the diya and placed it on the stove, whispering a silent prayer. She then touched the turmeric and vermilion to the chulha, symbolizing the start of her journey in the Ranawat household.

Shweta smiled warmly. “You did well, Niharika. Now, what have you thought of preparing?”

“I was thinking of making kheer,” Niharika replied softly. “It’s simple, and I hope everyone will like it.”

Shweta nodded approvingly. “Kheer is a good choice. Sweet dishes bring sweetness into relationships. Let me know if you need any help.”

Niharika gave her a small smile. “Thank you, Maa. I’ll manage.”

Shweta left her to work, and Niharika gathered the ingredients: milk, rice, sugar, and dry fruits. She set to work, measuring everything carefully. The sound of milk boiling and the gentle aroma of cardamom soon filled the kitchen.

As she stirred the pot, Niharika couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The responsibility of living up to the family’s expectations weighed on her, but she was determined to prove herself.

Finally, the kheer was ready. She tasted a spoonful and smiled—just the right amount of sweetness. She garnished it with almonds and pistachios, hoping it would bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

With the bowl of kheer in hand, she stepped out of the kitchen, ready to serve her new family.

Niharika carefully placed the bowl of kheer in the middle of the grand dining table, its aroma spreading across the hall. Just as she turned, Shweta appeared, gesturing her toward the temple area.

“Niharika, before breakfast, we always pray as a family. Come, I’ll show you,” Shweta said with a kind smile.

Niharika nodded and followed her to the temple area, a beautifully adorned space with intricate carvings and statues of deities. The fragrance of incense sticks filled the air, and the soft glow of diya lamps made the place serene.

As she stood there with folded hands, a rustle of movement caught her attention. She turned slightly to see Shivaay entering the hall. He had just finished bathing and was now wearing a green kurta that accentuated his sharp features. His hair was slightly damp, and he looked effortlessly regal, like the prince he was.

For a moment, Niharika’s breath hitched. The reality of being his wife sank in again, leaving her both nervous and unsure. She quickly averted her gaze, focusing back on the prayer.

Shivaay, on the other hand, noticed her standing by the temple, her simple saree and the sindoor in her parting making her look more radiant than ever. He paused briefly but then composed himself, walking toward the temple without a word, his expression unreadable.

The family soon gathered around the temple. Indra led the prayers, his deep voice chanting mantras. Niharika followed along, her heart finding a moment of calm amidst the chaos of her new life.

As the prayer ended, Shweta handed her the aarti thali. “Niharika, offer the aarti to everyone.”

She nodded, taking the thali with slightly trembling hands. One by one, she offered the aarti, her gaze lowering when she stood in front of Shivaay. He took the blessings without looking at her, maintaining the cold wall between them.

With the rituals done, everyone headed to the dining area, leaving Niharika to wonder if she would ever truly find a place in Shivaay’s heart.

The dining table was abuzz with chatter as everyone gathered for breakfast. Niharika quietly took her place, her heart pounding as she tried to adjust to this new life.

Just then, Riya and Ivaan entered the hall, their sleepy faces lighting up with excitement as they saw Shivaay.

"Good morning, Bhaiya!" Riya chirped, heading toward him. But before she could throw her arms around him, her eyes landed on Niharika, sitting demurely beside Shweta.

"Wait! First hugs go to bhabhi today!" Riya declared with a mischievous grin, rushing to Niharika.

“Good morning, bhabhi!” she said, pulling Niharika into a warm embrace.

Niharika was caught off guard but smiled softly, reciprocating the gesture.

"Hey, that's not fair! You hugged her first," Ivaan complained, following suit. He walked up to Niharika and gave her a big, cheerful hug.

Shivaay, who had been silently observing, stiffened in his seat. His jaw clenched, and his grip on the glass of water tightened. He didn’t understand why, but seeing Ivaan hug Niharika ignited a spark of irritation in him.

“She’s my wife, not a toy for everyone to cling to,” he muttered under his breath, though loud enough for only himself to hear.

Niharika, noticing Shivaay’s expression from the corner of her eye, felt her cheeks flush. She quickly pulled back from Ivaan, mumbling, “Good morning,” as she tried to focus on the kheer she had made.

Riya, oblivious to Shivaay’s rising jealousy, teased, “Wow, bhabhi! You’re already winning everyone’s heart. Ivaan never hugs anyone so easily.”

“That’s because she’s sweet,” Ivaan added, grinning at Niharika.

Shivaay shot him a sharp look, his voice cold. “Enough with the drama. Can we eat now?”

The playful atmosphere turned silent for a moment. Niharika felt a pang of guilt, thinking she might have caused the sudden change in mood.

Shweta, sensing the tension, quickly chimed in. “Of course, let’s begin! Niharika has made kheer for everyone. Let’s not let it get cold.”

Everyone served themselves, complimenting the kheer, but Shivaay ate in silence, his thoughts conflicted. He couldn’t shake off the annoyance bubbling inside him. Why do I care? Why does it bother me? he thought, stealing a glance at Niharika, who was busy serving others.

As breakfast progressed, the light-hearted chatter returned, but Shivaay’s mood remained stormy, a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite place or control.

Just as breakfast continued, Ishaan walked in, fresh from his morning workout, his towel slung casually over his shoulder. He paused as his eyes landed on Niharika, who was still serving everyone. With a warm smile, he approached her and, to everyone’s surprise, bent down to touch her feet.

Niharika was taken aback, fumbling for words. “No, no, please don’t... there’s no need for this,” she stammered, stepping back slightly.

Anita, who had been quietly observing, broke into a proud smile. “See? That’s what we call sanskar. Ishaan, you’ve made me proud today.”

Ivaan, sitting nearby, rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh, come on, Bhaiya. Why so formal? Just give her a hug like we did. She won’t mind.”

Before he could say more, Anita smacked him lightly on the shoulder. “Chup, you little rascal! Learn something from your elder brother. These are called sanskar. You should also touch her feet.”

Ivaan groaned, slumping back in his chair. “Seriously? Me? Fine.” He got up, muttering under his breath as he reluctantly bent down to touch Niharika’s feet.

Riya burst out laughing at his exaggerated expression. “You look like you’re being forced to do manual labor!” she teased, clutching her stomach.

Ivaan straightened up and glared at her. “Oh, and why don’t you touch her feet, huh? Why is it just me?”

Anand, sipping his tea, set the cup down and shook his head with a chuckle. “Gadhe! Girls are considered Lakshmi of the house. It’s not their duty to touch feet, but ours to show them respect. Learn something, boy.”

Everyone laughed, including Niharika, who smiled softly at Ivaan’s sulky face. The light-hearted moment eased some of the tension lingering in the air, and even Shivaay, though still brooding, couldn’t help but glance at Niharika as she adjusted her saree and settled into her seat.

It was a small moment, but Niharika felt a sense of belonging starting to take root in this new house, even as challenges awaited her.

Niharika carefully placed the bowls of kheer in front of everyone, ensuring she didn’t miss a single member of the family. She was nervous, her hands trembling slightly as she served the last bowl to Shivaay, who gave her a fleeting glance before looking away.

Everyone began tasting the kheer, and the room grew silent, save for the occasional clinking of spoons against the bowls. Shweta was the first to speak, her face lighting up with delight.

“Niharika, this is delicious! Absolutely perfect,” she said, smiling warmly at her.

Anita nodded in agreement. “It’s been years since I’ve had kheer this good. Truly, beta, you’ve done an amazing job.”

Anand chimed in, “The balance of sweetness is just right. It’s clear you’ve put your heart into it.”

Riya grinned playfully. “Ivaan, you should learn how to make kheer from Bhabhi. Maybe then you’ll stop burning everything in the kitchen!”

“Very funny,” Ivaan muttered, his mouth full. “But I’ll admit, Bhabhi’s kheer is the best I’ve ever had.”

Ishaan, savoring each bite, gave her a thumbs-up. “This is truly wonderful, Niharika. You’ve already won everyone’s hearts.”

Indra, who rarely spoke during meals, put down his spoon and glanced at her. “You’ve done well. A good start, Niharika.” His tone was neutral, but the subtle nod he gave her felt like high praise.

Niharika’s cheeks flushed with relief and happiness. She looked at Shivaay, who was quietly eating, showing no expression. For a moment, she thought he wouldn’t say anything. But then, he set his spoon down and glanced at her.

“It’s... fine,” he said curtly, before returning to his meal.

Though his words were cold, they were enough to make her heart skip a beat. She didn’t expect a grand compliment from him, but even this acknowledgment felt like a small victory.

Niharika smiled to herself, feeling a flicker of hope as she watched the family enjoying the meal she had prepared. It was a step toward acceptance, a step toward finding her place in this new chapter of her life.