chapter 2

In the evening, Anika and Pragya descended the stairs and made their way into the kitchen, where they found Ishaani engrossed in cooking.

"Hey Ishani, are you cooking today?" Pragya inquired, her curiosity piqued as she wondered about the change in routine.

"No, i am cooking for my husband only, since your sister didn't cook for him," Ishani replied curtly, her tone laced with resentment. Pragya offered a strained smile in response, masking her annoyance.

"Oh, then from tomorrow, I suppose I shouldn't bother preparing for Adarsh, right? Since you are going to fulfil your duty as a good wife?" Anika retorted her sarcasm not lost on Ishani who chose to ignore her.

With a shared glance, Anika and Pragya decided to leave the kitchen, unwilling to engage further with Ishani's passive aggression.

"Does she even know how to cook?" Pragya mused suddenly. breaking the silence as they retreated from the tense atmosphere.

Anika chuckled softly in response, finding solace in their shared amusement amidst the tension.

"We'll find out tomorrow. We'll just have to gauge it from Adarsh's reaction," Anika responded and they both exchanged a high-five.

"Then let me grab my laptop and finish up my work" Anika declared, making her way towards her laptop as Pragya nodded in agreement.

While Pragya scrolled through Instagram, Anika focused on her writing, their shared silence filling the room.

"Hey, look at Advik Jiju's Instagram. He has a blue tick," Pragya exclaimed, showing Anika Advik's profile on her phone.

Anika glanced over at Pragya's screen, her interest piqued.

"I never followed any business tycoon. What's there to see? They rarely post stories, and when they do, it's always about their latest project," she remarked casually.

"But look, Di, haven't you noticed how good-looking both of them are... I mean, Jiju and Ishan are?" Pragya pointed out, nudging Anika with a playful grin. Anika nodded in agreement

"Don't you remember the day when dad told us about our marriage? We were just like this," Anika continued, reminiscing about the past.

In a flashback:

Anika and Pragya were in the hall, engrossed in a game of ludo, when the doorbell rang.

"Mumma!" Anika exclaimed excitedly, calling out for their mother, Isha.

"Why did you give me two useless daughters?" Isha grumbled as she emerged from another room.

"That's not nice, Mumma. Just because we didn't cook today doesn't mean..." Pragya started to protest before being interrupted by the doorbell ringing again.

Isha hurried to the door and flung it open, revealing Ram, their father, standing on the threshold.

"Papa, what's that in your hand?" Both Anika and Pragya rushed towards him, their curiosity piqued as they eagerly reached for the box he was holding.

Anika eagerly opened the box and discovered delicious ladoos nestled inside.

"Wow, ladoos!" Pragya exclaimed, reaching out to grab one.

"Alright, so I have some good news," Ram announced, drawing the attention of the family.

"Promotion?" Isha guessed, her eyes bright with anticipation, but Ram shook his head.

"A family trip?" Pragya ventured, her imagination running wild with possibilities.

"A new car or house?" Anika chimed in, her excitement palpable.

"Yes, a new house," Ram confirmed, his voice filled with pride as Anika and Pragya embraced each other in joy.

"My boss today asked me about Anika and Pragya. He said he wants them to be his daughters-in-law," Ram added, dropping a bombshell that left the sisters frozen in place, their minds racing with a mix of shock and uncertainty.

"What does that mean?" Anika asked, her voice trembling with disbelief.

"It means you both are getting married," Ram replied gently, placing his hand reassuringly on hers.

"Anika with Advik and Pragya with Ishan," he clarified, revealing the identities of their prospective partners.

"Are you okay with it?" Ram inquired, concern etched on his face.

"Yes, Papa," Anika and Pragya replied in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of acceptance and uncertainty.

"Of course, I knew it. That's why I agreed. I overheard someone talking about how handsome they are," Ram added with a playful smile, causing both Anika and Pragya to exchange a knowing glance before hurrying off to their room.

In the privacy of their sanctuary, Anika and Pragya couldn't contain their excitement.

"OMG, I can't believe my husband is going to be so handsome," Anika exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Mine too, my handsome hunk," Pragya echoed, her heart brimming with joy at the thought of her future with Ishan.

With that, the flashback ended, leaving Anika and Pragya lost in their shared memories, each looking forward to the journey ahead with hope and excitement

Anika observed Ishani as she emerged from the kitchen, her heels clicking against the floor with each step, a stark reminder of her ostentatious demeanour.

"You can go ahead and start making the food now," Ishani declared before sauntering off, her demeanour reminiscent of a fake heroine from a bygone era.

As Ishani disappeared from view, Ranya approached Anika with a request.

"Anika, could you please take this file to Prakash at the office? I know it's late, but I really need it done. Don't worry about dinner; I'll take care of it. Pragya, you can come along too if you'd like," Ranya requested earnestly.

"It's okay, Mumma, we'll handle it after we get back," Pragya reassured her mother, a sense of determination in her voice.

"Don't worry, besties, i am here. I'll help Mumma with the cooking," Anaya chimed in, descending the stairs with a confident smile.

"Yes, she will help me," Ranya affirmed with a smile, acknowledging Anaya's offer of assistance.Anika and Pragya nodded in agreement before making their way to Prakash's office.Upon entering the building, they were greeted by the receptionist.

"Hello, ma'am, how may I help you?" the receptionist inquired politely.

"Could you please call Pap—Mr. Prakash Malhotra? We're from Malhotra Mansion," Anika requested, and the receptionist nodded, asking them to wait for a moment.

"What a useless rule. To continue our dream jobs, we must remain single, and even now that we're not, we have to hide our identities. We're still Ms. Anika and Pragya Saxena, the Saxena sisters," Pragya remarked, frustration evident in her voice as she lamented the societal constraints that hindered their professional aspirations.

"Yes, even I don't feel good about lying, but we don't have any other option," Anika admitted, her tone tinged with resignation, and Pragya nodded in agreement, understanding the necessity of their deception.

As they conversed, Pragya noticed the driver approaching them in a state of panic.

"Ma'am, there's an emergency at home... My mother fainted. I need to go home. Can I take the car, please?" the driver pleaded, his urgency palpable.

"Relax, calm down. Of course, it's not even a question. Family comes first," Anika reassured him, her voice soothing as she emphasised the importance of prioritising family in times of crisis.

"Yes," Pragya affirmed, her heart going out to the driver in his time of need.Their attention shifted as Prakash approached, taking his file from Anika's outstretched hand.

"Thank you, beta," Prakash expressed his gratitude, his voice filled with appreciation as he acknowledged their assistance.

"Um, Papa, actually the driver uncle has some emergency at home. Can you please send someone who can drop us home?" Pragya requested, her concern evident in her voice.

"Why someone? Just wait, we will go together," Prakash replied, his assurance putting them at ease as they nodded in agreement. Exhausted from the day's events, they both drifted off to sleep while waiting.

"Beta, wake up," Anika heard Prakash's voice gently rousing her from her slumber.

Opening her eyes, Anika found herself face to face with her husband, Mr. Advik Malhotra, his expression devoid of warmth or emotion.

Anika and Pragya walked behind their husbands, exchanging amused glances as Pragya mimicked Ishan's walking style, causing Anika to chuckle softly. However, their amusement was short-lived as both brothers turned to glare at them

. "What's there to laugh about?" Ishan demanded, his gaze fixed ahead.

"It was just a chuckle," Anika replied innocently, trying to diffuse the tension."Glad you clarified," Anika heard Advik comment dryly, his attention still focused straight ahead.

"Suresh, come here," Prakash called out to their company's employee, diverting their attention momentarily."Drop me off at the temple, beta," Prakash instructed Suresh.

"And Ishan, please arrange for a car to be sent to the temple after that," he concluded, delegating the tasks efficiently. "But Dad, we can wait for you," Advik interjected, his concern evident in his voice.

"No need, Advik. I'll spend some time with my friends there," Prakash reassured him, and Advik nodded in understanding."Okay, bye," Prakash bid them farewell before departing.

"God, Papa left us alone with them," Pragya whispered to Anika, her apprehension palpable.

"Sit," Ishan commanded as he entered the car, taking the passenger seat.Advik assumed the driver's seat, and Anika and Pragya settled in the back.

"Can you please turn on some music?" Pragya requested, hoping to break the uncomfortable silence that hung in the air.

As Ishan turned on the music, the atmosphere in the car became tense as the song "Bheege Hoth Tere" filled the space, its lyrics adding to the discomfort.

Sensing the unease, Advik swiftly changed the song to "Pee Loon," hoping to alleviate the tension. However, even this choice didn't seem to ease the awkwardness, and he promptly turned off the music system, clearing his throat nervously.

"Play your playlist if you want," Advik offered, his voice tinged with an attempt at casualness. "No, it's okay. We're almost home," Pragya replied hastily, eager to escape the uncomfortable situation as quickly as possible.

At Malhotra Mansion,

"Where is Prakash?" Ranya inquired, her brow furrowing with concern as she noticed her sons and daughters-in-law entering without her husband"He's with his friends at the temple," Advik responded, and Ranya nodded in understanding.

"Okay, come, dinner is ready," Ranya announced, leading the way to the dining area.

"Yes, Mom, let me help you arrange the table," Anika offered, eager to assist, and Ranya accepted her help with a grateful nod.

Once seated at the dining table,

"Ishan, Advik, today I made the food," Anaya announced proudly, and they both nodded in appreciation, ready to enjoy the meal she had prepared.

"It's not Anaya's work,see there are the two eldest daughters-in-law of the Malhotra's, and you are running away from your  work ," Reena mocked, casting a critical eye at them.

"Excuse me? Work? Is she a maid or what?" Advik retorted coldly, his tone laced with disdain

“ Mom, I was thinking of keeping a maid for cooking too. There are workers for other works so why not for food? My wife will cook whenever she will like and Not like it's her DUTY “ Advik said looking at Reena saying last line

"Ah, how times have changed! In the old days, women did everything, didn't they?" Reena said in a mocking tone

"Yes,bua ji and in the old days, people lived without air conditioners and fans. Shall I take them off from your room?" Advik said sarcastically

There was a silence

“ I was kidding dear Bua jii .. Ishaani, come on, get up, do your work and serve your mother in law, look her plate is empty “ Advik said, mocking Reena for previous remarks on Anika

Sensing the tension rising, Ranya interjected, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"Didi, Prakash needed some files, so he called them," she explained, hoping to redirect the focus away from the argument.

"Since when did she start liking Anaya?" Pragya whispered to Anika, her confusion evident in her tone as they observed the interaction with intrigue.

"Only God knows what goes on in her mind. Sometimes I think she's possessed," Anika replied with a hint of exasperation, her frustration evident in her tone.

Bro, she's not possessed. She's obsessed with those daily soap mother-in-laws," Anaya chimed in, offering her own interpretation of Reena's behaviour with a smirk.Before the conversation could continue, they heard Siddharth's voice ringing out.

"Hello, my dear family!" Siddharth greeted them cheerfully as he entered the room. "Darling, I missed you," Anaya exclaimed, her face lighting up as she rushed to embrace him, the warmth of their reunion filling the room with a sense of joy.

"Today, I prepared dinner with Mom, so quickly change and come," Anaya said, her voice filled with anticipation.

"Sure, my lady," Siddharth replied with a playful grin, before heading upstairs to change, eager to join his family for the meal Anaya had prepared.

Siddharth took his place at the dining table, admiring the spread of food before him.

"Wow, Mrs. Siddharth," Siddharth remarked, casting a pleased glance at Anaya. "Thanks," Anaya replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction at his appreciation.

"Bhabhis, will you come for the movie with us tomorrow?" Siddharth asked eagerly, turning to Pragya and Anika. "Yes, yes!" Anaya exclaimed excitedly, her enthusiasm evident

"Yess"/"No” Both sisters and their husbands responded simultaneously, their answers conflicting.Pragya and Anika exchanged a puzzled glance as the Malhotra brothers added their own input.

"Tomorrow we have a business party, so you should accompany us there," Ishan explained, addressing Pragya and Anika.

"But what about our company's rules?" Pragya interjected, her focus on the rule that only unmarried women could work, as the company believed married women were more focused on their homemaking responsibilities.

"Don't worry, we'll take care of that," Ishan reassured them, his tone confident as he promised to handle the situation, and Pragya nodded, feeling a sense of relief at his assurance.

After dinner, they retreated to their respective rooms for the night.Anika settled herself in one corner of the bed seeking solace in the quietude of her surroundings. Meanwhile, Advik occupied an.other corner, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the day's events