chapter 8

Anika woke up with a start as she heard a bang on her door. Confused, she glanced around and realised that Advik was not in the room.

Quickly gathering her senses, she hurried to the door and opened it to find Ranya standing outside, her expression filled with concern.

"Anika, talk to your manager. He called you 10 times this morning" Ranya urged, her worry evident in her voice.

Anika wasted no time and immediately picked up the phone, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Hello, good morning, sir," she greeted her manager as she answered the call.

"Hello, Anika. I called you to tell you that we are not terminating you. The top-level management discussed this issue, and we've decided not to go through with it. This policy is made because married women are not focused towards their writing. They have household chores, and slowly, their love fantasy starts dying. But in your case, we didn't find anything like this. I have mailed you the offer letter. See you tomorrow for your book signing," the manager explained from the other end of the line.

"Thank you so much, sir," Anika said, her voice filled with relief and gratitude as she hung up the call, a wave of joy washing over her at the unexpected turn of events.

"What happened?" Ranya asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she observed Anika's jubilant demeanour."Mumma, i am so happy! They called me back," Anika exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she embraced Ranya tightly.

Ranya's expression transformed from confusion to joy as she returned the hug and planted a kiss on Anika's forehead.

"I knew that God would never do wrong to one who is good, and my daughter-in-law is the best," Ranya remarked, her words brimming with pride and affection as she gently caressed Anika's cheeks. Anika smiled, her heart warmed by her mother-in-law's unwavering support.

"Wait, I need to talk to Pragya too," Anika said suddenly, her excitement spurring her to share the good news with her sister Without wasting a moment she dashed towards Pragya's room

Ranya smiled fondly as she watched Anika go, her heart swelling with happiness for her daughters-in-law.

As soon as Anika entered Pragya's room, she enveloped her in a tight embrace.eager to share her joy with her beloved sister "They appointed me back," Pragya announced with a smile, her eyes sparkling with relief and gratitude.

"They appointed me too," Anika chimed in, her voice filled with astonishment at the sudden turn of events.

"Thanks to Ishan and Jiju," Pragya added gratefully.

“ Why them?" Anika asked, her confusion evident as she tried to make sense of the situation.

"Oh! Last night, I talked to Ishan, and he promised me that they would call us back today only," Pragya explained, her tone tinged with awe at Ishan's foresight.

Anika's eyes widened in surprise as she realised the extent of Ishan's involvement in their reinstatement.

"That's what she was thinking! How did the company change its decision overnight?" Anika exclaimed, her disbelief evident in her expression.

"Even yesterday night, both brothers were in the study researching about our company. I don't know if they requested them or threatened them, but we got our jobs back," Pragya revealed, her gratitude towards Ishan and Advik evident in her voice.

"Threatened them? Can they talk sweetly?" Anika mused, her mind racing with questions about the brothers tactics.

"They can," Pragya affirmed, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush as she recalled Ishan's comforting gestures.

"What's the tea?" Anika teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she prodded for details.

"Yesterday night, he consoled me and hugged me. He was a softie that time," Pragya confessed, her blush deepening as she recounted the unexpected tenderness she had experienced from Ishan.

"No way. You must be dreaming, Pragya," Anika scoffed, finding it hard to believe her pragya's revelation.

"No, I am telling the truth," Pragya insisted, her voice filled with sincerity as she stood by her words, determined to share her heartfelt experience with Anika.

“Why was Advik jiju not there? Don't tell me he was cold with you yesterday?" Pragya inquired her curiosity piqued as she wondered about Advik's behaviour.

"No, no, he was not. You know, he prepared milk for me yesterday even though I refused to eat" Anika replied, her voice tinged with appreciation for her husband's thoughtful gesture.

Pragya chuckled, amused by the contrast between Ishan and Advik's actions.

"Let's go and thank them," Pragya suggested, and Anika nodded in agreement, eager to express their gratitude to the brothers for their support.

Later in the afternoon, they gathered in the kitchen, deliberating on what to prepare as a token of their appreciation for Ishan and Advik.

As Ranya stepped into the kitchen, the air was filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. Pragya and Anika were huddled together, discussing their plans for the day, while the aroma of spices and ingredients filled the room.

"What happened?" Ranya inquired, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the scene before her.

"Nothing much, Mumma. We're just figuring out what to prepare. We're going to their office," Pragya explained, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she shared their upcoming mission.

Ranya nodded understandingly, her motherly instincts kicking in as she offered her input on the menu.

"Oh, is it? Then prepare chole bhature for Advik and rajma rice for Ishan. It's their favourite," she suggested, her voice warm with affection for her sons.

"Okay, Mumma," Pragya acknowledged, grateful for her guidance as they began gathering the ingredients.

With a newfound sense of purpose, the trio set to work, their hands moving deftly as they chopped, stirred, and simmered, the kitchen alive with activity.

"Alright then, let's prepare quickly," Anika declared, rolling up her sleeves as she got to work, her determination evident in her movements.But as they busied themselves with the cooking, Anika had a sudden idea.

"Mumma, why don't you come with us and take lunch for Papa Ji?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the thought of surprising their fathers-in-law.

Ranya's eyes widened in surprise at the suggestion, but she couldn't help but feel touched by the gesture. "Me?" she repeated, her heart swelling with warmth at the thought of joining her daughters-in-law on their mission.

"Yes, Mumma, let's surprise them," Pragya chimed in, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she imagined the joy on their fathers-in-law's faces.

But just as they were discussing their plans, Anaya's voice interrupted them, her curiosity piqued by the mention of a surprise. The atmosphere in the kitchen brimmed with excitement as they eagerly shared their plans with her, the anticipation of the surprise adding an extra layer of excitement to their day.

"Well, we are going to Malhotra Industries to surprise our men with lunch,

" Pragya announced proudly, her excitement palpable in the air. However, her enthusiasm was quickly tempered by Anaya's pointed question.

"Your man? Did I miss something?" Anaya inquired with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, causing Pragya to blush furiously as she stumbled over her words, trying to find an explanation.

"Okay then, let me prepare something for Siddharth too, and I will also surprise him," Anaya declared with a grin, her playful teasing only adding to Pragya's embarrassment.

With Anaya joining in the preparations, the kitchen buzzed with even more energy as they worked together to create a delicious surprise for their husbands.

Pragya's cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, but her heart was filled with anticipation for the surprise they were planning for their beloved spouses.

The trio entered Malhotra Industries, the bustling atmosphere of the office immediately enveloping them as they made their way inside.

"Hello, Mrs. Malhotra," the receptionist greeted Ranya with a respectful nod, to which Ranya responded with a polite acknowledgement.

"Should I call sir here?" the receptionist inquired, ready to summon the attention of the Malhotra brothers.

"No, no, don't tell them we are here. Just let me know where they could be at this time," Ranya replied, her tone indicating a desire to keep their surprise under wraps.

"Wait a second. I will ask from Jitu Sir," the receptionist replied, picking up the phone to inquire about the whereabouts of the Malhotra brothers..

"Prakash Sir is on the 2nd floor. Advik and Ishan Sir are on the 3rd floor," the receptionist informed them after a brief conversation, and Ranya nodded in understanding, grateful for the information as they prepared to execute their surprise plan.

Anika and Pragya entered the cabin, where the Malhotra brothers were engrossed in discussing their project.

As they stepped inside, Ishan's gaze shifted towards them, his expression one of mild surprise."You guys here?" Ishan remarked, his attention now fully on his sisters-in-law."Guys?" Advik echoed, his curiosity piqued as he turned towards Ishan.

"I mean, Bhabhi and Pragya, you are here?" Ishan clarified, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "We're here with lunch," Anika announced, holding up the containers to show them.

Ishan wasted no time in opening the lunch boxes, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the delicious spread before him.

"Wow, chole bhature and rajma rice! Did you make it?" Ishan inquired, his appreciation evident in his tone as he glanced at Anika and Pragya, who nodded in response.

"Um, thanks. We got our job back," Anika added, her voice filled with gratitude "Yeah," Advik replied shortly, his attention already drifting back to the project at hand.

“How do you know it's my favourite?" Ishan inquired, his curiosity piqued as he glanced at Pragya."Mumma told us," Pragya replied with a smile, gesturing towards Ranya's influence in their lunch choices

"Um, then we should get back," Anika suggested, sensing that the brothers might want to return to their work, and Advik nodded in agreement, acknowledging her suggestion.

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At Malhotra Mansion, Advik returned to his room after a long day at the office, only to find Anika still awake, deeply engrossed in her writing.

As he changed his clothes, he noticed that she was still at her desk, penning down something fervently.

"Turn off the lights, I want to sleep," Advik requested, his voice cutting through the quiet room.

"Just a minute, i am writing my new novel," Anika replied, her attention still fixed on her work.

"Really ? What are you writing? Close your eyes, and if you see my face, then you love me?" Advik quipped sarcastically.a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Anika's eyes widened in surprise at his words, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected mention of her writing.

"Did you read my book?" she asked, her shock evident in her voice.

"What the hell, did you write that cringe?" Advik responded bluntly his teasing demeanour giving way to a more serious tone.

Anika mentally cursed herself for giving him another opportunity to mock her, realising that this emotionless creature could indeed read her novels, much to her chagrin.

"You should buy a brain before writing your novels," Advik mocked her, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

"Writing romance novels doesn't require a brain, it requires a heart. All stupid things happen when you are truly in love" Anika retorted her voice tinged with a touch of delusion as she defended her passion for romance writing.

"Good for you. Now, turn off the lights," Advik said dismissively, his attention already shifting elsewhere.Anika closed her work, a sense of satisfaction mingled with defiance evident in her demeanour, as she made her way to bed.

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In Ishan's bedroom, the atmosphere was filled with a hint of tension as Ishan made a surprising offer to Pragya.

"If you are not comfortable, you can shift closer to me," Ishan suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of warmth.

Pragya's heart skipped a beat at his unexpected proposal, her mind racing with a flurry of thoughts.

"Sorry, I heard something wrong. Can you repeat it once more?" she asked, hoping she had misunderstood his words."I said you can sleep with me," Ishan repeated, his tone unwavering as he reiterated his offer.

Pragya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her shyness momentarily overwhelming her as she grappled with Ishan's unexpected invitation.

"Um, no, i am fine," she replied hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"But i am not," Ishan replied, his gaze intense as he met her eyes, leaving Pragya stunned by his boldness. "Means?" Pragya questioned, her confusion evident as she sought to understand his intentions.

"Your one hug and i am addicted to you," Pragya confessed softly, moving closer to Ishan with a mixture of vulnerability and longing.

“ Are you drunk?" Ishan questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief as he attempted to make sense of Pragya's sudden boldness.

"Geez, woman," Ishan muttered, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation as he processed Pragya's unexpected confession.

Drawing closer to her, Ishan gently guided Pragya to sit on the bed beside him, taking her hand in his as he settled on the floor before her.

"Pragya, it's been four months since our marriage. Despite my jerk behaviour, you are still here. I want us to give us a chance. Will you?" Ishan asked earnestly, his gaze searching hers for any sign of hesitation.

Pragya's heart swelled with emotion at Ishan's heartfelt plea, her eyes softening as she nodded in agreement, ready to give their relationship a chance.

"So, will you shift closer to me from today onwards?" Ishan inquired, his voice filled with hope as he awaited her response.Pragya nod her head in response.

a small smile playing on his lips as he settled back onto the bed, content in the knowledge that they were taking steps towards rebuilding their relationship.

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At around 2:00 am in the morning.Anika awoke to the sound of knocking at the main door of their mansion. Who could be knocking at this hour? She approached Advik pondering how to rouse him from his slumber.

"Suniye?" she murmured softly, but received no response.

"Hello?" she tried, realising he wasn't on a call. "Advik?" she whispered tentatively, but hesitated.

Finally, she gently tapped on his shoulder, hoping to awaken him without startling him.He opened his eyes to Anika's urgent words.

"Someone is knocking on the main door" she said prompting Advik to fully wake up

"At this time?" Advik muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he descended the stairs.

To his surprise, he noticed other household members emerging from their rooms as well.

"Let me see" Advik said, taking charge as he approached the door.

He swung it open, revealing a girl standing on the other side.

"Surprise!" she exclaimed, moving forward as if to hug Advik, but he instinctively caught her hands.halting her advance.

"Whoa, calm down, Divya," Advik said, gently pushing her back.

"Let me hug you, we are meeting after 8 years," Divya insisted, attempting to embrace him once more.

"i am married, Divya. We're not teenagers, we're grown-ups now" Advik explained firmly, maintaining his distance.

Anika, feeling a mix of confusion and jealousy, wondered why Divya was so insistent on hugging her husband.

"But she won't mind, will you?" Divya asked Anika innocently oblivious to the tension in the air.

"But I will surely mind," Advik interjected firmly, his protective instincts kicking in."You've become rude" Divya teased, poking her tongue out at him before turning her attention to Ranya.

"My favourite aunt," Divya exclaimed, enveloping Ranya in a warm hug. Ranya smiled warmly in return, happy to see Divya after so many years.Anika and Pragya exchanged confused glances, unsure of who Divya was.

"Meet Divya, she's my best friend's daughter, and she used to be our neighbour too" Ranya explained to Anika and Pragya, shedding some light on the situation.

"Advik and Ishan's BFF too," Divya chimed in, trying to clear any doubts.

"What? No," Ishan protested immediately, taken aback by Divya's claim. "Have you had memory loss? We were never best friends," Advik retorted sharply, his tone tinged with irritation.

"It's already night. Avni will show you to the guest room. Good night, everybody," Advik announced, taking charge of the situation. He brushed past Anika grasping her hand firmly as he guided her away with him, leaving the others and Anika herself bewildered and curious about what was going on.

Advik gently guided Anika to sit on the couch, his expression serious yet sincere.

"Listen carefully," he began, his voice soft but firm.

"I was never her best friend. She's always been clingy since our college days, and I merely tolerated her because of my mom. I suspect she had a crush on me back then and i am not getting good vibes from her now either."He paused. locking eyes with Anika, his sincerity shining through.

"Look, I know we're not like other couples, but I want you to know that I've never chosen any other woman over you. Never," he affirmed, his words melting Anika's heart.

"Let's sleep. We need energy to deal with her drama tomorrow and every day," Advik suggested, climbing into bed. Anika silently joined him, lying down beside him.