A father's love is the unseen breeze that sustains your soul, felt in every quiet breath of life. KAASHI
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Naina's voice trembled, her eyes hollow with grief as she spoke, barely above a whisper, but filled with an agonizing truth. " papa You used to say that doing this... suicide... is a sin," she murmured, her lips trembling, "but what about this? What about living in pain every single day... the torment of not even knowing who I am anymore? If this is a sin... then let me do it. I can't carry this burden anymore."
Her gaze shifted downward, the knife still in her hand, her fingers cold against the handle, her every breath heavy with the weight of despair. "But I can't do this, papa... I can't take it anymore. If ending this can make me free, then maybe it's the only way to escape... Maybe it's the only way to feel anything again."
Devanash's heart shattered at her words, but before he could stop her, she spoke again, this time her voice sharper, louder, as the floodgates opened. "I want to die! What's left for me in this world? You forced me into this marriage... Everyone has used me like a lifeless doll... like a puppet with no strings of my own. You don't care about me, sir. You never cared."
Devanash, his chest tight with horror, pulled her wrist toward him, trying to stop her trembling hand from slipping. He could feel her pain, hear it in every word she uttered. The desperation in her voice ripped through him. His eyes filled with tears that he could no longer hold back.
Devanash (his voice breaking, pleading): "Naina, please! Please, don't say that. I'm begging you. You're not a doll. You're not a puppet! You're... you're everything to me."
With trembling hands, he cupped her face, his fingers brushing against the coldness of her skin. His voice was desperate, raw, filled with the agony of seeing the woman he loved teeter on the edge of despair. "I know I made mistakes, I know I hurt you, but I need you to give me a chance, just one.
Why Did You Marry Me?
Naina's hands trembled as she looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her voice cracked as she questioned,
"Why the hell did you marry me, sir? Why?"
Devanash took a sharp breath, his eyes darkening with raw emotion. His jaw clenched as he gritted out,
"Because I love you, damn it!"
But as soon as the words left his lips, his voice softened. His piercing gaze melted into desperation. He took a step closer, his hand almost reaching out to her.
"Please... don't leave."
Naina let out a bitter laugh, her pain laced in every syllable.
"Sir, I am your employee, and you are my boss. And love? I don't get love. I am unlucky in love. I can't... I can't have it. Let me die..."
Her voice cracked on the last words, and she looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
Devanash's eyes widened in agony. He immediately grabbed her shoulders, his grip firm yet trembling.
"Please... You once said suicide is a sin. Then instead of committing that sin-commit the sin of loving me, please. I will take away all your pain. I promise. Just give me a chance... Please..."
Naina stared at him, stunned.
Devanash Rajpurohit-the ruthless businessman, the man who never even glanced at any woman-was standing before her, pleading for her to stay.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered,
"Okay... But I have conditions."
His breath hitched, and without hesitation, he nodded.
"Whatever you say, Cherry. I will do everything... just don't leave."
Her lips quivered, but she steadied herself.
"You will never harm anyone from my family... And you will never come near me."
( "Aap hamari family mein se kisi ko haath nahi lagayenge... Aur kabhi hamare paas nahi aayenge." )
Devanash's gaze darkened for a second, but then he smiled softly, nodding.
"Agreed. Just having you by my side is enough for me."
( "Manzoor hai. Aap hamare saath rahiye, wahi kaafi hai hamare liye." )
He picked up a glass of water and extended it toward her. She hesitated but eventually took it.
"Change and get some rest," he said, his voice softer now.
Naina nodded and walked towards the closet. The moment she stepped inside, her breath hitched.
There were rows of beautiful dresses, slippers, and accessories-everything a girl could need. But what shocked her the most was that everything was in her size.
She bit her lip, her heart clenching at the realization-he had done this for her.
Swallowing her emotions, she grabbed a simple pair of pajamas and went into the bathroom. An hour later, she stepped out, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Her eyes landed on Devanash, who was already asleep on the sofa.
She was too exhausted to question anything. Quietly, she climbed into the bed, pulling the blanket over herself.
But sleep didn't come easily.
Her mind echoed with Devanash's words, but amidst the whirlwind of emotions, there was one thing that brought her comfort-she wouldn't have to return to that hell.
For the first time, she had felt warmth in her father-in-law's voice-the same warmth she had once longed for in her own father's voice.
She had felt the care and protection she never received from her own brother but had found in her brothers-in-law.
And most importantly, she had felt a mother's love-something she had been deprived of for so long-when Meghna, Sarita, and Devanash's grandmother welcomed her.
She only hoped her family wouldn't come back to create a scene.
But she knew them too well. They would definitely come. Because they needed something. And only she could give it to them.
A lone tear slipped from her eye as she drifted into a restless sleep.
A Silent Promise
It was midnight when Devanash stirred. His gaze fell upon her sleeping form, and he slowly got up, moving closer.
The moonlight bathed her face in a soft glow, highlighting the traces of tears on her cheeks.
His chest tightened.
Lowering himself onto his knees beside the bed, he whispered,
"I promise you, Mi Todo... I will erase all your pain. I promise you, my wife."
( "I promise you 'Mi Todo'... Main tumhara har dukh mita dunga. Yeh mera vaada hai, meri patni." )
His fingers twitched as if longing to touch her, to brush away her tears, but he didn't.
It was enough for him to just be by her side.
The next morning, Naina woke up feeling sore. She winced as she sat up, the pain reminding her of last night-of the bruises her so-called brother had left on her back.
A sudden knock on the door made her flinch.
She looked around. Devanash was not there.
The door opened, and to her surprise, her mother-in-law Sarita, grandmother, and aunt Meghna entered.
Naina immediately felt nervous. She lowered her gaze, fumbling for words.
"S-sorry... I-"
Grandmother reached for her hand gently.
"Beta, we should be the ones apologizing for what our son and grandson did."
( "Arey beta, sorry toh humein bolna chahiye jo hamare bete aur pote ne kiya uske liye." )
Sarita nodded, her voice full of regret.
"Yes, child, Maa Sa is right."
( "Haan bacche, Maa Sa sahi keh rahi hai." )
Meghna smiled softly.
"Beta, we were all just scared after seeing Devanash's condition... But we never wanted your marriage to happen this way. Please forgive us, my child."
( "Beta, hum bas Devanash ke halat dekhkar dar gaye they... Par hum bilkul nahi chahte they ki tumhari shaadi aise ho. Maaf kar dogi na, meri bachchi?" )
They held their ears playfully in front of her as an apology.
Naina gasped in shock and immediately grabbed her grandmother's hand.
"Aap log yeh kya kar rahe ho?!"
( "What are you guys doing ?!" )
Naina (shocked): "Dadi, please... don't do that. And you two as well... aunties"
Sarita and Meghana (dramatically): "Oh, Lord! Before hearing this, why didn't we just go deaf?!"
Meghana (grinning): "Sister, I'll go get some cotton for our ears!"
Naina smiled nervously.
Naina (confused): "Did I say something wrong? I... I'm sorry..."
Sarita (teasingly): "You called us 'Aunties'! And as for me, you must call me 'Saru'-just like everyone else! See, don't I look like an older sister to you?"
Grandmother (laughing): "And me? Call me 'Darling'-that's what everyone calls me!"
For the first time in ages, Naina smiled.
Grandmother: "We are sorry, dear, but please, give us a chance. Trust us. The man you were going to marry before was not a good person."
Naina nodded and, without thinking, hugged her grandmother tightly.
Her eyes welled up. This was the first time someone had spoken to her so softly... with love.
Grandmother chuckled."Can I call you 'cupcake'? I used to call my grandma that..."
( "Kya main aapko 'cupcake' bula sakti hoon? Main apni dadi ko yeh bulati thi." )
Grandmother beamed.
"Of course, my dear!"
( "Jo meri bachchi chahe!" )
Sarita wiped a tear and smiled.
"And you can call me 'Saru Maa.' Okay?"
( "Aur mujhe 'Saru Maa' bulana, thik hai?" )
Naina hesitated, then whispered,"Saru Maa..."
Sarita's eyes glowed with happiness.
Meghna stepped forward and opened a box, revealing a stunning red saree.
"This is a family heirloom. Would you wear it today?"
( "Yeh hamari khandani saree hai. Aaj yeh pehenogi?" )
Naina smiled and nodded.
Later, as she stood in front of the mirror, draped in the rich red fabric, Devanash entered the room.
He froze.
His breath hitched.
For a moment, he forgot how to speak.
Because standing before him was his wife-draped in love, beauty, and the warmth of a family she never had.
And he... he was completely lost in her.
Ah, I see! You want Devansh's inner thoughts to reflect his overwhelming desire and love for Naina, but without him directly speaking to her. Here's how it could play out with him silently expressing his feelings to himself:
As Naina stood before him, draped in the red saree, Devansh's world came to a standstill.
She looked like a vision of pure grace. The rich fabric hugged her form, and every movement she made made the saree come alive. The crimson color was like fire, wrapping her in an almost ethereal glow.
Devansh's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her. He could barely form a coherent thought as his heart hammered in his chest.
I wish I could have married you normally, he thought to himself, his hands clenching at his sides. I wish this could have been different. If only I could hold you without this damn guilt, without the weight of our past on my shoulders...
His eyes lowered, tracking the delicate fall of the saree over her body. He felt the heat rise within him, and his body tensed in response to the fierce longing burning through him.
If this were any other day...
A soft groan escaped him as the thought hit him with full force. I would kiss the hell out of you right now. I would take you in my arms, without hesitation, without any second thoughts.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, imaging what it would feel like to press his lips to hers-soft at first, then hungry, desperate.
And your clothes? They'd be kissing the floor by now.
His eyes fluttered open, and the intensity of his gaze on her made him ache in ways he couldn't understand.
But he remained still. Silent.
No. Not yet.
He couldn't cross that line-he wouldn't.
But the way she stood there, innocent and unaware of the storm within him, drove him mad.
He was losing control, piece by piece, and yet, his restraint was all he had.
One day, Naina... he thought quietly, as if making a silent vow to himself. One day, you'll beg me for this. You'll beg me to touch you, to love you like you've never been loved before.
His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, his body on fire. And then, with an agonizing effort, he turned away, cursing under his breath as he tried to push the overwhelming emotions back into the darkest corners of his heart.
Because no matter how much he wanted her...
She wasn't ready for the storm that was Devansh Rajpurohit.
And he'd wait. He would wait for her.
A Sacred Ritual & Unspoken Emotions
Devansh quickly rushed into the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face, trying to steady his chaotic thoughts. He gripped the sink, staring at his reflection.
"You'll scare her, you fool," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in frustration.
She was already scared. He had no right to make things harder for her.
After taking a deep breath, he completed his morning routine and stepped out of the bathroom, now fully dressed and composed.
His eyes immediately fell on Naina.
She was sitting on the bed, waiting for him. Her delicate fingers fidgeted with the edge of her saree, her expression hesitant yet firm.
Devansh frowned slightly, stepping closer.
"Naina, why didn't you go downstairs?"
( "Naina, aap niche kyun nahi gayi?" )
Naina hesitated for a moment before looking up at him.
"Woh..." she murmured softly, then extended her hand, revealing a small vermillion box. "It's the ritual."
( "Woh... yeh rasam hai." )
Devansh's heart warmed at her words. A soft, rare smile played on his lips as he took the sindoor and carefully filled her hairline, marking her as his.
But as his fingers moved, a small amount of the red powder slipped and landed on her nose.
He blinked in surprise before quickly apologizing.
"Sorry, it fell by mistake."
( "Sorry, galti se gir gaya." )
Naina lowered her gaze, her lips curving ever so slightly.
In her mind, she couldn't help but think- This man is really a CEO, and he doesn't even know that sindoor falling on the nose is a good omen...
( "Yeh sach mein CEO hai? Itna bhi nahi pata inko ki sindoor naak pe girna achha hota hai..." )
Suppressing a smile, she shook her head lightly.
"It's okay. You should go, I'll come soon."
( "It's okay, aap jaaiye. Hum aate hain." )
But Devansh didn't move.
His deep, unwavering gaze remained on her, as if silently refusing to leave.
"I can stay."
( "Main rukta hoon na?" )
There was something in his voice-something unspoken, a quiet plea, a longing he wasn't ready to admit.
Naina, feeling the weight of his emotions, softened. She met his gaze, trying to mask the sudden fluttering in her heart.
"I'll be there, don't worry. You should go."
( "Hum aa jaayenge. Aap jaaiye." )
Devansh exhaled, as if reluctant to leave. But after a moment, he nodded.
"Okay... I'll wait."
( "Okay... main intezaar karunga." )
And with one last glance at her, he walked away-his heart filled with emotions he couldn't yet name, and an unfamiliar yet undeniable sense of belonging.
Devansh walked down the grand staircase, adjusting his watch as he entered the lively living room. The aroma of freshly cooked food drifted in from the kitchen, but before he could take another step, his mother's voice rang out.
"Where is my daughter?" Meghna asked, looking past him toward the stairs.
( "Meri beti kahaan hai?" )
Devansh sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"She ordered me to come down. What should I do now?" he replied with a dramatic shrug.
( "Usne mujhe neeche aane ka hukum diya. Main kya karta ab?" )
Just then, Kunal emerged from the kitchen, carefully balancing a tray of dishes in his hands. His eyes twinkled mischievously as he smirked at his elder brother.
"Bhai, you've already become a wife's servant?" he teased.
( "Bhai, aap toh abhi se joru ka gulam ban gaye?" )
Without missing a beat, Devansh turned to his grandmother with a playful expression.
"Darling, you told me there's nothing wrong in being a wife's servant. So yes, I am her devoted slave."
( "Darling, aapne kaha tha joru ka gulam banne mein koi burai nahi... toh main hoon uska gulam." )
Dadi chuckled, nodding approvingly.
"Of course! What's the harm in pampering your wife?" she said proudly.
( "Haan, apni biwi ke nakhre uthane mein kya problem hai?" )
Devansh smirked, crossing his arms.
"Exactly! Unlike Kunal, which is why he doesn't have a girlfriend."
( "Rehne do, darling. Isliye Kunal ki koi girlfriend nahi hai." )
Just then, Vedant peeked his head out from the kitchen, his lips forming a dramatic pout.
"But I'm totally ready to be a wife's servant, so why don't I have a girlfriend?" he whined.
( "Par main toh joru ka gulam banne ko ready hoon! Toh meri koi girlfriend kyun nahi hai?" )
Before anyone could respond, Suryaveer strolled in with a raised brow.
"Because you hang out with Kunal too much."
( "Kyunki tu Kunal ke saath zyada rehta hai." )
Pratap followed right behind, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, Bhai Saheb is right."
( "Haan, sahi bol rahe hain Bhai Saheb." )
Kunal huffed dramatically and turned toward Meghna with a fake sob.
"Badi Maa, look! Everyone is bullying me!"
( "Badi Maa, dekho! Sab mujhe chhed rahe hain!" )
Meghna immediately wrapped her arm around Kunal's shoulder, pulling him into a hug.
"No one will say anything to my son."
( "Koi kuch nahi bolega mere bacche ko." )
Aaradhya giggled from the side.
"Maa, let them! It's so much fun."
( "Maa, chalne do na! Mazaa aa raha hai!" )
Sarita joined in, shaking her head.
"Exactly! This is entertainment!"
( "Haan, sahi mein!" )
But amidst all the laughter, Devansh's sharp eyes scanned the group. He frowned slightly, noticing something unusual.
"Wait a minute... Papa, Chachu, Kunal, Vedant-why are you all coming from the kitchen?" he asked suspiciously. "Where are the house helpers?"
( "Ek minute... Papa, Chachu, Kunal, Vedant-tum sab kitchen se kyun aa rahe ho? Helper kahan hai?" )
Dadi clapped her hands together with a knowing smile.
"This is all for Naina," she explained. "After all, everyone here scared the poor girl with their angry looks and cold attitude. So as an apology, they all cooked for her."
( "Yeh sab Naina ke liye ho raha hai. Sabne jo ghoor-ghoor ke bacchi ko dara diya tha, isliye sab ne uske liye khana banaya hai, sorry bolne ke liye." )
Devansh's brows lifted in amusement just as his grandmother grabbed his ear.
"And you! Think about how you're going to say sorry!" she scolded.
( "Aur tu! Soch le kaise sorry bolega!" )
Devansh winced, gently holding her hand.
"Dadi, I'm married now. Stop pulling my ear, it hurts!" he protested.
( "Shaadi ho gayi hai meri! Ab kaan mat pakdo, dard hota hai!" )
Dadi scoffed and finally let go.
"Useless boy!" she muttered under her breath before turning away.
( "Nalayak!" )
As the room erupted into laughter, Devansh could only sigh, shaking his head at his crazy, loveable family.
The air was thick with admiration, every eye in the room drawn to Naina as she descended the grand staircase.
The soft jingling of her anklets echoed through the hall, a melody so sweet that it seemed to weave magic into the very air. Draped in the deep red saree, she looked almost celestial-like a goddess walking among mortals. The golden embroidery shimmered with every step, and a few loose strands of her hair swayed gently against her face.
A hush fell over the room.
Vedant nudged Devansh, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Bhai, you've really married an angel."
( "Bhai, aapne sach mein ek pari se shaadi ki hai." )
Kunal smirked, shaking his head in awe.
"No doubt."
( "Bilkul." )
Devansh's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into his palms as his protective instincts kicked in. His dark eyes softened yet held a dangerous edge.
"Don't you dare cast an evil eye on my wife."
( "Nazar mat lagao meri biwi ko." )
Aaradhya clutched her hands together, sighing dreamily.
"She's breathtaking."
( "Bahut sundar." )
Grandma's eyes shone with warmth and pride.
"She looks just like a fairy."
( "Bilkul pari lag rahi hai." )
Meghana and Saritaexchanged glances before murmuring in unison, their voices filled with love.
"May no evil eye touch my child."
( "Nazar na lage meri bacchi ko." )
Pratap and Suryaveer, usually men of few words, nodded approvingly.
"She looks exactly like our daughter."
( "Bilkul hamari beti jaisi lag rahi hai." )
Just then-
A sharp gasp tore through the air.
Naina's delicate foot got caught in the heavy pleats of her saree. The world around her blurred as her balance gave way. The ground rushed up to meet her, panic flashing in her wide eyes.
For a split second, fear gripped her heart.
But before she could fall-
Strong, steady arms enveloped her, pulling her into a firm embrace.
Her breath hitched.
Time seemed to freeze.
The scent of expensive cologne, the warmth of his touch, the hard planes of his chest pressing against her-it could only be one person.
Devansh.
His grip was unyielding, his arms wrapped around her as though he'd never let her go. His heart pounded against hers, the intensity in his eyes stealing the very breath from her lungs.
Naina blinked up at him, her lips slightly parted in shock.
He wasn't just holding her.
He was claiming her.
Possessively. Protectively.
The entire world faded into nothingness as Devansh stared down at her, his dark gaze locking onto hers with an emotion so raw, so unspoken, it sent shivers down her spine.
And in that moment, neither of them moved.
Because for Devansh, she was the only thing that existed.
The world around them faded for a moment as Devansh's heart pounded in his chest. His grip on Naina's arms was firm yet gentle, his dark eyes searching hers for any sign of pain.
He exhaled slowly, steadying himself before his voice, laced with quiet concern, slipped past his lips.
"Abhi gir jaati toh...?"
( "What if you had fallen just now?" )
Naina, still lost in her own thoughts, replied absentmindedly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Aap girne dete."
( "You should have let me fall." )
A flash of something dark flickered across Devansh's gaze. His grip unconsciously tightened on her arms for a fleeting second before he composed himself, his voice suddenly firm, unyielding.
"Bilkul nahi."
( "Never." )
His words held an unshakable conviction, a silent promise wrapped in the weight of unspoken emotions.
Just as their gazes locked, Vedant's dramatic voice echoed through the room, breaking the moment.
"Bhai, romance baad mein kar lena. Abhi nashta kar lete hain!"
( "Bhai, you can romance later. First, let's have breakfast!" )
Naina immediately stepped away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her heartbeat slightly uneven. Devansh cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck, as if trying to shake off whatever had just passed between them.
His voice was unusually hesitant when he spoke again.
"Sorry... I touched you. I promise it was only to keep you safe."
Naina blinked, surprised by his sudden apology. She wasn't used to anyone considering her comfort, let alone a man as powerful as him.
"It's okay, sir..."
And there it was again. Sir.
Devansh stiffened. His fists clenched at his sides, his mind raging.
"Sir? Why does she still call me 'sir'? For God's sake, I'm her husband!"
But he swallowed his frustration. Pushing her would only make her retreat further. He needed to earn her trust, not demand it.
Just then, Aaradhya walked up to Naina, her face glowing with admiration.
"Bhabhi, you look like an angel."
( "Bhabhi, aap bilkul pari lag rahi hain!" )
A soft blush crept onto Naina's cheeks as she lowered her gaze. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and touched the feet of the elders, seeking their blessings.
But as she moved toward Suryaveer and Pratap, they immediately stepped back, stopping her gently.
"Rajpurohit family ki betiyan kisi bhi purush ke charan nahi chhuti."
( "The daughters of the Rajpurohit family never touch a man's feet." )
Their voices held firm authority, but beneath it, there was something deeper-pride, respect, and an unspoken acceptance.
Naina felt a lump form in her throat. Daughter? The word echoed in her mind. It had been so long since anyone had called her that with love.
Before she could process the warmth filling her chest, Kunal and Vedant suddenly bent down, touching her feet instead.
Her breath hitched in shock.
"Arrey, yeh kya kar rahe ho?"
( "What are you both doing?" )
Kunal smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"For us, Bhabhi is like a mother. So we will always take your blessings."
( "Bhabhi humare liye maa jaisi hain, toh hum aapke aashirwad toh lenge hi." )
Vedant nodded enthusiastically, adding,
"Hamesha."
( "Always." )
Naina opened her mouth to protest, but the sincerity in their eyes made her words falter. She had spent her whole life being treated as a burden, as someone dispensable. And yet, here they were-giving her a respect she had never even dreamed of receiving.
Her throat tightened as an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest.
Before she could say anything, Aaradhya suddenly ran toward her, her small hands reaching out to touch her feet.
But Naina reacted instinctively, pulling her into a tight embrace before she could do so.
"Aaru, you don't need to do that. Sisters don't touch each other's feet."
Aaradhya giggled, wrapping her arms around Naina.
From a distance, Devansh stood watching, his heart swelling with something unfamiliar-something dangerously close to happiness.
Naina, who had been so broken, so lost, was being slowly wrapped in the love of his family. She was finding a place among them.
And for the first time, Devansh Rajpurohit felt an unshakable truth settle deep within him-
He would do anything, fight anyone, just to keep her in this moment of happiness forever.
As Naina was about to step into the kitchen, a warm yet firm voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Beta ji, everything is done."
She turned to see her father-in-law standing there with a gentle expression. His voice carried no authority, only care.
"We are sorry for everything that happened during the wedding. As an apology, we have all cooked for you. But your mother-in-law told us that you made a sweet dish, so let us help you with that."
Naina's heart swelled, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest. She wasn't used to such gestures-this love, this care.
And then, without warning, a memory surfaced.
She saw a little girl, standing on a stool in a small kitchen, laughing as her father guided her hands while kneading dough. The scent of spices, the warmth of his embrace-it was all so vivid, so real.
A lone tear escaped her eye.
"Naina, why are you crying, bacche?" Meghana's voice was soft, filled with concern.
Before she could respond, her mother-in-law quickly added, "If you don't want to cook, it's okay, dear. You don't have to."
Naina shook her head, quickly wiping the tear away. "No, no, Maa. It's okay. I just... remembered something."
Before anyone could question her further, Suryaveer and Pratap stepped forward, placing protective hands on their waists.
"Oh dear," Pratap sighed dramatically. "Don't cry, please. Your mother-in-law has already threatened us that if you cry, she will kill us."
Suryaveer nodded in fake fear. "And I believe her."
"Kuch bhi bolte hain yeh!" Meghana huffed, crossing her arms.
( "They say anything!" )
The tension in Naina's chest eased as laughter bubbled around her.
Vedant suddenly clapped his hands. "Chalo na, Bhabhi! Bhook lagi hai!"
( "Come on, Bhabhi! I'm starving!" )
Devansh, who had been silently watching Naina, rolled his eyes. "Bhookhad kahin ka."
( "You're such a glutton." )
Kunal smirked. "Aap mat khana, Bhai. Hum toh zaroor khayenge."
( "You don't eat then, Bhai. We'll enjoy it!" )
Aaradhya jumped excitedly. "Mujhe bhi bhook lagi hai!"
( "I'm hungry too!" )
Laughter filled the room as they all made their way into the kitchen.
Naina stood at the entrance, looking around in awe. The kitchen was spotless, and every dish had already been prepared.
Before she could take a step forward, Kunal and Vedant blocked her path.
"No, Bhabhi." Kunal shook his head. "You're not doing anything today."
Vedant nodded in agreement. "Today, we are cooking for you."
Naina was stunned. She had always been ordered around, forced to cook, to clean, to serve. But here, they were doing it for her?
Her father-in-law stood back, watching her reaction with a small smile. He knew. He could see the hesitation, the disbelief in her eyes.
But before she could dwell on the emotions threatening to overwhelm her, Aaradhya's voice rang out.
"Bhai, aap bas spatula chala do!"
( "Bhai, just stir with the spatula!" )
"Rasam ho jaayegi!"
( "That will complete the ritual!" )
The entire kitchen erupted in laughter.
They moved together like a family, teasing, laughing, cooking side by side.
From a distance, Pratap turned to Suryaveer, his voice laced with warmth.
"Bhai sa, Naina khush lag rahi hai na?"
( "Bhai sa, Naina looks happy, doesn't she?" )
Suryaveer nodded, watching as Naina laughed-truly laughed-for the first time.
"Haan, bas yahi chahiye."
( "Yes, this is all we want." )
A silence settled between them for a moment before Pratap spoke again.
"Devansh se baat karni padegi."
( "We need to talk to Devansh." )
Suryaveer sighed, nodding. "Woh toh hai."
( "That's true." )
Because they knew-Devansh loved her. But love alone wasn't enough.
He needed to tell her.
As the kitchen filled with warmth and laughter, Naina, for the first time in years, felt something unfamiliar but beautiful-
A home.
Guys I have compalseated with this long chapter..
I know first 2 chapters are short but trust me I am writing this with great difficulty as I am at my village 😀 ❤️
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You've just devoured this chapter like a midnight snack, but don't leave me hanging!
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