Hi, I'm Reet Sharma. I’m 29, and at that age where my mom is insisting I get married, but let’s not get into that right now. I’m a photographer by profession, and after spending 5 years in Australia, I’m finally coming back home today—to my desh, my pride, my India. I know, I’m a bit dramatic, but honestly, I can’t help it.

By now, you might be thinking, “Sharma? Is she related to Mr. Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team captain?” Well, yes, he’s my Rohit bhai—my brother, my best friend, my heart, my everything. Basically, he’s my home. I’ve been dying to come back, and now here I am, packing my entire Australian life into a suitcase filled with lots and lots of memories, ready to be with my family full-time.

I know everything’s going to be great, but there’s one thing that’s making me a little nervous—the topic of *marriage*. Ugh, that word gives me nightmares.

Reet thinking
Maa pichle paanch saal se keh rahi hai shaadi karlo, par main mana karti rahi. Aaj dinner table pe bas yeh topic na aaye… Bhagwan bacha lena, please!

Let’s just hope the topic doesn’t come up tonight at dinner.

The plane landed, and Reet walked out of the airport, her heart racing with excitement. As she stepped into the arrivals area, she spotted Ritika bhabhi waiting with a security. Without a second thought, Reet ran up to her and hugged her tightly.

Reet hugging her
Bhabhiii, I missed you so, so much!

Ritika hugging back with a smile
I missed you too, reets! But come on, let’s go home. Bhai is waiting for you since morning!

Reet grinning
Haan, chalo jaldi se nikalte hain. Kahin kisi ne tumhe pehchan liya toh problem ho jayegi!

They quickly made their way to the car, and as soon as they settled in, Reet and Ritika started chatting non-stop, catching up on everything they had missed in each other’s lives. The car ride was filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of being together again.

Finally, they reached the Sharma house. Ritika pressed the doorbell, and as the door opened, Rohit appeared, his eyes searching eagerly for his sister. But he saw only Ritika, with no sign of Reet.

Rohit confused
Ritika, where’s Reet?

Ritika walking in with a straight face
Ro, woh Reet ki flight cancel ho gayi. Woh aaj nahi aa payegi.

Rohit shocked
Kyaaa? Sach mein?

Little Samaira, who had been playing nearby, ran up to her mother.

Samaira looking worried
Maa, Bua kahan hai? Unhone toh kaha tha aaj aayengi.

Rohit sadly
Haan yaar, main bhi kitna excited tha usse milne ke liye… Let me call her.

Just then, from the doorway, Reet watched the prank unfold with a mischievous smile. She couldn’t resist any longer.

Reet calling out
Bhai, kisko call kar rahe ho?

Rohit distracted
Arey, Reet ko… uska flight cancel ho gaya… Ek minute! Yeh toh Reet ki awaaz hai!

He turned around quickly and saw his sister standing at the door, her face lit up with a bright smile. Without wasting a second, he ran towards her and pulled her into a tight hug.

Rohit overwhelmed
Meri bachiiii! I got so, so sad thinking you weren’t coming!

Reet not breaking the hug
Main yahaan hoon na, bhai. Sab theek hoga ab!

Rohit smiling
Bilkul, bilkul!

Just then, little Samaira jumped up, her face glowing with excitement.

Samaira shouting
Buaaaa! Finally, aap aa gayi

Reet and Rohit broke their hug, and Reet knelt down to Samaira’s level, wrapping her arms around her and kissing her cheeks lovingly.

Reet happily
Sammmmyyy, meri jaan! Kaise ho? I missed you so, so much!

Samaira giggling
Bua, main theek hu! Maine bhi aapko bohot miss kiya!

As they continued talking, a familiar voice interrupted them from behind.

Voice
Mujhe bhool gaye tum log?

Reet immediately recognized the voice. She turned around with a wide smile.

Reet teasingly
Kaise bhool sakti hoon, meri Mother Teresa! Mummmyyy, kai ho meri jaan?

She ran to her mother, enveloping her in a warm hug, and then gently kissed her forehead.

Reet softly
Bahut yaad aayi aapki, maa.

Her mother hugged her back tightly, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.

Mother teasingly
Chal jhutti

The Sharma house was filled with laughter, love, and the joy of Reet’s return, each family member soaking in the happiness of being together again after so long.

Reet's mother
I missed you meri bacchi ab chal sit and relax..

As the afternoon stretched on, the living room was filled with warmth and the sound of Reet’s voice, recounting stories of her life in Australia. Each tale sparked laughter, surprise, and a few teasing remarks from Rohit bhai and Ritika bhabhi, while Samaria sat wide-eyed, listening to every word.

Time seemed to fly by, and before they knew it, the golden light of the afternoon had faded into the soft hues of evening. The sky outside was painted in shades of pink and orange, and a cool breeze drifted through the open windows, carrying the scent of jasmine from the garden.

Reet looked up, surprised at how quickly the day had passed.

Reet smiling
Wow, I didn’t even realize it’s evening already. We’ve been talking for hours!

Ritika grinning
That’s what happens when you’re home. Time just slips away.

Rohit stretched his arms and stood up, glancing at the clock.

Rohit
Well, since it’s getting late, how about we get started on dinner? Just like old times?

Reet’s face lit up at the thought of those familiar family rituals—everyone gathering in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting, all while sharing stories and laughter.

Reet excitedly
I’d love that! I’ve missed our family cooking sessions. Let’s do it.

They all moved into the kitchen, with Reet tying on an apron that her mother handed her, just like she used to. Rohit began prepping the vegetables, while Ritika took charge of the spices, blending them with a practiced hand. Reet’s mother was the orchestrator of it all, giving gentle instructions while Samaria, determined to help, was tasked with mixing the dough for chapatis.

The kitchen was soon filled with the comforting sounds of sizzling pans, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, and the aroma of spices blending together to create a symphony of flavors. They talked and laughed as they worked, sharing more memories and catching up on all the little details they’d missed during Reet’s time away.

Reet couldn’t help but smile as she watched her family, feeling a deep sense of belonging. Here, in this kitchen, surrounded by the people she loved, she felt truly at home.

Ritika playfully
Remember how Reet used to burn the rotis every time? Let’s see if she’s improved after all these years!

Reet laughing
I’ll have you know, I’ve become quite the cook in Australia. But I guess we’ll see!

The evening passed in a blur of activity, and soon the dining table was filled with a spread of delicious, homemade dishes. They all sat down together, the laughter and conversation continuing as they enjoyed the fruits of their labor.

As they shared the meal, Reet realized that no matter how far she traveled or how much her life changed, some things would always remain the same. The love of her family, the joy of these simple moments, and the comfort of home were irreplaceable treasures she would carry with her always.

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Thank for reading ♡
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