Shalu's P.O.V

"Pata nahi kya samaj tha hai khudko," (What does he think of himself.) I mumbled mashing up some ginger to put in the tea he so grandly ordered...actually Chachi ordered. "Mana bhi kiya tha ke ander matt ana." (I told him not to come inside.)

"Mein apna aap ko Ayushman Oberoi samajta hoon...tum kya cheez ho?"  (I am Ayushman Oberoi, who are you?) Ayush smirked walking into the kitchen grabbing an apple jumping up on the counter,  "Mera yaha aana tume acha nahi laga Shalu?" (You didn't like me coming inside Shalu?)

Squinting my eyes I huffed, "Mujhe kyu farak padaga? Jo marzi aa karo." (Why should I care? Do whatever you want.) Aggressively pounding the ginger I dump it in the tea before stirring in some sugar.  

"Theeka." He said cheekily staying put on the counter, 

Turning around I look at him, "What are you doing here? Go out of the kitchen, talk to Neha and Chachi. I don't want to talk to you."

"Then don't." 

Irritated I turned my focus back to the tea, "Then don't," I mocked him, turning the stove off I picked up the pot gently stirring it so it cooled down a little... "Ayush baahar jao, mein chai lehke aati hoon." (Ayush go outside, I'll bring the tea.)

"Mujhe chai nahi peene, woh toh chachi-" (I don't want tea, Chachi wanted it so-)

"Dekho drama matt kara, baahar jao aur chup chap chai peelena." (Don't create a scene, go outside and drink the tea.) I snapped turning to face him again but I hadn't realized that he had gotten of the counter and was standing right behind me gasping I bumped into his chest Ayush grabbed my arm gently helping me regain my balance. 

"Tum hamesha itne gussa mein kyu reti ho?"  (Why are you always so mad?) He asked tilting his head to the side, "Matlab kabhi kissna hasna nahi sikaya Shalu." (I mean didn't you learn how to smile?)

"Hasna aata tha."  (I knew how to smile.) I said quietly backing up a little so my back as against the counter, "Ma aur Bhauji chalega toh hasna boolgi...Lakshmi Di aur Bani bhi boolga tha...ab koi muskarana ki wajah nahi hain." (Mom and Dad died...so our smiles disappeared...Lakshmi Di aur Bani forgot how to too, now theres no reason to smile.)

Ayush searched my eyes for some kind of answer, "Doodna padta hain Shalu." (You have to find a reason Shalu.)

Inhaling sharply I keep my gaze on his, "Why? Chachi yells at us all day, Bani goes to school and Lakshmi Di..." I trailed off, "Lakshmi Di kaisi he?" (How's Lakshmi Di?)

"Theeka hain, per hum Lakshmi ki baat nahi karahe...hum tumhari baat karahe...smile Shalu...tumahari muskarat bohot khoobsurat hain." (She's okay. But we aren't talking about her, we are talking about you. Smile Shalu, your smile is beautiful.)

My heart skipped a beat...did he just...? Ayush gave me a crooked smile, gently brushing some hair away from my face he leaned forward "K-K-Kya karahe ho?" (What are you doing?)

"Nothing." He whispered but he kept coming closer, panicking I kept leaning back...Ayush kept his eyes locked on mine. What was Ayush thinking?  "Thanks." 

Confused I say, "Huh?"

Ayush pushed away holding a cup of tea, "Chai ke leya."  (For the tea.) Smiling he walked away waving at me teasingly, "Wah! Kya chai baniye hai Shalu ne...Lakshmi ki chai be top kardi." (Wow! This tea is so good! She even topped Lakshmi's tea.) 

Shocked I push myself away from the table shaking my head, "Aap peeke toh dekhiye Chachi! Kya chai hai!" (Try the tea Chachi!)  I look out of the kitchen peeking my head out of the corner, Ayush was shoving Chachi's chai cup in her face as Neha and Bani looked at him confused...a soft smile tugged at my lips...Ayush pushed the cup closer accidentally spilling it on Chachi, "Sorry, sorry Chachi!" 

A giggle left my lips it was as if Ayush's attention was only on me as soon as I laughed Ayush looked over at me, as I quickly stood up straighter hiding my smile with my hand.  Ayush smirked, handing Chachi tissues,  "Mera kaam hogya." (My work here is done)

"What you talk?" Chachi said quickly looking up at Ayush,  who dropped his smile looking down at her,

"Aap chai peeya Chachi."  (Drink the tea,) Ayush sat down again but Chachi jumped away, a smile was plastered across my face as I watched the drama unfold. Ayush snuck a glance at me, smugly smiling, mouthing "Beautiful,"

Hiding behind the kitchen door again I dropped my hand giggling at what was going on outside, 

"Shalu! Meri liye ek aur cup leekar aana!" (Shalu! Bring another cup for me.) Ayush yelled, "Aur Chachi ke leeya bhi." (And for Chachi too.)

"Aati hoon!"  (Coming!)

He wanted me to find a reason to smile...and when I couldn't he gave me a reason to smile.