It had been around a couple of weeks since Khushali's not so good 'Muh Dikhayi'. Everyone in Mehra family tried their best to not let Khushali feel guilty about it but still no use. Although Khushali put up a show that she was fine, Sidharth did notice how hard she was trying to be normal. He knew she felt terrible after that incident because no matter what, when a person is subjected to such nonsense over and over again they do start to see themselves as the culprit.

And here too somehow Khushali believed herself to be responsible for Sagar's death. He knew, she had nothing to do with this but these stupid people just don't understand. Throughout the two weeks, he kept trying to cheer her up and not let her think once about that incident but whenever she was alone, her mind kept wondering about those harsh words.

He wished there was a way to erase these negative things from her mind but it's not possible. But that didn't mean he wouldn't try to make her forget it all. He will do whatever is in his might to make her happy.

"Khushali beta today is your first Rasoi'. So you have to cook something sweet for us. If you need any help then just ask me or Mehwr, we'll help you out," said Aarti, who caressed Khushali's face with her hand. She felt really bad for Khushali after that disastrous Muh Dikhayi. For her, Khushali and Meher weren't just her daughter-in-laws but her daughters. She loved them just as much as she loved her own kids and hoped that Khushali get the happiness she deserved.

(First Rasoi is an Indian ritual in which the new daughter-in-law prepares a sweet dish for her new family for the first time and the family members give her gifts.)

"What are you planning to make for your first Rasoi Khushali?" asked Meher.

Khushali, who was standing with the support of the kitchen cabinet, was startled with the sudden question. Khushali looked at her sister and said confusedly, "Umm I don't know Di. You tell me what should I cook?"

Meher kept her finger on her cheek, thinking. Khushali smiled seeing her sister, who even after being an elder child, had always been a kid but she loved her elder sister a lot.

"Kheer (rice pudding)! You know Sidharth and everyone else here loves Kheer. So you make Kheer for your first Rasoi, okay Khushu?" prompted Meher enthusiastically.

Khushali nodded her head and said smilingly, "Okay Di, I'll make Kheer. Just tell me where you keep the ingredients and all then I'll start preparing."

Meher mumbled sure and showed Khushali the cabinet and drawers in the kitchen where all the stuff was stored. After that Khushali made Meher leave the kitchen as she wanted to cook alone without her sister's help. Though Mehar was adamant on helping her but Khushali convinced her that she'll have no problem cooking alone. Meher halfheartedly left from there, leaving Khushali alone in the kitchen.

Khushali started preparing Kheer and after adding all the ingredients stood near the kitchen platform while the Kheer was being cooked. While cooking, she recalled how because of this Kheer she met Sagar for the first time........

"Khushali, go and give this Kheer to the guests sitting there with Tarun in the living room. C'mon go fast. They are your cousin brother's friends," said Khushali's mother, Muskan.

A 20-year-old Khushali made a grumpy face looking at her cousin and his three friends but went with the tray containing bowls of Kheer toward her cousin. She knew the other two friends of her brother but she was unfamiliar with the third one. She kept the tray down and one by one passed all four of them the bowls. When she was passing the bowl to the last one, he smiled at her sweetly which strangely made Khushali blush and she lowered her gaze while his gaze were on her.

Tarun then introduced his friend, "Khushali, this is Sagar and Sagar she's Khushali, my paternal uncle's daughter. And Khushali, he's Vivan's cousin."

Sagar whispered a 'hi' while Khushali mumbled a 'hello'. Khushali then sat there for a while, chatting with her brothers friends as she knew the other two friends of her brother, Vivan and Atul, who were her seniors in school since Tarun was three years older to her.

After eating the Kheer, Sagar exclaimed, "This Kheer was really awesome. I never ate this tasty Kheer ever in my life!"

Khushali smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment. My mom makes the best Kheer in this world!"

Sagar grinned and replied, "True that!"

After a while they all left. Khushali was collecting the plates from the table when Sagar came to take his car keys which he had purposely left. He came and stood behind her and said, "It was really nice meeting you, Ms. Khushali Kapoor! I look forward to meeting you again!"

Khushali turned back and looked at Sagar who was smiling a very big smile. She looked down and then smiled at him and said shyly, "Same here!" And she left from there with the plates while Sagar just ran his fingers through his hairs, smiling like an idiot. He glanced one more time in Khushali's direction and left. Khushali saw him leaving and blushed.

Neither of them knew that it was the start of something they never would happen........

"Massi (maternal aunt), what are you cooking?" asked a cute five-year-old Amaira, Meher and Aditya's daughter.

Khushali looked down and saw her niece standing there with her teddy bear. She picked Amaira up and made her sit on the kitchen platform and said, "I'm making Kheer. You like Kheer na?"

Amaira nodded her head and said in her baby voice, "Yes yes, I love Kheer! Thank you for making it!" Saying that she kissed Khushali's cheeks making her giggle. Khushali kissed Amaira and talked with her while occasionally checking the Kheer.

While she was talking, she didn't notice when Sidharth came there and stood by the door, admiring his wife and niece. Khushali was pouring Kheer in bowls when Amaira said excitedly, "Chachu (paternal uncle), you know Massi made Kheer for us. It looks so yummy, I can't wait to eat it!"

Khushali looked at the entrance of the kitchen and saw Sidharth leaning against the kitchen door. Sidharth passed her a smile while she smiled back and resumed her work. Sidharth came near Amaira and said playfully, "Yup I know that angel. Waise angel, why don't you start calling your Massi as Chachi (paternal uncle's wife) after all she's your Chachu's wife na. So now onwards call her Chachi."

Khushali heard that and immediately responded, "Ammu, call your Chachu as Massaji (maternal aunt's husband) as he's your Massi's husband na. I'm happy being called your Massi. Let him be your Massaji."

Sidharth smirked while Khushali gave him a smug. He picked Amaira up in his arms and said while leaving the kitchen, "Amaira do what your Massi says, okay? Your Massi's hubby don't want to piss his wifey na so let it be. And haan tell your Massi the Kheer seems really mouthwatering."

Amaira giggled and pulled Sidharth's cheeks. Khushali smiled seeing that and picked up the tray and followed Sidharth and Amaira toward the dining area. Sidharth called everyone for breakfast and soon the Mehras took their seats. Khushali served them the Kheer and went to sit next to Sidharth on Aarti's insistence.

Prabha tasted it and said smilingly, "This is very tasty, Khushali. God bless you beta!" She gave Khushali gift for her first Rasoi.

Shravan ate it and said appraisingly, "Wow beta! This is so delicious. I must say your mother have taught her special Kheer recipe to you and Mehar. Even if I get to eat this Kheer everyday then also I won't get tired of eating it. What say, Aarti?"

Aarti agreed and said appreciatively, "Haan that's true! It's really delicious Khushali. Now I'm going to call Muskan and tell her that she has given me the world's best daughter-in-laws."

Khushali passed them a warm smile and mumbled thank you. Both Shravan and Aarti blessed Khushali and gave her the gifts.

Aditya looked at his wife and said, "But I have to say Khushali, your Kheer is better than Meher's. Don't mind haan Meher."

Meher grimaced irritatedly and grumbled, "Acha, if you don't like the Kheer that I make then next time onwards don't even smell it."

Aditya bit his lips and tried to cover up, "Arre no Meher, I was just kidding!" Meher gave him a scoff while Khushali and Sidharth suppressed their laughs. Little Amaira just shook her head seeing her parent's silly banter.

"Arre wah Bhabhi, you made Kheer for us! See Arhaan that's why I was telling you to hurry up otherwise I would've missed my Bhabhi's first Rasoi! But hey I did miss it a little," said Kavya to Arhaan.

Everyone turned their heads to Kavya and Arhaan's direction and Sidharth asked them to join. Both of them took their seats and Khushali served them breakfast and Kheer.

Kavya ate it and said, "Bhabhi this is really very tasty! If you don't mind then can you please teach your brother-in-law how to make this Kheer and some more recipes?"

Arhaan smiled at her and said sweetly, "Sure baby, I would love to learn its recipes from Khushali Bhabhi. Meher Bhabhi had already taught me a lot of recipes and all of them were amazing. Now it's Khushali Bhabhi's turn."

Khushali smiled slightly and said, "Thank you so much Arhaan and Kavya for the compliments. Of course Arhaan, I'll teach you but haan my cooking skills aren't as good as Meher Di. Umm I just wanted to ask you, Arhaan, but why do you want to learn, I mean do you cook everyday?"

Arhaan smiled sheepishly and hesitantly said, "Yes Bhabhi! After all Kavya's a princess, I can't make her work na, so I cook everyday and plus I love cooking so I never miss the opportunity to learn new recipes from someone."

Kavya smiled at him and said proudly, "Yes Bhabhi, he's an awesome cook and a loving husband! Love you baby!"

Arhaan grinned at her and said lovingly, "Love you too sweetheart!"

Khushali smiled seeing their love for each other. She glanced at Sidharth, who was making weird faces seeing Kavya and Arhaan's PDA. She felt kind of sad since everyone complimented her except Sidharth. Though he said it was good before in the kitchen but after eating it, he didn't say anthing. But she didn't show this and tried to act normal.

Sidharth, who was hearing their lovey dovey talks quirked his eyebrows and said annoyedly, "Okay both of you enough of your PDA! I can't have my food with your cheesiness around!"

Meher smirked and said teasingly, "Ohho, Sidharth can't have his food with their lovey dovey talks, poor you Sid!" She paused for a minute and continued, "Sidharth, seems like you didn't like this Kheer at all that's why you haven't even complimented her when all of us have already did."

Sidharth hesitated and said defensively, "No it's nothing like that. It's really delicious. You guys were talking so much that I didn't get a chance to say anything. And waise I can compliment my wife whenever I want, haina Khushali?" Khushali looked at him as he winked at her. She looked down as others started teasing her.

After the breakfast, Khushali went to her room to keep the gifts which everyone gave her. Except Sidharth, everyone else had given her gifts. Though somewhere she was expecting something from him but she didn't show her disappointment in front of others.

She went towards her cupboard and placed the gifts there. She felt someone's breath on her neck and turned to only get shocked seeing Sidharth standing there with a smile adorning his face.

Sidharth knew she was upset because he didn't give her any gift though she was trying not to show that. He saw her moving toward their room and he too, very quietly followed her. He went and stood behind her and waited for her to turn around. When she turned around, he smiled seeing her shocked expression.

"Wifey, try as much as you can to hide your disappointment but I know you did expected a gift from me," said Sidharth with a small smile lingering on his lips.

Khushali moved away from him and mumbled, "Of course not! Why would I be upset with this? You think anything na?"

Sidharth gave her a sly grin and moved toward the cupboard, while Khushali eyed his moves. She didn't know herself why she felt bad. He opened the cupboard and took out a nice wrapped box. Khushali recognised it as the same box he was hiding since last two days. She had seen this box a couple of days back while Sidharth was hiding it safely in his side of cupboard. She didn't ask him anything as she thought it would've been rude.

She looked at Sidharth, who came and stood in front of her and said, "Your first Rasoi gift! I would've given you this gift in front of everyone but then they would've teased you a lot and I know that would have embarrass you. So I didn't give it before. Okay now open it."

Khushali smiled hearing what he said. She felt nice seeing his care for her. 'But why did I feel bad before?' she wondered.

She took the gift and opened it. As she opened the gift, her lips curved into a huge smile. She took out the gift from the box, still smiling. He gifted her a precious idol of her favourite God, Ganeshji! She looked at him, who was standing with his hands in his pockets with a satisfied smile on his face. He knew well that she was huge devotee of Ganeshji and had a lot of faith in him, so he searched all the markets of the city to get the best idol of Ganeshji for her.

He would've bought an expensive necklace or something else but she wasn't someone who would appreciate expensive gifts but rather those gifts which were given with a lot of love! So he chose it give her this!

"I know, I'm breaking the rule but thank you so so so much for this! This is really beautiful. I really appreciate your gift Sidharth! Thanks a lot!" said Khushali in her happiest voice.

Sidharth chuckled seeing her childlike excitement and replied, "You're welcome wifey! I knew you would love it. Don't you think your hubby is the best?"

Khushali laughed and said mockingly, "Yeah yeah! If you think Sidharth, you are the best then it's okay, some people do have misconception about themselves, haina hubby?"

Sidharth frowned at her and said, "Fine think whatever you want! I have an important case hearing in court today and I don't want to stay here arguing with you. So wish me luck for it!"

Khushali raised her eyebrows with a smirk on her face and sneered, "Okay! Ab you can't win so you're running away. No issues! All the best, Sidharth! You'll win this case like always."

Sidharth picked his bag and blazer up and replied, "Thanks a lot wifey!"

Khushali fidget with her saree and asked hesitantly, "Umm...Sidharth, why do you always ask me to wish you before your case?" Since their engagement, whenever Sidharth had a hearing in court he would call her and ask her to wish him but he never told her why.

Sidharth looked at her and said with a smile, "Because you are my lucky charm." He left from there, leaving Khushali with a small smile lingering on her lips.

It was evening and the entire Mehra family was sitting in the living area having tea with Kavya and Arhaan, who came to pick Kavya. While having tea, Kavya said, "Mom I was wondering when Sidharth Bhai and Khushali Bhabhi are leaving for their honeymoon. I mean Bhabhi's college leave is getting over in two weeks so when and where are they leaving for their honeymoon?"

Aarti sipped her tea while thinking and said, "Yes that's what I was thinking. So Khushali and Sidharth, say where you both want to go for your honeymoon?"

Khushali shifted in her seat nervously on hearing her mother-in-law's question. Sidharth noticed her hesitation and said with uncertainity, "Umm... mom is it necessary that we have to go for our honeymoon? We can go some other time na as I have some really important cases and Khushali too have a few things to catch up with before she resumes her work."

Aditya nodded his head in agreement and said calmly, "Well Sid, there isn't any compulsion for you both to go but I believe it would be better if you guys go for your honeymoon since you guys hardly got anytime to spend together, so that way you guys can spend some quality time with each other. What say everyone?"

Everyone agreed with him except Khushali and Sidharth. Sidharth tried to speak but couldn't and glanced at Khushali. Seeing his helplessness, Khushali spoke up silencing everyone.
"If you all don't mind, then instead of me and Sidharth, why don't we all go for a family vacation. It would be really nice and a break for all of us from our usual routine. I know all of us are still tired because of the wedding rituals. So umm what you all think?"

Hearing her suggestion, everyone looked at her with amusement. Sidharth smiled observing his wife's smart way of handling the situation. He looked at his family and said, "Yes I agree with her. Khushali, we should also invite Maa, Papa (Khushali's parents) as well for this family vacation. It will fun with our families. Please everyone agree! Please!"

After a couple of minutes of silence, Aditya said, "Okay we can go but what about work?"

Shravan immediately replied, "See I'm a retired man so obviously I don't have to worry about work. As for Gaurav, his manager can manage his work for a few days. Aditya, you and Sid can take off for this vacation and Meher as for you, I'm damn sure your dad won't mind if you take leave and lastly Arhaan, my sweet son-in-law, you can manage your leave right?"

Everyone looked at Arhaan for an answer, who gulped sensing everyone's eyes on him and said stutteringly, "S-Sure d-dad, I can manage!"

Aarti and Meher chuckled and Meher asked, "So it's done, we all will go for a family vacation! But where will we go?"

Khushali quickly said, "Manali!"

Everyone agreed and Aarti said happily, "Yup that will be a good option since it's so warm here in Delhi. I guess it will be a really fun filled family vacation. I'll inform Gaurav and Muskan about this. Khushali beta thank you for suggesting this idea!"

Khushali mumbled a welcome and soon everyone engrossed in planning for the trip.

It was decided that after three days both the families will leave for Manali. Arhaan's parents were also invited but they couldn't make it because of some business affair. They all were travelling by road as it was more fun. A mini bus was hired for the trip and hotel reservations were done. They left for Manali in early morning and the journey was going smoothly.

Khushali was sitting on the window seat with Sidharth beside her. Since she had woken up quite early, she was very sleepy and dozed off after a couple of hours. While sleeping, she kept her head on Sidharth's shoulder and snuggled into him. Sidharth looked at his wife and wrapped his arms around her protectively. He felt someone's gaze on him and saw Aditya and Meher smiling, looking at him and Khushali. He smiled back and closed his eyes to rest. He felt really nice having Khushali so close to him!

They all reached Manali after a 9 hours long journey and everyone retired to their respective hotel rooms for taking rest as everyone was tired. Khushali felt unknowingly happy, seeing Sidharth's concern for her parents. Throughout the journey, Sidharth and Aditya both took a lot of care of Gaurav and Muskan and no one could say that they were their son-in-laws not sons.

Since all of them were tired so they all just stayed in their room, relaxing. Sidharth was fast asleep while Khushali sat on the chair, near the window and reading her book. While reading, she occasionally glanced at her husband, who looked quite cute while sleeping. She smiled seeing him sleep and again thought about how different Sagar was from Sidharth.

She knew Sagar was comfortable with her family but never did he try to be more friendly with her parents. His relation with her father was so....formal. But Sidharth, he treated her father as if he was his own father and her dad too was so friendly and comfortable with Sidharth. Even after her Muh Dikhayi fiasco, he didn't utter a single word about it to her parents and covered it up so well! her mother too treater him like her own son. 'But why were my parents never this close with Sagar?' she wondered.

She had seen her Jeeju taking care of parents and her after he married her sister. The same way, Sidharth was doing that. But she couldn't understand why she always ended up comparing him with Sagar. She closed her book and went to sleep, to get away from her thoughts. She lied on the bed and looked beside her to see her husband's peaceful face. For the first time after their marriage, she noticed how peaceful he looked when he was sleeping. She smiled and closed her eyes and soon drifted into sleep.

The entire vacation was awesome and they all enjoyed it. Both the families went for sight seeing, had some playful moments and a bonfire party. The bonfire was the most memorable one as the couples were supposed to tell little things about each other.

When it was Khushali and Sidharth's turn, everyone was astonished with Sidharth's close observations about her, like how she always preferred reading a book before going to sleep or how she make a face when she's made to eat something she didn't like or how she couldn't resist chocolates even though she tell everyone that she didn't like chocolates.

Khushali too was shocked but then realised that throughout the two week of their marriage, Sidharth was always silently watching her, even she didn't notice. Khushali too told about Sidharth's habits which she had noticed in their two weeks of marriage.

Their families were quite happy with the progress they both have made. Khushali parents were extremely happy with the way Sidharth took care of Khushali. Gaurav and Muskan had always been more worried for her because she was really very simple and soft-hearted. They were blessed to have Aditya and Sidharth as their son-in-laws.

Gaurav was glad to see Sidharth keeping his promise of always keeping his daughter happy. Throughout the trip, whenever Khushali was with Sidharth, he would be cracking a joke which made Khushali laugh or just said something which made her smile. After two years of seeing their daughter sad and gloomy, seeing her all happy and smiles, it was more than enough for them.

"Thank you so much wifey for suggesting this vacation! It was the best vacation of my life! Thank you so much!" said Sidharth with a big grin.

They reached their home just a couple of hours back after the week long vacation. Khushali was keeping her books back to their place when Sidharth came towards her and said that. She turned back and smiled at him but then out of no where Sidharth hugged her. She was taken aback with his sudden gesture but she smiled and hugged him back which made Sidharth to tighten his grip on her. Khushali felt calm with his hug. She felt secure in his arms so she let herself live it.

Sidharth felt contended with her response. In the moment of excitement, he hugged her but quickly regretted it. But when she hugged him back, he felt really nice. After a couple of minutes both of them came out of the hug and smiled at each other. The trip had surely brought them much closer than before!

Both of them were closer and more comfortable with each other than they were before. Maybe the trip not only brought their families closer and gave them a break from their normal routine but also strengthened Khushali and Sidharth's relationship!

Maybe with time their relationship will grow more and might turn into love! But will this relationship grow to the extent where Khushali finally confesses her past to him or will something related to Sidharth's past becomes a hindrance and break them apart?