2900+ Words

Kyu ye duniya hume kisika 
hone nhi deti, 
Kyu kisiki kasme hume rone nhi deti, 
Itni gehri raat hone par 
bhi, 
kyu kisiki yaadein hume soone nahi deti.

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Author's pov:

As the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Ashwin stirred from his sleep, his gaze falling upon Anshika's form curled up beside him. Despite the fatigue that still clung to his limbs, he couldn't help but feel a pang of awe at the sight of her peaceful slumber. For a moment, he simply watched her, his heart swelling with a mixture of tenderness and confusion.

But then, as if jolted by a sudden realization, Ashwin tore his gaze away, his thoughts swirling with a tumult of emotions. What had he been thinking last night? What had he said to her? The memory of their exchange hung heavy in the air, a weight upon his conscience that he couldn't shake.

With a heavy sigh, Ashwin pushed himself out of bed, his movements slow and deliberate as he made his way to the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the room as he splashed his face, the cool sensation a stark contrast to the turmoil roiling within him.

Meanwhile, Viyaan and Noha entered the room, their voices hushed as they caught sight of Anshika still asleep in bed. With mischievous grins, they approached her, gently shaking her shoulder to rouse her from her slumber.

"Come on, Bhabhi," Viyaan teased, his voice filled with playful amusement. "Time to wake up! It's your paheli rasoi today."

Anshika stirred from her sleep, blinking groggily as she took in her surroundings. The events of the previous night came flooding back to her, a sense of weariness settling over her as she struggled to shake off the lingering effects of sleep.

With a tired smile, she nodded in acknowledgment, her voice soft but determined. "I'll be up in a moment," she murmured, her words tinged with exhaustion.

With mischievous grins plastered on their faces, Viyaan and Noha exchanged playful glances as Anshika murmured her intention to rise in just "one more moment." Their teasing spirits emboldened, they wasted no time in gently prodding her awake, their voices filled with lighthearted amusement.

"Come on, Anshika, we can't keep the kitchen waiting!" Viyaan quipped, nudging her shoulder with exaggerated care. "You don't want to start your paheli rasoi fashionably late, do you?"

Noha chimed in with a teasing grin, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Yeah, Anshika, your future as the perfect bahu depends on this! Can't disappoint the in-laws on the first day, can you?"

Anshika couldn't help but smile at their antics, the warmth of their camaraderie a welcome distraction from the fatigue that still weighed heavily upon her. With a playful roll of her eyes, she made a show of reluctantly pushing herself upright, her movements slow and deliberate as she shook off the last vestiges of sleep.

"Alright, alright, you win," she relented with a chuckle, her voice tinged with affection. "I'm getting up, I'm getting up. Just give me a minute."

Viyaan and Noha exchanged a triumphant glance, their teasing banter a testament to the easy rapport they shared with Anshika. With a final round of playful nudges and jests, they left her to get ready, their laughter echoing in the air as they made their way out of the room.

Alone once more, Anshika couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the companionship of her new family.

Anshika's eyes blinked open to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains, gently nudging her into wakefulness. As she stirred from her slumber, her gaze fell upon the figure standing before her, sending a jolt of surprise coursing through her veins.

There, in the center of the room, stood Ashwin, his upper body exposed, adorned only by a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Droplets of water glistened on his taut muscles, accentuating the contours of his sculpted physique in the morning light. Anshika's breath hitched in her throat as she took in the sight, her cheeks flushing with a sudden warmth.

Caught off guard by his unexpected appearance, Anshika quickly averted her gaze, her heart pounding in her chest as she felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment at intruding upon his privacy, even though she was in his room.

Ashwin's eyes widened in alarm as he noticed Anshika's presence, his initial shock giving way to a flush of embarrassment. With a reflexive motion, he instinctively crossed his arms over his chest, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he realized the situation.

"Oh, Anshika, I... I didn't realize you were awake," he stammered, his voice tinged with apology. "I'm sorry if I startled you. I was just... I mean, I forgot you were here."

Anshika's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she struggled to find her words, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. "No, it's okay," she managed to mumble, her voice barely above a whisper. "I should have... I should have said something."

With a final apologetic glance, Ashwin hurriedly retreated into the bathroom, leaving Anshika alone with her thoughts. As she listened to the sound of running water echoing in the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awkwardness lingering in the air.

Despite her attempts to shake off the encounter, the memory of Ashwin's glistening form lingered in her mind, casting a subtle tension over their interactions. And though she tried to push aside the sudden rush of emotions stirring within her.

Feeling the weight of the awkward encounter with Ashwin still lingering in the air, Anshika decided to escape into the refuge of the bathroom. With a silent sigh, she gathered her resolve and slipped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

As the warm water cascaded over her skin, Anshika closed her eyes, allowing the gentle pressure to ease the tension coiling in her muscles. With each passing moment, she felt the weight of the morning's events begin to lift, replaced by a sense of calm that washed over her like a soothing balm.

Lost in the rhythm of the falling water, Anshika let her mind wander, allowing the steamy veil of the shower to envelop her in a cocoon of tranquility. With each breath, she felt the knots of unease slowly unravel, leaving her feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

As she reached for the shampoo, her thoughts drifted back to the encounter with Ashwin. Despite the initial embarrassment, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of something unfamiliar stirring within her chest. It was as if the brief moment of vulnerability had opened a door to a deeper understanding, a connection that lingered beneath the surface of their interactions.

With a shake of her head, Anshika banished the thought, focusing instead on the simple pleasure of the warm water against her skin. As she lathered her hair with fragrant suds, she allowed herself to be swept away by the sensation, letting go of the lingering tension that had weighed upon her since waking.

By the time she emerged from the shower, her mind felt clear and her spirit renewed.

After hastily donning a fresh set of clothes, Ashwin made his way downstairs, the weight of the morning's events still heavy on his mind. With each step, he felt the lingering tension in his muscles, a silent reminder of the awkward encounter with Anshika.

As he reached the bottom of the staircase, he found himself enveloped in the warm embrace of the family home, the familiar sights and sounds providing a welcome distraction from his tumultuous thoughts. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the soft hum of conversation, creating a comforting atmosphere that washed over him like a soothing balm.

"Dadu?" Ashwin called out tentatively, his voice breaking through the gentle murmur of voices as he scanned the room for his grandfather.

Abhiraj Singhania, affectionately known as Dadu, looked up from his seat at the head of the table, his eyes lighting up with warmth as he caught sight of Ashwin. "Ah, there you are, my boy," he exclaimed, his voice filled with affection. "Come, come, sit down. We have much to discuss."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Ashwin took his seat at the table, his gaze flickering briefly towards the entrance as he wondered if Anshika would join them soon. Despite his attempts to push aside his feelings of unease, he couldn't shake the lingering sense of apprehension that gnawed at his conscience.

As the family gathered around the table, the morning's events began to fade into the background, replaced by the comforting routine of shared meals and familiar conversation. And though Ashwin couldn't help but feel a sense of disquiet lingering beneath the surface, he found solace in the presence of his loved ones, grateful for the semblance of normalcy they provided in the midst of uncertainty.

......

As the family gathered in the kitchen, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of breakfast cooking on the stove. Bua, known for her sharp tongue and quick wit, couldn't resist the opportunity to stir up some mischief.

"Well, well, it seems our dear Anshika isn't quite ready to fulfill her duties as the new bahu," Bua remarked with a sly smirk, her eyes glinting mischievously as she glanced at Ashwin's mother.

Ashwin's mother, accustomed to Bua's taunt , simply chuckled in response. "Oh, Radha ji, you know how it is. Anshika is a modern woman with her own responsibilities. She'll be down soon enough."

But before Bua could respond, Viyaan interjected with a playful grin, coming to Anshika's defense. "Actually, Bua, Anshika had some important work to finish up last night. She's a bit of a workaholic, you know," he quipped, his tone laced with humor.

"And independent too!" Noha chimed in, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she joined her brother in teasing Bua. "I'm sure she'll be down as soon as she's good and ready."

Radha's laughter rang out like a discordant melody in the room, her eyes alight with malice as she turned her gaze back to Ashwin's mother. "Well, it seems our little bride has her priorities all wrong, doesn't she?" she remarked with a cruel twist of her lips. "But then again, what else can we expect from someone like her?"

Bua couldn't help but get irriated at the siblings' defence regarding anshika, . With a bad-natured shake of her head,  a smile or we can say playing at the corners of her lips.

"Well, well, it seems I've been bested by the younger generation once again," she remarked with a irritated face . "Very well, I shall await our dear Anshika's grand entrance with bated breath." her mother said.

As Anshika descended the staircase, her presence seemed to breathe new life into the room. Dressed in a resplendent saree that draped gracefully around her figure, she exuded an air of elegance and poise that captivated the attention of everyone present. Anshika gracefully greeted everyone with a warm smile and a polite namaste.

Viyaan and Noha's eyes widened in admiration as they took in her appearance, their expressions filled with awe at the sight before them. "Wow, Bhabhi!" Viyaan exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You look absolutely stunning!"

Noha nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on Anshika's radiant smile. "Yeah, you're like a vision," she added, her tone filled with genuine appreciation.

But Radha, ever the harbinger of negativity, couldn't resist the opportunity to cast a shadow over the moment. With a derisive snort, she looked Anshika up and down, her lips twisting into a sneer of disapproval. "Hmph, all dressed up and nowhere to go," she muttered under her breath, her tone dripping with disdain.

Viyaan's temper flared at the sight of his aunt's callous remark, his patience wearing thin in the face of her constant judgment. "Enough, Bua!" he snapped, his voice sharp with frustration. "Bhabhi looks beautiful, and she has every right to dress however she pleases."

Noha nodded in agreement, her expression firm as she stepped forward to stand beside her brother. "Yeah, don't listen to her, Bhabhi," she chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "You look amazing, and anyone who says otherwise is just jealous."

Ashwin's mother intervened before the situation could escalate further, her voice firm as she addressed her children. "Viyaan, Noha, that's enough," she admonished, her tone gentle but firm. "Let's not spoil the mood. Anshika Beta, Let's do your paheli rasoi I will help you" 

Anshika offered a grateful smile to Ashwin's mother before making her way towards the kitchen, her head held high despite the lingering sting of Radha's hurtful words and making her way towards the kitchen, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she prepared to embark on her first rasoi, a significant milestone in her journey as a newlywed.

With each step, she felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the tasks that lay ahead. As she entered the kitchen, the scent of spices and savory delights filled the air, enveloping her in a comforting embrace that felt like home.

Anshika wasted no time in rolling up her sleeves and getting to work, her movements fluid and purposeful as she navigated the familiar space with ease. With a sense of determination, she set about preparing the traditional dishes that would mark the occasion, her hands moving deftly as she expertly chopped, stirred, and seasoned with practiced precision.

Despite the nervous fluttering in her stomach, Anshika couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling within her as she poured her heart and soul into each dish. With each carefully crafted creation, she infused a piece of herself into the meal, imbuing it with love and dedication that spoke volumes of her commitment to her new family.

As the aroma of her culinary creations filled the kitchen, Anshika couldn't help but steal a glance towards the dining area, where her new family awaited the feast she had prepared.

As Anshika diligently worked in the kitchen, her focus consumed by the task at hand, she was interrupted by the unwelcome presence of Ashwin's bua, Radha Singh. With a disdainful sneer, Radha cast a critical eye over Anshika's efforts, her lips curling into a derisive smirk as she made a pointed remark.

"Well, well, looks like we have quite the domestic goddess in our midst," Radha quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I suppose even a broken clock is right twice a day, isn't it?"

Anshika's jaw clenched in frustration at the barbed comment, her patience wearing thin in the face of Radha's relentless taunts.She just smiled and Before she could muster a response, however, Viyaan breezed into the kitchen, his presence a welcome reprieve from the tension that hung in the air.

"Hey, Bhabhi, need a hand?" Viyaan asked cheerfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he glanced towards his aunt. "Looks like you could use some help with those dishes."

Anshika's heart swelled with gratitude at Viyaan's offer, a sense of relief washing over her as she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. "That would be wonderful."

Viyaan wasted no time in rolling up his sleeves and joining Anshika at the sink, his movements swift and efficient as he tackled the mountain of dishes with gusto. With each plate he washed, he shot a pointed glance in Radha's direction, a silent challenge to her relentless negativity.

Radha, however, remained unfazed by Viyaan's subtle defiance, her haughty demeanor undiminished as she continued to hover nearby. "Well, isn't this a sight to behold," she remarked snidely, her eyes narrowing with thinly veiled contempt. "Who would have thought our dear Anshika would be so lucky as to have a servant at her beck and call?"

Viyaan's jaw tightened at the barbed remark, his patience wearing thin in the face of his aunt's relentless cruelty. With a steely resolve, he turned to face Radha, his voice firm and unwavering as he addressed her directly.

"That's enough, Bua," Viyaan said firmly, his tone laced with authority. "Bhabhi is our family Member now, and she deserves to be treated with respect. If you can't do that, then I suggest you leave."

Radha's eyes widened in surprise at Viyaan's boldness, momentarily taken aback by his uncharacteristic display of assertiveness. With a huff of indignation, she shot one last venomous glance in Anshika's direction before turning on her heel and storming out of the kitchen, her presence a lingering reminder of the toxicity that threatened to poison the air.

With Radha's departure, the atmosphere in the kitchen shifted, the tension dissipating like a cloud evaporating in the sun. Anshika offered Viyaan a grateful smile, her heart warmed by his unwavering support in the face of adversity. 

Anshika said with a smile "Thanks Viyaan"
Viyaan said "Say thanks to bhai he told me to help you.
Anshika got shocked and asked "Ashwin?" of course to clear her confusion.
Viyaan replied "Of course who else will bhabhi... Bhai was here few moments before as dadu asked him for few things and then he saw bua taunting you... he called me and told me to help you"
Anshika Nodded and smiled. But the smile faded away as She suddenly remembered what he said last night.

"Don't expect anything from me" Anshika murmured.

Viyaan asked "You said anything bhabhi?"

" No No" Anshika replied and added "You can go now viyaan I can handle now"

Viyaan said "but-"

Anshika said "It's alright thanks for the help"

Viyaan nodded and went out of the kitchen.