episode 15

In the morning, the family members continued to rest, their exhaustion evident. Aditi, Meera, and Varun, too, were still asleep, their tired bodies unwilling to rise early.

By the time the sun climbed high into the sky, Aditi’s parents were the first to stir. Her mother, ever the homemaker, went into the kitchen to start preparing lunch. Her father joined her soon after, helping her with the simpler tasks.

"Aditi and the others are still sleeping," her mother remarked, rolling out dough for bujiya.

"Let them rest," her father replied, rinsing the lentils for the dal. "They’ve been on their feet for days. I’ll wake them up when the food is ready."

The aroma of the freshly cooking rice, bubbling dal, and sizzling potatoes filled the air, slowly drifting into the bedrooms. The smell was enough to stir Aditi awake. Rubbing her eyes, she peeked out of her room and headed straight to the kitchen.

"Maa, you’re cooking already?" Aditi asked groggily.

"Yes, beta. We let you sleep in. Go freshen up; food will be ready soon," her mother said with a warm smile.

Aditi nodded, washed her face, and returned just as her father was setting the table. Meera and Varun eventually shuffled in, still half-asleep, drawn by the delicious smell.

"Finally awake?" Aditi teased.

Varun yawned loudly. "I would’ve slept more if it weren’t for the food smell!"

Meera just nodded, her sleepy expression unchanging.

Soon, the family gathered for lunch. The steaming rice, flavorful dal, and crispy bujiya made for a comforting meal. The table was filled with the sounds of clinking plates, soft laughter, and lighthearted teasing.

"Nothing beats homemade food after all this wedding chaos," Aditi said, savoring a spoonful of dal.

Her mother smiled, pleased. "It’s simple food, but it’s made with love."

The meal passed peacefully, and the family felt rejuvenated. Afterward, they all helped clean up, settling into a lazy afternoon that felt like a well-earned break.

As the evening continued with the fading hum of post-wedding activities, Aryan’s thoughts remained focused on Aditi. Unable to resist his growing curiosity, he called Raghav over for a private conversation.

"Raghav," Aryan said in his commanding tone, signaling him to sit.

"Yes, sir?" Raghav responded, sitting with a respectful posture.

"The girl standing with your wife during the rituals—the one in the yellow suit. Who is she?" Aryan asked directly, his sharp gaze fixed on Raghav.

Raghav smirked knowingly. "You mean Aditi? She’s my wife’s cousin."

"Aditi," Aryan repeated, letting the name settle in his mind. "Tell me about her family."

Raghav leaned back, thinking for a moment. "Her father, Avinash, is a retired army officer. He lives on his pension, and though he’s unemployed now, their family doesn’t face money issues. They live a simple, content life."

Aryan nodded, his interest deepening. "And Aditi herself?"

"She’s the youngest daughter, only 18. A bit shy, especially with strangers, but very lively with her family. She’s respectful, disciplined, and has a kind heart," Raghav said with a fond smile.

Aryan’s lips curled into a faint smile as he thought to himself, Quite young.

Sensing Aryan’s interest, Raghav added cautiously, "Sir, her family isn’t the type to entertain casual relationships or dating. If you’re truly interested in Aditi, the only way forward would be marriage."

Aryan raised an eyebrow, his tone unwavering. "And what makes you think I’d approach her with anything less serious?"

Raghav chuckled. "Of course, sir. I meant no offense. Just thought I’d mention it because she comes from a conservative family. If you do like her, I’m sure her family would be honored to consider someone like you."

Aryan didn’t respond immediately, his mind calculating. He was a man of few words and decisive actions. If he had set his sights on Aditi, he knew he wouldn’t stop at mere curiosity.

Finally, he stood up, his authoritative presence unwavering. "Thank you, Raghav. That will be all."

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