Chapter 3: First Morning Together
Scene: Malhotra Mansion – Morning
Zara woke up to the soft sound of birds chirping outside the window. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was. Then, the events of the previous day came rushing back. She glanced at the couch where Aarav had slept, but it was empty.
She sat up, smoothing the wrinkles in her dupatta, when Riya barged in without knocking.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
Good morning, bhabhi! First day as a Malhotra! How does it feel?
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
(smiling faintly) Overwhelming, but… okay.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
You’ll get used to it. Breakfast is downstairs. Everyone’s waiting. And don’t take too long. Dadi has a whole ritual planned.
Riya winked and left as quickly as she came. Zara took a deep breath and got up, preparing herself for another day in the Malhotra household.
Private Chat: Zara & Maya
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
How’s married life treating you so far?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Aarav was gone before I woke up. Avoidance seems to be his favorite strategy.
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
You’re his wife now. He can’t avoid you forever.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
We’ll see. Dadi has some rituals planned for today. Wish me luck.
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
You’ve got this, Z. Just keep that smile on.
Scene: Dining Room
The entire Malhotra family was gathered around the dining table. Dadi sat at the head, smiling warmly at Zara as she entered. Aarav was already seated, sipping his coffee, his expression unreadable.
Dadi (Grandmother)
Zara, beta, come sit next to Aarav.
Zara hesitated but followed Dadi’s instruction, sitting beside him. Aarav didn’t acknowledge her.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
Bhabhi, do you like parathas? I told the cook to make some special ones for you.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Thank you, Riya. That’s very sweet of you.
As Zara reached for a piece of paratha, Aarav’s coffee cup slipped slightly, spilling a few drops on the table. Zara instinctively grabbed a napkin and dabbed at the spill.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
(coolly) You don’t need to fuss. I can handle it.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
I was just—
Dadi (Grandmother)
Aarav, don’t be rude. Zara is your wife now. Learn to appreciate her care.
Aarav didn’t reply, focusing back on his coffee. Zara felt a pang of embarrassment but smiled at Dadi.
Private Chat: Aarav & Rahul
Rahul Oberoi (Aarav’s Best Friend)
How’s the first day of married life?
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Exactly as I expected. Awkward.
Rahul Oberoi (Aarav’s Best Friend)
Give it time. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Unlikely
Rahul Oberoi (Aarav’s Best Friend)
Dude, don’t push her away just because you’ve made assumptions about her. You might be wrong.
Scene: Dadi’s Room – Post-Breakfast
Zara sat with Dadi, helping her organize some jewelry.
Dadi (Grandmother)
I know Aarav can be difficult, beta. But he’s a good man at heart.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
I’m trying, Dadi. But it’s… hard.
Dadi (Grandmother)
Just be patient. He’ll come around. I’ve seen it happen before.
Dadi patted Zara’s hand, her eyes filled with hope.
Scene: Office – Later That Day
Zara was at her desk, reviewing designs for an upcoming collection. She barely had time to settle in when Aarav walked in. His presence was commanding, and the office staff immediately fell silent.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
(to Zara) In my office. Now.
Zara followed him, her heart pounding. As soon as the door closed behind her, Aarav turned to face her.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
I told you before—keep our personal lives out of the office.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
I’m not here to discuss our personal lives. I’m here to work.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Good. Let’s keep it that way.
Zara clenched her fists, frustrated by his attitude, but decided to remain professional.
Group Chat: Maya, Zara & Kabir
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
How was the first day at work as Mrs. Malhotra?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Let’s just say Aarav made it clear where we stand.
Kabir Sharma (FL Male Best Friend)
What did he do?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Nothing surprising. He just doesn’t want people knowing about us.
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
What’s his problem?
Kabir Sharma (FL Male Best Friend)
He’s an idiot. But you’ll prove him wrong, Zara.
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