CHAPTER 5: BREAKFAST WITH STRANGERS

Meera smoothed the pleats of her saree for the third time, her palms clammy against the silk. The heavy jewelry felt like shackles, and the tightness in her chest grew with every step she took toward the dining hall. The chatter of voices grew louder as she approached, the sound of laughter and clinking cutlery a sharp contrast to the dread coursing through her veins.

Arjun walked slightly ahead of her, his stride calm and confident, as if this were just another ordinary morning. Meera envied his composure. He glanced back at her briefly, his expression unreadable, before pushing open the heavy wooden door.

The dining table was already crowded. Arjun's parents, Devraj and Shalini Malhotra, sat at the head, their presence commanding yet warm. To their left sat Arjun's younger sister, Ishani, who was scrolling through her phone while absently nibbling on a piece of toast. The rest of the seats were filled with extended family members and guests who had stayed over after the wedding celebrations.

"Ah, there you are!" Shalini exclaimed, her face lighting up as her eyes fell on the newlyweds. "Come, sit. We were waiting for you."

Meera forced a smile, her heart hammering in her chest. Arjun gestured for her to take the seat beside his mother, while he settled across from her.

"Good morning, beta," Shalini said warmly, placing a hand over Meera's. "You must be exhausted after yesterday. But you look lovely, as always."

"Thank you, aunty—" Meera caught herself, her face flushing. "I mean, ma."

Shalini chuckled, waving off the slip. "It takes time to adjust, I know. Don't worry, dear."

Meera nodded, her throat dry. She could feel Ishani's curious eyes on her, studying her as if she were a puzzle that didn't quite fit.

"So, bhabhi," Ishani said, breaking the silence, "what's your favorite food? I need to know what you'll cook for me when it's your turn in the kitchen."

The question was innocent enough, but it felt like a spotlight had been turned on her. Meera hesitated, her mind blank. Kavya had always been the one with culinary skills, not her.

"Um... I guess aloo paratha?" she said uncertainly, hoping it was a safe answer.

Ishani raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Guess? That's not very convincing, bhabhi."

"Ishani, stop teasing her," Arjun interjected, his tone calm but firm.

Ishani shrugged, leaning back in her chair. "Just trying to get to know my new sister-in-law, bhai. No harm in that."

Meera's cheeks burned, but she managed a small smile. "I'm not much of a cook," she admitted quietly. "But I'd love to learn."

Shalini patted her hand again. "Don't worry, dear. You'll pick it up. And we have the best cooks in the house if you need help."

The conversation shifted to other topics—business, politics, wedding gossip—but Meera barely registered the words. She was hyper-aware of every glance, every question directed at her. It was as if everyone was looking for a glimpse of the perfect daughter-in-law, and she felt like an imposter in every way.

"Arjun," Devraj said suddenly, turning to his son, "how was the meeting with the Rahejas? Did they agree to the deal?"

Meera blinked, startled by the abrupt change in tone. Arjun straightened in his chair, his professional demeanor slipping into place.

"They're on board," he replied. "We'll finalize the paperwork by the end of the month."

Devraj nodded approvingly. "Good. I expected nothing less from you."

As the discussion veered into business matters, Meera felt herself fade into the background. She picked at the food on her plate, barely tasting it. She didn't belong in this world of polished conversations and high-stakes deals. She was just a stand-in, a placeholder for someone who was supposed to be here.

"Meera," Shalini's voice pulled her back to the present. "Are you all right, dear? You've barely touched your food."

She looked up, startled. Everyone at the table was now looking at her, their expressions varying from concern to mild curiosity.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just not very hungry this morning."

Shalini nodded, though her eyes lingered on Meera for a moment longer. "Well, make sure you eat something later. You'll need your strength."

The meal eventually came to an end, and the family began dispersing. Arjun waited for Meera by the door, his expression unreadable as always.

"You did fine," he said quietly as they walked down the hallway.

Meera let out a shaky laugh. "If that's what you call fine, I'd hate to see what failing looks like."

Arjun smirked, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "It gets easier," he said. "Or so I've been told."

Meera nodded, though she wasn't convinced. As they walked side by side, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a much bigger challenge.

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