love by mistake : episode 1

EPISODE 1 – The Return

Titir stood leaning against the kitchen door, her face serious.

— “Ma, why has Rudra come back? After all these years, suddenly?”

Her stepmother cut her off, slightly annoyed: — “Why do you want to know? What problem do you have if he comes? He’s part of this family. Your uncle raised him.”

Titir was a little taken aback, but she bit her lip and said: — “No, I mean… nothing. It’s just—no news in six years, no calls, no messages… and now he suddenly shows up. Isn’t that a little weird?”

Her stepmother silently continued chopping vegetables, her face showing irritation. — “You better focus on your own life. Don’t go poking your nose into others’ affairs.”

In a lighter tone, she added: — “Titir, come help in the kitchen.”

Titir frowned and replied, — “No, Ma. Why don’t you cook with your own hands for your precious Rudra? If I touch the food, it might turn bitter.”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Her stepmother’s face turned red with anger. — “Watch your mouth, girl!”

Titir suddenly turned around and stormed out of the kitchen, mumbling to herself.

She ran straight to the living room, as if she couldn’t stay there another second.

Her stepmother stood there with an angry face, silently watching her leave.

Titir dropped herself onto the large sofa on the right side of the room. Her chest was burning with anger. She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again.

The living room was spacious, neatly arranged, and decorated with royal elegance.

In the center was a large L-shaped dark grey sofa. In front of it stood a glass table with some old magazines and a small vase of white roses. On one side stood a bookshelf with arranged books and a few framed old photographs.

On the right, a large window let in the cool night breeze, making the curtains flutter. The chandelier’s soft glow created an atmosphere of quiet luxury.

One wall displayed a childhood photo of Rudra — Titir quickly looked away.

Her mind was in such turmoil that the beautifully arranged room felt suffocating.

Titir sat quietly in a corner of the sofa, her face full of anger and hurt. Just then, her uncle entered from the corridor on the right, wearing his familiar smile.

— “What’s the matter, Madam Titir? Didn’t go to college today?”

He sat down on the sofa beside her, wearing a light white kurta and grey pajama.

Titir looked away, cleared her throat, and said, — “Wasn’t in the mood, so I didn’t go.”

Uncle asked with some surprise: — “Why not? Did you fight with Meena again?”

Titir stayed silent. A storm was brewing inside her mind.

Her uncle chuckled softly, — “You’re still the same little Titir… sulking, refusing to speak to anyone.”

Titir turned her face and replied, — “When everyone starts doing things their own way without asking, it’s better not to say anything at all.”

He smiled gently and said, — “You did the right thing by staying home today. You know, Rudra’s coming today, so I thought—”

Titir interrupted, her eyes wide, voice trembling with irritation: — “Please, Kaka! You too? Since morning, everyone’s been chanting Rudra’s name! It feels like I live in a guesthouse and he’s the royal prince of this house!”

Her uncle laughed, hiding amusement behind it: — “Oh dear! Why so angry? He’s not a child anymore, you know—Rudra’s become a successful man now. You were childhood playmates, it’s natural to be a little excited.”

Titir scrunched her nose and said, — “Maybe you’re all excited, not me. And you forgot how many times I got scolded for playing with him as a kid?”

Her uncle kept laughing. Titir turned her face again, leaning back against a cushion.

“Everyone come for breakfast!”

Her stepmother called out from the kitchen. Her voice had the usual caring tone, but Titir could sense the hidden excitement about Rudra’s return.

Gradually, everyone gathered around the dining table.

First came Sima, Titir’s 15-year-old sister, wearing a light pink dress, her face sweet and cheerful. She quietly sat beside her mother.

Then came her uncle, now with a few grey hairs but still the same warm expression.

With him came Bisho da—her cousin, who also returned from studying abroad. He was more outgoing than Rudra. Beside him sat his wife, Tina, a lively and modern young woman.

Finally, Titir’s father joined, silent and serious as always. He didn’t talk much, but his quiet love was evident in his eyes.

Titir stood at a distance watching everything, not yet sitting. Her stepmother looked at her and said sharply, — “Titir, don’t just stand there. Come sit.”

Titir sat down with a firm face, next to Sima.

On the table were hot parathas, potato curry, fried eggs, and fresh fruits.

Titir asked casually while taking a bite, — “Bisho dada, aren’t you going to the office today?”

Bisho smiled, — “Rudra’s coming today, so I thought I’d stay home.”

Titir’s face turned cold. — “Oh… okay, I get it. Baba, Kaka—are you two also skipping office?”

Her stepmother snapped, — “Titir!”

Before she could say more, Titir’s father calmly answered, — “No, we’re going. We’re not like Bisho, who runs from work.”

Bisho paused. Tina looked visibly uncomfortable.

Titir chuckled quietly and whispered, — “Wow, looks like today’s tea comes with drama.”

Sima leaned over and whispered, — “You’re no less! Always poking at people!”

Titir whispered back, — “Where’s the fun if I don’t?”

As Sima picked up her schoolbag, she asked, — “Rudra dada’s coming tonight, right?”