THE BLOOMING OF LOVE BETWEEN FORCED MARRIAGE

9. Day with Inlaws

              Rutuja was cooking breakfast for her family early in the morning. Rishika was in front of the mirror getting ready when she smelled the breakfast she got hungry and hurried to the kitchen after she was done readying herself. Rishika went to the kitchen and asked Rutuja, "What are you making?" She told her that she was making "Potato Patties" for the breakfast with "Chutni". That made Rishika's mouth water.

When they finished preparations all of the members were sat at the table without calling them. Rutuja and Rishika served breakfast to all the members before sitting down themselves. Rishika thought that the smell of breakfast must have woken everyone early today. Everyone was enjoying their breakfast delightedly. At which Rutuja was happy.

When they finished eating father praised Rutuja's breakfast. She said it's my pleasure to hear that father. His parents just smiled at her when she said this. Rishika and Rishikesh were pleased to listen that from their father about Rutuja, their mother was really happy too. After the cleaning was done she immediately started preparing lunch.

Rutuja didn't want Rishika to go back. But, it was for work so she couldn't say anything about it. Regardless she would be lonely without her. She and Rishika were busy cooking lunch talking about fun things as usual. When they finished they called everyone for lunch. Lunch went good too. But, Rutuja was busy thinking about different things that, she didn't even notice the taste of the food.

When they were cleaning together Rishika said, Rutuja don't be sad, I am going because of work and we will be eventually meeting each other as we don't live much far from Rishikesh's house. Rutuja said ok to her timidly. When the cleaning was done Rishika and Aniket bought their bags to the living room. They took the blessings of their parents and Rishika embraced Rutuja and her brother.

They were ready to go now. Aniket went ahead to put the luggage in the car's trunk while Rishika said her goodbyes to her family. She then got inside the car as Aniket was waiting for her and they drove away. Rutuja and Rishika waved bye to each other till they were out of sight. Then went back inside the house.

As they had lunch early they were having more time to rest as it was just 1 pm. Rutuja just went back to their room and took out her PC. She was just checking, "How was work going in Lab?" The research was going smoothly which was good for her team. Then, she took a look over her Office work, things were fine there as well. So, she just closed the PC and kept it inside.

She thought it would be better to read something while listening to songs. At the same time, Rishikesh arrived in the room. He came and sat beside Rutuja knowing she was already missing her both friends. He casually asked Rutuja, "What are you doing now?" She said, nothing much I was just going to read a book while listening to music. Rishikesh said, don't read a book right now. I want to show you something.

Rutuja asked, "What is it that you wanted to show me?" Rishikesh said, just certain something but, I am sure that you will love it. She grew more curious by the minute. He took out some type of album from his closet drawer and put it between them. She opened it and saw it was an album of the family when Rishikesh and Rishika were still kids. Some photos were adorable while some were too funny. After finishing looking at the photo album she said, "You were right Rishikesh I loved the photos they are so good". Your relationship with your family and sister is really good too. He didn't say anything on that one.

Rutuja asked him do you want to see my family photos. He said, "Sure go ahead". She took out her PC and opened it searching for the folder with family photos. She got it and clicked on the slide show. The photos were displayed on the screen after the set amount of time. He also loved to see her childhood photos. Little things like this were taking them close to each other. But, one step at a time.

It was almost time for a coffee break now. Rutuja got up and said, "I will be back with our coffee". He said, "Sure". She went to the kitchen to make coffee for them while she was at it she asked her parents, "What would they like tea or coffee?" They wanted to drink coffee as well so she prepared coffee for all of them. When she was done she gave father and mother their cups and took her and Rishikesh's cup to the room.

They drank their coffee together in comfortable silence. She went out of the room for a short amount of time to wash the cups then returned. They were just enjoying each other's company that day and it was a good sign for their relationship. Soon it was evening they both came out of their room. Rutuja asked their mother to sit and watch TV or do something when she offered to help her. While Rishikesh was talking to his father and watching TV.

Everything was normal and Rutuja wanted to maintain this normalcy in his life. She didn't want him to change as there will be danger lingering near him due to the marriage. She thought that she was the one at fault for such a thing to happen to him. She was used to living her life in a state of constant danger. Except that would follow him too now. She was going to protect him from that danger without letting him know much about it.

She finished preparing dinner and setting the table while thinking about things thoroughly. All of them sat and have dinner together. While they were eating mother asked her Rutuja, "Do you love cooking?" She said, "Yes mother, I love to cook". Father said, "Now I know why you are good at cooking". She smiled at him saying that's so kind of you". Rishikesh was contended by hearing his parents praising his wife.

Rutuja denied mothers help while doing dishes too. So, she was sitting quietly in the living room having nothing to do. When she was done with work she came and joined others in the living room. Mother said, Rishikesh you will have to take her back to her house tomorrow and let her live there for a day. On Thursday evening you will bring her back here. He said, ok mother "I will do that but, "When would I take her there tomorrow?"

Mother said, "You can take her there after we finish our breakfast". He said, yes mother. Father said it's getting late let's go to sleep now. His parents left and he checked the door and windows of the room before turning off the lights in the living room. They both went to their room in unison. Then took turns changing into nightdresses. She put a few essential things in her handbag which she would need there.

He said, Rutuja I will be missing you even if you are going back just for a day. She said I will miss you too Rishikesh. It is really fun to be around you. He said it is good to hear that you enjoy being with me as much as I enjoy being with you. They smiled at each other before taking their places on beds. He turned off the lights and went to sleep. She just kept watching his peaceful face thinking about him.