Everything I Wanted❤ |COMPLETED|

Chapter 18

Kashvi-

Danish was nowhere, and I was glad for it.

After a warm bath, I adjusted my blue saree, pairing it with a white blouse. I was about to apply the sindoor in my partition when his words echoed-
"You couldn't wait for the divorce."

My fingers trembled, I just stared at my reflection. Then, quietly, I applied it and took a slow breath.

Control. That's all I needed.

"You look pretty," Mom said, patting my cheek.

I smiled faintly and glanced toward the entrance just as Dad and Advika walked in.

"You know, I'm not even disappointed this time," Sam muttered under his breath. "Her arrival means the old man might come back soon."

Mom shot him a look.

He grinned, immediately shutting up.

Then she adjusted her pallu over her head and motioned for me to do the same.

I blinked but followed anyway.

It felt strange.

Since I came here, she had never forced me into traditions. But today wasn't about belief.

It was about presence and respect.

Back home, I had seen this often-Badi Maa, Mom-always covering their heads, always careful.

"Don't sit near elders."

"Eat after everyone."

Rules that made you feel less like a person and more like something placed in a house.

I had always hated them and I still did but some things weren't about agreement.

They were about choosing your battles and this one wasn't exactly one of them.

After taking her blessings, Bua-Daadi adjusted her glasses and looked at me properly.

"Dikhne mein toh theek hai baaki kaam-kaaj aata hai na?"

(She looks fine but does she know how to manage a house?)
Her gaze didn't leave my face.

Mom answered for me with a small nod and gently pulled me toward the kitchen.

"Whatever she says, don't argue," she murmured.

"I won't," I replied.

At least, I'd try.

By the time breakfast was ready, I had a full list of what to do-and more importantly, what not to do.

We set the table.

Sam came to help.

"You're a boy," Bua-Daadi said immediately, her tone sharp. "Stay out of these things. They'll manage."

Sam looked at Mom, then at me and sat down quietly.

A grin still on his face. Lucky.

I served her first then Mom sat.

I was about to take a seat when-
"In our time," Bua-Daadi spoke again, "the daughter-in-law ate after everyone. We didn't even think of eating before our husbands."

I paused. Of course.

Pata nahi kaunse veerane mehal se dadiji aayi hain.

"Where is your husband?" she asked, looking directly at me.

I opened my mouth-

"He's here, Bua-Daadi."

I felt it, that shift in the room.
Danish walked in, calm as ever, and bent slightly to take her blessings.