Chapter 2

187 23 0
                                    

Chapter 2: Introducing to Family

Khanna Mansion:

In a quaint kitchen filled with the aroma of spices and frying sweets, Swetha busily prepares dinner while Neil enters, curious about the culinary creations of his mother.

"What specials are you cooking, Mom?" Neil inquires with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Swetha's eyes light up as she carefully extracts Gulab Jamun from the bubbling oil. "Riya's favorite," she replies with a warm smile.

Neil inhales deeply, savoring the delicious scent. "Wow. Smells good," he remarks appreciatively.

As Swetha continues her culinary artistry, her attention shifts to a more pressing matter. "When will you introduce your girlfriend?" she gently probes, her tone tinged with a hint of longing.

Neil's facade falters for a moment, his mind wrestling with memories and unspoken truths. "She's in Australia, Mom," he fibs, shielding his past from his mother's prying gaze.

Unfazed, Swetha offers a solution. "If you want, you can introduce her through Skype," she suggests, her motherly concern evident.

Neil, grappling with his inner turmoil, offers vague promises. "Not today, but someday," he assures her, his words veiling the complexities of his heart.

Swetha, ever understanding, acquiesces with a soft smile. "Okay, Baba. As you wish," she concedes, returning her focus to the task at hand.

Alone in his room, Neil's facade crumbles, his thoughts consumed by doubt and regret. "Where are you yaar?" he ponders, a solitary tear tracing its path down his cheek, as the weight of his past burdens his soul.

------------------------------------------------

As Ali's car glides to a stop outside the Khanna House, Riya's excitement fills the air.

"You know, Ali, I can't wait to meet your family," she gushes, her eyes bright with anticipation. Ali's smile mirrors her enthusiasm as they step out of the car.

"I've already met Neil, but I'm eager to meet your mom and dad," Riya confesses, her voice tinged with excitement.

Ali, ever reassuring, responds with confidence, "They will adore you, Baby."

Entering the Khanna House, Riya is enveloped in warmth as Swetha and Prakash welcome her with open arms.

"Oh my goodness, Riya, you look absolutely stunning," Swetha exclaims, her eyes filled with genuine admiration.

Returning the compliment, Riya remarks, "And you, Aunty, are simply radiant. It's hard to believe you're a mother of three."

However, Swetha gently redirects Riya's address. "What did you call me?" she asks, her tone soft yet firm.

Caught off guard, Riya quickly adjusts, "Mom, Ma, or Mummy, not Aunty. You'll soon be my second mother, after all."

With a nod of approval, Swetha smiles. "That's right, dear," she agrees, her heart swelling with warmth.

Turning her attention to the next task at hand, Swetha instructs Bhema, "Call Neil," before guiding Riya into the living room, where the bonds of family and love continue to deepen with each passing moment.

-----------------------------

Neil had just managed to compose himself after a moment of vulnerability when a knock interrupted his solitude.

"Neil Bhaiya, Madam is calling you," Bhema's voice pierced through the door.

"Coming," Neil responded, pulling himself up from the bed. A quick glance in the mirror revealed the telltale signs of his emotional turmoil, prompting him to splash water on his face before joining the others in the living room.

A little thing called FIRST LOVE ft.AvneilWhere stories live. Discover now