𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.21

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The entire family was gathered around the expansive dining table, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Dhriti found herself nestled between Rehaan and Aashvi. As Dhriti and Rehaan engaged in an animated discussion, it was hard not to notice the piercing gaze of Aarush as he intently observed their every interaction.

Karthika couldn't help but notice the close bond between Rehaan and Dhriti. With a gentle chuckle, she asked, "Rehaan and Dhriti seem to be quite friendly with each other... what's going on?" All the while, Karthika covertly studied Aarush's reaction, but he was too engrossed in the pair to notice his mother's scrutiny.

At Karthika's question, Aarush's face contorted into a frown, his brow furrowed in displeasure. The atmosphere at the table momentarily grew tense, but it was swiftly broken by Rehaan's response. "Oh, aunty please, we are just friends, okay?" he pleaded, attempting to ease the growing tension. Dhriti, too, chimed in, "Yeah, mam."

Karthika, however, was quick to correct her, "No, dear, you can call me aunty." Despite the brief moment of awkwardness, the family members were determined to salvage the warm, convivial atmosphere that had previously filled the room. And so, they all dove into their dinner, engaging in lively conversations and sharing hearty laughter.

Except for Aarush. He couldn't shake the unease that had crept into his heart, and his mind was consumed by thoughts of Dhriti and Rehaan's apparently close relationship. The warmth and camaraderie that filled the room failed to penetrate the walls he had built around himself.

Dhriti, with an inquisitive expression, posed a question to grandparents. "Eshwar sir and Jaya mam's photo were released on a magazine in 2012, right?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Dadu responded with a light-hearted jab, attempting to remind Dhriti of their preferred nomenclature. "How many times have we told you to call us Dadu and Dadi?" he said, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Dhriti, swiftly realizing her faux pas, rectified her mistake, offering an apologetic smile to him. "Sorry, Dadu," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Dadi, ever the epitome of grace and understanding, returned Dhriti's query with a smile of her own. "Yes, our photos were in that magazine. Why do you ask?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of nostalgia and delight.

"Actually," Dhriti began, her voice scarcely betraying the reverence she felt for them, "that photoshoot was my favorite. You both look so beautiful and stunning in those pictures. Even now, you both have that same grace. How is that possible?" she asked, her voice barely audible as she grappled with the enormity of her admiration.

With the gentle wisdom that only age and experience can imbue, Dadu responded to Dhriti's query. "It is only possible through love, beta," he said, his voice imbued with a depth of emotion that belied the simplicity of his words. "Pure, unadulterated love. You will understand when you find a partner who loves you more than they love themselves. Our life partners help to maintain that grace for our entire lives," he continued, his voice tinged with an unmistakable warmth.

The family engaged in a myriad of topics, ranging from the mundane to the profound. And as they finally concluded their dinner, the lingering aroma of their shared meal and the resonant strains of their laughter.

"Karthika mam- I mean karthika aunty, this kheer is my favorite," Dhriti said, her eyes sparkling with delight as she savored another spoonful of the delectable dessert. The kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding, was creamy and fragrant, the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

"What, this is Aarush bhai's also favorite kheer," Ayaan announced, joining the conversation with his own enthusiasm. His eyes were bright, reflecting the same adoration for the dessert that Dhriti felt. It was evident that the kheer held a special place not just in Dhriti's heart, but in Aarush's as well.