THE IMPERFECT PERFECTIONS

•∆3~𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

♡ ☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡ ‧₊ ♡‧₊ ☆ .♡ ☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡ ‧

Taniya woke gently as a chorus of alarms rang out across the room. The sound was bouncing off the walls, making it feel like the entire space was a giant alarm clock in which she was trapped.

Blinking against the unfamiliar surroundings, she sat up slowly. The walls were a muted gray and she was lying on a large, neatly made bed.

And then it struck her where she was.

This was the Singhania house.

She was married.

“How could I forget something so important?” she scolded herself. Her first duty this morning was her pehli rasoi. She was supposed to prepare breakfast for everyone.

She quickly freshened up in the restroom and changed into a suit. It was simple, comfortable and functional. She chose practicality over the elegance saree, partly because she had no idea how to drape one properly.

As she stepped out of the room, Aditya appeared at the doorway, clearly just awake himself.

“Why are you going so early?” he asked, his voice still rough with sleep.

“To the kitchen,” Taniya replied softly.

Her heart beat faster.

This was her first rasoi, the ritual where the new bride cooks a sweet dish or the whole breakfast for the family.

“Oh,” Aditya said, then added, “But I think it’s still too early. Everyone must be fast asleep. You should’ve rested more.”

Taniya shook her head gently. “No, it’s fine. It will take time and I’d rather start early so I don’t forget anything.”

“Okay,” Aditya said, disappearing into the washroom to freshen up.

Taniya made her way downstairs, his words echoing in her mind. The house was completely silent. She was just about to step into the kitchen when Kavya’s voice called out.

“beta”

“Yes, Maa?” Taniya turned to face her.

“Kitchen ja rahi ho? Aaj pehli rasoi hai tumhari.”
(You’re going to the kitchen? Today is your first rasoi.)

“Ji,” Taniya acknowledged politely.

“Everyone is still asleep after yesterday’s wedding. You could’ve started later,” Kavya said warmly.

“It’s alright, Maa. Better to start early,” Taniya answered firmly.

Kavya smiled, holding her hand. “Thank you, beta. They’ll wake in about half an hour. You have plenty of time.”

She left for the living room, while Taniya immersed herself in the kitchen.

After some time…

“All done,” Taniya whispered to herself, looking proudly at the dishes she had prepared. Her hands trembled slightly as she arranged them carefully on the table, hoping her efforts would be appreciated.

Soon, footsteps echoed down the stairs. The family gathered one by one.

“Hey bhabhi!” Veer and Naira chimed together, high-fiving her. Taniya blinked in surprise but smiled in spite of herself.

“You made all this?” Dadi asked, eyes widening as she looked over the lavish spread.

Taniya looked at everyone but among the sea of faces, one face was missing, Aditya. He was still in the gym, working out. Normally, he would’ve finished in time to join breakfast but today, he hadn’t.