𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲.

14

Chapter 14:
Late mornings and nights

Sejal rubbed her eyes, blinking away the sleep as the morning sunlight crept through the curtains. Rishabh stood by the door, looking impatient. "Mrs Chavan, get up! We're late," he grumbled, his voice like gravel.

Startled, she hurriedly got out of bed, hastily preparing for the day. Rushing through the morning rituals, they managed to leave for the office, albeit in a frenzy.

Rishabh glanced at his watch, frustration etched on his face.

Rishabh: "Hurry up, we have to leave in 15 minutes."

Sejal rushed through her morning routine, trying to fix her disheveled appearance as fast as possible.

Sejal: "Okay, I'm ready now."

Rishabh: "Finally. Let's go, time's ticking."

Downstairs, Geeta had set up a lavish breakfast spread. Sejal's eyes widened at the sight of the rich aloo parathas dripping with butter. She tried to eat gracefully, but the meal felt heavier under Rishabh's watchful gaze.

Geeta: "Beta, have some parathas before you go. It'll give you energy for the day."

Sejal hesitated, realizing the time crunch, but Rishabh insisted they couldn't skip breakfast.

Rishabh: "Let's eat quickly. We can't afford to be late."

Sejal nibbled on the parathas hurriedly, feeling flustered under Rishabh's intense gaze.

Sejal: "Done! Let's go."

Rishabh: "Get in the car. We need to rush."

Post breakfast, both headed to their respective offices, Rishabh in his luxury car and Sejal in another, lost in her thoughts.

Time skip.

Sejal sighed in relief as she stepped into the serene atmosphere of the Chavan mansion, finally free from the day's chaos. After freshening up, she felt the stress melt away, grateful for the tranquility that enveloped her.

Finding solace in the study, which doubled as a library, she picked a book and settled into a cozy armchair. As she delved into the world of words, a sense of calm washed over her.

A knock on the door interrupted her reverie. The maid entered, carrying a tray with a chilled glass of iced tea.

Maid: "Ma'am, Geeta Ma'am asked me to bring this iced tea for you."

Sejal's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. Taking the glass, she smiled warmly at the maid.

Sejal: "Thank you so much."

Sipping the refreshing tea, she marveled at Geeta's thoughtful gesture. It meant more to Sejal than just a drink; it signified a burgeoning sense of care and acceptance from Rishabh's mother.

Lost in her book, occasionally taking a sip of the iced tea, Sejal found comfort in the silence and the subtle warmth of Geeta's gesture, feeling grateful for the unexpected semblance of a motherly figure in her life.

Sejal's phone buzzed with a text from Rishabh, notifying her of his late return. She quickly replied, acknowledging the message, then decided to share the news with Geeta.

Sejal exited the study, finding Geeta in the kitchen, bustling around.

Sejal: "Maa, your beloved son texted. He'll be late today."

Geeta chuckled and nodded understandingly, a gentle smile gracing her face.

Geeta: "Thank you for letting me know, Sejal. Don't worry; he often gets caught up in work."