Whispers of Fate

𝖿𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗍𝖾𝖾𝗇

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Third Person's POV

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The air hung heavy with the lingering fragrance of fading incense sticks, their wisps intertwining with the dying glow of nearly extinguished diyas. Guests began to disperse after the conclusion of the pooja.

The Mehtas too bade their warm farewells after relishing their meal, enveloping Anisha and Maisha in heartfelt embraces while exchanging hopes of seeing each other soon.

With them being the last ones to leave, a sense of quietude settled over the Raichand house as the family sat at the dining table, engaging in conversation and relishing the flavors of the prepared feast.

Meanwhile, in his secluded home office, Atharva, who couldn't go to work due to the pooja, meticulously pored over intricate financial data on his laptop screen. He was engrossed in the labyrinth of numbers and reports that dictated his professional responsibilities, while attending a phone call at the same time.

Suddenly, a rhythmic tap on the door disrupted his concentration, drawing a frown of irritation on his face. "Come in," he called curtly, his tone crisp and businesslike.

His irritation softened, replaced by surprise and curiosity that registered on his face, as the door creaked open, revealing Anisha standing there. Her graceful figure was draped in the elegant folds of a saree worn during the pooja. With delicate poise, she held a tray in her hands, her expression conveying a blend of determination and a subtle hint of hesitation.

"I'll call you later," Atharva spoke into the phone before disconnecting the call. Standing up from his seat, he moved over towards Anisha.

Anisha was standing near a sofa, positioned with a table placed near the entrance of the office, away from his desk.

"Anisha," he called, his voice notably softer.

If anyone who had overheard his tone on the phone suddenly heard him addressing her, they would have been surprised by the striking change in the softness of his voice.

"Sorry to disturb you," Anisha said with a slight quiver in her voice, stilll holding the tray in her hands.

Atharva gently took the tray from her hands and carefully placed it on the table. "You didn't disturb me," he reassured her with a calm demeanor.

"Everybody was having their meal. Since you weren't there, dadi sent me with it. And, while I was at it, she asked me to get for myself too," she informed Atharva, her voice carrying a mix of explanation and a touch of warmth.

Atharva hummed softly and gestured for her to take a seat as he settled down on the sofa.

Anisha settled onto the sofa, consciously maintaining a considerable distance from her husband.

"Has Maisha eaten?" Atharva inquired, and Anisha nodded in affirmation.

Atharva began arranging two plates and reached for the bowl containing some vegetable curry to serve both himself and Anisha. However, Anisha interrupted, extending her hands to take the bowl from him. "Why are you serving? Just let me do it," she insisted.

Atharva smiled gently and replied, "It's okay."

"No, please don't serve me. It doesn't seem right," she remarked as Atharva proceeded to serve the curry onto her plate.