Love will Follow

Chapter 13

दिल कहता है तू है यहाँ तो जाता लम्हा थम जाए वक़्त का दरिया बहते बहते इस मंज़र में जम जाए

Third person's POV

Nandini awoke on a leisurely Sunday morning, the gentle rays of sunlight casting a warm glow across the room. Gautam, still lost in the realm of dreams, clung to her with a peaceful slumber. A fond smile played on her lips as she carefully tried to disentangle herself from his grasp, leaving a tender kiss on his forehead before rising from the bed.

As the day unfolded, the lazy Sunday took on a domestic rhythm. In the afternoon, Nandini found herself immersed in the chore of washing dishes while her mother-in-law prepared a tantalizing daal fry. Seizing a rare moment of solitude, Gautam stealthily entered the kitchen, wrapping his arms around Nandini's waist. Their stolen intimacy was abruptly interrupted by the discreet cough of Gautam's mother, prompting them to pull away, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Yet, in that moment, unspoken understanding passed between Nandini and Gautam, signaling him to discreetly exit the kitchen – not before leaving a quick, affectionate peck on Nandini's lips.

Later in the evening, after Gautam's return from spending time with friends, a sudden call from his mother disrupted the tranquil atmosphere. Unexpected guests – an uncle, aunt, and their children – were coming to stay for the day. Upon reaching home, Gautam discovered Nandini laboring tirelessly, managing all the responsibilities single-handedly. Frustration bubbling within him at the lack of assistance, he decided to take matters into his own hands, facing taunts from relatives with diplomatic finesse.

His aunt quipped, "Looks like you married a maid, Gautam. She's doing all the work."

Gautam responded calmly, "No, Aunt. I married a strong, independent woman, and I'm proud to support her in everything she does."

During dinner, his relatives attempted to sow seeds of discord, insinuating neglect on Gautam's part towards Nandini. But Gautam's parents brushed off the insinuations with laughter, expressing pride in the way their son and daughter-in-law navigated life together.

Aunt: "Your son seems to be neglecting Nandini. She deserves better."

Gautam's Mother: "Nonsense! They're a team, and we're proud of the way they manage everything together."

The night unfolded with a mix of joy and exhaustion. Amid the laughter and camaraderie, Nandini's mother-in-law, foreseeing the impending chaos in the kitchen, suggested washing the dishes at night. Nandini, though fatigued, accepted the task gracefully, her hands immersed in soapy water as the remnants of a joyous day were washed away.

It was during this quiet moment, amidst the clinking of dishes, that Nandini felt a sudden sting in her hand. Startled, she glanced at her palm to discover a blister forming. Gautam, standing beside her, noticed her discomfort and immediately took her hand in his. The tenderness in his touch spoke volumes as he inspected the blister and reached for an ointment.

At first, Gautam hesitated to take over the dishwashing, reluctant to let Nandini bear the entire burden. Yet, she cajoled him, her eyes reflecting a blend of gratitude and affection. Together, they finished the task, the quiet hum of companionship filling the kitchen.

In the midst of a familial gathering, the air in Gautam's home was filled with laughter and conversation. The remnants of a shared meal lingered, and the family settled into the comfortable chaos of post-dinner conversations. Gautam's aunt, a woman known for her candid remarks and unfiltered opinions, found a moment to corner Gautam's mother in the living room.