The Rathore's Family

family

MORNING:—-

As everyone gathered in the dining area adjacent to the kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, tantalizing their taste buds. Anjali skillfully placed steaming dishes on the table, ensuring everyone's preferences were met. Riddhima gracefully poured glasses of refreshing beverages, making sure no one's glass was left empty. Meanwhile, Drishti expertly multitasked in the bustling kitchen, preparing the next course while attending to other household chores. The atmosphere buzzed with warmth and anticipation as they eagerly awaited the feast.

"Where is Advait?" Dada Ji asked, looking around with concern.

"Maybe Bhaiya..." Vihaan started, but was cut off by Tej.

"Looks like he doesn't want to follow the rules," Tej remarked, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Maybe it was you who started breaking the rules first," Vihaan retorted, a hint of defiance in his voice.

"Dad, it would be better to find out where Bhaiya is before passing judgment. He might be busy with work, so let's not jump to conclusions," he added.

Tej furrowed his brows, crossing his arms in frustration. "So now I have to listen to you?" he replied, his tone exasperated.

"I didn't mean to disrespect you," Vihaan said, fear evident on his face.

"Stop both of you," Dada Ji interjected. "Vihaan, go and call Advait." He stood up and headed toward the hall, relief washing over him when he spotted Advait approaching.

"Bhaiya, what were you doing?" Vihaan asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

Advait chuckled, "I was just finishing some work in my room and lost track of time. What's going on?"

"Don't ask, Bhaiya! Your little brother was about to make a sacrifice for you, but Dadu saved him," Vihaan teased, pulling Advait toward the dining area.

As they entered, Advait's smile faded upon seeing Tej. He said nothing and took his seat beside Vihaan, the tension palpable. Everyone was aware of the strained relationship between Tej and Advait; it hung in the air like an unspoken truth, and everyone tried to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during meals. Advait focused on ignoring Tej, determined to rise above the unnecessary conflict.

"How do you get late, Advait?" his Chachu asked.

Before Advait could respond, Riddhima chimed in, "What kind of question is that? Of course, he can be late; he's newly married!" Advait chuckled at her sarcastic remark, grateful for the light-heartedness.

"Shall we start?" Dadi Ji asked, her tone slightly taunting.

Anjali and Riddhima began serving food, and soon everyone was eating. For Anjali, it was a moment of relief and joy to see her family gathered together peacefully after a long time. She smiled to herself, thankful for this rare moment of harmony. As they enjoyed the meal, she hoped their bonds would grow stronger with each passing day.

Conversations flowed naturally around the table, and once breakfast was over, the elders headed towards their rooms. With their departure, Vihaan, Advait, Riddhima, Anjali, and Amaira remained behind, continuing to share jokes and stories.

"Ma, where is Bhabhi? I haven't seen her since this morning," Vihaan asked.

"She's in the kitchen. I told her to have breakfast, but she might be busy playing some game on her phone," Anjali replied.

"Bhabhiii!" Vihaan shouted dramatically, making a crying face that drew Drishti out of the kitchen. She slowed her pace upon seeing Advait still seated.

"Bhabhi, how can you start a game without me?" he complained playfully.

"I wasn't playing; I was just looking! And how could I start without you? I know I'd lose," Drishti murmured softly, a smile forming on her lips.

"Leave him and come sit beside Advait and have something," Anjali said, gesturing to an empty chair.

Before she could sit, Advait stood up, touched Anjali and Riddhima's feet in a gesture of respect, said his goodbyes, and left for the office.

Drishti took a seat, and the conversation picked up again, laughter filling the room.

"But I advise you to be careful when playing games in front of Bhaiya," Riddhima warned. "He doesn't like it when you annoy him, and trust me, we can't predict his temper—he broke my phone twice!"

Amaira playfully hit Riddhima on the shoulder. "Tu bhabhi ko dara kyu raha hai? Bhabhi, don't worry! Bhaiya might get angry sometimes, but he loves us all. Just try to avoid anything that might trigger him, and everything will be fine. Right, Ma?" Anjali nodded in agreement, and they all shared a laugh.

Afterward, everyone dispersed to attend to their own tasks. Vihaan and Amaira headed off to college, while the ladies resumed their chores, eventually retreating to their rooms for some rest.

Drishti's POV

Lying on my bed, I found my mind racing. Why does Advait leave when I sit beside him? Does he dislike my presence? What if he comes to me one day with divorce papers and says, "Sign this and leave"? Where would I go? I felt so alone. No one loves me—not even my brother, who once meant the world to me. Just as despair began to settle in, my phone buzzed, jolting me from my dark thoughts.

"Arghhh, Drishti! Your overthinking will kill you someday," I chided myself as I picked up the call. It was my best friend, Prachi.

"Hey, Drishti! How are you? Why haven't you called me in two days? When are you joining college?" she bombarded me with questions.

"Stop! Stop! Enough with the questions!" I exclaimed, trying to keep up with her energy. Prachi was my only solace in this world, yet even she couldn't fully grasp the pain I carried. I forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, but I don't think I can join college right now."

"What?!" she shouted from the other end, her voice piercing my eardrums. "Do you hear yourself? You managed your studies when no one supported you, and now you're denying it just because you're the daughter-in-law of the Rathores?"

"Maybe being a Rathore's daughter-in-law makes it harder for me," I confessed.

"Give me Jiju's number! I'll talk to him," she insisted. I fell silent, suddenly realizing I didn't even have his number.

"Hello? Don't tell me you don't have it! I promise I won't flirt with your husband!" she teased, and we both laughed.

"Fine, I'll talk to him today. I need to discuss my studies," I finally conceded.

"Good! Focus on your studies instead of worrying about unnecessary things," she urged.

"Okay, meri ma!" I chuckled.

"And if you don't come back, I'll hold your ears and drag you to college!" she joked.

"Got it! I'll see you soon!"

We talked and laughed until she shared some gossip from college, making me smile despite my worries. With her support, I felt a glimmer of hope.

"Yrrr, I want to hug you!" I said, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. But just then, I heard a throat-clearing voice in my room. It was Advait. My eyes widened in surprise and confusion. How long had he been standing there?

"B-Byyyy, I'll talk later!" I said hurriedly, my voice filled with panic. I quickly ended the call, trying to compose myself as I set my phone down and straightened my clothes.