KHWAB : A Distant Dream

Chapter-9

Ikn I said I'll update on Tuesday but I just couldn't help myself.... cheers to all those who have been a consistent support..... and welcome to the new ones 😊

Enjoy
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A complete silence followed Anika's words. Suddenly Ansh started laughing and turned towards Rudra. 'You have met your match buddy. She'll definitely give you a run for your money.' He said and was still laughing.

Rudra sighed and just glared at his best friend, he was done with his antics. Others were watching them with an amused and surprised glanced, while Aru was grinning as he already expected such an response from Anika.

'Ignore my idiot brother Ruhanika. And don't be formal. We are family.' Anvi said with a smile and hugged her. Anika hesitated for a moment but hugged her back. Anvi stepped back and cupped her face, 'Bhaut pyara chehra hai tumhare, kisi ki nazar na lage.' Saying this she put a black dot behind her ear. Anika blushed and replied softly, 'Thanks di.'

'Di nahi, bhabhi. Anvi bhabhi aur bhaiya engaged hain.' Aru told her, while passing a teasing smirk to Anvi. Anika nodded but did not correct herself, she already knew about it as she had searched up her brother.

Anvi ignored Aru and didn't take offence at Anika's silence. She ruffled her hair and sat down when Ansh spoke again in a teasing manner, 'So Miss Ruhanika, meet my wife Mrs Shalini Rajput.' Both Shalini and Anika rolled their eyes at him. Shalini gave a warm smile to Anika, which she returned with a small smile of her own.

'Aap psychologist hai na?' she suddenly asked Shalini. She had been observing all three of them since she had entered the room. 'Haan, Ruhanika. Vidhu ne bataya?' Shalini asked her warmly. 'Nahi, Vidhu dada ne kuch nahi kaha. Maine bus andaza lagaya.' Anika replied a bit uneasily, while Shalini just nodded. She did not have anything against her but was just not much found of psychologists in general.

Although Anika covered it up well, Rudra had noticed the slight unease in her voice. He wondered what could be the reason but was distracted as the food was served. Anika spent the whole dinner talking with Anvi, Vidhu and Aru, and successfully ignoring Ansh's antics. Anika had already met Vidhu earlier and they had instantly bonded over their love of books.

Everyone had finished their dinner and were having atte ka halwa that was made for dessert. 'Aunty, aap khana to humesha hi achcha banati hai lekin aaj khane main kuch alag hi swad tha. Aur yeh halwa to bus, pucho hi mat.' Ansh said while enjoying it. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, as they all had loved the dessert. 'Beta tum credit galat insaan ko de rahe ho. Halwa maine nahi banaya hai.' Gayatri said with a smile.

Ansh stopped eating when he heard Gayatri's words, 'Aap ne nahi banaya to kisne banaya? Maan ne?' He asked confused, because he was the only one who could cook besides Gayatri. Maan immediately shook his head, 'maine nahi banaya hai bhaiya. Mujhe mitha bana na nahi atta.' Which was true. Although he could cook, but not much and he rarely did.

'Phir kisne....' Ansh trailed off as his eyes followed Gayatri's, who was looking at an embarrassed Anika with a smile. 'Ruhanika ne?' Ansh asked shocked. Gayatri just nodded her head. Everyone's eyes snapped to Anika in surprise who was now smiling nervously. 'You can cook?' Anvi asked her in disbelief as she herself couldn't. Anika just nodded her head, while focusing on her own plate.

'Not only can she cook, but she has been helping me for the past whole week. Aur aaj ka khana main bhi issi ka haath hai.' Gayatri said, she was enjoying the show.

Anika had enough and mumbled, 'bus kariye na badi Ma, it's not a big deal.' she was already embarrassed. Rudra was surprised and impressed that she could cook so well. Anika noticed it and felt happy but did not hold on to it for long. She wished Rudra would say something. Ansh, Anvi, Shalini and Gayatri noticed the look of longing she gave to Rudra and felt sad for her.