CROWNED WITH LOVE : A JOURNEY OF TRADITION AND TEMPTATION

CHAPTER 20 : Maggi and Icecream

HAPPY READING

Four days had swiftly passed since their wedding, and Aadhyant had resumed his routine of going to the office. Meanwhile, Vihanna had taken a week off, opting to work from home during this time. During a conversation with her mother-in-law, Vihanna learned that she was the first woman in the family to continue working after marriage.

Surprised by this revelation, Vihanna shared her plans with Gayatri, stating, "I'm planning to return to the office next week." Gayatri's response was one of recognition and acknowledgment, as she remarked, "Do you know, Vihanna, you are the first woman in the family's history to continue working after marriage."

Vihanna was taken aback by the revelation. "Really, Maa?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise. Her mother-in-law nodded solemnly, confirming the truth. "Aadhyant's grandfather was incredibly strict," she explained, "he didn't permit any woman to work, and that tradition was upheld by Aadhyant's father as well."

Puzzled, Vihanna inquired further, "So, how did he agree to let me work after our marriage?" Her mother-in-law beamed with pride as she responded, "It's because of Aadhyant. He's unlike them. He holds a deep respect for women and understands the significance of their financial independence, even within marriage. He made it clear to his father that he would only agree to marriage if his wife was allowed to pursue her career."

As these words sank in, Vihanna felt a surge of emotion wash over her, mingled with pride for her husband. Not only had he supported her dreams for the sake of their fabricated marriage, but he genuinely believed in the cause. Yet, amidst her gratitude, one question lingered in Vihanna's mind: why her? If Aadhyant was willing to marry regardless, why had he chosen her above all others?

Vihanna was deeply immersed in her work, sitting at her laptop in their room when Aadhyant returned from the office. She was perched on the bed, her attention wholly absorbed by the screen before her. Aadhyant entered, setting down his laptop bag, and paused to gaze at her. She wore glasses, her laptop resting on her lap, a bag of chips casually opened at her side. The sight of her, completely engrossed and focused, stirred something within him. Before his thoughts could veer into distracting territory, he tore his eyes away and swiftly moved to change his clothes.

When Aadhyant returned, he found that she had already made her way downstairs. The dining room was filled with the chatter of family members enjoying their meal. Vihanna sat at the table amongst them, yet her plate remained untouched. Aadhyant took a seat beside the vacant chair next to her, serving himself food before gently inquiring, "Why aren't you eating anything?" Vihanna replied softly, "I'm not hungry. I had a snack earlier, so I'm quite full." He nodded understandingly, turning his attention back to his meal. Meanwhile, Vihanna engaged in conversation with other members of the family, seamlessly blending into the familial atmosphere.

Observing her ease with his loved ones, Aadhyant felt a mixture of happiness and sadness. He was pleased to see her bonding with his family, yet a pang of sorrow tugged at his heart, realizing that their own relationship seemed to be at a standstill.

After dinner, as the evening wound down, everyone retired to their respective rooms for the night.

In the midnight, Aadhyant stirred from his slumber, his eyes blinking open to discover the empty bed. Instantly, a pang of worry gripped him as he wondered where Vihanna had disappeared to. Methodically, he checked the washroom and balcony, but she was nowhere to be seen. With a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest, he descended the stairs, each step echoing softly in the silence of the mansion.

Just as he reached the threshold, his gaze caught the faint glow emanating from the kitchen. With a sense of urgency, he hurried towards it. As he entered the kitchen, illuminated by the soft light, he found Vihanna, her silhouette outlined against the refrigerator as she gathered ingredients. A rush of relief flooded through him as he realized she was safe and sound.