Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 26: Annoying jerk

As sunlight streamed into the room, Kritika stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Blinking, she surveyed her surroundings.

"Where am I?" she mumbled, her gaze falling on Aditya's sleeping form. Memories of yesterday's incident flooded her mind, and tears welled up in her eyes. His words echoed in her ears.

"No, Kritika, you mustn't be weak."

Stretching her arms, she rose from the couch, wincing as pain shot through her neck.

"Ouch," she rubbed her neck, then lifted her lehenga and made her way to the other side of the bed where her bag lay. Retrieving an orange saree, she headed for the washroom.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Aditya stirred, his head pounding from last night's alcohol. He rubbed his forehead, thoughts of Kritika clouding his mind. His brow furrowed as he noticed her absence.

"Where is she? Wasn't she in my room? Or did she leave?"

Aditya pondered, then decided to check outside. He couldn't bring himself to ask anyone about her. Sighing, he returned to the room and headed for the wardrobe to get dressed. Just then, the door opened, and Kritika emerged from the washroom.

She looked shocked to see him and seemed nervous, perhaps expecting him to scold her for using the washroom. But Aditya's gaze lingered on her simple yet beautiful appearance in the saree.

Without a word, she passed him, carrying her bridal outfit. Aditya watched her, silently chastising himself for his earlier thoughts. Controlling his frustration, he entered the washroom.

Downstairs, the Singhania family awaited the newlyweds. Abhimanyu and Priya sat anxiously, with Abhimanyu having already briefed Priya about the previous day's incident.

Kritika descended the stairs, observing the entire family gathered in the living area. Ahana squealed with excitement and rushed towards her.

"Kriti, you look stunning!" Ahana exclaimed. Kritika smiled warmly and then approached Maheshwati to seek her blessings.

"Did you sleep well, beta?" Shwetha inquired. Kritika brushed off the question, focusing on the present moment.

"Where's Aditya?" Gautam asked, scanning the room.

"Uh, he's..."

"I'm here, Dad," Aditya interrupted, entering with a bright smile. Kritika was taken aback by his cheerful demeanor.

Why is he smiling so much today? Yesterday, he was like a different person.

Aditya greeted everyone, and Shwetha and Maheshwati beamed at his cheerful disposition.

"Kritika, today is your pehle rasoi. Are you ready for it?" Swetha asked. Kritika felt a pang of nervousness.

Oh no, my cooking skills are disastrous. What should I do now?

"You have to prepare a sweet, okay?" Swetha continued.

"Um, Ma, can I make laddoos?" Kritika asked tentatively. Swetha and Priya exchanged surprised glances.

"Kritika, do you mean you're going to make laddoos for the sweet?" Priya clarified, incredulous. Kritika nodded.

"But, beta, Ma can't have sugar," Swetha pointed out.

"Don't worry, Ma, I'll take care of it. After all, I'm a doctor," Kritika assured them. Both Swetha and Priya nodded in agreement, and Kritika mentally prepared herself for the challenge.

Alright, Kriti, let's begin the laddoo-making mission.

As everyone waited for Kritika, Aditya grew increasingly impatient.

"Dad, I don't think she's coming. I'm going," Aditya announced, getting up.

"But breakfast is ready," Kritika's voice halted him. She smirked and moved to the table, serving the food before standing beside Ahana.

"Now you can serve the sweet to everyone," Priya instructed Kritika. Nervously, she began serving, while Aditya frowned at his plate.

"What's this?" he asked, puzzled.

"It's called laddoo. Don't you know?" Kritika retorted.

"I do, but why did you choose this? Don't you know how to make anything else?" Aditya smirked. Kritika nervously smiled and narrowed her eyes at him.

"Adi, regardless of the reason, she prepared a dish that tastes delicious. We should appreciate it," Maheshwari interjected. Kritika smiled gratefully and shot Aditya a triumphant look, which he ignored.

As everyone finished eating, they praised Kritika's cooking and presented her with gifts.

"I was thinking of officially announcing their marriage," Gautam suggested. Aditya's eyes widened in shock, and Kritika listened quietly.

"That's a wonderful idea, Gautam. We can arrange a reception. What do you think, Ma?" Swetha asked, turning to Maheshwati.

"It's a good idea. Everyone should know that my Adi married a beautiful girl," Maheshwati agreed, causing Aditya to roll his eyes, while Kritika looked away.

"So, Ma, today we can go shopping," Ahana suggested eagerly.

"Yes, alright, go and get ready," Swetha agreed, but Aditya intervened.

"Wait," he said, surprising everyone.

"What's wrong, Adi?" Gautam inquired.

"Dad, I don't think it's the right time to announce our relationship to the public," Aditya stated, eliciting shocked expressions from everyone. Kritika listened, her heart pounding.

"Why, Adi? What's the problem?" Swetha asked, puzzled.

"Um, Mom, actually, Kritika isn't ready for this. Right, Kritika?" Aditya turned to her, his eyes silently urging her to play along. Kritika gasped, meeting his gaze in disbelief.

When did I say that?

"Is that true, Kriti, beta?" Gautam asked, awaiting her response. Aditya subtly gestured for her to comply. Kritika glared at him before turning to Gautam.

"Yes, Papa. Actually, it would be overwhelming for me if everyone knew about our marriage, so I mentioned it," Kritika replied hesitantly.

"And, Dad, we'll let you know when we're ready for this. Right, Kritika?" Aditya raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Papa. Aditya is absolutely correct," she affirmed through gritted teeth.

"Okay, if that's your decision, we'll respect it," Gautam concluded. Aditya breathed a sigh of relief, and Kritika silently seethed.

"Mr. Singhania, how dare you pull that stunt without my permission?" Kritika confronted Aditya as they entered their room. He turned to face her.

"I'll do as I please, and I don't need your permission," he retorted, flopping onto the bed and stretching his arms.

"Of course, you should! You didn't even discuss this with me and then suddenly expect me to comply. This is not fair!" Kritika exclaimed, her annoyance evident in her voice.

"Lower your voice. You signed the agreement, so you should do whatever I want. Anyways, I need to make an important call. Excuse me," he dismissed her, exiting the room and leaving behind a seething Kritika.

Jerk, arrogant, asshole... Argh!

"Agreement my ass," Kritika muttered angrily as she collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted from the confrontation.