The Devil's Substitute : Book #1 [Original Edition]

||Chapter 21||

The servants set the dinner sets on the table with a practised efficiency, their movements quick and precise. Piyali's eyes narrowed in irritation as she watched them place bowls with closed lids on the table. 

"Why are they creating suspense on food? Arghh," she muttered under her breath in annoyance.

"Open them," Rani ordered with her authoritative and commanding voice.

"Ji ma'am," one of the servants nodded obediently and began opening the lids.

Piyali's irritation gave way to sadness as she thought about the servants and the strict hierarchy they lived under. She wondered if this was the norm in rich families, a stark contrast to her own. The longing for her family, who shared simple, unpretentious meals, gnawed at her heart.

"Where is Karan? Didn't he come back after dropping that girl?" Rani asked in concern.

Samaya answered promptly, "He has some work, maa ji. So he will come late."

"At this time?" Raghuveer enquired, frowning deeply, his brows furrowing with suspicion.

"He is an IPS officer, na. You never know when an emergency will arise," Ranveer chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

 Meanwhile, Reyansh's mind was clouded with doubt. Karan's frequent absences, especially on weekends, seemed suspicious to him.

Rani and Raghuveer nodded, accepting the explanation, but Reyansh's scepticism remained.

Piyali's face fell as she saw the food being unveiled. It was all greens, a sight that filled her with dread. Palak and brocoli - the two from her hate list. She glanced around desperately, hoping to find at least one non-veg item, but there was none.

The others began serving themselves their favourite dishes, their faces lighting up with pleasure, while Piyali cursed her fate under her breath.

"Why, why, why? Why did I come here? Yeh log bakri hain kya? Kya karu," she muttered being frustrated.

Nandini noticed Piyali sitting with an irritated expression, her plate conspicuously empty.

"Arey, Piyali beta, take your favorite. Should I help you in serving?" Nandini offered kindly.

"Why, bhabhi? She has her own hands," Samaya taunted with a grin, her words dripping with sarcasm. Nandini fell silent, her offer rebuffed. Piyali threw a glare at Samaya, who smirked back, clearly enjoying the moment.

Reyansh sighed heavily in frustration due to Piyali's doings. He picked up a bowl of broccoli rice and served some onto Piyali's plate, the act surprising everyone.

"Huh," The entire family was dumbstruck. Riya, in her shock, started choking. Piyali immediately kneeled on her seat and patted Riya's head, her concern genuine.

"Look up, see a lizard is flying. Funny, heina?" Piyali pointed to the ceiling, trying to distract Riya.
Riya laughed weakly, "Thanks for your help, bhabhi."