~ 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 || 𝟏𝟖+ [ On Hold ]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕

Next Morning Continued

Seeing Mahi’s nervous expression, Aanchal ji asked, "What happened, Mahi beta?"

Mahi quickly masked her worry and replied, "Nothing, Mom."

Aanchal ji smiled and said, "Alright, then have a seat on the sofa; the Mu Dikhai ritual is about to begin."

Mahi quietly went to the sofa and sat down. Soon, the ritual started, and the Rathore mansion filled with guests, all eager to meet the new bride. After some time, the Mu Dikhai ritual was complete, and Mahi finally relaxed—until she felt someone’s gaze on her.

She looked up and found Ahaan staring at her, his eyes warm and thoughtful. For a moment, they held each other’s gaze, but Mahi quickly looked away.

Just then, Aanchal ji came to Mahi and said, "Beta, we have many guests at home, but you don’t need to cook much—just make a little something sweet."

Mahi’s newfound calm vanished. Her face paled, and Ahaan, who had been watching her, realized the reason for her worry. So, she’s nervous about cooking, he thought.

Once Aanchal ji walked away, Ahaan approached Mahi, signaling her to get up. She quietly followed him to a less crowded corner.

Ahaan leaned in and asked softly, "You don’t know how to cook, do you?"

Mahi looked at him, surprised, and whispered back, "No… but how did you know?"

Pointing to her expression, he replied, "It’s written all over your face."

Mahi sighed, a bit embarrassed. "Alright, but how does that help?"

Ahaan smiled mischievously and pulled out a pair of AirPods. "Here, take these," he said.

Mahi looked at him, confused. She glanced between the AirPods and Ahaan, unsure of his plan.

"Connect them to your phone. I’ll tell you a simple recipe over the call," he explained. "Just follow my instructions, and you’ll be fine."

Mahi hesitated but finally nodded, her nervousness melting into relief. "You’re my only hope now. Please, don’t let me down!"

Ahaan chuckled. "Don’t worry."

Ahaan went upstairs to his room while Mahi headed to the kitchen. She connected the AirPods and put one in her ear. Moments later, she heard his voice: "Hello, can you hear me?"

"Yes, loud and clear," Mahi replied, a hint of hope in her voice.

Ahaan began, "Alright, let’s keep it simple. We’ll make kheer. Just follow my instructions, okay?"

"Got it," Mahi said, determination in her voice.

Ahaan continued, "First, grab a bowl and put a cup of rice in it."

As Mahi reached for a bowl, she saw Aanchal ji entering the kitchen. Panic surged through her.

"M-Mom, you’re here?" she stammered.

Aanchal ji smiled. "I just came to bring a few essentials."

Mahi relaxed a little, but Aanchal ji eyed the AirPods and asked, "And what’s with the AirPods?"

Quickly, Mahi replied, "Oh, I’m just listening to some music."

Aanchal ji chuckled. "Alright, then."

She set down the ingredients—rice, milk, sugar, dry fruits—and said, "Here’s everything you need. If you need anything else, just call me."

Mahi glanced over the items and smiled. "Thank you, Mom."

Aanchal ji nodded and left, and Mahi sighed with relief. Once Aanchal ji was out of earshot, she spoke into her AirPods, "Okay, Ahaan, what’s next?"

Ahaan, who had been waiting patiently, asked, "Did you get the rice?"

"Yes."

"Good. Wash it thoroughly with water."

Mahi followed his instructions. Then Ahaan said, "Now, put a pan on the stove and pour in the milk."

Mahi obeyed, and Ahaan continued guiding her through each step. After five minutes, he asked, "Is the milk boiling?"

Mahi looked over, her expression sheepish. "Uh… no."

Ahaan was puzzled. "What? It hasn’t boiled yet?"

Mahi checked the stove, then gave a guilty look. "I… forgot to turn on the gas."

Ahaan’s jaw dropped. "What?!"

Mahi pouted, embarrassed. "Sorry!"

Ahaan put his hand on his cheek, muttering to himself, "What am I going to do with you, wifey?"

Quickly, Mahi turned on the stove. With Ahaan’s instructions, she soon had the kheer simmering. Step by step, Ahaan guided her until the kheer was complete. Mahi transferred it to a bowl, then disconnected her AirPods with a sigh of relief.

Just as she finished, Aanchal ji returned to the kitchen, drawn in by the smell. "Mahi, that kheer smells amazing! It looks like it will taste delicious."

Mahi beamed with pride. Aanchal ji smiled and said, "Now, go call Ahaan from upstairs. It’s lunchtime."

"Okay, Mom," Mahi replied, taking her phone and heading out to call Ahaan. As she walked away, Aanchal ji watched her with a warm smile.

Stay tuned to see what happens next!