Shiddat

Chapter 8

The warmth of the unexpected encounter lingered in the air long after the families departed from the temple. As Ananya and her parents drove away, a comfortable silence settled in the car. Ananya stole a glance at her father, his eyes twinkling with a newfound spark.

Curiosity building inside her, Ananya finally broke the silence. "Dad, you lived in Udaipur? Tell me about your house in Udaipur. What was it like?"

Rajan chuckled, disengaging from the embrace. "For many years, my dear. We lived there before moving to Delhi."

His smile widened. "It was a charming little house, painted a cheerful shade of yellow. We had a sprawling mango tree in the backyard that provided us with endless shade and delicious mangoes during the summer. But the real highlight was the massive banyan tree at the end of our street. It was the central meeting point for all the neighborhood kids, including me."

Ananya's eyes sparkled with interest as she listened. "Dad, that explains why you always reminisced about Mrs. Rathore's delicious ladoos!"

Her father blushed slightly, a sheepish smile on his face. "They were a weakness, I admit," he said with a chuckle, clearly fond of those memories.

As the Sharma family arrived home, the sight of their house brought them back to the present. The Sharma residence stood out in its quiet neighborhood with a modern and sleek design. The two-story structure was characterized by clean lines and large windows, painted in soft tones of beige and white, which added a touch of contemporary elegance to its appearance.

As they moved inside, the soft glow of the evening light reflected off the expansive windows, giving the house a warm, inviting aura. The front door opened into a minimalist foyer, where a simple console table held a vase of fresh flowers, and a large mirror added depth to the space. The warm lighting in the foyer created a welcoming atmosphere, making it a comforting retreat after a long day.

Entering the living room, Nalini sighed with relief, kicking off her shoes. "Finally home," she murmured, her husband Rajan nodding in agreement as he hung up his coat.

The living room, just beyond the foyer, continued the theme of modern simplicity. The room was bathed in muted colors, with plush sofas arranged around a sleek coffee table. Soft lighting enhanced the calming atmosphere, making it an ideal space for the family to unwind.

Their teenage son , Yash, headed straight for the cozy sofa, sinking into its plush cushions. "I'm so tired," he admitted with a yawn, pulling out his phone to check messages.

Rajan chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You'll feel better after a rest."

The evening passed with the family unwinding in their respective ways-Nalini catching up on a book in the study, Rajan tinkering in his home office, and youngsters scrolling through social media.

Nalini's study was a cozy haven, illuminated by the soft glow of a table lamp. Here, she often retreated with a book, enjoying the quiet solitude the space offered. Rajan's home office, on the other hand, was a functional space where he could focus on paperwork and personal projects, providing him with the tranquility needed to unwind.

The next morning dawned bright and early, bringing with it the familiar hustle of a Monday. The house was filled with the quiet sounds of morning-a distant car horn, the chirping of birds outside the window, and the faint hum of the refrigerator in the background. The Sharma household was already stirring to life, with Nalini at the heart of it all, orchestrating a symphony of sizzling pans and clinking dishes in the kitchen. The warm, comforting aroma of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, weaving through the house like an invitation to start the day.