Color of Yearning [Completed]

Chapter : 25

TANMAY POV 

As Saumya and I finally managed to pry ourselves off the floor (though I maintain it was the comfiest spot in the house), I couldn't help but marvel at how adorable she looked with her cheeks still flushed pink.

Mental note to self: Find more ways to make Saumya blush. It's officially my new favorite hobby. Also Invest in a really plush rug for our bedroom. Who knew the floor could be so romantic?

We made our way downstairs, hand in hand. I may have "accidentally" bumped into her a few times on the stairs, just to steady her with a hug, of course. Safety first!

As we entered the kitchen, we found Maa busy chopping vegetables. The familiar aroma of spices filled the air. Despite having a small army of servants at our disposal, Ma has always insisted on being the culinary queen of our household. And who am I to argue? The woman's cooking is legendary.

Ah, there you two are," Ma said with a knowing smile that made Saumya duck her head shyly. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost upstairs."

"Lost in each other's eyes, maybe," I quipped, earning myself an elbow in the ribs from Saumya. Worth it.

Saumya immediately moved to the counter, reaching for the flour to make chapatis. I couldn't help but admire how at ease she looked in our kitchen, as if she'd always belonged here.

I rolled up my sleeves and dove into helping mode. "What can I do, Maa? Chop veggies? Stir the curry? Sing a motivational song to inspire the dal to cook faster?"

Maa laughed, shaking her head. "Just set the table, you goof. And try not to break anything this time."

"That was one time!" I protested, carefully arranging the plates. "And in my defense, that plate jumped out of my hands. It was clearly suicidal."

As we worked together, I found myself constantly drawn to Saumya. I'd steal glances at her as she expertly rolled out the chapatis, marveling at her grace. At one point, I snuck up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and planting a soft kiss on her cheek. She jumped slightly, then leaned back into me with a contented sigh.

"You're distracting me," she murmured, but I could hear the smile in her voice.

"That's the plan," I whispered back, giving her another quick peck before reluctantly returning to my task.

Once everything was arranged on the table (with only minor casualties – RIP salt shaker, you will be missed), we settled down to eat. That's when Maa dropped the bomb.

"Tanmay, you should have seen your Saumya today," she began, her eyes twinkling. "She was like a lioness defending her cubs."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."

As Maa recounted the incident at the temple, my heart swelled with pride and love. My shy, sweet Saumya, standing up to that old battle-axe Mrs. Sharma? Defending my honor?

"You should have heard her," Maa continued, a mischievous glint in her eye. "She was all 'How dare you speak about my Tanmay like that!'"

I turned to Saumya, who looked like she wanted to disappear into her chair. "Your Tanmay, huh?" I teased gently.

"I... I didn't say it exactly like that," Saumya mumbled, her cheeks flaming.

Mental note number two : Find more opportunities for Saumya to call me "her Tanmay." It's music to my ears.

I reached over and took her hand, my voice soft and sincere. "Well, I'm honored to be your Tanmay, Mrs. Saumya. And I'm incredibly proud of you for standing up to Mrs. Sharma. Though I'm a little sad I missed seeing you in action. Maybe you could re-enact it for me later? I'll play Mrs. Sharma. I've been told I do a mean impression of a snooty old lady."