PUNARVIVAAH - ARRANGED TO LOVE (L&M #3) [COMPLETED]

SHOT 55

Third person's pov!

Vaiga, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Agnihotri mansion, followed Anjana's instructions and made her way to the designated rooms. The house, while undeniably grand, felt a little impersonal, with echoing hallways and ornately carved doors.

She freshened up quickly, the cool water against her skin a welcome relief from the afternoon heat. With practised ease, she cleaned baby Kriti, cooing softly to the gurgling infant.

Emerging from the room, a vision in a powder blue chiffon saree that shimmered like the summer sky, Vaiga descended the grand staircase.

Abhay, who had just finished a prolonged session with Chirashree – a mixture of exaggerated affection and pointed reminders about his "duties" – was on his way to his bedroom to freshen up when he saw Vaiga.

He stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat. The saree clung to her curves in a way he hadn't noticed before, highlighting a newfound elegance he hadn't attributed to her. Vaiga didn't see him.

"Vaiga!" Anjana's voice broke the spell. She came up behind Vaiga, a warm smile on her face. "Dadi Bua is waiting to meet you. Come, I will take you to her room."

"Damn!" Abhay shook his head and hurried upstairs to freshen up.

Dadi Bua's room was a haven of comfort compared to the rest of the imposing mansion. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating a colourful tapestry of silk cushions and embroidered throws draped over antique furniture.

Laya was sprawled on a divan, animatedly recounting college stories to the older woman with kind eyes and a warm smile etched on her face. This must be Dadi Bua, everyone's beloved great-aunt.

"Bua, meet my daughter, Vaiga," Anjana announced gently.

Dadi Bua's smile widened as her gaze swept over Vaiga.

"Come here, child. Let me see my Abhi's girl," she beckoned, her voice a soothing melody.

Vaiga approached cautiously, her heart pounding a little faster than usual. There was an aura of warmth and acceptance radiating from Dadi Bua that was a stark contrast to Chirashree's icy demeanour.

As Vaiga leaned closer, Dadi Bua took her hand in a firm yet gentle grasp.

"So beautiful," she murmured, her gaze twinkling. "Just perfect for my Abhi." Dadi Bua leaned forward and placed a kiss on Vaiga's forehead, the gesture unexpected yet oddly comforting.

A soft push at Dadi Bua caught their attention. Baby Kriti, nestled in Vaiga's arms, had pushed Dadi Bua angrily for kissing her beloved mother.

"And who is this little miss beauty?" Dadi Bua inquired, extending her arms. Kriti, however, turned her head and buried it in Vaiga's shoulder, eliciting a chorus of amused laughter from everyone in the room.

"Oh well," Dadi Bua chuckled, "plenty of time to get acquainted later. Now, let's get my granddaughters settled in." She said and turned to Laya.

"You, young lady, must be tired. Go freshen up." Dadi bua said.

"Don't worry, bhabhi. You will be just fine here. Dadi Bua will scare away all the dragons." Laya winked at Vaiga.

As Laya left the room, Vaiga felt a pang of sympathy for the younger girl. It was clear Laya had faced her fair share of Chirashree's ignorance. Just then, Anjana stepped forward.

"I will take Kriti and give her some milk," she offered. "You two ladies talk. I will be back soon."

"I will do it, Maa." Vaiga said quickly.