Vows of contract

All alone

The mansion was still and quiet, the only sound the distant chirping of birds welcoming the dawn. As Avika made her way downstairs, she could hear faint sounds coming from the kitchen. She hesitated for a moment at the threshold, then took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The kitchen was massive and state-of-the-art, filled with the comforting aroma of spices and freshly brewed tea. Shilpa stood at the marble island, arranging ingredients. She looked up as Avika entered, her face breaking into a warm smile.

"Good morning, Avika beta," Shilpa greeted, her voice kind. "Did you sleep well?". Avika smiled to her softly bending down touching her feet. "Yes, Maa. Good morning."

Shilpa's smile widened at the term of endearment. "Come, come. Don't be nervous. I will show you around the kitchen". Shilpa was showing Avika around telling her about things when they heard Usha's voice.

"Lagta ha dadi ki kisi ko jarurat hi nhi ha" Usha says while faking small pout. Avika smiled to her and walked to her touching her feet. "Good morning dadi ji" Usha smiled to her blessings her when Shilpa did same.
"Aisa nahi ha maa" Shilpa assured her. "Don't be nervous beta, prepare whichever sweet you want for your first rasoi" Avika nodded shyly listening Usha. Shilpa guided her to kitchen telling her basic.

(Seems like there's no help needed from Grandma now)

The soft aroma of cardamom and saffron wafted through the kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of boiling milk and rice. Avika stood by the stove, stirring the pot of kheer with steady, practiced motions. This was her first rasoi, a significant ritual.

As she ladled the rich, creamy dessert into delicate bowls, she could feel the weight of tradition and expectation pressing on her. She forced a smile, hoping to convey warmth and hospitality despite the knots of anxiety twisting in her stomach.

As she walked back to the dinning area and she saw everyone already gathered except...her husband of course. Avika moved around the table, serving each person in turn, murmuring polite words of gratitude and hope that they enjoyed the kheer.

Her eyes fell on the man who was descending the stairs dressed in his Armani suit. "Ani" Shilpa called out for him halting him in his steps. Avika lowered her eyes when Anirudh glanced at her with his cold gaze. "Aa nasta kar le, Avika na pheli baar kheer banayi ha" Shilpa said in soft voice hoping her son to eat with them. "There's alot of work in office mom, also I never really had breakfast at the home so I will have it in office".

(Come have breakfast, Avika has made kheer for the first time)

Avika looked up at him with sad gaze. Wasn't past and now different ? Her coming in his life changed nothing ? She meant nothing ? She gave no reason for him to stay ?

"Anirudh" Usha said in her stern voice causing Anirudh to let out a sigh. He walked to dinning area and took his seat with a scowl. "Avika beta, serve him too". Avika nodded and walked to him. She carefully placed the bowl in front of him, her hand trembling slightly. He looked up, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something softer, but it was quickly replaced by his usual icy demeanor.

"Bhabhi aap dusri ki jiske hath ka khana merko accha lga ha maa ke baad" Shiva said hurriedly eating left over in his bowl and signalled for the refill. Avika showed him small smile and refilled his bowl. Her eyes roamed around everyone and saw everyone enjoying and praising her.

( SIL you are the second person whose food I liked other than my mom )

Her gaze stopped at her husband who had unreadable expression as ever, his kheer untouched. Anirudh leaned towards her. His voice was low, a whisper meant for her ears alone. "Do you think any amount of kheer can change the bitterness in our lives?" His words were like a knife, cutting through the fragile veneer of normalcy she had tried so hard to maintain.