Unplanned Destines | Siaa♡

♡ Chapter 3 ♡

Nitya came out of the wardrobe, glancing at her reflection. She wore a simple, plain white anarkali, her hair left open. The only adornments on her were her mangalsutra, dark cherry-red bangles, and a little vermilion in her hairline. The simplicity of her attire contrasted with the chaotic emotions she was feeling inside.

Shivansh sat on the sofa, quietly observing her as she moved around the room. His eyes followed her every step. There was something calming about watching her, even in the mundaneness of getting ready. Nitya, sensing his gaze, turned toward him and asked with a shy smile, "Kaisi lag rahi hoon?"

Without thinking, Shivansh replied, "Bilkul meri lag rahi ho."

Nitya's eyes widened in shock. "Kyaa?" she asked, her heartbeat quickening.

Realizing what he'd just said, Shivansh fumbled. "W-w-woh... I mean, meri biwi ki tarah lag rahi ho! Acchi lagogi mere saath!"

Nitya raised her eyebrows and gave him a skeptical look, but there was an unmistakable blush creeping up her cheeks. "Okay, okay, ab chalein niche?"

Shivansh cleared his throat, stood up, and adjusted his coat. "Hmm," he hummed, indicating they should head downstairs.

As they descended the grand staircase, everyone in the dining area turned to look at them. Despite walking with a certain distance between them initially, Shivansh-aware of the curious eyes on them-reached out, taking her hand and pulling her closer. His hand rested gently on her waist, ensuring she was comfortable with the sudden display of affection. A quiet tension filled the air as family members glanced at each other, understanding the dynamics between the newlyweds, but no one said a word. They simply shook their heads and resumed their breakfast.

Reaching the dining area, Shivansh, as was his routine, sat at the head of the table and motioned for Nitya to sit beside him. Nitya felt a little out of place, but she obeyed and sat, folding her hands in her lap.

Just then, Aditya bounded down the stairs, full of energy, as always. "Good morning, everyone!" he shouted cheerfully and plopped down next to Nitya. "Good morning, Bhabhi!"

"Good morning, Adi," Nitya responded with a polite smile.

Aditya suddenly paused as though something had dawned on him. "Wait a minute! Bhabhi, it's your first day in the house, right?"

Nitya nodded, unsure of what he was getting at.

"Then why didn't you cook the food? Isn't there some rasam for this? What's it called? Wait... I don't remember." Aditya furrowed his brow, trying to recall.

"Pehli rasoi, you idiot," Urvashi whispered across the table, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Yes, yes! That! Pehli rasoi!" Aditya exclaimed with enthusiasm. Nitya glanced at Shivansh, unsure of what to do next, her eyes asking for some kind of guidance.

Before anyone else could comment, Avantika spoke up from her end of the table, uninterested in the conversation. "Breakfast pehle hi ban chuka hai. Agar kuch banana hoga toh lunch ya dinner mein bana dena." She served herself without even glancing up from her plate.

Nitya let out a soft sigh of relief, grateful for the escape from what could have been a nerve-wracking first kitchen experience.

---

After breakfast, Nitya and Shivansh retreated to their room. Shivansh casually sat down on the sofa to put on his shoes while Nitya once again started pacing around the room. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, amused by her nervous energy.

"Ms. Aurora? Kya hua?" he asked with a teasing lilt to his voice.

Nitya hesitated, looking a little embarrassed. "Woh..."