Rekindled Love

10. reason

Today marks Gautami's first day as a regular wife, with all the relatives having left after the wedding festivities. As she bathed and dressed in a simple, elegant saree, a wave of discomfort washed over her. She wasn't fond of sarees-too restrictive, too formal-but this was her new life now.

Entering the kitchen, Gautami saw her mother-in-law, Kavita, busy with breakfast preparations.

"Aunty, please, go sit down. I can handle breakfast,"
Gautami offered, already reaching for the plates to set the table.

Kavita turned around with a gentle smile, her hands full of fresh dishes.

"No need, beta. Breakfast is already ready."
She placed the last dish on the table, and then, cupping Gautami's face with maternal warmth, said,

"Anjali told me you're not used to waking up this early. It's fine, really. Don't worry."

Gautami returned the smile, feeling an unexpected sense of relief. Kavita's kindness made her feel lighter, almost like she'd found another mother-one that was her own. She had lost count of how many times she had felt out of place in this new role, but Kavita's understanding eased her into it.

Everyone soon gathered for breakfast, and Arvind, Abhyudaya's father, looked around.

"Gautami beta, where's Abhi?"
Arvind asked, glancing toward the staircase.

"Um... he might still be sleeping. I'll go call him,"
Gautami offered.

But before she could step away, Kavita gently held her back.

"No need, dear. It's Sunday. Let him sleep a little longer."

Gautami nodded and sat back down.

Several hours passed before Abhyudaya finally appeared, still looking half asleep. He dragged himself to the table, barely noticing who was in the room. Without opening his eyes, he took a bite of the food placed in front of him.

"Mom, this is really good,"
he mumbled, holding out his hand to give her a squeeze of appreciation. But instead of Kavita's, it was Gautami's hand he grabbed.

Gautami's eyes widened as he gripped her hand firmly under the table. She leaned in, whispering urgently,

"Abhyudaya, let go! Someone will see us!"

Abhyudaya, still foggy, turned his head and blinked in surprise when he saw her. His face went pale as the realization hit.

"What are you doing here?"
His voice was laced with confusion and shock.

Gautami stared at him, utterly bewildered.

"What do you mean? I live here!"

"How dare you enter my house!"
His words were sharp, accusatory.

"What?"
she gasped in disbelief.

Kavita quickly intervened, shaking her head with a smile.

"Abhi, she's your wife, remember?"

"Wife?"
Abhyudaya repeated, his mind finally catching up with reality. He stood there for a moment, stunned, before muttering something incoherent and quickly retreating to his room, leaving his breakfast unfinished. His face was flushed with embarrassment.

Later, as Gautami was heading back to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. She hurried over to answer it and was greeted by Aditya's familiar grin.

"Hey, bhabhi!"
he exclaimed, waving excitedly.