Begusarai - The saga continue

045

Inexplicit sexual theme ahead.
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The next morning, Niyati was already in the kitchen, standing by the doorway as if she were in a world of her own. Her gaze was distant, unfocused, as though she were lost in thoughts far from the bustling activity of the house. Nupur, just finishing her pooja, noticed her standing there, and a wave of concern washed over her.

She had already learned from Mithilesh about Achintya's late return the previous night. The delivery of invoices-originally meant to be handled by Lokesh Kaka-had been dumped on Achintya because "You're the holder of this new position..." Nupur had sighed in frustration when she heard the story. Even after that, when Achintya and Mithilesh had finished the task well into the night, Achintya's Jeep had met with an accident on the way home.

It wasn't serious. Minor, really. But Nupur's heart had lodged itself firmly in her throat when Mithilesh shared the news. Achintya had strictly forbidden her from mentioning it to Niyati. "She already has too much on her plate. Let's not add to it," he had said with firm resolve.

But now, as Nupur looked at Niyati, standing there as if the weight of the world was bearing down on her, she began to question that decision. Niyati seemed fragile, as though she were holding herself together with sheer willpower.

Would it really have been so wrong to tell her? Yes, the accident had been minor, and Achintya was fine-but with Niyati already feeling neglected, with the emotional storm brewing inside her, wouldn't hiding the truth just deepen her sense of isolation?

Nupur approached, her mind racing with how best to navigate the moment. She had to handle this carefully. It was obvious that something was troubling Niyati deeply-something far beyond the physical headache she'd seen the previous day.

"Bhabhi... good morning," Niyati greeted her softly, pulling herself from her thoughts as she accepted the Prasad Nupur handed her. "I'm early. I hope you don't mind."

"Why would I?" Nupur smiled gently, though her heart ached with concern. I need to ease her into this. Let her open up at her own pace, Nupur thought. She didn't want Niyati to spiral into believing that Achintya had neglected her. She had to help her see the truth, without shattering her fragile state of mind.

Niyati shrugged her shoulders, her expression blank. Nupur, sensing the emotional distance, pressed on gently. "How's your head?"

"Fine. I took some medicine, and it's all good now," Niyati replied, her tone flat, devoid of the warmth Nupur was used to hearing from her.

"Ahh, good. That's good," Nupur said, trying to keep the conversation light, though her mind was already churning with worry. She's holding something back, Nupur thought, studying the younger woman closely.

But today was an important day for Niyati. It was her chauka pujan, the ritual where she would officially cook her first meal as a part of the family. The tradition carried its own significance, and Nupur decided that perhaps engaging her in this familiar ritual would help ease her troubled thoughts.

"Since today is your chauka pujan," Nupur said with a small, encouraging smile, "let me show you around the kitchen. You'll get familiar with everything, and I'll help you prepare for it."

Niyati nodded, though there was still a trace of distraction in her eyes. Nupur turned toward the kitchen, leading the way, but she glanced back one last time. If only she knew what was truly going on, Nupur thought. Would she be more relieved knowing, or would the weight of the news only add to her burdens?
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Durga Devi scrutinized the small bowl of kheer in front of her, taking a slow, deliberate bite. As the taste settled on her tongue, she was unexpectedly transported back in time-nostalgia sweeping over her like a tidal wave. The flavor was so reminiscent of Mala's cooking that Durga felt as though fate itself had brought Niyati to this household. Her wrinkled eyes scanned the room, noting the same realization dawning on the others' faces.