RESTART

chapter 31

Jeevika woke up early the next morning, still feeling the effects of the long journey. The village air was fresh and crisp, a welcome change from the city. As she stood by the window, she could see the old temple in the distance where the family would be visiting to get blessings from their Kuldevi.

Abhiman stirred beside her, pulling her closer in his sleep. She smiled softly, feeling safe in his arms, but her mind couldn't rest. The break in the village was perfect, but she knew she had to keep her mission going secretly. The truth about her stepmother, Kamini, and the mystery surrounding her uncle and mother's deaths weighed heavily on her. But for now, she wanted to focus on the family, on Abhiman, and enjoy this peaceful moment.

Later that morning, the family gathered for breakfast. Veer, as always, was cracking jokes, and Riddhi teased him back, making the whole family laugh. Jeevika loved how close they all were.

After breakfast, Abhiman's parents discussed their plans for the temple visit.

"Beta, we will leave for the Kuldevi temple soon," Abhiman's father said.

Jeevika nodded in agreement, knowing that the visit would bring some peace to her troubled mind. As they prepared to leave, she found herself hoping that this time in the village would allow her to find some clarity-not only in her mission but also in her heart.

The family began getting ready to visit the Kuldevi temple. Jeevika was in their room, adjusting her saree and covering her head with the pallu, as it was a traditional custom for married women to cover their heads when visiting the temple. Meanwhile, Abhiman was struggling with the dhoti. It was his first time wearing one, and the confusion on his face was evident.

"Yeh dhoti kaise bandh te hain?" Abhiman muttered, holding the fabric with a frustrated expression. He glanced over at Jeevika, who was tying the final knot of her saree.

Jeevika looked at him, stifling a laugh. "Tumhe dhoti pehenni nahi aati?" she teased, walking over to him.

Abhiman rolled his eyes. "Nahi, aata hota toh tumse kyun pooch raha hota?"

Jeevika couldn't help but laugh a little more as she walked closer. "Main soch rahi thi, itne bade businessman ko dhoti pehnni nahi aati? Kya haal hai tumhara?" she joked, smiling mischievously.

Abhiman sighed, giving her a playful glare. "Theek hai, mazak band karo aur madad karo."

Jeevika shook her head, still giggling, and began helping him with the dhoti, her hands quickly and efficiently folding the cloth into place. As she worked, she couldn't resist continuing the teasing. "Bas dhoti mein phas gaye? Aur socha tha tum ho hero!"

Abhiman smirked as he stood still, letting her do the work. "Hero toh hoon, bas ab dhoti-wala hero ban raha hoon."

Once she was done, she stood back to admire her work. "Ab lag rahe ho dhoti-wale hero!" she declared, a proud smile on her face.

Just as they were about to leave, Veer and Riddhi walked into the room. The moment they saw Abhiman in a dhoti, they burst out laughing.

"Arre waah, bhaiya! Dhoti mein toh bilkul alag lag rahe ho," Veer said, trying to control his laughter.

"Yes! Bhaiya, I didn't know you could pull off a dhoti look!" Riddhi added, grinning ear to ear.

Abhiman glared at them both, his lips twitching with amusement. "Haan haan, has lo tum dono. Tum logon ki baari bhi aayegi."

Veer smirked and winked at Jeevika. "Bhabhi, dhoti pehnne mein madad toh ki na?"

Jeevika grinned, looking at Abhiman with a proud smile. "Of course! Tumhare bhai ko bachana pada," she said with a playful nudge to Abhiman's shoulder.

"Chalo, chalo, ab chalein," Abhiman said, trying to hide his embarrassment, but smiling nonetheless as they all prepared to leave for the temple.

As they stepped outside, the family gathered, all dressed in traditional attire, ready to seek blessings at the Kuldevi temple. Abhiman, despite the teasing, felt a sense of pride wearing the dhoti, and Jeevika couldn't help but feel a special connection to this moment, knowing they were doing it together.

The family, with smiles and laughter, made their way to the temple, ready to start their day with blessings and prayers.