Hukum sa little obsession

Pehli Rasoi

The first rays of sunlight filtered into the grand Rathore mansion, casting a soft golden hue over the room. Ishita stirred awake, the silky sheets feeling comforting against her skin. As her eyes fluttered open, she felt a buzz on the bedside table. It was her phone, lighting up with a message from Shivendra.

"Good morning, Mrs. Rathore. Big day today—nervous? You better not burn down the kitchen!"

She groaned softly, smiling despite herself. He never missed a chance to tease her. But today was special—it was her pehli rasoi, her first time cooking for the entire Rathore family, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

Just as she was about to type a reply, the door to their room creaked open. Shivendra leaned casually against the frame, that same playful smirk dancing across his lips. "I wasn't joking about the fire extinguisher, you know."

Ishita grabbed the nearest pillow and tossed it at him, missing him by inches. "Stop teasing me! I've got enough to worry about."

Chuckling, Shivendra strode over and bent down to kiss her forehead. "Relax, Mrs. Rathore. You're going to be amazing. But if you keep looking this cute, I might just have to keep you here and distract you."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she pushed him away playfully. "I have to go! Let me get ready!"

Ishita hurriedly got dressed, her hands shaking with both excitement and nerves. Today would be the first time she cooked for the Rathores, and she wanted to leave a lasting impression—especially on Shivendra's mother, Shreya, whom he adored. Deep down, she hoped to earn that same level of love and respect.

Downstairs, the Rathore mansion was already bustling with life. As Ishita entered the dining room, Mrs. Naira Rudra Rathore, Shivendra's grandmother, greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, beta. Ready for your big day?" she asked in her gentle, grandmotherly way.

Ishita returned the smile, though her heart pounded in her chest. "Yes, Dadi Sa. I'm a little nervous, but I'll do my best."

Naira patted her hand kindly. "Don't worry. We're all family here. Whatever you make, it'll be perfect."

Mr. Rudra Rathore, sitting nearby with his morning newspaper, gave a small nod of approval. "It's just a meal, beta. You'll do fine," he said in his typical gruff but affectionate tone.

Feeling slightly more at ease, Ishita made her way into the spacious kitchen, where Mrs. Shreya Avindra Rathore was waiting. "Beta, do you need any help with the preparations?" Shreya's voice was soft but steady, offering both support and encouragement.

Ishita smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Maa Saa, but I've got everything under control. I just hope you all like what I've prepared."

Shreya placed a reassuring hand on Ishita's shoulder. "I'm sure we will. You're already part of this family, and anything you do will be cherished."

Her words filled Ishita with a sense of belonging and calm. She turned back to her preparations, determined to make everything perfect. As she chopped vegetables and checked the dishes, her thoughts drifted back to Shivendra. His teasing words still echoed in her mind, but a small part of her secretly wished for his approval more than anyone else's.

A little later, the kitchen door swung open, and in strode Akshay Rathore, Shivendra's younger brother. "Bhabhi Sa! What's cooking? It smells amazing already," he exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious.

Ishita laughed lightly. "You'll find out soon enough, Akshay. I'm almost done."

He leaned against the counter, watching her work. "You've already won us over, Bhabhi Sa. I can't wait to taste it."