The Unwanted Royal Marriage

23. It Feels Different.

Adhyay's pov

As I sat down on my chair, watching Meera serve the first meal she'd prepared for the family, there was a sense of pride that swelled in my chest. She had stepped into this role with a grace that surprised even me, taking the responsibility of her peheli rasoi seriously, but without the overwhelming pressure, I had half expected. And now, as everyone dug into the food with excitement, I saw the first glimmers of her truly becoming a part of this family.

Devi, Dev, Dhruv, and Kabeer were the first to speak up. With his mouth full of the freshly made aloo paratha, Dhruv was the loudest, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Meera," he said, his voice muffled, "this is amazing! It's like... like the way Maa makes it!"

I watched Meera's face light up at his praise. She blushed slightly, the small compliment lifting her spirits. "I'm glad you like it," she said softly, though the pride in her voice was unmistakable.

Baba Sa, always the one to offer a more measured, wise comment, took a bite of his paratha before nodding in approval. "Mmm," he said, looking at her with genuine appreciation. "This is good. You've got the touch, Meera."

Maa sa, who had been watching the whole scene with a soft smile, finally spoke up. She had always been the one to give her gentle yet firm approval. "I think this is the start of many delicious meals," she said warmly.

 "You've done very well, Me,ra," said Dadi sa

"Bohot badiya Meera beta"Said Kaka sa

"Looks like I have got a good partner Bhabhi"Kaki sa said smiling at her 

Meera's eyes brightened at their kind words, and she gave a small but appreciative nod, though I could tell she was still a little shy under the attention. She had a way of being humble, even when she had every right to be proud of herself.

But it wasn't just about the food; it was about the gesture, the offering she'd made to the family. As she stood there, a little self-conscious but happy to see everyone enjoying the meal, I couldn't help but think how she was already becoming part of the family in a way that felt natural. It wasn't the peheli rasoi alone that would make her fit in here; it was her spirit, her willingness to dive in, to take the time to learn and to care.

It was really good! But I don't know how I can appreciate it...

Maa sa stood and walked over to Meera with a small smile, her expression soft and approving. She reached for Meera's hand gently, her grip warm.

"Meera," Maa said, "this is for you." She handed Meera a small, delicate box, wrapped in gold paper with a satin ribbon. "A small gift to mark the occasion. To welcome you properly."

I watched as Meera's eyes widened in surprise. "Arey iski kya zaroorat hai Maa?" she asked. 

"Abb Maa baap kuch de rahe ho toh naa kehete hai kya?"Baba sa said Playfully

"Thank you, Maa sa, Baba sa," she said, her voice tinged with a quiet gratitude.

Maa nodded, her smile kind and maternal. "It's tradition, my dear. To welcome you to the family, and to celebrate this new chapter."

Meera carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a simple but beautiful gold bracelet inside. The delicate design of it caught the light, and Meera seemed to admire it for a moment before looking up at Maa.