The Charade

47| The Improvement

Chapter 48 and 49 are published on Scrollstack!

AUTHOR’S POV

“Kashi, yeh kya kar rahi hain aap?”

(Kashi what are you doing?)

Adhikrit’s voice held a tone of surprise as he watched his wife preparing the third meal of the day herself. It wasn’t that he disliked her cooking—on the contrary, he loved every meal she made.

But this was unusual.

Kashi was deeply engrossed, hands moving gracefully as she chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and carefully added spices, creating the rich aroma that now filled their kitchen.

Nearby, Reyaan sat contentedly in his high chair, his chubby legs kicking the air as he observed his mother. His tiny fingers gripped his toy car, but his gaze was entirely fixed on Kashi.

Every now and then, he would make a small, irritated sound, as though eager to leave this place. The moonlight streaming in through the kitchen window cast a warm glow on him, highlighting his irritated fascination.

There was one secret Reyaan hid, and it was that he loved his mother a lot. Even more than his father. Hehe.

Adhikrit couldn’t help but feel astonished at the sight. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching his wife with a mixture of confusion and admiration.

This wasn’t the Kashi he had come to know—she was usually so busy with herself, rarely one to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals.

Today, though, she seemed to be savoring each step, as if there was no rush, as though every movement had its own purpose. She appeared entirely at peace, a softness in her expression as she hummed a gentle tune that made even Reyaan smile.

Adhikrit cleared his throat, trying to hide his surprise, but Kashi just looked up with a calm smile, her eyes warm. “You’re back early,” she remarked.

“What’s gotten into you today, Sweetheart?” he asked, stepping forward. “You’re making so much… is there a special occasion?”

She shook her head lightly, stirring the pot as she replied, “Nothing special. I just felt like cooking for us.”

Adhikrit’s heart softened as he took in her loving expression, her fingers now dusted with flour as she kneaded dough. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her so relaxed, so effortlessly radiant. She glanced over at Reyaan, who squealed in anger as she made a funny face at him, and then turned her attention back to the food.

As he walked up to her, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, turning her toward him. “You didn’t have to do all this, you know. You’re amazing as you are. Hmm Sweetheart?”

Kashi simply shook her head. “Agar aapko humare hath ka bana khana pasand nahi hai toh bata dijiye aap, hum kaunsa naraz ho jayengey.” Her teasing didn’t go unnoticed by him.

(If you don't like the food made by me, you can tell me I promise I wont get upset.)

“Kashi,” Adhikrit said in a warning tone, making her smile.

“Jane dijiye, khana bana rahe hain hum.” She pulled herself away from his grip and turned to knead the dough.

(Come on now let me go, I am still cooking food.)

Adhikrit just watched her as he stood behind her. It was different—something entirely new for him.

His reverie was broken when he realized his son had thrown a toy car at him.