"Some love stories don't start with fireworks-they begin with silence, with a glance that lingers a second too long."
They didn't fall all at once. It began with the memory of that first glance.
"The first time I saw you, I felt something I couldn't...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I—
Just as I opened my mouth to explain, Avi bhaiya cut in sharply.
"Shivansh, stop making a fuss. You know very well she didn't do it on purpose."
"But what even happened?" Maa asked, her voice laced with confusion. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"
Ruhi crossed her arms, clearly still upset. "Mom, we were all set to play in the garden after you guys left. Angel didn't join us—which was fine. But then she went ahead and cooked... and didn't give us any! You know how much we love her cooking!"
How could I have forgotten?
(~You were the one who ignored them on purpose saying your husband is more important!!
I never said that!
~Oh really lying to me or to yourself?
Whatever! )
Maa turned to me, surprised. "Aishna, you cooked? But you haven't even done the rasoi rasam in this house yet."
"Maa, I—"
"I asked her to." Ayaan ji interjected calmly, before I could finish.
"It didn't occur to me about the ritual. You know I don't follow those traditions much. And as for you two"—he glanced at Ruhi and Shivansh—"do you have a problem with her cooking for me?"
Both of them shook their heads quickly, looking a little sheepish.
"Good," he said firmly. "Then eat in peace. Don't blame her for something she didn't intend."
Maa chuckled, softening the air. "Oh, that's all fine. But Aishna beta, this is still so unfair—only Ayaan got to taste your food? What about the rest of us?"
Guilt pricked me. "Maa, I'll make something for everyone right now. I should've been more mindful about the ritual, I'm sorry." I stood up, ready to head to the kitchen.
But before I could take a step, a gentle tug on my wrist pulled me back into my seat.
I looked at Ayaan ji, surprised, then at his hand still holding mine.
"Beta, we're just teasing," Maa smiled. "There's no need to cook anything now. Besides, you already did the rasoi rasam in the palace, remember? It counts. But... I'll agree with Ruhi and Shivansh on one thing—your food is irresistible. So next time you cook, promise us a bite too?"
I smiled, heart warm. "Promise."
____________TIME SKIP __________
"I'm sorry, Ruhi. I'm sorry, Shivu. I shouldn't have ignored you earlier," I said, genuinely. "But trust me... I didn't do it on purpose."
