Married to My Ex

23 | Phag Phera💆🏻‍♀️

Ashi's POV:

The morning, after thinking about mine and Vansh's future the entire night yesterday,felt heavy. My mind was still restless, but when Ma reminded me of the Phag Phera tradition, I saw it as a much-needed break. Spending time with my family would be a welcome escape.

The house was buzzing with energy as we walked in. My mom enveloped me in a warm hug while my dad clapped Vansh on the back, welcoming him like he always did—with an easy, casual warmth. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, and I knew instantly that my mom had gone all out.

"Ashi, Vansh!" my mom called out as we stepped inside. "Come on in. Lunch is almost ready, and everyone's waiting in the dining room."

"Everyone?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," my mom said, beaming. "Akanksha and Saksham are still here with Ansh, and Ishaan and Priya also with Prisha and Siddharth. It's a complete family lunch today."

We all exchanged greetings. The table was filled with laughter and chatter as we sat down. Akanksha, my ever-playful sister, immediately started teasing me.

"So, Ashi," she began, her tone mischievous. "How's married life treating you?"

Before I could respond, Saksham chimed in, "More importantly, Vansh, how are you surviving with her?"

Everyone burst out laughing, and Vansh grinned, taking it in stride. "Let's just say it's an adventure," he quipped, glancing at me with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Oh, I'm sure it is," Ishaan bhaiya added, leaning back in his chair. "But you've got your hands full with this one."

I rolled my eyes, but before I could retort, little Ansh climbed onto Vansh's lap. "Masad ji!" he squealed, his tiny arms wrapping around Vansh's neck.

Vansh chuckled, balancing the toddler carefully. "Hey, buddy. Missed me?"

Ansh nodded vigorously. "Yes! You didn't bring me chocolates!"

"Oh no," Vansh said, feigning shock. "I'll have to make it up to you next time."

Meanwhile, Prisha and Siddharth were busy showing me their latest drawings. Priya smiled warmly as she watched them, and Ishaan bhaiya gave me a knowing look.

As lunch was served, the conversation turned to lighter topics—childhood stories, family anecdotes, and plenty of teasing aimed at both Vansh and me. My dad asked Vansh about his work, genuinely interested, while my mom kept urging him to eat more.

"You have to try the paneer," she insisted, placing another piece on his plate despite his protests. "Ashi used to love it as a kid."

"She still does," Vansh said, smiling at me.

I felt a warmth spread through me. Despite the tension we'd carried into the house, the familiarity and love of my family seemed to melt some of it away.

After lunch, as everyone relaxed in the living room, Vansh and my dad sat on the couch, deep in conversation about cricket. Akanksha and I sat with our mom, catching up on family gossip, while Priya and Saksham played with the kids.

At one point, I caught Vansh watching me. He wasn't saying much, but his presence was steady, grounding. It felt... good.

When it was finally time for Vansh to leave, I, my parents and siblings bid him a good bye.

As the evening set in, we all sat around in the living room. The kids played on the carpet while the adults chatted about everything from family updates to Akanksha's pregnancy cravings.

Ishaan, ever the protective elder brother, leaned forward. "Ashi, if you ever need anything—anything at all—you know you can always come to me."

I smiled, his words filling me with warmth. "I know, Bhaiya. Thank you."

Priya chimed in, "And don't forget, we're just a call away. Prisha and Siddharth would love to have their Bhua visit more often."

Prisha nodded, crawling into my lap. "Bhua, can you stay forever?"

I kissed her forehead, my heart swelling. "I wish I could, darling."

Ansh, not wanting to be left out, climbed onto my other side. "Massi, me too!"

The laughter that followed was pure and comforting. For a little while, I let myself be enveloped in the warmth of my family, letting their love temporarily push away the storm brewing in my heart.

•-•-•-•

Thank you for giving my book a read 🌷