The sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the Malhotra mansion, casting a soft glow on the dining table where the family had gathered for breakfast. The sound of clinking cups and laughter filled the air.
“Bhai, aaj phir parathay?” Mukti rolled her eyes dramatically as she tore into one. “Diet ka kya hoga?”
Manik smirked, sipping his black coffee. “Kisi ko bola tha heavy breakfast banane? Main toh apni eggs pe survive kar leta.”
“Jee, bilkul,” Ayesha chuckled, placing another paratha on Mukti’s plate. “Par tum doctor log patients ko kehte ho healthy khana khao, aur khud…” She shook her head.
“Ammi, bas aap hi meri side pe ho,” Mukti sighed, leaning on her shoulder.
On the other side, Nandini was busy pouring orange juice into glasses. She looked graceful, settled — the nervousness of her early days in this house now replaced with quiet confidence. She had learned where everyone liked to sit, how Ayesha preferred her tea strong, and how Manik’s mood lifted when she added just the right amount of sugar to his coffee.
“Bhai ke liye alag banaya?” Mukti asked knowingly, nodding toward the mug in front of Manik.
Nandini’s cheeks flushed as she sat down. “Woh… bas aise hi.”
“Bas aise hi,” Mukti mimicked, grinning. “Lagta hai hamari bhabhi expert ban gayi hain in bhai’s khidmat.”
Manik’s lips curved in a faint smirk as he looked at Nandini. “Aur tumhein problem kya hai agar meri biwi mujhe pamper kare?”
Mukti groaned. “Ab toh dono ek team ban gaye. Mujhe officially koi support nahi raha.”
The table burst into laughter, and Nandini ducked her head to hide her smile.
The day stretched into a whirlwind of preparations. Ayesha had decided to host a **grand feast for the extended family**, a way to formally introduce Nandini as the new bahu.
By afternoon, the house transformed into organized chaos. The kitchen bustled with dishes being prepared; cousins darted in and out, carrying trays and decorations. Mukti and Aliya argued over flower arrangements, while Ayesha supervised everything like a general.
“Nandini beta, mithai check kar lena — delivery time pe aayi hai ya nahi,” Ayesha called from the hall.
“Ji, Ammi,” Nandini replied promptly, making her way to the kitchen. She carefully opened the boxes, the sweet aroma filling the air. She noted everything, then returned to update Ayesha.
Manik, dressed casually in jeans and a white shirt, leaned against the staircase railing, quietly observing. He caught Nandini walking briskly, her dupatta slipping from her shoulder. With one smooth motion, he reached out and fixed it back.
She froze, looking up at him. “Manik…” she whispered, glancing around nervously. “Sab log idhar hain.”
“So?” he said, voice low and teasing. “Let them see I take care of what’s mine.”
Her heart skipped, and she quickly pulled back, cheeks warming.
By evening, the mansion filled with relatives. Laughter echoed through the halls, kids ran about, and the aroma of food wafted everywhere.
“Wah, Ayesha! Kya arrangement kiya hai,” one of the aunts praised, hugging her warmly. “Aur tumhari bahu… mashallah, kitni pyari aur samajhdar lagti hai.”
Nandini blushed as compliments rained on her. Ayesha’s eyes softened with pride as she pulled her daughter-in-law close. “Hamari Nandini har kaam mein perfect hai.”
YOU ARE READING
Meri Jaan
Romance'Why can't you leave me alone' Nandani yelled helplessly. 'Why should I leave you? You are my life, Zindagi ban gayi ho meri' I whispered yelled each word so it stays in her mind forever. She ignored my confession as usual and pushed me away. 'Mer...
