The illegitimate daughter of a powerful businessman, she was sent to live with her six half-brothers after her father's sudden death.
The boys were born from privilege, pride, and perfectly manicured bloodlines. No one welcomed her. No one cared.
De...
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I was already dressed for work. I walked toward the kitchen, planning to grab coffee first before leaving. Because my head was throbbing from last night.
When I reached near the kitchen, I heard too many familiar voices. That was clearly too loud considering it's seven in the morning.
Slowing my pace, I continue to move in that direction. And as I moved closer, the aroma of food filled my nostrils.
Taking a few careful steps towards the kitchen, because there was no chance in hell I wanted to announce my presence. And not to mention the excitement filled in my chest to witness what exactly was happening in there.
"...thinner," Atharyu's voice cut through everything else. "You need to slice the onion thinner than this." He pointed his index finger at the chopping board and held his coffee in the other hand.
Ranveer snapped back without turning. "Then come here and do it yourself."
"I'm doing something more important." Atharyu replied, sipping his coffee.
"Which is?"
"Supervision." Atharyu stated the obvious fact.
Aditya stood at the counter, chopping in silence. Perfect slices. No drama. Like he was born holding a knife.
Shaurya hovered near the stove with the pan in his hand. "Bhaiya, is the flame too high? Because I think this is burning from the corner." His voice was clear with a hint of panic.
"That's because you forgot oil," Aditya said.
"I did not forget oil," Shaurya protested. "I will add later." Feeling everyone's dumbfounded gaze on him, Shaurya added. "I—I mean I am adding now." And hurriedly added oil into his pan.
"That explains everything," Ranveer muttered.
I leaned further in just enough to see them properly. In my mind I was already giving up the idea of coffee. I can have it in my office.
It's better not to interrupt three brothers' cooking therapy.
I stepped back, about to retreat before anyone noticed me.
"Maheer?"
Shaurya's voice hit my back. As I turned to again get face-to-face with the brothers.
Their faces lit up instantly, like they'd been waiting to see her all morning.
"Good morning," Shaurya said warmly. "Breakfast is almost ready. Sit, we're coming."
Three more heads nodded in encouragement.
Their eyes didn't leave my face until they received a small nod from me and until I walked to the dining table.
I walked to the table and took my seat—the right side of the head chair. I folded my hands on my lap.
