𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𐙚

Dhvani woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand. She reached over to silence it and glanced at the screen. 8:00 am. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and looked around the room for Daksh. But he was nowhere to be found.

She got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash her face. As she approached the sink, she noticed a new toothbrush lying on the counter. She picked it up, wondering if Daksh had left it for her. She opened the packaging and began to brush her teeth.

As she was rinsing her mouth, she heard the door open. She came out of the restroom and turned to see Daksh's mom, Mrs. Kashyap, entering the room with a warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, Aunty," Dhvani said, smiling back at her.

Mrs. Kashyap smiled. "Dhvani, I have arranged new clothes, accessories, and beauty products for you..." she said.

Just then, a househelp entered the room, pushing a clothes trolley rack filled with an array of outfits. Dhvani's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sheer number of clothes.

"Aunty, this is too much," Dhvani said, feeling a little overwhelmed. "And also, I asked Daksh to get my things, iski zarurat nahi thi."

("Aunty, this is too much, and also, I asked Daksh to get my things, so there was no need for this.")

Mrs. Kashyap waved her hand dismissively. "Newly wed should wear new clothes, and I'm happy to provide them."

Dhvani smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart towards Mrs. Kashyap. "Thank you, Aunty. You're too kind," she said.

Mrs. Kashyap smiled back at her, her eyes filled with affection. "I'm just doing what any mother would do for her daughter," she said.

Dhvani's eyes widened in surprise at Mrs. Kashyap's words. She felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Mrs. Kashyap and her mind began to reel with memories of her own mother. The pain of losing her still lingered, and the mention of a mother's love brought it all flooding back. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and she struggled to hold them back.

Mrs. Kashyap noticed the change in Dhvani's expression and immediately came close to her. "What happened, beta?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Dhvani smiled weakly, trying to brush off her emotions. "Nothing, Aunty. I just miss my mom," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Kashyap's expression softened, and she smiled warmly at Dhvani. "I'm here for you, Don't be sad"

"Aunty, can I call you mom?" Dhvani asked.

Mrs. Kashyap nodded, her smile growing wider. "Of course, beta. You can call me mom," she said.

As Mrs. Kashyap's words washed over her, Dhvani felt a sense of comfort and belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time. She hugged Mrs. Kashyap tightly. As they hugged, Dhvani's mind whispered a painful truth - after a year, she would have to leave Mrs. Kashyap behind, just like she had left her own mother behind.

But for now, she pushed that thought aside and let herself bask in the warmth of Mrs. Kashyap's love. She was happy to have a mom, even if it was just for a little while.

As the hug ended, Mrs. Kashyap smiled  "Get ready and come downstairs. It's your first day here, and you have to make something as your first rasoi (cooking)," she said.

Dhvani's mind went blank as she thought about cooking. She had never cooked before, and the thought of making a meal from scratch was daunting. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, but she tried to push it aside.

Mrs. Kashyap seemed to sense her hesitation. "Don't worry, beta. Just make something simple. A roti, sabji, and a sweet dish. Whatever is easy for you. And don't worry if it's not perfect." she said reassuringly.

Dhvani nodded, feeling a little better. But then Mrs. Kashyap added, "Also, it's our custom that the husband should help his wife in her first rasoi. So, Daksh will help you, okay?"

Dhvani's eyes widened in surprise. Daksh was going to help her cook? "Ab toh ussi se karwaungi" She thought, a smirk plastered on her lips.

(Now I will get the work done by him)

"Okay, mom, I'll be ready and come downstairs in half an hour," Dhvani said.

Mrs. Kashyap nodded, "I'll send Daksh to help you. Don't worry, beta. You'll do great."

── .✦

Dhvani stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away her fatigue. She felt a sense of excitement and nervousness as she thought about her first day in the new house. After her shower, she dressed in a beautiful yellow dress, feeling like a new person.

As she began to do her hair, her phone buzzed on the table, flashing Anvita's name. Dhvani smiled, happy to hear from her best friend. She picked up the phone and put it on speaker, continuing to style her hair.

"Hello?" Dhvani said, her voice cheerful.

"Bitch, I'm missing you already! I'm so bored. Kab aayegi tu office pe?" Anvita said, sighing dramatically.

(when will you come to the office)

Dhvani laughed. "It's not even a day yet, I'll come after a few days. Let's see," she said, teasing her friend.

Anvita's voice turned sly. "Okay, then how was your last night? Was it fun?"

Dhvani rolled her eyes, laughing. "Is that even a question? Of course, it was fun. You know what? I successfully scared the shit out of him," she said, giggling.

Unbeknownst to Dhvani, Daksh had entered the room, stopping in his tracks as he heard her conversation. He stood frozen, a mixture of surprise and amusement on his face. Anvita's voice was filled with curiosity.

 "What did you do? I want DETAILS"

Dhvani continued, unaware of Daksh's presence. "I acted as if I'm possessed in the middle of the night, and his reaction was hilarious, bro."

Anvita burst out laughing. "Seriously?"

Dhvani started to respond, but her words trailed off as she caught sight of Daksh's reflection in the mirror. He was standing behind her staring at her.  Dhvani's face turned bright red as she realized she had been caught.

"Anvi, I'll call you later, okay? Bye," Dhvani said hastily, hanging up the call. She turned to face Daksh, trying to play it cool. "Ah... when did you come?"

Daksh stepped closer to her, "At the time you were telling your friend how you scared the shit out of me," he said

Dhvani knew she was screwed. She had been caught red-handed.

Daksh stepped closer to her, "So, you thought you could scare me, huh?" he said.

Dhvani shook her head,"I don't know what you're talking about," she said.

His voice took on a low, intense tone, sending a shiver down her spine. "You think you can scare me, Dhvani?" he said.

"You think you can pretend to be possessed and I'll just roll over and take it?" Dhvani's heart skipped a beat as Daksh's face inches from hers, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.

"I'll tell you one thing, Dhvani," Daksh continued, his voice low and husky. "If you want to play games with me, you'd better be prepared to face the consequences."

Dhvani looked down, her face burning with embarrassment. She knew she had been caught, and she couldn't deny it. "I...I just wanted to have a little fun," she said.

"Little fun, huh?" Daksh smirked.

"Bhai! Bhabhi!" Tara's voice broke their moment and both looked at Tara. She was frozen in her place "Oh my! Sorry guys! I didn't knew you were busy–never mind I'll tell mom that you are busy" She said and turned to leave.

"Wait Tara, it's not like that" Dhvani said as she rushed to her side thankful for the unintentional rescue.

"I was coming downstairs only! Let's go" Dhvani said smiling.

Daksh stood there glaring at her "Sach mein shakal se bholi hai lekin lomdi hai"

── .✦

𝐃𝐇𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐈 𐙚

As I walked downstairs with Tara, as we reached the hallway, Tara turned to me and said, "I would have helped you, but I have to go to university."

I smiled and waved her off. "It's fine, Tara. You go ahead."

I couldn't help but think about the daunting task ahead of me. It's not even a real marriage, and I have to do the first rasoi. It's a lot of pressure. Just then, Daksh appeared behind us, ready to head out for the office. Tara said her goodbyes and left, leaving just Daksh and me in the hallway.

I turned to Daksh and said, "Mr. Kashyap, aap kaha ja rhe hai?" Stopping him in his tracks.

(Where are you going?)

Daksh turned to me, "Office," he replied.

I folded my arms, a determined look on my face. "You're not going anywhere, and you'll help me in the kitchen."

Daksh raised an eyebrow, a hint of irritation in his voice. "What do you think about yourself? I'll listen to you, huh?"

I smiled sweetly, knowing I had him cornered. "Then I guess I should call mom now. She told me it's a custom for the husband to help his wife in the first rasoi."

Daksh's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "You're really going to play that card, aren't you?" he said

"Why not? It's a tradition, isn't it?" I said, trying to sound innocent.

Daksh took a step closer to me, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You're not going to manipulate me into doing something I don't want to do, Dhvani," he said.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he towered over me. But I refused to back down. I stood my ground, looking up at him defiantly.

"Or what?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't want to find out" He said, his voice firm.

"Hatt chachundar kahi ke! Darti nahi hu aapse!" I said pushing him away from me.

(I'm not scared of you)

What does he think? Im scared of him? Ha! Lappu sa toh hai khudko cool samjhta hai.

"What did you said? Chachundar?"

"Haa chachundar!" I repeat.

Just as the tension between Daksh and me was about to boil over, we heard the sound of footsteps coming from the living room. Daksh's mom, Mrs. Kashyap, walked into the hallway, a stern expression on her face.

"Daksh, what's going on here?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene before her.

Daksh hesitated, clearly not wanting to admit that he was trying to get out of helping me in the kitchen.

"Mom, I was just trying to help her but she's saying that I should head to the office instead," he said, trying to sound innocent.

Hawww!!! Jhootha kahi ka! I glared at him in disbelief.

(Liar)

"You're not going anywhere, Daksh," she said. "Today is Dhvani's first rasoi, and you're going to help her. Dhvani let him help you."

I couldn't help but smirk as Daksh's face fell. Ha! I thought to myself. You're not getting out of this that easily, Daksh. Mom turned to me and smiled. "Dhvani, beta, don't worry. Daksh will help you with everything."

I smiled back at her. "Thank you, mom" I said.

Daksh, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode. He glared at me, his eyes flashing with anger. But I just smiled sweetly at him, knowing that I had won this small battle

As mom left Daksh said "Fine! I'll help you with the cooking. So what are we going to cook?"

Offo!

What are we gonna cook? I don't know anything.

"Do you know how to cook....any dishes?" I asked.

"NO!" Daksh shook his head, his hair bobbing with motion. I raised an eyebrow, incredulous.

"What's the point of having you here if you can't even cook??" I said trying to hide my growing frustration.

"Ok then, BYE!" Daksh said ready to leave but I held his arm pulling "You can try to help me though" I said with a sheepish grin plastered on my face.

He raised his eyebrow flickering his gaze from my face to the held on his arm and I instantly released his arm. Why the hell you touched him Dhvani you idiot!!!

Daksh let out a deep sigh, his eyes rolling in exasperation "Fine, I'll help you," he said.

I nodded a smile spreading across my face. "We should watch YouTube, it will be easy" I suggested already pulling out my phone.

"Huh? YouTube? that's for kids! I'll show you my cooking skills today" Daksh said with a smirk.

"But you just said-" 

"Shut up and do as I say!" he said cutting me off in between.

── .✦

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𐙚

Daksh confidently rolled up his shirt's sleeves, a hint of determination in his eyes. He began grabbing various utensils and ingredients, his ,movements swift and assured. Dhvani stood frozen, her eyes wide with surprise, as she watched him chop vegetables with ease. 

"Ye sach mein ek company ka CEO hai ya dhabewala? aise lag raha hai roj karta ho" she thought to herself.

"I Know I'm looking damn attractive but aise putla banke khadi mat raho, Kuch help toh karo" Daksh said, turning around to face Dhvani.

(Don't stand there like a statue, come and help me)

Dhvani's thoughts snapped back into focus, and she nodded, still looking a bit bewildered. "Self obsessed kahi ka" she muttered before asking "What should I do?", her voice hesitannt. Daksh sighed before replying "Open that cabinet and take out the rice"

Dhvani moved to obey, her movements a bit stiff as she opened the cabinet and retrieved the rice. Daksh instructed her to wash it and put it in the cooker. As Dhvani followed his instructions, Daksh continued to chop vegetables, Despite his earlier confidence, Dhvani couldn't help but wonder if he really knew what he was doing. Only time would tell.

A few minutes passed, and Dhvani carefully placed the cooker on the stove, waiting for the rice to cook. Meanwhile, Daksh was on a mission to find aata, but his search was in vain. He headed out of the kitchen to ask house help for assistance.

Dhvani walked around the stove, checking on the cooker periodically. As the whistles ble she waited patiently. Three whistles had passed, and she was starting to get a bit anxious. Daksh walked back into kitchen, a look of concern on his face. 

"Daksh, 10 seeti kaafi hai na chawal ke liye? Ya aur lagengi?" 

(Daksh, are 10 whistles enough for cooking rice? or it needs more?)

Daksh's eyes widened in horror. "Meri maa humein chawal pakana hai, kitchen udana nahi"

(we want to cook rice, not to blow up the kitchen!)

"How many whistles have gone off so far?" 

"Three whistles have gone off....this one is fourth" Dhvani replied.

Daksh immediately sprang into action, turning off the gas with a swift motion. He let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God I'm helping you, otherwise you would have blown up the kitchen for sure"

Dhvani glared at him, her eyes flashing annoyance. She mimicked him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, thank God you're here to save me from myself."

"I didn't know you were this much dumb," Daksh said with a chuckle.

Dhvani's face turned red with anger, and she took astep forward, her hands on her hips. "EXCUSE ME?" 

Daksh held up his hands,a mock innocent expression on his face. "What? I'm just stating the obvious."

Dhvani's eyes narrowed and she looked like she was about to explode. But then, something seemed to snap inside her, and she let out a laugh. "You know what? You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I did need your help after all."

Daksh's smirk faltered, and he looked at her in surprise. "Really?" he said.

"Yeah, REALLY!" Dhvani nodded, a small smile still playing on her lips. 

The tension between them seemed to dissipate, and they stood there for a moment, looking at each other. Then Daksh nodded and turned back "Okay, let's get back to cooking."

-

As they stood in the kitchen, the aroma of dal and shahi paneer wafted through the air, a testament to their unlikely collaboration. But the real challenge lay ahead: making roti.

"I've made roti once, I know how to do this," Dhvani said.

But Daksh shook his head, a skeptical expression on his face. "I can't trust you, and I don't have more time to waste, okay? I'll do it faster. You just watch."

Dhvani shrugged her shoulders and leaned against the counter, watching Daksh.

Daksh took the flour and added water, but it was clear he had no idea what he was doing. The dough was too dry, so he added more water, but it quickly became too watery.

Dhvani burst out laughing, and Daksh looked up, a sheepish grin on his face. "Hey, I did it on purpose. Look, the amount of roti we're going to make will be less, but now I'll just add more flour."

Dhvani nodded, still chuckling, and continued to watch Daksh's antics.

But Daksh only seemed to get more and more flustered, adding too much water, then too much flour. The kitchen quickly became a mess, with flour covering every surface of the counter.

After a solid 15 minutes of struggling, Daksh finally threw up his hands in defeat, looking at Dhvani with a sheepish expression.

Dhvani glared at him, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Hogya? Karwali bezzati?? Agya swad? Padh gayi kaleje mai thand?"

(Are you done? Have you had enough of embarrassing yourself? Is your heart satisfied now?)

Daksh looked down, his face reddening with embarrassment. "Shut up," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

"I think it's time I took over," she said, pushing Daksh aside and taking control of the dough.

Dhvani took over, her hands moving deftly as she expertly kneaded the dough.

Daksh watched as she shaped the dough into perfect round balls. "I don't want to admit it—you're actually good at this, " Daksh said.

Dhvani smirked "Of course. I am."

── .✦

The dining table was set, Daksh's family gathered around the table, their faces filled with excitement.

Daksh's mom took her seat. His dad, a warm smile on his face, sat to her right. Aditya, Daksh's younger brother, bounced into his seat.

Dhvani and Daksh, the newlywed couple, stood at the entrance of the dining room. They exchanged a nervous glance, before Dhvani took a deep breath and announced, "Lunch is served!"

The family applauded, and Daksh's mom gestured for them to take their seats. Dhvani and Daksh sat down

The table was filled with the delicious aromas of the lunch they had prepared together. There was the tender dal, the flavorful shahi paneer, and the perfectly cooked rotis.

Daksh's dad, took a bite and closed his eyes in appreciation. "Mmm, this is delicious!" he exclaimed.

Aditya, who had been waiting impatiently, dug into the shahi paneer with gusto. "Wow, this is amazing!" he said, his mouth full.

Daksh's mom smiled,"I'm so glad you all are enjoying the meal. Dhvani and Daksh have worked hard to prepare it."

As the lunch drew to a close, Daksh leaned back in his chair, a sly grin spreading across his face. He caught Dhvani's eye and mouthed, "You owe me one,"

Dhvani's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing as she glared at Daksh. She thought to herself, "Just you wait, I'll get my revenge later."

──★ ˙🎀 ̟ !!

𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!