Gauri entered the kitchen, her eyes scanning the space where Veena and Urvashi were busy preparing breakfast.
She walked directly to Urvashi and bent down, touching her feet with respect.
"Chachi Ma, I want to seek your blessings."
Urvashi's face softened into a smile as she placed her hand gently on Gauri's head.
"Stay blessed, Gauri. May your new life bring you courage and happiness."
Gauri smiled gratefully, her posture graceful as she straightened.
Veena stood at the stove, arms folded, watching everything in silence. Not once did Gauri glance in her direction, nor did she attempt to seek her touch. The air between them grew heavy, the unspoken tension sharp and cutting.
Urvashi, sensing the chill, quickly said, "Gauri, there is a tradition. A new bride must cook for the family. Today at lunch, you'll prepare something special. Don't worry, I'll be here to guide you."
"Yes, Chachi Ma," Gauri replied softly, keeping her tone calm and steady.
Veena turned back to the stove, her lips pressed into a thin line. She thinks she can ignore me? Let's see how long she lasts in this house, she thought bitterly.
Urvashi smiled warmly, her voice carrying a softness that eased the tension.
"Gauri, as a newly married wife, there's a tradition you need to follow. You have to cook for the family today. It's a ritual for newlywed brides, and you're expected to prepare something special for lunch."
She nodded, encouraging. "Yes, dear, it's a lovely custom. Don't worry, we'll guide you through it."
Gauri listened intently, her mind already racing with ideas and possibilities.
Just then, Veena's voice cut through the air, sharp and bitter. "It feels suffocating to be in the same space with some people," she said, her eyes darting toward Gauri before she turned and stormed out of the kitchen.
The silence that followed was heavy, but Urvashi quickly stepped closer, laying a gentle hand on Gauri's arm. "Don't take her words to heart, beta. Veena is just angry… otherwise, she is a very loving woman."
Her tone was soothing, but Gauri could see the unease in her eyes.
Urvashi gave her a reassuring smile before moving toward the doorway. "Now, go ahead and cook the best dish you can. Everyone will be waiting."
She left the kitchen, leaving Gauri alone amidst the vessels and spices, her heart pounding with a mix of defiance and determination.
Yug strolled into the kitchen, sniffing the air dramatically. "Ah, the aroma of something sweet," he announced with a grin. "It seems Bhabhi is going to treat us with her magical hands today."
Gauri smiled faintly. "I just hope you'll all like it."
Yug puffed out his chest. "Like it? Don't worry, Bhabhi. I'm the true master chef of this house. My parathas are so famous, neighbors still ask for the recipe. When I cook, even five-star hotels shut down in shame!"
Gauri let out a small laugh. "Then maybe you should help me."
"Of course," Yug replied, pretending to tie an apron around his waist. "Chef Yug at your service!"
Just then, he noticed Vihaan standing at the kitchen entrance, silently observing. Yug froze for a moment, then smirked knowingly. Without saying a word, he quietly slipped out of the kitchen, leaving Gauri completely unaware of his exit.
Still focused on the dish, Gauri began instructing absentmindedly. "Pass me the ghee… now the spices… a pinch of salt."
This time, it was Vihaan who stepped forward, wordlessly handing her everything she asked for. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he complied with her unintentional orders.
"Now the onions… finely chopped, please," she added briskly.
Vihaan raised a brow but took the knife and chopped them neatly, placing them beside her.
When Gauri finally glanced up, she froze, her eyes widening at the sight of him. Vihaan's lips curved into the faintest smile, his expression unreadable but laced with quiet amusement.
Her breath hitched at the sudden realization, while he simply continued watching her in silence, as if enjoying the moment far more than he let on.
Her eyes widen in surprise, and she takes a step back, her face flushing slightly.
"Oh, I… I didn't realize it was you. But Yug was here a while ago… where did he go?" she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vihaan's expression remains calm, but his eyes sparkle with mirth.
"I gathered that, after he left," he says dryly, his hands still holding the utensils.
Gauri's eyes narrow slightly as she asks, "What are you doing in the kitchen?"
Vihaan's expression turns serious. "I was suspecting you. You were too sweet, following my words without arguing. It didn't seem like you."
Gauri's smile grows, and she takes a step closer to him, her voice teasing, "Oh, are you scared that I might do something?"
Vihaan doesn't answer, only watching her, his eyes sharp with suspicion.
Turning back to the stove, Gauri stirs the pot, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. Under her breath, barely audible, she whispers to herself, "You thought right by suspecting me."
Vihaan's brows knit together. "Did you… say something?"
Gauri glances at him over her shoulder, her expression innocent. "Did you hear anything?"
He studies her for a moment, then mutters, "No," though his suspicion only deepens