As Gauri stirred the pot, a strand of hair slipped across her face. She tried brushing it away, but it kept returning, stubborn and distracting. Before she could attempt again, Vihaan stepped closer, his hand lifting gently. His fingers brushed her cheek as he tucked the strand behind her ear.
The lightest touch sent a spark coursing through both of them. Gauri's eyes flicked up to his, meeting his gaze head-on. For a long moment, neither looked away. The kitchen grew quiet, charged with a tension that neither dared to name.
Vihaan's hand lingered a heartbeat longer than it should have, tracing the curve of her ear before he finally withdrew, his jaw tight. He stepped back abruptly, but the faint flush coloring his cheeks betrayed him.
Gauri tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Why are your cheeks red?" she asked softly.
Vihaan stammered, muttering incoherently under his breath, before turning on his heel and making a hasty retreat from the kitchen.
Gauri watched him go, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. She was left wondering what exactly had just passed between them, though her heart already carried its own suspicions.
Later, the Kotharis gathered at the dining table. Gauri served the food with a quiet smile, her movements graceful. Plates filled, aromas wafted, but the mood shifted the moment Veena's stern gaze fell on the dish.
"I won't eat food prepared by you," Veena declared coldly. "I'll have fruits instead."
The room froze, unease tightening the air. Yug and Raani exchanged worried glances, while Urvashi and Shyom lowered their eyes, tensed at Veena's words.
Gauri's expression remained composed, though her eyes flickered with a flash of hurt. She set the serving spoon down and looked directly at Veena. "Why are you so afraid to taste my dish? Is it really that terrifying to admit it might be delicious?"
Gasps filled the room as Veena's mouth opened, ready to unleash a sharp rebuke—but before a word escaped, Gauri lifted a morsel and placed it straight into Veena's mouth.
The family froze in shock. Yug and Raani couldn't hold back their giggles, while Urvashi and Shyom allowed themselves the smallest of smiles. Dadi, ever the wise observer, lifted her hand subtly, signaling Veena not to react.
Across the table, Vihaan's eyes hardened. He first glared at his mother, then at Gauri, torn between disapproval and a storm of emotions he couldn't yet name.
As Gauri served the food to the family, eager hands reached forward, and soon the dining room filled with delighted murmurs.
"This is amazing, Gauri beta!" Shyom exclaimed, his face lighting up with genuine praise.
Yug and Raani exchanged a mischievous glance. Yug leaned forward with a grin. "Vihaan bhaiya, you have to try this. It's incredible!"
"Yes, Bhaiya," Raani chimed in sweetly. "Come on, you can't miss it!"
Gauri's eyes sought Vihaan's across the table, a subtle smile tugging at her lips. "I made the kheer especially for you," she said softly, offering the bowl. As their hands brushed, the touch lingered just long enough to draw curious glances from around the table.
Vihaan accepted the bowl, his eyes fixed on her with quiet intensity. He took a spoonful of the kheer and, the moment the taste hit his tongue, his expression shifted ever so slightly. It was salty—shockingly so. But in front of his family, he schooled his features into calm neutrality.
"How's the kheer, beta?" Dadi asked warmly, watching him closely.
Vihaan raised his hand in a small gesture. "Delicious," he replied, his tone smooth.
But as he forced himself to swallow, the saltiness caught him off guard, and he coughed, reaching quickly for his water glass.
Gauri's lips curved into a sly smile, a barely contained chuckle escaping her. The twinkle in her eyes betrayed her amusement.
Vihaan glanced at her from across the rim of his glass, his gaze sharp, as if to say, You did this on purpose.
Her smile only deepened. She looked away, feigning innocence, though her shoulders shook slightly with suppressed laughter.
Yug and Raani seized the moment, their mischief in full swing. "Bhaiya, don't stop now! Finish the whole bowl!" Yug urged, grinning.
"Yes!" Raani echoed with playful glee. "Not a single bite left!"
The entire family watched with a mix of curiosity and suppressed amusement.
Vihaan's jaw tightened, his pride refusing to let him back down. His eyes flicked once more to Gauri, who met his stare with a challenge written plainly across her smile.
Without a word, he picked up the spoon again and began eating, bite after salty bite. His composure never faltered, but his glare promised Gauri retribution later.
By the time the bowl was empty, Gauri's smile had blossomed into quiet triumph.
This is only the beginning, Vihaan Kothari, she thought, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. I'll make sure you realize exactly who you've married.