The evening had wrapped the grand Rajput mansion in a warm golden glow. The family was gathered in the lush lawn, each holding their comfort drink-some sipping coffee, others content with tea. The air was alive with gentle laughter as the two kids played gleefully with their grandparents.
Advik, Aadarsh's son, giggled uncontrollably as his elder brother Aarav tickled him lightly, their joy echoing in the garden.
A sleek car came to a halt at the entrance of the mansion. It was Shashi's. Abhishek stepped out from one side, while Shashi emerged from the other. She disappeared into the house, only to return about thirty minutes later through the garden entrance. Her hair, wet and cascading in waves down to her waist, glistened under the golden lights. As usual, she was in her comfort attire-an oversized tee and joggers.
She walked barefoot towards the lounging family, but just as she neared the couches, she yelped, "Aai ga!" as her foot collided with the edge of the wooden table. Everyone turned to look at her; her eyes were squeezed shut in pain.
"Kya hua?" Aadarsh asked, concern lacing his tone.
"Ruk nahi," she muttered, hobbling slightly before settling herself between Aadarsh and Aakash.
"Achoo!" she sneezed.
"Teko sardi hai kya?" Aadarsh quipped.
", nahi... bas baal gile hain na, isiliye," she explained.
"Tere baal pehle se kaafi lambe ho gaye hain, bro... tu patli bhi ho gayi hai," teased aadarsh
"Maine kuch nahi kiya yaar," she chuckled. "Yeh bhagwaan ko meri kismat se kuch dushmani hai. Dengue ho gaya tha semester ke beech... khud ka dhyan kya hi rakhti. Padhna manage karna mushkil ho raha tha."
"Teri lunch skip karne wali aadat gayi ya ab bhi wahi hai?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Time mile toh lunch karu na," she replied dryly. "Aaj ka hi example le lo - time hi nahi mila."
"Matlab aaj lunch nahi kiya apne ?" Aakash asked.
She shook her head. "Breakfast bohot zyada kiya tha maine," she said.
"Ek paratha aur coffee zyada hota hai, doctor?" Aakash asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Bro, shukar mana ab nashta toh karti hai... pehle toh woh bhi nahi karti thi," Aadarsh added.
"Vo toh mumma ki daant nahi khani padti isiliye khana padta hai," Shashi grinned.
"Chalo, doctor sahiba, kuch khalo phir. Aapne lunch nahi kiya tha," Aakash said, rising from his seat.
"Let it be, Aakash. I'm fine," she waved it off.
"You have two options," he said sternly. "Either you come with me, or I'll carry you to the kitchen myself."
"Hmph... fine, I'm coming," she huffed, following him inside.
In the mansion's spacious kitchen, Aakash glanced at her. "Don't lie. You're starving. I can see it on your face."
"I was. Really starving," she admitted.
"So, what shall we make?" he asked, opening the pantry.
"Maggie. It's the only thing that cooks faster than my hunger can kill me," she declared.
"With veggies or not?"
"Veggies," she confirmed.
As she stood by the slab, he pulled out a pan and began chopping the vegetables with practiced ease. Shashi watched him quietly, admiration swimming in her eyes. Their gazes met, but she didn't look away. He stepped closer, his hands resting lightly on each side of her waist before gently lifting her and making her sit on the counter. Her breath hitched, and her eyes widened.
"I won't cross my limits, sweetheart," he murmured in a husky voice.
She blinked rapidly, trying to calm the flutter in her chest.
As he stirred the noodles, she sneakily dipped her finger into the masala packet and licked it, delight lighting up her face.
"Doctor, tum yeh kya kar rahi ho?" he asked, amused.
"Masale ke nashe," she replied cheekily.
"What?!"
"You should try it-it's tasty!" she offered.
"Bacha, don't eat it raw! It's supposed to go in the noodles!"
"Have you never eaten raw Maggie masala? It's a whole mood," she said with a playful smirk.
"Damn, baby, you're crazy sometimes," he chuckled.
"Tell me something I don't know," she winked.
"What will you drink with this?" he asked.
"We can't have beer at 5 in the evening..." she joked, tapping her chin.
"Cold coffee?"
"Great choice, Mr. Rajput!" she said, clapping her hands.
Later, they sat on the massive dining table, side by side. The bowl of Maggie was steaming in front of them as Aakash returned from the kitchen with two tall glasses of cold coffee. He took a fork and fed her the first bite.
She rolled her eyes but melted into the flavor. "It's finger-lickin' tasty, Mr. Rajput."
"Then eat more, Ms. Rajput," he grinned, feeding her another bite.
"No, you eat now."
"I'm not the one starving."
"Oh, come on. Let me feed you," she said, offering him a forkful.
After finishing, they returned to the living room where the family was gathered. Shashi played with Advik, kissing his cheeks with every giggle of his. Aakash watched the sweet moment from a couch across, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"Wish those were my cheeks," he murmured under his breath.
To his dismay, Aadarsh, sitting right beside him, heard it.
"Tera bhi time aayega, patience rakh," he whispered back, making Aakash's eyes widen.
"Aadi, he's so cute, yaar!" Shashi cooed, cuddling Advik.
"Aakhir beta kiska hai," Aadarsh said proudly.
"Tu khud ko cute mat samajh, rakshason ki prajati ka mukhya hai tu," Shashi teased, making everyone laugh.
"Mera bhanja apni maa pe gaya hai," she added with a grin.
"Ye toh sahi bola Shashi ne," said Abhiraj, chuckling.
"Papa, yaar!" Aadarsh whined in mock defeat.
In their room that night:
Aakash and Shashi lay asleep, tangled in each other like intertwined vines. Shashi's face was buried in his chest, her arms wrapped around his torso, legs entangled with his. She slept peacefully, her breath soft and even, a tiny pout on her lips.
Aakash fluttered his lashes open as he felt her tighten her hold. He looked down at her, snuggled into him like a little panda, and smiled wide, his heart full.
-Aakash's POV-
"Din mein ek khatarnaak sherni aur raat mein mera pyaara panda ban jaati ho tum," I whispered, brushing my index finger gently across her soft cheek. "My teddy... why are you so cute, baby?"
I never thought God would be on my side when it came to you.
I never believed in love, but you-my faith had no choice.
I swear, baby, I'll never let that adorable pout turn into a frown again.
I feel like kicking my idiot brother for the pain he gave you... for disappearing from your life. I know you're still angry with him, my sherni... but if he's ready to explain, please let him.
I kissed her gently on her crown and closed my eyes again, drifting off in her warmth.
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~1142 words
Hey lovelies
Hope you all liked the chapter and the unstoppable insult of aadarsh 🤭
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