Chapter 65
Kabir's Perspective
The kitchen was alive with activity. The smell of cardamom and cinnamon swirled in the air, mingling with the laughter of my mom and Chachi as they busied themselves with the final touches on the chai and snacks. The soft clang of utensils and the hiss of the boiling milk formed the background music for the easy conversation flowing between us.
"Are the samosas ready yet, Kabir?" Chachi teased, her eyes twinkling as she stirred the boiling pot of chai.
I smiled, rolling my sleeves up a bit further. "Almost, Chachi! Just give me a minute. I think Raghav's been sneaking a few while my back's turned."
Raghav, standing next to me, let out a laugh, but it was the guilty kind. He grinned sheepishly, his eyes flicking to the small plate of already-fried samosas on the counter beside me. "Can't help it, Kabir! You make them too good."
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, turning back to the stove to flip the remaining samosas over in the oil. The golden brown edges sizzled, and I could feel the slight tension of the day start to loosen. Having Raghav in the kitchen was definitely more for moral support than for helping, but I knew exactly why he was here—Arushi.
Ever since Aditi's cousin Arushi had entered the picture, Raghav couldn't stop talking about her. And though they tried to be discreet, it was pretty obvious to everyone that Raghav was more than just casually interested.
"Why don't you take some chai and samosas to Arushi before she starts wondering why you're helping me instead of her?" I suggested, raising an eyebrow at him.
Raghav shot me a mock glare. "I'll have you know, I'm here because your mom asked for my help."
"Sure, sure," I said with a chuckle, rolling my eyes. "Don't burn your fingers, lover boy."
He swatted my shoulder, but his grin said it all.
I glanced down at the kurta I was wearing—a deep green, with delicate gold embroidery around the collar and sleeves. I had chosen it specifically for today because it matched the saree I had gifted Aditi a few weeks ago. She had loved it when I gave it to her, but I wasn't sure if she'd actually wear it today.
Mom's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Kabir beta, can you taste the chutney? Is it spicy enough?"
I picked up a spoon, dipped it into the bowl of green chutney, and tasted it. The perfect blend of coriander, mint, and green chilies danced on my tongue. "Perfect, Mom. But you know dad's going to ask for more spice."
She laughed softly, wiping her hands on her apron. "I know. He always does." Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, "Speaking of impressing someone... Do you think Aditi will notice your kurta?"
I froze for a second, a grin spreading across my face. "I don't know. Maybe," I said, trying to sound casual, even though my mind was racing.
"Maybe?" Chachi, who had been quietly preparing the sweets, chimed in with a knowing smile. "Oh, she's definitely going to notice, Kabir. Just wait until she walks in."
I chuckled, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Today was a big day—our families were getting together to finalize our wedding date. Everything felt so surreal, like all the pieces were finally falling into place. I hoped Aditi would notice the kurta, but more importantly, I hoped she felt as excited about today as I did.
Before I could dwell on it any further, the doorbell rang, followed by a sudden thundering of footsteps from the hallway. Arjun, my twelve-year-old cousin, came racing down the corridor like a storm.
"I got it! I got it!" he shouted, nearly tripping over his feet as he reached the front door.
I turned off the stove and wiped my hands, knowing full well who would be arriving.
Sure enough, the door swung open, and in burst Anaya, Aditi's younger sister, all energy and excitement. She launched herself at Arjun, knocking him to the ground with a thud. Both of them went down in a tangle of limbs, laughing uncontrollably.
"Anaya!" Arjun groaned as he stood up, brushing himself off. "What was that for?"
Anaya grinned mischievously. "Oops, sorry! I thought you were jiju!"
I laughed as I walked into the hallway, just in time to see Arjun rubbing his elbow and saying, "No worries. Are you okay, though?"
Anaya shook her head playfully. "Nope! I'm totally fine."
She then spotted me and ran over, jumping into my arms. "Jiju, you know Didi's wearing the same green saree that you gave her!"
My heart skipped a beat. That saree—I'd picked it out for her thinking she'd look stunning in it, but I hadn't expected her to wear it today of all days. And now, hearing that she had chosen to, I couldn't help the wave of happiness that washed over me.
"Is she now?" I said, smiling as I set Anaya back down. "Good taste, right?"
She nodded vigorously, her eyes wide with excitement. "Yes! She looks so pretty, Jiju!"
I chuckled, feeling a surge of pride and affection, but before I could say anything more, Arjun chimed in, "Where's Uncle and Aunty, though? I thought they'd be here too."
I glanced towards the door just as Raghav, who had conveniently reappeared, threw in his two cents. "And wasn't Arushi supposed to come with them?"
But before anyone could respond, the door opened again, and Aditi's mom stepped in, looking elegant as ever. The warmth in her eyes spoke volumes as she greeted us with a gentle smile. Anaya, still clinging to me, jumped up and down, waving excitedly.
I gently put Anaya down and moved toward Aditi's mom, bowing slightly to touch her feet, as did Arjun beside me. "Namaste, Aunty," I said, my voice full of respect.
She smiled, patting my head affectionately. "Namaste, beta." Her gaze then softened as she looked at Anaya. "And look at this one—already attached to her jiju, huh?"
Anaya giggled, and then Aditi's mom's attention shifted towards the doorway. And there she was—Aditi.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The deep green saree shimmered in the light, and I could see the intricate beadwork that sparkled along the edges. The same saree I had chosen for her, and as if it were made for her, it clung to her perfectly, the soft fabric accentuating her graceful frame. My heart raced.
Anaya must have noticed because she let out an exaggerated sigh. "Jiju, why do you always open your mouth like that when you see Didi? Makhi ghuss jaygi!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and I felt my face grow warm as I quickly shut my mouth. Raghav, never one to miss an opportunity, smirked and added, "Kabir, you better be careful. We wouldn't want any flies to ruin this perfect day."
I shot him a playful glare, but before I could respond, Arjun jumped forward and hugged Aditi tightly. "Hello, bhabhi ji!"
Chachi, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh. "Arjun, don't forget—bhabhi maa saman hoti hai. Touch her feet first."
He made a face but was about to bend down when Aditi stopped him, pulling him into a hug instead. "No way! Arjun and I are best friends, right?" She looked at him, and he nodded eagerly.
As she stepped forward, moving to touch my mom's feet, my mother quickly pulled her into an embrace instead. "Betiyaan pair nahi chhuti, Aditi," she said, her voice soft with affection. "Welcome, my dear."
Aditi smiled warmly and hugged her back. "Thank you, Aunty," she whispered.
My mom stepped back slightly, her eyes catching the pendant that hung around Aditi's neck. Her expression softened even more as she looked closely. "This pendant... Your mother used to wear this, didn't she?"
Aditi's eyes grew misty, and she nodded slowly. My mom leaned forward and hugged her tightly again. "Don't get emotional, beta. What would your mother say? 'Meri beti aapke ghar basi bhi nahi, aur maine use rula diya!'" she teased gently.
Aditi shook her head, smiling through the emotion as my mom kissed her on the forehead.
Chachi, not to be left out, pulled Aditi into a hug of her own, followed by my dad and Chachu. When Aditi tried to touch my dad's feet, he stopped her, grinning. "Arre nahi beta, main upar pahunchunga toh apne dost ko kya muh dikhaunga? Uski hi nahi tum meri bhi beti bankar aai ho" Everyone chuckled as the formalities began to dissolve into the easygoing family atmosphere that always filled our home.