6. PEHLI RASOI
Vivan had already come down, sharp in his suit, his expression cold as ever. He took his place at, scrolling through his phone as though nothing around him mattered.
Just then, Aarvi entered , her saree neatly draped. Pragya's face lit up when she saw her.
"Aarvi beta," she said warmly, "aaj tumhari pehli rasoi hai. It's our tradition, the new bride makes her first dish. Toh jo tumhe pasand ho vo tum bana sakti ho."
"Ji, Maa." she nodded in agreement.
After a brief thought, she decided on kheer. The personal chefs prepared the rest of the breakfast, while Aarvi prepared the dish.
By the time she returned to the table, the family had gathered. Aarvi was about to sit beside Pragya, but before she could, Prisha grinned mischievously.
"Aarvi bhabhi," she said, tugging her hand, "sit here, beside bhai." And before Aarvi could refuse, Prisha made her sit right next to Vivan.
Vivan stiffened immediately, his jaw tightening. "Prisha!" he snapped, his voice sharp as a whip. "Stop your childish games."
Prisha raised her hands in mock defense, still giggling. "Arre bhai, what's the problem? She's your wife, not a stranger."
Vivan glared at her, but Pragya quickly interrupted to keep the atmosphere light. The dishes were served, and soon everyone began to eat.
After the first few bites, Pragya turned to the family. "Toh? Kaisa bana hai aaj ka khana
Compliments poured in one by one. Vinod praising the sweetness, Prisha claiming she wanted a second serving, even the younger ones nodding in approval.
Everyone... except Vivan.
He sat in silence, his fork scraping lightly against the plate. He knew this taste. It wasn't his mother's cooking, he could always tell that. Nor did it resemble the chef's usual dishes. Yet he didn't said anything.
"Aur Vivan?" Pragya's soft voice cut into his thoughts. "Tumhe kaisi lagi kheer?"
Without looking up, he replied curtly, "It's good." His tone was cold.
Pragya smiled proudly. "Yeh Aarvi ne banayi hai."
The moment those words left her lips, something in Vivan snapped. His hand froze midway, and then slowly, he turned his head towards Aarvi. His eyes burned with rage, piercing straight into her lowered ones.
"I am done," Vivan said flatly after hearing that Aarvi had made it.
The calmness in his voice carried something sharper than anger. Even the younger ones, who always joked around, fell silent, a flicker of unease crossing their faces.
Aarvi's hands tightened in her lap beneath the table. She didn't lift her gaze, her lashes hiding the storm of emotions in her eyes. Not a word left her lips.
Pragya's smile faltered, her spoon pausing midway as she exchanged a quick glance with Vinod. He shifted in his seat, his jaw tightening, as if holding himself back from saying anything that might fuel Vivan's temper further.
The entire table went quiet, waiting for someone to break the heavy silence that had settled.
"Enough of your drama, Vivan!" Vinod's voice finally thundered across the room, heavy with both exhaustion and authority.
"We have been bearing you since last night.
We know whatever is happening with you is wrong, but that doesn't mean you will do whatever you want!
Aarvi is also going through the same storm, but did she ever protest? Did she ever complain-"
"I know!" Vivan cut him off, his voice rising, raw and unsteady.
His fists slammed against the armrest of the chair as he stood, eyes burning.
"That's exactly what I'm saying, Papa! Why didn't she complain?
My whole world turned upside down when I heard you discussing my marriage.
.. but she-" pointing a finger in Aarvi's direction, his voice cracking with frustration, "she didn't even flinch!
Not a single tear, not even a hint of fear! How is that even possible?"
The words echoed, sharp and bitter, filling the room with a suffocating silence.
"It's not what you are thinking," Aarvi's quiet but firm interruption startled everyone. Her tone was calm that made Vivan snap his head toward her.
She looked at him, her eyes glistening but steady. "I also didn't want it eith-"
"VIVAN!"
The sudden loud voice echoed in the hall.
Vivan's entire body stiffened. His breath caught in his throat, his gaze frozen toward the direction of the call. For the first time since last night, he looked shaken, truly shaken. His anger, his arguments, his defenses, all halted in an instant.
That voice. He knew it. Too well.
And it left him utterly shocked.