70
The clock struck nine, and the dining table was finally cleared. Plates stacked, bowls covered, the faint aroma of dal and jeera rice still lingered in the air. Everyone drifted toward the living room with a satisfied heaviness that only came after a good homecooked dinner.
Jaya clapped her hands together, her eyes twinkling. "Chalo, no more heavy discussions. Let's play cards."
Vedant immediately perked up. "Yes! Now this is what I was waiting for."
Vihaan, half slouched on the couch, groaned. "You only like it because you cheat."
"Excuse me," Vedant shot back with mock offense. "It's called strategy, dada."
Everyone chuckled, the atmosphere instantly light. Even Geeta, who had been surprisingly mellow all evening, joined in with a small laugh.
They settled around the low table in the living room. A pack of cards was fetched, shuffled by Mahesh with practiced fingers. "Teen patti?" he suggested.
"Yes!" Vedant said. "Winner gets the last piece of gulab jamun."
"Arre, that's mine," Jaya protested, laughing.
"No, no, it'll be mine," Vedant teased, winking.
Vaani sat cross-legged on the carpet, Dhruv settling beside her without hesitation.
He had barely left her side all evening, his presence like a quiet shield.
Whenever someone tried to draw her into an uncomfortable corner conversation, he somehow redirected things effortlessly.
It wasn't obvious, but Vaani noticed. And appreciated it.
The game began, laughter and groans filling the room.
"Show, Vedant," Vihaan said, suspicion in his voice.
Vedant grinned wide. "Not yet, bhai. Let me have some more fun."
Ramesh shook his head. "Bas kar. I know that grin. He's bluffing."
Vaani peeked at her cards and sighed dramatically. "Why am I always the unlucky one?"
"Because you talk too much," Dhruv murmured dryly, not even looking up from his cards.
Her mouth dropped open, and she elbowed him lightly. "That doesn't even make sense."
He didn't react much, but there was the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips.
The game stretched on till past ten, filled with playful accusations, stolen wins, and Vedant's dramatic reactions every time he lost. By 10:30, everyone was yawning.
"Bas," Jaya said, pushing the cards away. "Time to sleep now. I'll go set the rooms."
Before she could stand, Vaani jumped up. "No, Maa, I'll do it."
"I'll help," Dhruv added, rising without hesitation.
They went upstairs together, arms carrying folded sheets and extra blankets. Vaani entered the guest room meant for her parents, smoothing the bed with quick hands.
"Fold the corners properly, Dhruv," she teased, watching him wrestle with the thick duvet.
He gave her a flat look. "I'm not a hotel staff."
"But you could be," she shot back, grinning. "Imagine you in a bellboy uniform—'Yes, ma'am, your towel.'"
"Vaani," he said in warning, though the weight of it was undone by the tiny shake of his head.
She laughed quietly. "Okay, okay. I'll do the corners."
He stepped back, arms crossed, watching her fuss over the bed until it looked perfect. "Satisfied?" he asked.
"Very," she replied smugly, before moving on to the next room where Vedant and Vihaan would sleep. She tossed a pillow at him as he walked in behind her.
He caught it easily, raising an eyebrow. "Is this how you thank your helper?"
"Arre, what helper? You're standing there like a manager. Do some actual work."
He said nothing, but this time he bent and started tucking in the sheets without comment. His movements were neat, methodical, while she hummed some random tune under her breath.
When they were done, she exhaled. "Perfect. Now the boys better not mess this up in two minutes."
"They will," Dhruv said plainly.
She rolled her eyes. "You're so pessimistic."
"Realistic," he corrected, switching off the light as they stepped out.
By the time they came downstairs, everyone was preparing to head to bed. There was a chorus of "goodnights," doors closing one by one, until the house fell into a hush.
Vaani lingered in the living room, glancing around almost absently. When she realized only Dhruv was still there, she turned to him. "So... what should we do?"
He leaned against the back of the sofa, his expression unreadable. "Are you sleepy?"
She shook her head. "No."
"Follow me, then," he said simply, pushing off the sofa and walking toward the front door.
Curious, she padded after him. "Where are we going?"
He opened the door quietly, the night air slipping in cool against their skin. Turning back, he gave her the faintest smile. "For a walk."
The night was still, only the hum of crickets in the distance and the occasional rustle of leaves in the mild September breeze. The neighborhood lay quiet, the glow of streetlamps painting soft halos on the road.
Dhruv and Vaani walked side by side, a comfortable silence between them, their footsteps falling in rhythm.
After a few minutes, Vaani broke it. "Aatya was nice today."
Dhruv's reply was immediate, low, and nonchalant. "Hmm."
She turned her head to look at him, eyes narrowing. "Bas? Hmm? That's all you'll say?"
He didn't look at her, hands in his pockets, gaze ahead. "What else should I say?"
Vaani pursed her lips, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Did you have something to do with it?"
That earned her a sidelong glance. His brow arched, calm but questioning. "Why do you say that?"
She shrugged, her tone playful but edged with truth. "Because I know you, Dhruv. The other day when I told you... I had to literally hold your hand tight so you didn't storm into the house and fight."
That made the corner of his mouth twitch — not quite a smile, but close. A low chuckle escaped him. "You exaggerate."
"I don't," she shot back quickly. "You were ready to barge in. Admit it."
He shook his head slightly, amused but not giving her the satisfaction of an open admission. "I just had a word with her."
Vaani slowed for half a step, blinking. "You did?"
"Yes." His voice was steady, unruffled.
She groaned softly, running a hand through her hair. "Dhruv, I told you na not to make it a big deal."
"I didn't," he countered calmly, eyes fixed ahead. "I had a conversation with her in private. No one else knows. And I said what I needed to say."
Vaani chewed on her lip. "Oh."
His tone didn't change as he continued. "I respect her for being my family. But she has no rights to say what she did. I let her know that. The relationship has only soured, not ruined. Her actions next will decide what happens next."
Vaani looked at him for a long moment, something warm spreading in her chest. The way he said it — so matter-of-fact, without theatrics, without boasting — struck her deeper than she expected. He had stood up for her quietly, firmly, and without seeking any applause.
She smiled to herself, unable to help it. Slowly, she moved closer, wrapping her arm around his as they walked. "Thank you, Dhruv."
He looked down at her briefly, then gave a small nod, as if that was enough.
For a few moments they walked in silence again, her arm still looped through his. The warmth of the gesture was not lost on him; he didn't pull away.
"So," she said after a beat, trying to lighten the air. "What exactly did you tell her?"
He glanced at her, one eyebrow rising. "Why?"
"Curiosity," she said quickly. "Also... I want to know if I should prepare myself for awkward silences next time."
He almost smiled. Almost. "Don't worry. I didn't shout."
"Hmm," she teased. "Still can't picture it. You, calmly making your point? Must've been scary."
"It worked," he said simply.
Vaani chuckled, resting her head lightly against his shoulder for a second before pulling back. "You know, if I tell Naina and Ria about this, they'll never believe me. 'Dhruv stood up for me against his aatya.' Their jaws would drop."
"Then don't tell them," he replied dryly.
"Arre, but I want credit too!"
"You got it," he said, tone so matter-of-fact it made her laugh harder.
They turned a corner, the faint smell of jasmine drifting in the night air. Vaani's steps slowed just slightly, her head tilted up to the sky. "It's so pretty na... the moon, the breeze, everything. I don't remember the last time I walked like this."
Dhruv followed her gaze briefly, then shrugged. "It's the same moon every day."
"Arre," she nudged his arm. "Don't be such a buzzkill. Just agree with me for once."
He looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Fine. Pretty."
Her eyes sparkled with triumph. "There you go. Was that so hard?"
His lips twitched again, but he didn't reply.
After a while, she said softly, "You know... when Aatya was nice today, for a second I thought maybe I imagined it all. Maybe she didn't mean it that harshly before. But then..." She trailed off.
"But then?" he prompted, voice low.
"But then you admitted it. You saw it too. So it wasn't in my head."
He didn't answer immediately. When he did, it was measured. "You don't need to doubt yourself, Vaani. Not about this. I saw it. I heard it. And I won't let it happen again."
Her throat tightened a little, emotion threatening to rise. She squeezed his arm gently. "You really mean that, don't you?"
"Yes." His reply was firm.
She looked away, blinking fast, but a smile tugged at her lips. To cover the warmth spreading in her chest, she quickly said, "You're not as scary as you think, you know. I mean, maybe to strangers, but not to me."
He tilted his head, considering her words. "Good."
She laughed softly. "Good? That's all? I give you a compliment and you give me a one-word answer?"
"That's more than usual."
"Uff, Dhruv!" She threw her free hand up dramatically. "Talking to you is like pulling teeth sometimes."
He glanced at her with a faint smirk. "Yet you keep trying."
She bit her lip, caught, then grinned. "True. I must be mad."
They walked on, banter slipping into comfortable silence again, the night air cool around them. Vaani felt lighter — freer — than she had in weeks. Somewhere between his calm words and his quiet protection, she realized she trusted him more than she thought possible.
The night air was cool, carrying a faint saltiness from the nearby bay. Streetlights flickered along the path, illuminating the quiet neighborhood. Vaani's hand brushed lightly against Dhruv's arm as they walked, and her voice, soft and teasing, broke the comfortable silence.
"You know," she said, leaning slightly closer, "I could get used to these late-night walks with you."
Dhruv glanced down at her, his expression unreadable, and said flatly, "I thought you liked having your evenings to yourself."
"I do," she replied with a grin, "but there's something different about walking beside you."
He tilted his head, studying her in the dim light. "Different how?"
Vaani laughed softly, a sound that seemed to blend with the rustle of leaves. "I don't know... It's like... I don't have to explain myself. You get it without me saying too much."
Dhruv's lips twitched faintly, the barest hint of a smile. "Is that why you're sticking so close?"
"Maybe," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe I just like the way you walk quietly and judge me silently."
"Judging silently?" he echoed, voice low, smooth. "I prefer the term 'observing.'"
Vaani laughed again. "Observing, judging... semantics, Dhruv."
He raised a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Semantics that matter."
"Care to explain?" she asked, stepping a little closer, her arm brushing his more deliberately now.
"I'll let my actions speak," he said, his tone dark and steady, and she felt that familiar shiver run down her spine.
She blinked at him, startled by the shift in the air — something sleek, almost dangerous, but alluring. "Actions, huh?" she murmured. "I'll take that as a warning."
He smirked faintly, just enough for her to notice, before turning his gaze back to the path ahead.
Vaani's heart beat a little faster. "You know, for someone who acts so cold, you're very... attentive."
"I don't act cold," he said, voice low and even. "I just... pick my moments."
She tilted her head, pretending to think, though the warmth rising in her cheeks betrayed her. "Ah, I see. And this is one of your chosen moments?"
"Perhaps," he said, the single word carrying weight, leaving her momentarily speechless.
The flirty undertone in their exchange grew heavier, subtle, like a magnet pulling them closer, but neither acted on it overtly.
Vaani shifted, her hand brushing his arm again, testing the boundaries.
Dhruv noticed, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he let her proximity linger, his dark, calm presence a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken tension.
"You know," she said, teasing, "if we keep this up, someone's going to think we're... you know, conspiring or something."
"Let them think what they want," he replied smoothly, his voice low, almost a murmur.
Vaani felt a flutter in her chest. He sounded deliberate, confident... dangerously close to teasing her in a way that made her pulse quicken. She looked at him, trying to catch his expression in the dim light, but his face was calm, unreadable, almost... darkly controlled.
Before the tension could stretch any further, a cheerful voice called out, breaking their bubble.
"Oh ho! Dhruv!"
They turned to see a familiar older couple walking along the same path — family friends who had known Dhruv for years. The sudden intrusion made Vaani step back slightly, her cheeks coloring as Dhruv straightened.
"Namaskar, Kaka, Kaku," he greeted, his voice polite, neutral.
"Arre, look at you!" the aunty said warmly. "Walking after dinner, enjoying the night air. And this must be your wife! First proper introduction, beta."
Vaani gave a small, polite smile. "Good evening, Kaku. I'm Vaani."
"You're lovely, beta," the aunty said, beaming. "Dhruv, you're lucky."
Dhruv gave a subtle nod, his dark gaze briefly flicking to Vaani, who felt both reassured and slightly flustered.
The uncle clapped him on the back. "So, work keeping you busy as always?"
"Yes, as usual," Dhruv replied evenly.
"And you, Vaani?" the aunty asked kindly. "Settling well?"
"Yes, Kaku. Very well," she said, smiling politely. She could feel Dhruv's presence at her side, quiet and grounding, shielding her from any unnecessary attention or awkwardness.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries — casual remarks about the neighborhood, the weather, and old stories — before the couple moved on, waving cheerfully.
Vaani exhaled quietly once they were out of earshot. "Well... that was unexpected," she murmured.
"Unexpected?" Dhruv echoed.
"Yeah," she said, brushing a hand through her hair. "I mean... I wasn't ready for... conversation interruptions."
He gave a faint smirk. "Neither was I."
She laughed softly, her earlier tension easing. But the electricity between them remained, a quiet current that neither spoke of. She looked at him, curious. "So... now what? Go back?"
Dhruv's gaze softened slightly. "Or walk more."
Her eyes lit up. "Can we walk more?"
"Sure," he said simply, falling into stride beside her again.
"Only if you're not tired," she added, a playful warning in her tone.
"I'm not," he said evenly, the faintest amusement in his voice.
Vaani grinned triumphantly. "Good. Then walk."
The road stretched on, quiet except for their footsteps. Vaani couldn't resist a little more teasing. "You know, you're very difficult to read, Dhruv. I never know when you're serious or when you're... plotting."
"I'm never plotting," he said, tone darkly even. "I just... observe."
She laughed. "Observe? You mean... notice everything I do?"
"I notice," he said simply. "That's different from plotting."
Her laughter faded into a quiet smile. "Notice... hm. I kind of like that. Makes me feel... safe."
He didn't answer. His jaw tightened faintly, but the corner of his mouth twitched again, just slightly. That was enough for her. Her heart fluttered again, the night air seeming warmer.
Vaani nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "Admit it, Dhruv. You enjoy these walks too."
"Maybe," he said. The word was low, casual, but carried weight. She caught the way he didn't break eye contact this time, letting the tension linger.
She blushed faintly, looking away for a moment, then back at him. "You're impossible."
"And you like it," he said simply.
Vaani froze for a moment, then laughed softly, hiding her blush. "Maybe."
They continued, teasing, playful, tension hovering just beneath the surface, until finally, the soft glow of the streetlights ahead suggested they were nearing home.
"So," she said, nudging him again, "you're not tired at all?"
"I said I'm not," he replied evenly.
"Hmm... stubborn," she whispered, smiling.
"And you?" he asked, voice low. "Still bossy?"
"Persuasive," she corrected with a grin.
He gave a faint smirk. "Same thing."
They fell into comfortable silence after that, walking side by side, letting the night and the quiet neighborhood wrap around them.
Though the flirty tension lingered, it was playful, safe, and intimate — their own private world, uninterrupted now except for the sound of their synchronized footsteps.
And for Vaani, that was enough.
~·~
The house was quiet by the time they returned. The faint hum of the ceiling fans, the occasional bark of a dog in the distance, and the slow tick of the grandfather clock in the hall were the only reminders that time was still moving forward.
In their room, Vaani slipped easily into sleep.
She curled on her side, her soft breathing steady, her hair spilling over the pillow in loose waves.
Dhruv lay beside her for a long while, staring at the ceiling.
Sleep refused to come. His mind, sharp and restless, replayed every moment from the evening — Vaani's mellowing whenever Geeta entered the room, his deliberate decision to shield her with his presence, the way she smiled even through her unease.
Finally, with a quiet sigh, Dhruv pushed the blanket aside and got up. He slipped out of the room, his footsteps silent against the polished floor, and padded down to the kitchen.
He opened the fridge, poured himself a glass of cold water, and had just lifted it to his lips when a soft voice startled him.
"Arre, Dhruv."
He turned. Jaya stood there, holding a steel jug in one hand and a tumbler in the other.
"Mom?" His brow furrowed. "Why are you awake? Are you okay?"
Jaya waved him off. "Haan, haan, I'm fine. Just came to refill the water jug for the night. You tell me — why are you here?"
Dhruv shrugged lightly, sipping his water. "Couldn't sleep."
But Jaya wasn't done. She gave him a sharp look, the kind only mothers could. "And why," she asked slowly, "were you being so rude to your aatya today?"
Dhruv froze for a second, glass halfway to the counter. "What?"
"Don't act innocent with me," Jaya said, narrowing her eyes. "I'm your mother. You may have been extremely sleek, but you can't escape me. I gave birth to you."
For the first time that night, Dhruv let out a quiet chuckle. "This mom logic," he muttered, shaking his head.
Jaya folded her arms. "Don't try to wriggle out with jokes. Tell me, Dhruv. What happened?"
"Nothing, Mom," he said evenly, leaning against the counter. "I don't know why you thought that."
"I know there's something," Jaya pressed, her tone gentler now. "You've always been straightforward with me. Why not now?"
Dhruv sighed. "Really, Mom. It's nothing. Probably just work stress. It came out that way. Like I said, don't know why you're thinking so much."
Before Jaya could press further, another voice entered the kitchen, soft but firm.
"I'll tell you why, Jaya."
Both turned. Geeta stood in the doorway, glass of water in hand.
Dhruv straightened immediately, his expression tightening, but his voice was calm. "Aatya," he said politely, acknowledging her presence.
"What's going on?" Jaya demanded, looking between them.
Geeta walked closer, placing her glass on the counter. She looked at Jaya, then at Dhruv, and finally back at Jaya. Her voice trembled slightly but carried conviction.
"I'll tell you why Dhruv was being rude."
Dhruv's jaw tightened. He assumed she was about to snitch, twist the story, maybe paint him as overprotective. But he didn't care. If she dared bring Vaani into it again, he was ready — ready to defend her all over again.
Instead, Geeta said softly, "The last time we were here, I had irresponsibly said a few things about Vaani.
Things she overheard. And it got to Dhruv.
I was... rude in my words. What you saw tonight was not rudeness, Jaya.
It was a husband standing up for his wife.
So if anything, I deserved it. I am really sorry, Dhruv. And I will apologize to her too."
The kitchen fell silent.
Jaya stared at her, eyes wide. "What... what did you say?"
Dhruv was surprised too, though relief flickered faintly across his face. Geeta was actually owning up.
He exhaled. "It's fine, Mom. She owned up to it. That's what matters."
But Geeta shook her head firmly. "No, Dhruv. Tell your mom what I said. Or I will."
Dhruv looked away. He wasn't the type to snitch about his aatya to his mother, no matter how wrong she had been. His silence stretched.
Geeta chuckled sadly. "As I thought." Then she turned to Jaya.
"I made some remarks," she admitted, her voice heavy with guilt.
"Remarks about her being a house breaker because she and Dhruv live separately.
I judged her for her parents not coming to the lunch.
I even mocked her over talkative nature.
And..." She paused, shame clear in her eyes.
"And I judged her because she comes from. .. a lower status than us."
Jaya's hand flew to her mouth. "How... how could you, Vahini?" Her voice broke. "How could you say such things?"
"I know," Geeta whispered, her shoulders sagging. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have judged her at the first meeting. I shouldn't have let such things out of my mouth. I deserve the treatment I got. And I've been trying to make amends."
Dhruv finally stepped in, his voice even but firm. "And I see that."
Jaya shook her head, still reeling. "I... I can't believe this. From you, Vahini?"
Geeta bowed her head, guilt written across her face. "I know. I don't have excuses. I was wrong."
Jaya set the jug down with trembling hands. "I'll just go sleep," she muttered. Her eyes glistened as she turned toward the door. At the last moment, she looked back at Geeta. "I didn't expect this from you, Vahini."
Jaya left the kitchen, her slippers soft against the floor.
The silence stretched again. Dhruv exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Then he looked at Geeta. "Thanks for owning up, Aatya."
Geeta's eyes were damp. "I'm sorry again, Dhruv. What you said today... everything made things clear. Word to word, I was wrong. Very wrong. And I don't want to be the reason that poor girl stops her chatter. I don't know what got into me that day."
Dhruv's dark eyes studied her. "I hope you're being genuine."
"I am," she whispered. "I'll apologize to Vaani when I get the chance. Is she awake now?"
"No," Dhruv said quietly. "She's asleep."
Geeta nodded, adjusting her dupatta. "Then I'll speak to her tomorrow. For now... I'll also go."
She turned and left, her footsteps heavy with remorse.
Dhruv stood alone in the kitchen for a long moment, staring at the counter. The weight of the evening pressed against his chest — the confrontation, the unexpected confession, the awkwardness of his mother's disappointment. He ran a hand across his face, then straightened.
He walked down the hall and stopped at Jaya's room. Knocking lightly, he pushed the door open.
"Mom?"
Jaya sat on the bed, back propped against pillows, her eyes still troubled. "What is it, Dhruv?"
He stepped inside, leaning against the doorframe. "Mom... forgive Aatya."
Jaya's lips pressed together. "I... I don't know, Dhruv. What she said..."
"She did wrong," Dhruv interrupted gently, "but she's family. And Vaani wouldn't want a big scene because of her. That's the whole reason she told me not to say anything. Aatya is regretful. Just let it slide now."
Jaya looked at her son, her eyes softening just slightly. "What about Vaani then? If I let it slide... won't she feel unprotected?"
Dhruv's jaw tightened, but his voice was steady. "First of all, Vaani doesn't know about this interaction. Second of all, she will understand if you forgave her." He stopped for a second before continuing, "and third of all.... Vaani has me. I'll take care of her."
For a long moment, Jaya studied him. The sharpness in her gaze softened, replaced by quiet pride. She nodded faintly. "Goodnight, beta."
Dhruv gave a small nod in return, then closed the door quietly behind him.
As he walked back to his room, he felt the night air cooler against his skin. His heart was still heavy, but lighter than before. Geeta had owned her mistake, his mother had heard the truth, and Vaani... Vaani would never know the full weight of tonight.
He opened the door to his room and looked at her — curled up peacefully, her face relaxed in sleep. For the first time that day, Dhruv allowed himself a small smile.
"She has me," he whispered to the quiet room, almost as if assuring himself.
And with that, he finally lay down beside her, exhaustion pulling him under.
~·~
The morning light crept softly through the curtains of the guestroom, casting a pale golden glow across the bed. Vaani stirred first. Her internal clock, always reliable, woke her at six. Beside her, Dhruv still slept soundly, his arm draped lazily over the blanket, his breathing even.
She slipped out of bed carefully so as not to disturb him, gathered her clothes, and went into the bathroom.
A quick shower washed away the remnants of the previous day's heaviness.
She emerged fresh, wearing a soft cotton kurta with delicate embroidery paired with a comfortable palazzo.
Her hair was tied into a loose braid, strands framing her face.
The house was quiet. Vaani tiptoed out of the room and down the stairs. The kitchen welcomed her with its familiar warmth. She busied herself with the kettle, the gentle clinking of cups, the earthy aroma of tea leaves filling the space. By the time the chai was ready, the clock read 6:45.
Soon, footsteps echoed on the staircase.
Mahesh was the first to enter, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Jaya followed, draping her pallu neatly over her shoulder, while Sunita came in adjusting her dupatta.
Ashok strolled in next, looking surprisingly fresh, followed by Geeta, who tied her hair into a bun.
And there she was, in the middle of it all, smiling softly as she placed steaming cups on the table.
"Arre wah, Vaani!" Mahesh exclaimed, pleasantly surprised. "You've already made chai?"
Vaani smiled, handing him a cup. "Good morning, Papa. Yes, I thought I'd make some before everyone woke up."
"Beta, you should have rested," Jaya said, though her eyes twinkled with pride. "You've just come back from a trip."
"It's okay, Maa," Vaani replied warmly. "I like doing this. Besides, mornings feel incomplete without chai."
One by one, she handed out cups — to Jaya, to Sunita, to Ashok. Even Geeta accepted hers with a small nod. They all settled into the drawing room, their laughter and chatter filling the morning air. The clinking of cups punctuated the easy conversations.
After a few sips, Vaani stood, holding her empty cup. "I'll just be back, I want a refill."
"Go, beta," Jaya said.
She walked back into the kitchen, rinsed her cup, and set the kettle back on the flame. Just as she reached for the sugar, footsteps approached. The soft shuffle of slippers on the floor.
Vaani turned slightly. It was Geeta.
Her shoulders stiffened instinctively, her body betraying the calm smile she tried to maintain. She nodded politely. "Aatya."
Geeta paused by the counter, her gaze fixed on the steam rising from the kettle. Then, softly, she said, "Don't be scared, Vaani."
Vaani blinked. "Scared?"
"I know," Geeta admitted, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Whenever I've walked into a room these past two days, you've gone quiet. I've seen the way you stiffen, the way your smile falters." She sighed. "And it's my fault."
Vaani stayed quiet, not sure where this was heading.
Geeta continued, her tone low but clear. "I want to tell you something, beta. I'm... I'm sorry. For the things I said the last time. I was wrong. Very wrong."
Vaani turned fully now, the spoon still in her hand. Her eyes searched Geeta's face, half expecting sarcasm or a hidden edge. But there was none. Geeta looked tired, her expression weighed down by guilt.
"Aatya..." Vaani began cautiously.
"No, let me finish." Geeta shook her head.
"I called you things I had no right to. I judged you unfairly — for living separately with Dhruv, for your parents not being there, for the way you talk, laugh, and fill the room with your words.
I even belittled your background, as if that mattered.
" Her voice trembled. "I was cruel. And you didn't deserve any of it. "
Vaani's lips parted in surprise. She hadn't expected this. Not from Geeta.
"I hurt you, Vaani," Geeta said quietly. "And in doing so, I hurt Dhruv too. I saw the way he stood by you, the way he looked at me — ready to fight his own aatya if it meant protecting you. That alone should have told me what you mean to him. But instead, I let my own biases blind me."
Vaani swallowed, the tightness in her chest easing a little. "Aatya... it's okay."
"No, beta, it's not okay," Geeta insisted. "I judged you without knowing you. And yet, even after all that, you still greeted me politely. You still smiled, even if it was forced. That kind of grace..." She sighed again. "I don't deserve it, but I hope you can forgive me."
For a long moment, Vaani stood there, her hand lightly gripping the counter. Then, slowly, her expression softened.
"Aatya," she said gently, "we all make mistakes. What matters is realizing it and making things right. And... you don't need to be so harsh on yourself. I was surprised and hurt that day, yes, but... I didn't want it to come between us. You're family."
Geeta's eyes flickered, moisture gathering at the corners. "You're too kind, beta. Kinder than I deserve."
Vaani set her cup down, walked forward, and without another word, wrapped her arms around Geeta. The older woman stiffened at first, then melted into the embrace, holding Vaani tightly.
In that moment, all the bitterness of the past days dissolved into something new — fragile, but real.
What neither of them realized was that at the corridor entrance, two figures had paused.
Dhruv and Jaya stood side by side, on their way into the kitchen. Both had come to ensure Geeta wasn't being harsh again. But instead, they found this — Vaani hugging Geeta, Geeta clinging back with quiet regret in her eyes.
Jaya's lips parted slightly in shock, then softened into a small, relieved smile. She glanced at Dhruv, whose expression was unreadable at first. But then, a faint smile curved on his lips too. His shoulders relaxed, the tension he'd carried for days easing finally.
Neither of them stepped in. They let the moment breathe.
Inside the kitchen, Vaani pulled back slightly, smiling at Geeta. "It's okay, Aatya. Let's start fresh."
Geeta nodded, her throat tight. "Fresh."
"Good." Vaani picked up her cup again. "Now sit with everyone. I'll bring my chai and join you."
Geeta gave her a long look, then finally smiled back — tentative but genuine. She turned and walked toward the hall.
As she passed the corridor, she caught Jaya's gaze. There was no judgment there, only a quiet acknowledgment. Geeta nodded faintly, and Jaya inclined her head in return.
Dhruv waited until Geeta disappeared into the hall. Then he stepped into the kitchen.
"You okay?" he asked softly, looking at Vaani.
Vaani, still holding her cup, smiled at him. "I am. Surprised, but okay."
Dhruv searched her face for the truth. She nodded firmly, and that was enough for him. He brushed his fingers lightly against hers in passing — just a small gesture, hidden from everyone else.
"Come on," he said. "They'll wonder where we are."
Together, they walked out, side by side. And for the first time since the lunch fiasco, the house felt lighter.
Geeta walked out of the kitchen, still a little dazed by the hug Vaani had given her. Her heart felt lighter, but there was still the weight of guilt lingering at the edges. She was about to step fully into the hall when a soft tug at her wrist stopped her.
She turned. It was Jaya.
For a beat, they just looked at each other. Jaya's expression wasn't stern, wasn't questioning—just quiet, almost vulnerable. Then, without a word, Jaya pulled her into a hug.
Geeta froze, surprised. But then her shoulders slumped, and she let herself sink into it. "I'm sorry, Jaya," she murmured. "I said things I shouldn't have. I don't know what got into me."
Jaya pulled back, cupped her sister-in-law's cheek briefly, and sighed. "It's fine, vaihini. What's done is done. Can I just ask for one thing in return?"
Geeta straightened, her brows knitting. "Anything."
"Please," Jaya said softly, "be like a mother to Vaani. She's left her entire house, her comfort, her parents to be with us. The least we can do is make sure she feels she's gained another home, not lost hers."
Geeta's throat tightened. She nodded earnestly. "Of course I will. I promise."
For the first time in days, a genuine smile tugged at Jaya's lips. "Good."
They walked into the hall together and sat down with the others, their silence blending into the general chatter.
Moments later, Vaani returned, holding her freshly refilled chai.
She glanced once between Jaya and Geeta, unknown to their tense night and today's relief.
She simply smiled and settled into her spot.
"Beta, show me more pictures of Georgia na," Ashok said, leaning forward eagerly.
"Arre, kaka, you'll get tired of my pictures!" Vaani teased.
"No chance," Mahesh said, chuckling. "The way you describe things, we feel like we're there with you."
Vaani grinned and unlocked her phone. "Okay, fine, one more. This was when we went hiking—look at this view." She held the screen out.
Everyone crowded closer, exclaiming in unison. "Wah!" "Beautiful!"
Geeta, surprising even herself, leaned in too. "The colors are stunning, beta. Did you take this on your phone or camera?"
Vaani blinked at her for half a second but quickly recovered. "On my phone, Aatya. The light was perfect."
"Your eye for detail is very good," Geeta added sincerely.
Vaani smiled faintly. "Thank you."
The conversation carried on smoothly, weaving between trips, family updates, and jokes. The atmosphere felt normal—lighter, warmer. For the first time in weeks, Vaani didn't feel like she was walking on eggshells.
Just then, two familiar voices rang from the staircase.
"Good morningggg!" Vihaan announced dramatically as he and Vedant descended, freshly showered.
"Finally!" Sunita teased. "Look at the time."
Vedant groaned. "Arre, we're on holiday, Mom. Please."
Everyone laughed. Vaani stood, grabbing two extra cups. "Good timing, I saved chai for you both."
"Thank you, Tai!" Vihaan said, plopping onto the sofa.
Vedant sniffed the cup. "Mmm. You make the best chai. Way better than Mom."
Sunita narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?"
The whole room erupted in laughter, even Geeta covering her smile behind her hand.
As they sipped, the younger ones started peppering Vaani with questions again. "Tai, what food did you like most?" "Did you shop a lot?" "Was it cold?"
She laughed, answering each one patiently. "No, I didn't shop much. No, I did not eat only pasta every day. And yes, it was cold, I wore layers!"
Geeta joined in the teasing this time. "Arre, Vaani, what's the point of going on a trip if you don't come back shopping?"
"Exactly," Dhruv muttered dryly, though his lips curved faintly.
"Arre?" Vaani threw her hands up dramatically. "No support from my own husband!"
"You'll survive," he said, sipping his tea.
Even Jaya laughed at their banter.
The chatter went on till late morning, spilling into early noon. The cousins cracked jokes, Sunita and Jaya reminisced about their own childhood times, Ashok narrated some story from the 90s that made everyone chuckle. For once, there wasn't a single awkward pause.
Finally, around 12:30, people started to get restless. "We should head back," Sunita said, standing. "It's already so late."
"Yes, yes," Ramesh agreed, stretching. "We'll all meet again soon."
They began gathering their things, everyone milling about in cheerful disarray. Shoes being put on, bags zipped up, last-minute instructions shared.
Vaani, watching everyone with a smile, suddenly clapped her hands. "Wait! Before we go—selfie time!"
Everyone groaned good-naturedly. "Arre, Vaani..."
"No excuses!" she said firmly. "We never get everyone together like this. It'll take one second. For a memory!"
She set her phone on a chair, angled it carefully, and ran back into the frame. "Okay, squeeze in! Everyone closer!"
"Tai, you're worse than Vihaan Dada." Vedant complained, though he moved into place anyway.
"Shut up and smile," she shot back.
Dhruv stood beside her, hands in his pockets, looking faintly amused. She nudged him. "At least pretend you're happy."
"I am happy," he said dryly.
"Then show it on your face!" she whispered fiercely, making him chuckle.
Everyone crowded together—Jaya and Mahesh in the center, Sunita and Ramesh flanking them, Ashok and Geeta next, the kids crouching in front, Dhruv and Vaani at one side.
"Ready? Three... two... one..." Click!
The screen froze on a perfect snapshot: laughter caught mid-bloom, smiles wide, shoulders pressed together. For once, no gaps, no walls, no tension. Just family.
Vaani beamed at the picture. "Perfect! I'm framing this one."
Everyone leaned over to see, approving with happy noises. "Yes, very nice." "Send it to us."
"Group photo WhatsApp incoming!" Vihaan announced dramatically, and everyone laughed again.
The afternoon sun streamed through the windows as hugs and goodbyes followed, but the warmth of the morning lingered. The heaviness that once shadowed the house had finally begun to lift, replaced by something brighter.
And though no one said it aloud, they all felt it: maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new.
The hallway was a shuffle of bags, shoes, and voices.
Everyone was hugging, patting backs, and calling out their goodbyes.
Ramesh was making sure Sunita had her shawl, Mahesh was telling Vedant and Vihaan to text when they reached, and Jaya was standing near the door, her smile soft and tired in the way that came after a long but happy day.
Vaani was busy hugging her parents, whispering something to her mother that made Sunita smile and nod. She then turned to her brothers, adjusting Vedant's collar and pulling Vihaan into a mock scold. "Next time, don't sleep in till noon! Half the day gone."
"Arre, Tai, holiday tha," Vihaan muttered, grinning anyway.
As Vaani fussed over her family, Dhruv stood a little apart, hands tucked in his pockets.
He wasn't one for long farewells—he preferred quiet nods, maybe a handshake if needed.
But his eyes lingered on Vaani, on the way she laughed as her father kissed her forehead, on the glow in her cheeks that came from being with her people.
Geeta, who had been saying her own goodbyes to Jaya and Mahesh, slowly drifted toward Dhruv and Vaani. She looked a little subdued, a faint heaviness in her smile. She paused, her gaze flickering between the two of them before she managed, "It was good to see you both."
Vaani noticed instantly. She never liked heaviness, not when things had gone so well. She stepped closer, her tone light but gentle. "Aatya, cheer up. It's all in the past."
That coaxed a small, real smile out of Geeta. "Thank you, beta."
Dhruv, who had been watching silently, stepped forward then. His movements were deliberate, not rushed. He wasn't someone who usually offered affection outwardly, but today, he didn't want her walking away with a shadow still clinging to her.
Without a word, he leaned in slightly and placed his hand briefly on her shoulder, giving it a small, steady squeeze—a shoulder hug, his way. It was restrained, but firm enough to carry meaning.
Geeta blinked in surprise before her smile warmed, touched. "Take care, Dhruv."
He nodded. "You too, Aatya." His voice was calm, steady, respectful as always.
Vaani's eyes softened as she saw the exchange. She didn't say anything, but the relief in her smile was clear.
After that, Dhruv turned to Vaani's parents. "Goodbye, Aai. Baba." He joined his palms briefly in a gesture halfway between a namaste and his usual nod. "Safe drive back."
He gave a quick hug to Vihaan and Vedant. "Don't forget to text me when you start shopping for Columbia."
"Yes Jiju. I'll keep you posted." Vihaan nodded.
Ramesh smiled warmly. "You take care of yourself, Dhruv."
"And of our chatterbox," Sunita added with a teasing smile, glancing at Vaani.
Vaani gasped. "Aai!"
Everyone chuckled, and Dhruv's lips curved faintly. He didn't reply but let the moment hang there, quiet amusement glinting in his eyes.
One by one, everyone filed out. Hugs, waves, and one last round of goodbyes later, the house grew quieter. The door clicked shut behind the last set of footsteps, and Jaya called out, "Text me once you all reach!".
Now, only Dhruv and Vaani remained near the door, standing side by side in the soft evening hush.
Vaani exhaled, adjusting her kurta. "That went well, didn't it?"
Dhruv slid his hands back into his pockets, his gaze still on the now-quiet driveway. "Hmm."
She turned to look at him, her brows lifting. "Bas hmm? That's all you have to say?"
He finally glanced at her, his expression even. "What else do you want me to say?"
"That it went well," she said firmly, narrowing her eyes. "With full words, Mr. Limited Vocabulary."
The corner of his mouth twitched, but he kept his tone dry. "It went well."
Her smile broke through then. "Better." She tugged gently at his sleeve as she moved past him. "Come on, let's go."
They bid their goodbyes to Jaya and Mahesh before he followed her out to the car without another word.
As always, his silence wasn't empty—it was full of the way he took her bag earlier without being asked, the way he'd shielded her in subtle gestures all evening, the way he'd softened enough to hug his Aatya.
When they reached the car, he opened the passenger door for her. She slipped in with a grateful smile. He walked around, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine.
The air between them was quiet but steady. No heaviness, no leftover tension—just the kind of silence that came after a long, full day, the kind that said everything without either of them having to speak.
As the car rolled out of the driveway, Vaani leaned back against the seat, her smile lingering. And though Dhruv's eyes stayed on the road, there was a faint softness in his jaw, the kind of softness that only came when something had finally settled into place.
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