Chapter 18 The First Crack #2
Completely unaware...
Aadhira was already walking toward the next battle.
Chapter 18 - Part 3
Before the Storm
The evening sky was painted with shades of orange as Aadhira's car entered the gates of Rathore Mansion.
The guards greeted her respectfully.
"Good evening, Bhabhi ji."
She acknowledged them with a small nod before walking inside.
As she entered the living room, she found most of the family already gathered.
Rajveer was reading the newspaper.
Savitri was knitting.
Mahendra and Vikram were discussing a business proposal.
Raghav was helping Vivaan with his science project.
Karan and Riya were engaged in their usual argument.
Only Aditya quietly looked up and gave Aadhira a subtle nod.
She returned it politely.
"Good evening."
"Good evening."
The greetings came from everyone.
Still formal.
But warmer than before.
Aadhira quietly walked toward the kitchen.
---
A few minutes later...
The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the mansion.
One by one, the servants carried trays into the living room.
To everyone's surprise...
Aadhira followed behind them carrying a plate of freshly baked cheese and herb biscuits.
Riya looked surprised.
"You made these?"
Aadhira nodded.
"I had some time."
Vivaan immediately reached for one.
After taking a bite, his eyes sparkled.
"Bhabhi!"
"These are even better than the bakery!"
Karan quickly took one.
After tasting it, he dramatically looked at Arjun.
"Bhai..."
"You seriously married a five-star chef."
The room filled with laughter.
Even Vikram smiled faintly.
Arjun simply shook his head.
"I had no role in her cooking."
"Unfortunately."
Karan placed a hand on his chest.
"Don't be jealous, Bhai."
"I'm praising Bhabhi."
Rohan's teasing wasn't here today...
But somehow Karan was more than capable of filling that role.
Aadhira quietly hid her smile behind her teacup.
Arjun noticed.
It lasted only a second.
But he noticed.
---
After tea...
Vivaan suddenly remembered something.
"Bhabhi!"
She looked at him.
"Hmm?"
"My science model..."
"It still doesn't work."
"What model?"
"A volcano."
Karan laughed.
"It looks more like a potato."
"It does not!"
Vivaan protested.
Aadhira smiled.
"Let's see."
The two of them walked to the study room.
Everyone unconsciously watched them leave.
---
Inside the study...
A cardboard volcano sat on the table.
Aadhira examined it carefully.
"You've worked hard on this."
Vivaan scratched his head.
"It still won't erupt."
She looked around the room before asking a servant for baking soda, vinegar and red food coloring.
Ten minutes later...
The volcano erupted beautifully.
Bright red foam flowed down the sides.
Vivaan jumped excitedly.
"It worked!"
He hugged Aadhira tightly without thinking.
"Thank you, Bhabhi!"
She gently patted his head.
"You're welcome."
Standing at the doorway...
Raghav quietly witnessed everything.
For years...
Vivaan had hidden his loneliness behind a cheerful smile.
Now...
He looked happier than Raghav had ever seen him.
His eyes unknowingly became moist.
---
Later that night...
Arjun entered his room after finishing a work call.
He found Aadhira sitting on the sofa reading documents instead of a business magazine.
He noticed the logo on the file.
Astra Global Foundation.
"You're still working?"
Aadhira looked up.
"There are a few approvals left."
He nodded.
Silence returned.
After a few minutes...
Arjun spoke again.
"Vivaan had a good day."
Aadhira smiled softly.
"He deserved one."
"He talks about you a lot."
"I know."
"He thinks you can solve every problem."
Aadhira closed the file.
"I'm afraid he'll be disappointed one day."
"I can't solve everything."
Arjun looked at her for a moment.
"Maybe not."
"But today..."
"You solved his."
For the first time...
Aadhira seemed slightly caught off guard.
She wasn't expecting a compliment.
"Thank you."
It was a simple reply.
Yet something about it made the room feel different.
Neither of them spoke again.
But for the first time...
The silence between them didn't feel empty.
It felt... comfortable.
---
Meanwhile...
Across the city...
Inside a luxurious penthouse...
Kavya stared at the invitation to the upcoming charity gala.
Her fingers slowly traced Aadhira's name on the guest list.
"So..."
"Everyone will be there."
Her father entered the room.
"Everything is ready."
Kavya smiled coldly.
"This gala..."
"Will be remembered."
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
The call connected.
On the other end...
Vedha answered.
"Hello."
Kavya's smile widened.
"The invitation has arrived."
There was a brief silence.
Then Vedha replied calmly,
"I'll be there."
"We'll talk when we meet."
The call ended.
Kavya looked out at the city lights.
"Let's see how long the perfect Mrs. Rathore can keep everyone's admiration."
A dangerous plan had already begun.
Completely unaware...
Aadhira was walking straight toward it.
End of Chapter18