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“I’ll pick you up when you’re done here. Just message me,” he suggests.
I turn around, my brows furrowed.
“You’re coming inside with me, Ayaan. I’m not leaving any room for argument here.”
Ayaan smirks, and I can tell that he’s finally convinced. He retrieves the car keys and reaches me as we head towards the main door of the Walia House.
As soon as we step inside the living room, Devika bhabhi sees us. She is stunned to see us, but the next second she screams in excitement.
“Meher? Ayaan?” She hurries towards us and gives me a hug. “I didn’t expect to see you two here, but it’s so good to have you. Please come inside.”
Upon entering, she immediately assumes the role of a gracious host for Ayaan.
“What would you like to have, Ayaan? Tea or coffee? And you both are having dinner with us tonight. That’s final.”
Bhabhi’s warm greeting and her immediate attention to Ayaan brings a smile to my face.
“No, I’m fine,” Ayaan replies. “And we have already informed Dad that we will be back for dinner. Perhaps we can come back another time for dinner here.”
“That’s fine, but you need to eat something. We are not letting you leave just like that,” Bhabhi insists.
I can’t help but interject this time.
“I am the daughter of this house, and still no attention to me?” I playfully remind bhabhi.
She laughs.
“Ayaan is the son-in-law of this family. His importance is more than yours and everyone’s now,” she replies, pinching my cheek.
“Fair enough, but no pampering the son-in-law at my expense,” I demand.
We all laugh together.
“I completely forgot to check on my niece or nephew,” I mention, my gaze shifting to her slightly bulging belly. “How are you feeling? I hope the morning sickness has eased up.”
Devika affectionately rubs her belly through her silk kurta, a smile gracing her lips.
“Your niece or nephew, whoever’s in there, seems determined to keep me and their Paapa on our toes with morning sickness,” she says, prompting us to burst into laughter. Every now and then, Ayaan looks at me, seemingly lost in thought about our future and how we will be when we are expecting. The idea makes me feel both nervous and shy at the same time.
Nonetheless, this light-hearted exchange has brightened my mood. Despite all the recent turmoil, it’s good to see that we can still share some laughter. Our laughter fills the living room, but it’s cut short as Aksh bhai walks in, equally surprised to see me.
“Meher? How are you? Everything alright?” he questions.
I nod my head and smile as I walk up to him and we share a heartfelt hug.
“I was really upset with the way you left from here the other day,” he confesses, his disappointment palpable. “I know you were angry with uncle and Vishnu, but what was my fault in it? As your brother, I was eagerly waiting to tie the Raksha Dhaaga on you and complete the ritual.”
I pull away from our embrace, sighing as I reflect on my abrupt departure the other day.
“I am sorry, bhai. That day was filled with unexpected revelations, and I couldn’t control my emotions.”
Aksh bhai nods his head in understanding.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to apologise. I was equally shocked by the truth that day, so I can imagine how overwhelming it must have been for you.”
I swallow nervously and glance towards the staircase.
“Is Dad in his room?” I inquire.
