Every sunrise brings something new... especially when it's your first morning as Mrs. Raizada.

-×-

Shantivan - Arnav & Khushi's Bedroom - Early Morning

The soft golden light streamed in through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Khushi stirred under the covers, her eyes fluttering open slowly.

She blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling, then turned to her side-Arnav was already awake, lying on his side, head propped on his hand, just... watching her.

Arnav (softly):

"Good morning, Mrs. Raizada."

Khushi (groggy, then suddenly shy):

"Aap... aise kya dekh rahe hain?"

Arnav (smirking):

"Apni biwi ko. Kya karoon, aadat pad gayi hai."

Khushi (turning away, embarrassed):

"Subah-subah shuru ho gaye aap..."

He chuckled, reaching out to brush her cheek gently. But before he could say another word-

Voice from outside the door:

"Khushi bitiya! Jaldi se tayyar ho jaao, breakfast ke liye sab intezaar kar rahe hain!"

(Khushi dear! Hurry up and get ready, everyone's waiting for breakfast!)

Mamiji's unmistakable voice.

Khushi sat up with a jolt, the blanket falling off her shoulders.

Khushi (panicking):

"Hai Devi Maiyya! Mujhe pehli subah hi der ho gayi!"

Arnav (raising an eyebrow):

"Tum ab is ghar ki bahu ho, tumhara intezaar karna unki duty hai."

Khushi (glaring):

"Aap toh chhup hi rahiye. Aapko toh koi kuch keh nahi sakta!"

She jumped out of bed, fumbling with her saree, running around trying to find matching bangles, the pallu, and her mangalsutra.

Arnav leaned back, completely entertained.

Arnav (teasing):

"Chillao mat. Tumhare nakhre toh ab aur bhi badh gaye hain shaadi ke baad."

Khushi (muttering):

"Arnav Singh Raizada ko ek din meri chappal ki awaz se uthana padega, tab samajh aayega."

-×-

Dining Table - Shantivan

The entire family was seated. Nani, Mamaji, Mamiji, Anjali, Akash, Payal-everyone.

Khushi finally walked in, adjusting her dupatta, looking every bit the shy new bride.

Mamiji (grinning):

"Arre wah, hamari nai dulhan toh sach mein badi sanskari lag rahi hai!"

Nani (warmly):

"Khushi bitiya, aaj se tumhara pehla rasoi hai. Tumhi breakfast banaogi."

Khushi (nervously):

"Ji, Nani ji!"

Arnav (from behind her):

"Main bhi madad kar deta hoon..."

Everyone (in unison):

"Kya?!"

Khushi (turning around, shocked):

"Aap? Kitchen mein?"

Arnav (smirking):

"Kya karoon... tumhare haath ka jalebi wala pyaar miss kar raha hoon."

Everyone burst into laughter. Khushi blushed deeply, but for the first time... she didn't feel out of place.

She felt... home.

-×-

Kitchen - A Little Later

Khushi (bossing around):

"Namak kam daalna! Arnav ji, woh nahi... yeh wali katori!"

Arnav (raising hands):

"Okay, okay, Captain Jalebi Devi."

Khushi:

"Aapko daantne mein alag hi sukoon milta hai."

Arnav (softly, handing her the spoon):

"Mujhe tumhe dekhne mein sukoon milta hai."

She stilled. Their eyes locked. The air around them slowed.

A quiet moment in the middle of chaos.

-×-

Dining Table - Later

Everyone ate the meal made by Khushi-soft pooris, spicy aloo sabzi, halwa.

Mamaji:

"Wah bitiya! Tumne toh dil jeet liya."

Anjali (teasing):

"Lagta hai chhote ne bhi thoda pyaar mila diya hai khane mein."

Arnav (clearing his throat):

"Main toh sirf helper tha."

Khushi (smiling):

"Lekin ab zindagi bhar meri help karni padegi."

Arnav (smiling back):

"Deal."

-×-

Later That Night - Poolside

They sat in silence under the stars, the pool water shimmering beside them.

Khushi (softly):

"Aaj pehli baar laga... main kisi ki hoon. Puri tarah se."

Arnav (wrapping his arm around her):

"Aur main hamesha se tumhara tha. Sirf kehne mein der ho gayi."

Khushi (playfully):

"Par jab kaha, tab bhi style mein kaha..."

Arnav (smirking):

"ASR hoon, after all."

They both laughed... as stars twinkled above, and hearts beat as one.

-×-

To be continued...

Next Up: Chapter 19: Khushi vs. Mamiji - Kitchen Chronicles Begin!

By

Muskan Tarway

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