"सवेरे की सुनहरी किरणों में,
नवविवाहित जीवन की खुशियाँ छाई हैं।
प्रेम की मिठास और आदाओं में,
नयी उम्मीदों की सुबह सजी है।"

✧

Author Pov

As the insistent buzz of the alarm dragged Avantika from the depths of sleep, she blinked groggily, trying to orient herself in the dimly lit room. The realization hit her in an instant—he was gone already.

A pang of curiosity mingled with a touch of concern rippled through her. Where had he rushed off to at this early hour?

Pushing the warm comforter aside, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and rose hastily, her bare feet meeting the cool floor.

A soft knock on the bedroom door halted her steps just as she was about to head to the bathroom. She hesitated for a moment, then opened the door to find Pakhi aunty, her face glowing with a gentle smile.

"Good morning, beta," Pakhi greeted warmly, her voice a soothing balm to Avantika's still sleepy senses.

"Good mo-morning, aunty," Avantika managed to stammer out, attempting a faint smile in return, though her sudden visit puzzled her.

Pakhi's smile faded for a fleeting moment, and Avantika furrowed her brow, instantly worried that she had somehow displeased her.

"Ab se main aapki aunty nahi, maa hoon bache," Pakhi announced softly, her smile returning in full force.

"Ji-ji maa," Avantika replied, her heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and disbelief at the newfound title bestowed upon her.

Pakhi gestured towards a large plate in her hands, taken from the maid beside her.

"Yeh lijiye," she said, handing it to Avantika with a gesture of maternal affection.

Avantika glanced down at the plate, momentarily puzzled by the unexpected gift.

"Aaj aapki pehli rasoi hai aur yeh humari taraf se aapke liye," Pakhi explained, her eyes twinkling with pride and joy.

"Wear this and come downstairs, okay?" she added, her hand gently patting Avantika's hair in a tender, reassuring gesture.

Avantika nodded slowly, a flutter of nervous excitement swirling within her as Pakhi aunty left, closing the door behind her. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Her eyes fell upon the beautiful saree resting beside her—a gift, a challenge, a symbol of tradition and new beginnings. How was she to drape it? Panic gripped her briefly, her lack of experience overwhelming her usually composed demeanor.

"I can do this," she whispered aloud, steeling herself with resolve. Gathering her courage, she made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, the seconds ticking away relentlessly.

Standing before the mirror in her blouse and petticoat, uncertainty clouded her features. Frustration mounted as each attempt to emulate the graceful folds seen in countless tutorials on her phone ended in tangled fabric and mounting desperation.

"Mujhse saara kaam ho raha hai, par yeh pleats kyun nahi ban rahe?" she muttered in exasperation, her hands flitting ineffectually over the stubborn fabric.

Suddenly, the door creaked open behind her, a sound that froze her in place, her eyes widening in shock.

_

After wrapping up his morning gym session, Avyansh hurried back to their room, the endorphins still coursing through his veins, lending an extra bounce to his step.

As he pushed open the door, ready to greet a new day, he found Avantika standing there, her back to him, a palpable tension in the air.

Instantly, he sensed her distress, her unfamiliarity with something that was clearly causing her frustration.

"Shit," he muttered inwardly, immediately regretting his intrusion. Without another word, he pivoted on his heel, instinctively retreating to respect her privacy.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." he began, his voice trailing off awkwardly as uncertainty knotted in his stomach. How could he offer assistance without overstepping?

"Do you need any help?" he ventured cautiously, his tone gentle yet laden with concern.

"Should I call Maa or Choti Maa?" he suggested tentatively, hoping to provide a lifeline in her moment of need.

"No," came her soft reply, tinged with determination. "It wouldn't be right," she added firmly, her voice carrying a note of quiet resolve.

"I can do it," she insisted, the faint jingle of her payal filling the air as she shifted.

A sudden, sharp cry pierced the room, echoing with pain and frustration. Alarmed, Avyansh pivoted back around, his eyes landing on Avantika sprawled awkwardly amidst the sprawling saree, its fabric a cascade of hues around her like fallen petals.

"So, you don't need help," he remarked lightly, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow in a teasing attempt to lighten the mood.

Avantika glanced up at him, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment etched across her delicate features. She nodded ever so slightly, gathering herself with quiet dignity.

Moved by a surge of tenderness and concern, Avyansh closed the distance between them, his gaze fixed upon her with unwavering support.

"Can I?" he asked softly, his eyes gesturing toward the saree. Avantika hesitated for a moment, then nodded in silent assent.

Kneeling beside her, Avyansh carefully gathered the unruly fabric into his hands, his touch gentle yet decisive. With each careful fold and delicate adjustment, he worked methodically, his fingers tracing the contours of the saree with practiced ease.

"I've seen Maa do this countless times... it's second nature to me," he offered with a small smile, sensing her unspoken curiosity.

As the saree began to take shape around her, a warmth blossomed within Avyansh, a blend of pride and affection for the woman who had chosen to share her life with him.

In that intimate space, it felt as though time had slowed, leaving only the two of them suspended in a shared moment. Avantika's eyes met his, a silent dialogue passing between them—gratitude, understanding, and something deeper, unspoken yet profoundly felt.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the quiet intimacy of the room.

"Always," Avyansh murmured in response, a tender smile curving his lips as he lingered a fraction longer than necessary, savoring the closeness between them.

Stepping back, he admired the finished drape of the saree around her form, its elegance complementing her natural grace.

"Beautiful," he breathed softly, his admiration unabashed as he beheld her radiant presence.

In that unguarded moment, he noticed something amiss.

Slowly, deliberately, Avyansh closed the distance between them, cornering Avantika between the dressing table and himself. Her initial confusion gave way to a subtle wariness as he spoke, his voice low and measured.

"You forgot something," he murmured, his gaze locked with hers, searching for any flicker of reaction. Avantika met his eyes with a calm reserve, her features composed despite the proximity that now enveloped them.

Without breaking eye contact, he reached behind her, retrieving the vermilion box from the dressing table.

As he straightened, he sensed her lean back slightly, her movement instinctive yet controlled. Their faces were now mere inches apart, a charged silence settling between them.

The intimacy of the moment was palpable, yet Avantika remained poised, revealing little of what she might be feeling.

Her eyes, steady and inscrutable, held his in a silent exchange that spoke volumes of restraint and unspoken boundaries.

He held the vermilion box in his hand, the cool metal contrasting with the warmth of their proximity.

With deliberate care, he lifted it slightly, a silent invitation. Avantika's demeanor softened imperceptibly, a ghost of acknowledgment in her eyes.

In that small space, their breaths mingled almost imperceptibly. Avyansh watched her closely, attuned to the subtle shifts in her expression, yet she maintained a composed facade.

The tension between them simmered, an unspoken understanding hanging in the air.

Her reaction was controlled, her emotions veiled beneath a serene exterior. It was a testament to her strength and composure, even in the face of such intimate proximity and unspoken gestures.

As the moment stretched, Avyansh sensed a depth of connection that transcended words. With a slight nod, acknowledging her silent acquiescence, he returned the vermilion box to its place on the dressing table.

Stepping back, he offered her a faint, knowing smile, respecting the unspoken boundaries she had chosen to uphold.

Avantika's reserve spoke volumes, her ability to navigate the subtle currents of their interaction with grace and restraint leaving an indelible impression.

Avyansh lingered for a moment longer, studying Avantika's composed expression. He could sense her strength and determination, even in moments of vulnerability. Yet, he also felt a pang of concern. Was she truly alright? Did she need more than his silent support?

He approached her again, slowly closing the gap between them once more. His hand reached out tentatively, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Avantika's eyes flickered closed for a brief moment, a subtle sigh escaping her lips as she leaned into his touch, her hand finding its place on his chest.

In that gentle embrace, the unspoken words between them flowed freely, a silent language of understanding and reassurance. Avyansh held her close, his heartbeat echoing the rhythm of hers, a tender promise of his unwavering presence by her side.

They stood there, enveloped in the quiet intimacy of their embrace, the world outside fading into insignificance. In that moment, Avantika knew she was not alone in navigating the uncertainties of their new beginning.

And Avyansh realized that their marriage held the promise of unraveling layers of unspoken emotions, one silent gesture at a time.

When Avyansh went away to freshen up, Avantika also got down to make her first rasoi breakfast.

As she descended the stairs, she felt someone grab her shoulder and shout.

“Bhabhi!! Save me, Yai chudail mujhe maar rhe hai!” he shouted.

Avantika's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Devika standing in front of her with a slipper in her hand.

Noticing Avantika, Devika quickly joined her hands in a respectful greeting, “Pranam Bhabhi.”

“Pranam, Devika ji,” Avantika responded, eyeing the slipper in Devika’s hand.

Devika noticed Avantika’s gaze and placed the slipper down with a mischievous laugh.

“Hehe, Bhabhi, I was sleeping peacefully and he woke me up by throwing water on me,” she said, glaring at Dev.

Dev giggled and hid behind Avantika.

“Tum dono!!” someone shouted, making both Dev and Devika’s eyes widen in fear.

“Maa,” Devika said, making a crying face as she ran towards her.

“You’re all grown up now, have some shame. You’re college students, not school kids to be fighting like this tumhare umr ki toh Avantika hai tum dono se zyda dimag hai usmein,” their mother said, pulling on Devika's ear.

“Ow! Mummy, let go,” Devika said in pain.

After the scolding from their mother, Dev, still in his morning disarray, stood awkwardly. Devika rubbing her ear and pouting slightly, glanced mischievously at her brother.

"Maa, Dev was the one who started it!" Devika exclaimed, trying to deflect attention from herself.

Their mother sighed, shaking her head at the antics of her grown children.

"Both of you, enough! Go get ready properly." she reminded them firmly.

Devika nodded, sheepishly picking up her slipper from the floor before hurrying off to freshen up.

Dev followed suit, but not before giving Avantika an apologetic smile and mouthing a quick "sorry bhabhi" as he passed by.

Avantika walked towards Anjali and respectfully touched her feet. Anjali stopped her with a gentle smile.

"Hat buddhu, pair thodi chhute hain. Aap toh humare beti hain, gale miliye," she said warmly, pulling Avantika into a hug.

Avantika smiled, feeling a wave of warmth she had never experienced in her own family dynamics.

"Ji Choti Maa," Avantika replied affectionately.

"Wait, let me show you the kitchen," Anjali said, leading Avantika towards the kitchen. But before she could, someone shouted from afar.

"Anjali! Anjali!!"

Anjali's cheeks reddened slightly. "Offo," she muttered under her breath.

It was Ajay calling out to her.

Avantika smiled understandingly. "Aap jaiye Choti Maa, I will ask someone else."

"Hm, yeh bhi na, main kya karoon inka," Anjali sighed, shaking her head, and hurried off to attend to Ajay.

Avantika couldn't help but smile at their interaction. Despite their age, their love was still beautiful, unlike the dynamics she had experienced with her own parents.

Avantika asked one of the maids, who then escorted her to the kitchen.

"Sabko khane mein kya pasand hai?" Avantika asked the kitchen maid, who greeted her with a smile.

"Dadi ji halka khana khati hain. Dono bade sahab ko upma pasand hai. Ma'am bhi upma hi kha lengi," the maid replied.

Avantika nodded. "Aur Avyansh ji ko?"

The maid tried to respond, "Woh... unhe woh Apple—" but struggled to complete the dish's name.

Just then, a voice came from behind. "Avyansh ko apple cinnamon smoothie aur methi thepla pasand hai." It was Pakhi.

"Beta, itna sab kuch tum bana logi?" Pakhi asked, concerned.

"Ji," Avantika nodded confidently. "Just a few minutes, and I'll have everything ready."

Pakhi continued, "Itna sab kuch tum bana rahi ho aur kuch add toh karna nahi chahti, but you have to make something sweet too, beta, as it is your pehli rasoi."

Avantika smiled and nodded, "Kheer?"

"Haan, kheer would be great," Pakhi agreed with a smile.

Avantika set to work, her hands moving skillfully as she prepared the ingredients.

She ground the fresh methi leaves, kneading them into the dough for the theplas.

The kitchen was soon filled with the enticing aroma of spices and herbs.She moved on to prepare the upma, toasting the semolina with ghee, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, just as her Dadi maa had taught her.

She glanced around, .Next, she prepared the apple cinnamon smoothie, blending the apples with a dash of cinnamon and honey, creating a refreshing drink for Avyansh.

Finally, Avantika started on the kheer. She boiled the milk, adding rice and stirring it patiently, letting it simmer until it thickened.

She added sugar, cardamom, and a handful of chopped nuts, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and anticipation.

As she worked, the kitchen filled with the harmonious sounds of sizzling, bubbling, and the gentle clinking of utensils.

Pakhi watched her with admiration, impressed by her Daughter in law dedication and skill.

Soon, everything was ready. The enticing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the kitchen.

“Aahaa, kya khoosboo hai!” Dev exclaimed as he entered the kitchen, his eyes widening with delight.

“Bhabhi, sab kuch ban gaya kya? Itne achhe khoosboo aa rahe hai, I can't control myself.”

Avantika smiled warmly. “Haan Dev ji, sab kuch tayar ho gaya hai.”

As she entered the dining area with a few maids carrying trays of food, Dev followed her like a puppy, his excitement palpable.

Avantika noticed that Avyansh was not at the dining table yet, but she did not let it show on her face.

Just then, she saw Avyansh descending the stairs, looking impeccably dressed in his office attire.

His hair was neatly set, he wore glasses that suited him perfectly, and he carried his suit jacket in one hand while his white shirt sleeves were folded up.

“Avyansh beta, kahaan ja rahe hain aap?” Maanyata asked, her voice filled with gentle reprimand.

Avyansh, who had just ended a call, replied curtly, “Office.”

“Chaliye, baithiye pehle nashta kijiye,” Maanyata insisted.

“I am already too late, Dadi. I have an important meeting,” Avyansh said, his tone firm.

Pakhi, noticing the tension, spoke up. “Avyansh,” she called out, her voice carrying a hint of reproach.

“Aaj aapki shaadi ka pehla din hai. Itni mehnat se Avantika ne nashta banaya hai sabki pasand ka, aur aap yun hi ja rahe hain?” Pakhi said, her words carrying the weight of familial expectation.

Avyansh paused, glancing at Avantika, who stood there with  understanding expression.

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