Chapter 17 Future Owner Wants Pasta
Evening has fallen, and the house is calm. I walk in and see Mrs. Shobha in the kitchen, preparing dinner. She smiles at me and says, "Ishani Child, what brings you here? Do you need something?"
I return her smile gently, "No Mom, I just thought I'd help you out."
She smiles warmly, "No dear, you should rest. You're still not feeling well."
But I insist, "I've been bored all day... let me at least do something."
She chuckles lightly, "You should focus on Samar and your relationship."
I frown slightly, unsure of what she means. Shobha continues, her tone soft but serious, "I know the circumstances in which you two got married weren't right, but both of you have the chance to make your future better together."
I stand silently, listening. Then she gently adds, "Don't take this the wrong way, but look at yourself once... do you really look like a married woman?"
I don't respond. Mrs. Shobha says, "You should dress up a little. You're not wearing a mangalsutra, there's no sindoor in your hair parting. I understand your marriage wasn't traditional, but you should talk to Samar once. I've told him many times, but he doesn't listen to me. Maybe he'll listen to you."
I quietly nod and walk back to my room. My face feels strangely heavy. I enter the room quietly, gently close the door behind me, and walk straight to the mirror. I stand there, looking at my reflection. Today, I'm wearing a green suit with trousers simple, yet it brings out my natural beauty.
My deep blue eyes gaze into the mirror, holding a mix of sadness and silent strength. I haven't worn any jewellery no bindi, no earrings, no mangalsutra. My long black hair is tied in a single braid, making me look even more innocent and graceful.
I stare at myself in silence for a while. Then, softly, almost like whispering to my own reflection, I say, "How can I even think about this relationship with him? I'm already divorced."
As soon as the words leave my lips, my eyes fill with tears. The weight of my past, the pain I've buried so deep, suddenly resurfaces.
I turn away and slowly walk to the bed, lying down gently as if the world has drained all my strength not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Staring at the ceiling, I close my eyes.
Meanwhile, on the other side, in a grand and luxurious villa, Ruhi quietly steps inside. Her footsteps are soft, almost as if she's sneaking in like a thief. With a mischievous smile playing on her lips, she makes her way straight to the kitchen.
Her eyes land on a boy standing inside, busy with something. He's wearing a grey T-shirt and black lowers, with an apron tied over them. A light dusting of flour is visible on his face, his hair slightly tousled, and his sleeves folded up, revealing the clear definition of his arm muscles. Ruhi can't take her eyes off him it’s Rohit.
At that moment, Rohit is chopping vegetables. Ruhi tiptoes closer and stands quietly behind him. Suddenly, Rohit turns around and shouts loudly in shock. "AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"
Ruhi quickly covers her ears. Rohit clutches his chest and says, "Are you crazy? Trying to give me a heart attack? What are you even doing here at this hour?"
Ruhi makes a pout and replies sweetly, "Well... I was hungry... and I felt like eating white sauce pasta made by you."
Grinding his teeth in irritation, Rohit says, "If you're that hungry, go out and eat something. I haven't opened a hotel here." Ruhi, unfazed, sits down on the kitchen slip and says, "But I'm really hungry... so hurry up and make it."
Looking at her with clear annoyance, Rohit says, "Who even are you to come into my house and start ordering me around?"
Ruhi casually grabs a carrot from the counter and munches on it as she replies, "The future owner of this house."
Rohit's anger shoots up as soon as he hears that. He grabs her arm abruptly and pulls her off the slip, saying, "Stay in your limits. Just leave from here."
Ruhi, now irritated, snaps back, "Is this how you talk to someone who enters your house? No manners at all!"
Running his hand through his hair in frustration, Rohit mutters, "You're seriously the most stubborn girl I've ever met." Then, stepping closer, he asks, "Fine, what will it take for you to leave?"
Ruhi, now standing very close to him with a cheeky smile, says just one word, "Pasta."
Rohit knows her too well she's incredibly stubborn. Unless he makes that pasta, she’s not going anywhere.
With a deep sigh, Rohit gives in. "Fine. Just stay away and go wait outside. I'll make it." Ruhi beams with happiness, "Okay! I'll be in the hall."
Saying that, she skips off to the living room. Rohit exhales deeply, almost like asking the heavens for patience, and gets back to work in the kitchen.
Rohit's villa is located right next to Rajput Villa, so Ruhi often drops by unannounced, like it’s her second home. She comes and goes as she pleases, without a care in the world.
Rohit belongs to a very respectable family. He has his own business and also manages Samar's business alongside. Working with Samar has taught him a lot. He has gained quite a bit of experience over the years.
At the moment, Rohit is fully focused in the kitchen, preparing pasta with complete dedication. After some time, he comes out carrying a bowl and two plates. His family wasn’t with him anymore when he was very young; he had lost his parents and younger sister in a tragic road accident. Since then, Shobha and Ajay had taken him in and raised him.
He never liked eating alone. The empty dining table always reminds him of what he lost.
He places the pasta on the table. Ruhi immediately rushes over, plops into a chair, takes a deep breath and says, "Wow! It smells amazing!"
Rohit can’t help but smile inwardly. Finally, someone is there in his home who appreciates his cooking. He picks up the bowl, serves pasta onto Ruhi's plate first, then serves himself.
Ruhi begins eating with great delight, nodding her head in approval with every bite as if she’s enjoying a chef's signature dish.
Rohit stares at her in surprise. He can’t understand, "Why does this girl like my cooking so much?" He has only taken a small portion for himself, but Ruhi's full plate is emptying quickly. Soon, she picks up the pasta bowl itself and starts eating directly from it.
After finishing, she stands up and says with satisfaction, "That was amazing! I'm heading out now. Whatever you cook tomorrow morning, just send it over." Rohit snaps in irritation, "I'm not your servant!"
Ruhi makes a face and replies, "Shut up!" Then runs off playfully. Rohit stands there, watching her leave with surprise and a faint smile. "This girl
is really something else strange, but maybe that's what makes her special."