Chapter 38 ~First Rasoi

Chapter 38 ~First Rasoi
The morning sun bathed the Sekhawat mansion in golden hues, signaling the beginning of a new day and an important tradition for Mia-her first rasoi. As she stirred awake in the luxurious confines of her new home, she found herself wrapped securely in Rudraksh's arms. His warmth was comforting, a silent reassurance that he was by her side.

Mia shifted slightly, causing Rudraksh to tighten his grip. "Where are you going, Mrs. Sekhawat?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
She turned to him with a playful smile. "To fulfill my first duty as your wife."
He raised a brow. "And what duty is that?"

"My first rasoi," she whispered, gently running her fingers through his hair. "I need to cook for the family."
Rudraksh groaned, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "I don't want to share you so soon. Let them wait."
Mia giggled but managed to free herself from his hold. "You're impossible," she teased before slipping out of bed.
She freshened up and changed into a traditional saree-a pastel pink and gold masterpiece gifted to her by Tusha. The soft silk draped gracefully around her, making her look every bit the new bride she was. She adorned herself with simple jewelry, her mangalsutra resting against her collarbone, a physical reminder of the bond she now shared with Rudraksh.

As she descended the grand staircase, the fragrance of morning tea wafted through the air. The family was already gathered in the living room, chatting away. Tusha noticed her first and smiled warmly. "Ready for your first rasoi, Mia?"
Mia nodded, her palms slightly sweaty. "Yes, but I hope it turns out well."

Dadi chuckled. "You'll do just fine, beta. It's not about perfection, it's about love. Whatever you make will be delicious."
Encouraged, Mia made her way to the vast kitchen, a space she had barely stepped into before. Today, however, it was her domain. She took a deep breath, rolling up her sleeves. The kitchen staff stood nearby, offering to assist, but she politely declined. This was her responsibility.
She decided to prepare kheer, a dish that held sentimental value. It reminded her of home, of childhood, of warmth. Gathering the ingredients, she set to work, her movements careful and deliberate. The milk simmered on the stove, the aroma of cardamom and saffron filling the air. As she stirred, a sense of peace settled over her. This was new, yet strangely familiar.

A pair of arms wrapped around her waist, breaking her reverie. "Need any help?" Rudraksh asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Mia smiled, leaning into him. "If you keep distracting me, I might burn this."
He chuckled, placing a soft kiss on her cheek before stepping back. "Alright, I'll behave. Just don't keep me waiting too long. I'm eager to taste my wife's cooking."

A little while later, Mia placed the finished kheer in a silver bowl, garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios. Taking a deep breath, she carried it to the dining area where the entire family was seated in anticipation.
She served dadi first, who took a spoonful, her face lighting up instantly. "Mia, this is wonderful! Absolutely perfect."
The others followed, showering her with praises. Even Animesh, who was known for his picky eating, gave her an approving nod. Rudraksh, however, was the last to taste it. He took a spoonful, his expression unreadable.
"Well?" Mia asked, nervous.

He leaned forward, wiping a smudge of kheer from the corner of her lips with his thumb before tasting it himself. A slow smile spread across his face. "Delicious," he murmured, his eyes holding a depth of emotion that made her heart flutter.
Dadi smiled knowingly. "As per tradition, since Mia has completed her first rasoi, she deserves a gift from her husband."
Mia turned to Rudraksh, who smirked. "A gift, huh?" He pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a delicate diamond bracelet. "For my talented wife."

Mia gasped, her fingers lightly touching the shimmering piece. "It's beautiful, Rudraksh."
He fastened it around her wrist and kissed her hand. "Not as beautiful as you."

The family cheered, the atmosphere filled with laughter and warmth. Mia realized then that this was more than just a ritual-it was a moment of belonging, of acceptance, of love. Her heart swelled with gratitude. This was her new family, her new home, and she couldn't be happier.
The grand celebration of Mia and Rudraksh's wedding had barely settled when the family was faced with an unexpected storm-Animesh's silent suffering. What had once been a boy full of life and mischief now seemed like a shadow of his former self. The usual sparkle in his eyes had dulled, and he barely spoke unless necessary.

Mia first noticed it during a casual evening tea session in the garden. Everyone was chatting about the wedding, teasing her and Rudraksh about their honeymoon trip to Switzerland, when she saw Animesh sitting quietly in a corner, swirling his tea absentmindedly. His shoulders slumped, his eyes distant. She knew something was wrong.

Later that night, as everyone retired to their rooms, Mia found herself standing outside Animesh's door. With a soft knock, she pushed it open. The room was dimly lit, and Animesh was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"May I come in?" she asked gently.
Animesh barely turned his head. "Of course, Bhabhi," he murmured.
Mia sat on the chair beside his bed and studied him for a moment. "Something is bothering you, Animesh. You don't have to pretend with me."
He exhaled deeply, rubbing his face tiredly. "It's nothing, really."

Mia wasn't convinced. "You don't eat properly, you barely talk, and you're avoiding everyone. This isn't the Animesh I know."
His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. "I... I don't even know what's wrong with me. I feel empty. No matter how much I try, I can't find joy in anything."
Mia's heart ached at his confession. She reached for his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "You're not alone in this. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."
Over the next few days, Mia kept a close watch on Animesh. She discussed it with Rudraksh and Chirag, who both agreed that something needed to be done. Chirag, as Animesh's father, was heartbroken to see his son in this state but felt lost on how to help him.
One evening, Mia decided to take Animesh out. She drove him to a quiet spot near the lake, a place where she often went when she needed to clear her mind.
"Sometimes, we don't realize how much we bottle up inside until it starts consuming us," she said as they sat on a bench, watching the gentle ripples on the water's surface. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Animesh hesitated before finally speaking. "I feel like I don't belong anywhere. I see everyone moving ahead in life, achieving things, and I feel stuck. I don't even know what I want anymore."
Mia listened carefully. "It's okay to feel lost, Animesh. It doesn't mean you're failing. It just means you're in a phase where you need to rediscover yourself."
Tears welled up in his eyes. "What if I never find my way?"
"You will," she assured him. "But only if you allow yourself to heal. You've been carrying too much inside. It's time to let it out, to accept help."

Animesh nodded slowly. "Maybe... maybe I do need help."

That night, after returning home, Mia spoke to Chirag and Tusha. They decided to seek professional help for Animesh, making him understand that therapy wasn't a sign of weakness but a step toward healing. To their relief, Animesh agreed.
Weeks passed, and with therapy, family support, and Mia's constant encouragement, Animesh began showing signs of improvement. He started smiling again, engaging in conversations, and even resumed his passion for painting. The house, which had felt heavy with unspoken worries, was once again filled with laughter.

One evening, as Mia was setting the dining table, Animesh walked up to her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Bhabhi," he whispered. "For not giving up on me."
Mia smiled, ruffling his hair. "Always, Animesh. Always."