Hare Krishna
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Chapter 2

The soft rays of the morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Vihaan slowly awakened, his hand instinctively reaching out to find Samriddhi lying beside him. His fingers delicately traced a path along her bare back, savouring the gentle curve of her spine.

Samriddhi stirred, a contented smile gracing her lips as she became aware of Vihaan's touch. She turned towards him, their eyes meeting with a shared sense of affection and love.

"Good morning, my love."

"Good morning, Vihaan ji."

Vihaan leaned closer, his lips meeting Samriddhi in a tender morning kiss, a sweet connection to start their day. Their lips parted, leaving a trail of warmth and longing in their wake.

"I am grateful for each morning I wake up beside you, Samriddhi."

"And I, Vihaan ji. Every day spend with you is a blessing."

They exchanged a lingering gaze, basking in the comfort and familiarity of their shared love. Slowly, they untangled themselves from the embrace, their bodies moving in sync as they prepared to face the day.

Vihaan slid out of bed, his bare feet gently touching the cool floor. He wrapped a robe around himself and then walked back to the bed, leaning down to place a tender kiss on Samriddhi's forehead.

"I'll be waiting for you downstairs. Breakfast can wait, but my heart can't." He said, teasingly.

Samriddhi chuckled, a playful glimmer in her eyes.

"I will join you shortly, my impatient Vihaan ji."

Vihaan offered her a final smile before leaving the room, his heart filled with anticipation for the day ahead.

Samriddhi lay in bed for a moment, her fingers gently grazing her lips, still feeling the warmth of Vihaan's kiss. She took a deep breath, the scent of their shared love lingering in the air, before rising from the bed.

The dining room was filled with warmth and laughter as the family gathered for breakfast. Vihaan's parents, Janki Singh Chauhan and Rajesh Singh Chauhan, sat at the head of the table, radiating a sense of wisdom and love. Beside them, Vihaan and Samriddhi took their seats, their hands finding each other beneath the table, a silent gesture of support and affection.

Vedaant Singh Chauhan, Vihaan's elder brother, occupied the seat next to Samriddhi. Despite the lingering sorrow in his eyes, he welcomed the day with a gentle smile, finding solace in the presence of his beloved daughter, Aradhya, who sat beside him. Aradhya, a beacon of innocence and joy at seven years old, eagerly chatted away, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Savitri Devi, the matriarch of the family, sat at the other end of the table, observing the scene with a mixture of pride and adoration. Her eyes held the wisdom of age, and her mere presence commanded respect and love from every member of the household.

"Pass me the parantha, Sammy." Vedaant said to Samriddhi.

Samriddhi reached for the Parantha basket, her gaze shifting from Vihaan to Vedaant, offering him a compassionate smile. The loss of his wife five years ago still weighed heavily on his heart, but the family's unity and love served as a constant source of support.

"Thank you, Sammy."

"Guess what, chachi? We learned a new dance routine in school yesterday! Can I show you later?" Little Aradhya said excitedly.

"Of course, sweetheart! I can't wait to see your moves."

Savitri Devi's eyes softened, witnessing the bond between Samriddhi and the little girl. She took a moment to speak, her voice filled with affection.

"Samriddhi bahu, you have brought a new light into our lives. The love and care you shower upon this family is truly remarkable." Savitri Devi said.

"Thank you, dadi maa. Your words mean the world to me. This family is my own, and I cherish every moment with them."

The room was filled with a momentary silence, a collective understanding of the love and togetherness they shared. They continued to enjoy their breakfast, engaging in lively conversations, sharing laughter and stories that strengthened their familial bond.

In that moment, it was clear that love transcended bloodlines, that Samriddhi had become an integral part of their lives. The joint family thrived under the embrace of love, and each member found solace and support in one another.

Samriddhi entered the cosy coffee shop, her stride filled with purpose. She glanced around, searching for her client, Mr. Ajay Mehra. Spotting him at a corner table, she approached with a warm smile. Mr. Mehra, a man in his late thirties with a friendly demeanour, was accompanied by his eight-year-old son, Aryan.

Samriddhi and Mr. Mehra greeted each other warmly, exchanging pleasantries.

" Namaste, Aunty." Aryan greeted Samriddhi.

"Namaste, beta." She smiled at him.

They settled into their seats, and a friendly barista came to take their orders. As they waited for their coffees, they engaged in light conversation, building a rapport.

Their coffees arrived, and the conversation turned to the specifications for Mr. Mehra's new villa. He shared his vision, describing how he wanted the villa to be a blend of modern elegance and warmth, reflecting his family's values and providing a comfortable space for them.

Samriddhi listened attentively, her eyes filled with genuine interest as she took notes and asked thoughtful questions. She sketched rough ideas in her notebook, capturing the essence of Mr. Mehra's desires for his new home.

As the meeting progressed, Aryan, Mr. Mehra's enthusiastic son, chimed in with excitement.

"Can I have a treehouse in my room, Aunty? And maybe a secret hideout too?"

Samriddhi chuckled, her enthusiasm matching Aryan's.

"Of course, Aryan! We'll explore creative ideas to make your room extra special."

Their discussion continued, exploring color palettes, furniture styles, and unique design elements. Samriddhi shared her ideas and expertise, ensuring that Mr. Mehra's preferences were considered at every step.

Amidst the exchange of ideas and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Samriddhi and Mr. Mehra established a strong connection. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, laying the foundation for a successful collaboration.

As the meeting drew to a close, Samriddhi raised her cup, toasting to the beginning of an exciting journey.

"Here's to creating a beautiful home for your family, Mr. Mehra. I'm thrilled to be a part of this project."

"Cheers, Samriddhi. I have complete faith in your talent and vision." He said, raising his cup.

They clinked their cups together, sealing their partnership with optimism and shared enthusiasm. The coffee shop buzzed with warmth and the promise of a bright future as they concluded their meeting, ready to embark on the journey of transforming Mr. Mehra's vision into a reality.

Samriddhi continued her conversation with Mr. Mehra, their coffees now slightly cool in their cups. As they delved deeper into the details of the villa, a moment of vulnerability arose, and Mr. Mehra opened up about his personal life.

He sighed, "My ex-wife and I went through a difficult divorce. She was having an affair with one of my closest friends, and it shattered our marriage."

Samriddhi's expression softened, her empathy evident as she listened intently to Mr. Mehra's revelation.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mehra ji. Divorce can be incredibly challenging. How did you cope with everything? She asked softly.

"It was tough, but I came to terms with it. I realised that our relationship had its flaws, and there were things I didn't know about her before we got married. She had been in multiple relationships, and I was completely unaware of it." He took a deep breath and said.

Samriddhi nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion.

"Sometimes, life throws us unexpected challenges. It takes strength to face them head-on and find a way forward. I admire your resilience, Mehra ji." She told him openly.

"Thank you, Samriddhi. It wasn't easy, but I focused on rebuilding my life and providing a loving home for Aryan." He said, gratefully.

Aryan, sensing the seriousness of the conversation, remained quiet, his eyes searching for reassurance from both adults.

"Aryan, your papa is a remarkable person. He's working hard to create a beautiful home for you, filled with love and happiness." She said, gently.

"I know, aunty. Papa is the best."

The conversation takes a more uplifting turn as Samriddhi reassures Aryan, reminding him of the exciting plans they have for his new room in the villa. The atmosphere lightens as they discuss Aryan's interests and favourite colours, redirecting their focus toward the positive aspects of the project.

Samriddhi, despite the newfound knowledge about Mr. Mehra's past, remained professional and understanding, assuring him that she will create a space that reflects his present desires and aspirations. Their shared vision for the villa becomes a source of solace, a symbol of new beginnings and a fresh chapter in their lives.

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I often wonder how do people cheat on their husband or wife? The trauma of getting cheated on is the worst for a person to go through in a marriage. No, reason is reason enough to cheat on your spouse.

Sadly, in today's world I have seen people justifying infidelity. And it brings me to think about in the society we are living in. People these days have no shame, no thoughts in being the third person in a marriage.

Anyways... what are your thoughts on the story so far?

Radhe Radhe