Sunday arrived...

The whole family, including Mihika, was present at home.

A few days back, they spoke with Mihika's parents first about Ruhi. Her parents were a little uncomfortable with this new information, but Mihika, as a social worker herself, explained to her parents the details of Ruhi's and Rajput's lives. How she introduced Ruhi to the family! Apparently, they agreed.

So, Mihika too joined everyone as part of the family.

Doorbell rang...

Vidyut opened the door to find his Ankita Masi.

The lady in her late 40's. Draped in a navy blue saree, her sandy brown glowing skin, her posture straight and confident. Her soft smile. Her personality reflects that of a traditional yet modern woman.

Vidyut excitedly wrapped his arms around. She too reciprocates the hug.

Ankita (caressing his hair): How's my young man?

Vidyut broke the hug.

Vidyut (flicking her nose): Just like this old woman.

She playfully slapped his arm.

Shalini (shaking her head): Vidyut, let her come in.

Vidyut smiled sheepishly and moved aside. Ankita walked in and met everyone.

She noticed Ruhi and was about to ask.

Shalini: Where is Nayan, Ankita?

Ankita couldn't reply as Ajit (Rajat's cousin brother) walked in with his family.

Ajit, his wife Veda and their daughter Inaya.

A round of meetings and greetings passed.

Everyone settled in the living area.

Veda: What's the reason for this meetup? Saurav's wedding?

Shalini (taking a deep breath): Soon, we will plan that too. For now, I want to introduce you all to someone.

Inaya (smirking at Vidyut): Vidyut's girlfriend? Tch!! Vidyut is desperate.

Vidyut (rolling his eyes): Oh, please, Di! You are older than I am. You will be marrying first.

Shalini (sighed): Vidu, Inu, no fights now. You can take the room afterwards and beat each other. No one will interpret, but for now, be quiet.

Vidyut and Inaya nodded and stayed quiet. Shalini gestures to Ruhi to come close to her. Ruhi obeying her, stood in front of her.

Shalini (holding Ruhi's hand): She is Ruhi... Umm... She is the daughter of Rajat and Sarika.

As she completed her sentence. Ajit's family and Ankita gasped as they received this information.

Ankita (clear and sharp tone): What is she doing here?

Saurav (taking a deep breath): Masi, her mother died because of cancer two months ago. About Mr Rajput... you know he is no more.

Ajit (looking at Ruhi): So, she will be living here with you all?

Anirudh nodded and hummed.

Ankita (with teary eyes): You guys accepted her?

Ruhi was just standing there and listening to their talks, though she didn't understand much, but she knew she was the topic of this discussion.

Vidyut: Masi, it's not what you are thinking. Please listen to our point once.

Ankita glared at him but anyway nodded. Ruhi was uncomfortable in this environment. She is comfortable around her family now but these guests are making her uncomfortable.

Harsha: Ruhi baby, go and check if Khushi is awake.

Ruhi nodded and ran away from there in a snap.

Shalini, taking a deep breath, explained their point of view. She explained why and how they accepted Ruhi.

Ajit (glaring at the table): I can't just say how cruel a person Rajat was. Like, he left everyone for Sarika, and he couldn't even love her.

Ankita: I am proud of my boys for being strong and understanding but honestly, I need time to process all this and then accept it. I may not accept her but I promise I won't interfere in your lives regarding her. It's up to you how you will keep this relationship with her. I will be the one to ask anything. I hope that's fine.

Shalini: That's okay Ankita. We can understand.

Ajit: Umm... If you are okay. I am also fine then. I also have a daughter. I don't think anywhere the girl needs to be blamed. Already, she felt unloved because of her father. Now, we are not supposed to repeat it.

Vidyut: Yes chachu. That's what we too felt.

Ajit nodded. A few minutes later, Everyone sat silently. They were processing everything.

Harsha: I will set the dinner then.

She stood up and walked towards the kitchen.

Mihika, Veda and Ankita followed her.

Ajit took Shalini into her room to discuss Ruhi.

Only Anirudh, Saurav, Vidyut and Inaya were left.

Inaya: Bhaiya, bhai, Vidu, you guys are fine?

Saurav: Yes inu, don't worry. We are good.

Vidyut: I will check on Ruhi and bring her here.

Vidyut walked into Harsha and Anirudh's room. Ruhi just exited the washroom at the same time.

Vidyut: Khushi is sleeping. Come Ruhi. I will make you meet Inaya.

Ruhi pouted. Vidyut walked towards her and sat on his knees.

Vidyut: We are with you. Don't worry.

Ruhi nodded still pouting. Vidyut took her out.

He sat in his place with Ruhi.

Vidyut: Di, she is Ruhi and Ruhi, she is our Inaya di.

Inaya: Hi Ruhi, I am Inaya. Younger sister of Anirudh bhaiya and Saurav bhai and elder sister of this donkey.

Vidyut (pout): I am not a donkey.

Inaya (poking her tongue): Okay then monkey.

For Anirudh and Saurav this is not new. They were laughing and Ruhi too joined them.

Anirudh: Ruhi, you know what, this sister of ours was not present at my wedding.

Inaya: Aye!! You were desperate to get married soon. You knew, I was having board exams. You could have waited for my exams to end.

Ruhi (complaining to Anirudh): Aapne mujhe nahi bhulaya shaadi me. (You didn't invite me to your wedding)

Inaya (smirking): See, how desperate you were. Don't complain at me for not being present.

She turned to Ruhi.

Inaya: Ruhi, now at Saurav bhai's wedding. We will enjoy a lot.

Vidyut (chuckling): She won't let Saurav bhaiya marry. Because Mihika Bhabhi will get busy with everything, who will set her hair?

Ruhi (glaring at Vidyut): Don't laugh at me. Aapko kuch nahi pata hai. Girl ready kaise hoti hai! Hair banati hai. (You don't know anything. How does a girl get ready? Set her hair)

Inaya: Don't worry! I am there. I will set your hair and will get you ready.

Ruhi (excitedly): You have makeup and lipstick?

Inaya nodded.

Ruhi (giggling): Saurav bhaiya, you can marry now.

Vidyut: Finally! You got permission to get married. Congratulations bhai!!

Everyone chuckled.

To be continued...

Next update by Sunday. Till then I am expecting 35-40 comments