Yashvi and Advik entered their room after a hearty dinner and a leisurely stroll outside. Exhausted, they both sank onto the plush bed, their bodies enveloped by its softness.

"Where are you going?" he inquired, furrowing his brows in confusion. Yashvi had risen from bed.

"It's uncomfortable," she mumbled, removing her earrings and bangles.

"It is. You don't have to wear a saree daily. Wear what makes you comfortable," he murmured in a soft voice, glancing at her saree before picking up his phone.

Yashvi felt irritated and frustrated by his advice. She would have chosen more comfortable attire if not for the expectations set by her mother. Seeing his grandmother, mother, and aunt wearing sarees daily, she assumed that she should do the same.

"Bol toh aise rahe hain jaise mere mein toh akkal hi nahi hai. Mujhe jaise daily yeh than lapetne ka shauk hai," she muttered to herself, placing the bangles in a drawer as she gave him an exasperated look. (It sounds like he is implying that I lack common sense. As if I enjoy wearing sarees daily.)

What added to her frustration was his nonchalant behavior as he continued scrolling through his phone. Angrily, she headed towards the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

He flinched at the sound and looked around in confusion, his lips forming a slight pout as he scratched his head.

Meanwhile, in the washroom, Yashvi washed her face and grabbed a hand towel to dry herself off. She entered the closet, retrieved her daily essentials, and returned to the bathroom. Placing her bathroom essentials on the countertop, she returned to the closet.

Changing into a button-down long sleep shirt and shorts, she picked up her bag of essentials and exited the closet. Advik was nowhere to be seen, and the balcony door was left open.

Yashvi arranged the remaining essentials on the dressing table when a knock interrupted her.

She glanced towards the balcony door and then went to answer it. A staff member stood outside with a tray.

"Mam, it's chamomile tea for sir," he informed her. Yashvi nodded silently, giving him space to place the tea on the table before he departed.

"Angrez ki aulad," she muttered, making an animated face as she looked at the chamomile tea. Throughout her life, her mother had insisted on drinking turmeric milk before bed, while the man she married preferred chamomile tea. (Son of a foreigner.)

Taking the tray, she made her way towards the balcony where he was sitting by the pool, dipping his legs in the water. As the moonlight caressed his sharp features, it seemed to unveil a sense of tranquility and depth, casting a spell of calmness upon him. His presence exuded a magnetic stillness, as if he held the secrets of the universe within him, inviting one to find solace and serenity in his presence.

Inhaling a deep breath, she looked away from him and approached, her eyes drawn to his veiny arms resting behind him as he leaned onto them.

"Your tea," she softly spoke, interrupting his thoughts. He turned his body towards her, acknowledging her presence.

She placed the tray between them and settled herself beside him, dipping her bare legs into the pool. The sudden contact with the cold water sent a jolt of surprise through her body. After a while, a refreshing and invigorating sensation spread throughout her, invigorating her senses.

His gaze shifted to her neck, where three moles were visible as her hair was tied up in a bun. Her long and slender neck appeared smooth, and a subtle longing sparked within him to touch it. Respecting the boundaries between them, he looked away, diverting his attention to the chamomile tea in his hand.

"I have a habit of drinking it at night for a calm sleep. During college, due to study and business pressure, I couldn't sleep properly, so our family doctor suggested it," he shared, taking a sip from the tea, attempting to initiate a conversation.

She nodded, swaying her legs gently in the water, a broad smile adorning her face. He shook his head lightly, a smile mirroring his own face, appreciating her playful gesture.

"You don't speak much, do you?" he inquired after a few minutes, observing her while she gazed at the moon.

"It's peaceful here," she responded, shifting the topic. She didn't have a direct answer to his question. Being an introvert by nature and having a small circle of friends, it took her time to feel comfortable and open up.

"I understand. I have a habit of sitting here whenever my schedule allows," he remarked, stretching his arms and letting out a yawn.

"Let's go to sleep," she mumbled, getting up and heading inside. He tried to stop her, but she had already disappeared from his sight. He shook his head in disbelief, wanting to engage in conversation with her, but realizing that she was not much of a talker.

Returning to the room, he found her applying moisturizer to her legs, and he couldn't help but notice her attire. She looked stunning in the button-down shirt that ended an inch above her knees. Placing his phone on the side table, he proceeded to the washroom, while she watched his retreating figure, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of longing.

Within two days, Yashvi could clearly observe the genuine efforts that Advik and his family were making to make her feel comfortable. However, for someone like her, it was challenging. The weight of her past experiences and the scars left by her parents' divorce, her mother's struggles, and her own challenging college life had shaped her into a cautious and reserved person.

The hardships and disappointments she had witnessed had taught her the harsh reality that talent and wealth often determined one's worth in society. She had learned to be cautious, to guard her words and actions, knowing that not everyone would give her the importance and understanding she deserved. Her mother's struggles during pregnancy, the abandonment by her own uncle, and the difficult circumstances they faced had ingrained in her a sense of self-preservation.

Despite her reservations, Yashvi had taken a leap of faith and agreed to this marriage, primarily for the sake of her mother. She hoped that this new chapter in her life would bring a change and a sense of stability. But the scars of her past still lingered, making it difficult for her to easily open up and initiate conversations, even with Advik, who seemed genuinely interested in making her feel at ease.

-----

Yashvi stirred, feeling a warm hand around her stomach and the soft breath of her husband against her head. Turning to her side, she found Advik still lost in the world of dreams. His peaceful expression and rhythmic breathing created a serene and contented aura. The gentle rays of the early morning light kissed his features, accentuating the sharp lines of his face and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.

A tender smile graced her lips as she gazed at his face, appreciating the tranquility of the moment. She gently pulled his hand that was wrapped around her, slipping out of bed with care. Walking to the other side of the room, she gracefully drew open the curtains, inviting the morning light to pour in and bathe the room in a soft glow.

With a sense of purpose, she made her way to the washroom and changed into her comfortable yoga outfit. Taking her mat, she quietly ventured to the balcony, seeking solace and connection with the world outside. The fresh air caressed her skin as she indulged in her morning ritual, finding balance and rejuvenation in the gentle stretches and movements.

Having completed her yoga session, she returned inside, noticing that the clock displayed half past six in the morning. Glancing at the neatly made bed, she realized that Advik was no longer there.

As she prepared to take a shower, a delightful surprise awaited her. Advik reentered the room, donning his jogging attire and carrying a tray in his hands. The tray held two cups of tea, rusks for a light breakfast, and a vibrant bouquet of daffodils. Yashvi's eyes widened in astonishment and joy as Advik placed the tray on the nearby coffee table.

The unexpected gesture touched her heart deeply. Daffodils, with their vibrant yellow petals, symbolize new beginnings and hope. It was not a common sight to see a husband presenting his wife with such a thoughtful gift. The scent of the daffodils mingled with the aroma of the freshly brewed tea, creating a sensory experience that filled the room with warmth and delight.

Feeling a surge of gratitude and affection, Yashvi met Advik's gaze, her eyes sparkling with appreciation. In that moment, she realized the depth of his feelings and the effort he put into making their mornings special. The simplicity and sincerity of the gesture spoke volumes, reminding her of the beautiful journey they were embarking on together.

"Garam chai ki pyaali, khas aapke pati ne banai hain aapke liye," he cheerfully exclaimed, his eyes shining as he looked at her face. He turned to move away but instantly, she reached out and held his hand, preventing him from moving away from her side. (A cup of hot tea made by your husband for you.)

He raised an eyebrow in curiosity, silently questioning her actions. In response, she shook her head, indicating that he should not sit elsewhere but join her by her side as she walked towards the balcony, tray in hand. A wide smile spread across his face, mirroring her own shy smile. Her gaze lowered, focusing on her lap, her hair acting as a curtain, partially obscuring her face from his view.

Confusion flickered across his features, and without thinking, his hands instinctively reached out to tuck her hair behind her ears. She looked at him, surprise evident in her eyes, as she processed the unexpected gesture. As realization dawned upon him, he was about to apologize for his action, but he stopped as she shook her head, silently assuring him that no apology was needed.

In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them, a connection forged through unspoken words. The tender gesture and their shared reaction spoke volumes, transcending the need for verbal communication. It was as if their souls had intertwined, each finding solace and comfort in the other's presence.

Sitting together on the balcony, they sipped their hot tea, the warmth seeping into their beings, both from the steaming cups and the blossoming connection between their hearts. Their silent exchange, filled with affection and vulnerability, spoke of a deepening bond and an unspoken promise of support and understanding.

As they sat side by side, basking in the morning sunlight and the tranquility of the moment, Yashvi and Advik knew that their journey as a couple was taking beautiful shape. In the silence of that precious morning, their love spoke louder than words, anchoring them in the belief that they were meant to navigate life's joys and challenges together.

Sitting together, sipping their tea and nibbling on rusks, Yashvi felt a profound sense of connection and belonging. The morning unfolded with a sense of enchantment and promise, as the fragrance of the daffodils filled the air, intertwining with their shared laughter and whispered conversations. 

In that peaceful morning embrace, Advik knew that their relationship was blooming, just like the vibrant daffodils, and their journey together was destined for beauty and growth.

-----

After the morning prayer, Yashvi entered the kitchen to find her mother-in-law, Sandhya, preparing stuffed okra. Sandhya looked up and their eyes met, instantly easing Yashvi's nervousness. Sandhya's smile mirrored Advik's, and Yashvi couldn't help but notice the resemblance.

"Advik loves the stuffed okra I make," Sandhya informed Yashvi. Realizing she hadn't taken Sandhya's blessings, Yashvi respectfully bent down to touch her feet, and Sandhya lovingly placed her hand on Yashvi's head.

Sandhya, her mother-in-law, exudes kindness and compassion. Her nurturing nature and infectious laughter create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. She has a unique ability to bring people together and foster a sense of unity and belonging within the family.

Yashvi, feeling more at ease, asked hesitantly, "Can I help you?" Sandhya nodded and instructed her to ignite the gas and heat the cooking pan, while pouring on some mustard oil. The kitchen staff continued with the remaining breakfast preparations.

"You look really beautiful," Sandhya complimented Yashvi, admiring her in the pink saree and off-white blouse.

"Thank you," Yashvi replied shyly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she tucked her hair behind her ears, remembering the earlier incident. Sandhya noticed and smiled to herself, grateful for the growing bond between them.

"What are your favorite dishes to eat?" Sandhya inquired, observing her daughter-in-law as she skillfully flipped the spinach-flavored bread on the stove.

Yashvi paused for a moment, considering her response. "I enjoy dishes like idli-sambar, rajma-chawal, kadhi-chawal, and Indo-Chinese cuisine," she replied with a smile, gently placing the freshly cooked bread into the casserole.

Just as she was about to continue the conversation, Advik called out for Yashvi, causing her to hurriedly leave the kitchen, unintentionally overlooking her mother-in-law. Sandhya quickly instructed a staff member to soak kidney beans in water, preparing for a future meal.

-----

Glossary:

Okra- stuffed ladyfinger

Idli-sambar- south-indian dish made up with rice and lentils consisting a few side sauces.

Rajma-kidney beans

Chawal-rice

Kadhi- soup based on gram flour seasoned with spices.

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Thankyou<3