Riddhima's pov :
I woke up early. I don't usually wake up early, but being a guest in someone else's household, I needed to be considerate.

I went downstairs to the temple because I knew Dadi would be there. She has become my comfort person. I feel warmth when I am around her. Even though Siya and Ishani are both very nice to me, Dadi is definitely my favorite.

I knew Siya and Ishani wouldn't be awake yet. I heard some mantras coming from the temple and recognized Dadi's voice. With a smile, I walked towards her. Since I've been here, I've been wearing kurtis, though I'm not sure why.

I folded my hands and sat beside her, listening to her bhajans. Her pooja ended with the aarti.

Dadi got up with a smile and looked towards me. We both left the temple and were heading towards the kitchen when Dadi, putting her hand on her head, stumbled back a few steps. I immediately held her and guided her to the dining area, making her sit on one of the chairs. The maid quickly brought her a glass of water, which she sipped.

Within a minute, she tried to get up again, but I didn't let her, saying, "Dadi, you need to eat something. I'll quickly bring something for you to eat, and then you can rest."

"No beta, I'm fine," Dadi said. I didn't believe her but replied, "You rest. Tell me what you want, and I'll make it for you."

"Okay, fine. Make a cup of coffee and then take it to Vansh's room," Dadi instructed. I was horrified. "I'll make the coffee and ask someone to take it to his room," I began, but she interrupted me.

"No, beta. He doesn't like anyone other than family to enter his room when he is home," she explained, making me gulp. I wanted to tell her that I was also an outsider. What if he got angry seeing me? Oh God, I don't want to give him any reason to be angry with me.

"But Dadi, I'm an—" I started to say, but she cut me off again, "You are also a part of our family." She didn't give me any chance to argue. I just nodded, feeling unsure.

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Taking the coffee cup in a small tray, I head to his room praying to god that he should still be asleep. I entered in his room tiptoeing as I don't want to make any noise and wake him up. I took a glance at him, He was sleeping, naked I mean without wearing t-shirt.

I slowly placed the cup of coffee on the table without making any noise. I turned to leave with a smile that's when my eyes widened, my wrist was grabbed from the back. I cursed myself. I needed to be quick. What if seeing me in his room will anger him? No, no I don't want that. I was supposed to be in his good books. I close my eyes for a second before slowly turning back. When I face him, he was looking at me with questionable or surprise gaze which I couldn't understand.

I immediately said while stuttering "woh.... Main... I mean.... I...I..." his intimidating gaze didn't let me utter a single sentence. I paused and took a breath before saying again. "Dadi was not feeling well so I prepared coffee for you and brought it here." All the while Looking at him. He didn't said anything just nodded leaving my hand. And the very next second he left my hand, I sprinted away.

Once outside, I leaned against the door, my heart pounding in my chest. What was I thinking? Entering his room without permission, especially when he was asleep... I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I couldn't afford to make any more mistakes.

I walked down the hallway, the echoes of my footsteps bouncing off the walls, reminding myself to stay composed and focused.

I returned to the dining area , where Dadi was sitting, having her breakfast . She looked up at me with a knowing smile.

I went into the kitchen to have a cup of coffee for myself; I had made an extra cup. The maid looked at me with a horrified expression. Seeing her, I immediately asked, "What happened?"

"Vansh sir prefers his coffee black," she mentioned, looking at me. I was beyond shocked my eyes widened and my stomach dropped "What?" Just left my mouth. I had prepared the coffee with milk and sugar, like I normally do.

My heart sank as I realized my mistake. "Oh no, why didn't you mention it earlier?" I said with a pang of worry. In a low voice, she replied, "It slipped my mind. When I remembered, I quickly came to the kitchen, but I was too late because you were already upstairs, probably in his room."

Even though I was shaking internally, I said, "It's fine." I was saying it more to myself than to the maid. I will just apologize to him, I thought, trying to steady my nerves.

I took a deep breath and sipped my coffee, gathering my thoughts. How was I going to apologize? Should I knock on his door again? Should I wait until he came downstairs?

Yes I'll wait.

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I was sitting with Dadi at the dining table when Mr. Singhania joined us. I immediately looked down, feeling disappointed in myself. I should have asked what he prefers...

He sat at the head of the table and greeted Dadi with a "Good morning," which Dadi reciprocated. "Are you alright, Dadi?" he asked with concern.

"Yes, beta," Dadi replied. "I have already talked with Dr. Batra..."

Before he could say anything further, Dadi cut him off. "Vansh, I am really fine. I didn't eat anything, that's why my blood sugar level dropped, and the world spun around me for a second. That's all, nothing serious." She added firmly, "Cancel the appointment."

He didn't say anything more and began serving himself eggs and bread in a hurry.

While taking his first bite, he said, "Dadi, from tomorrow onwards, don't stress yourself by making coffee for me and bringing it to my room."

Dadi tried to protest, "But beta..." but he interrupted her. "Riddhima will take over that task from tomorrow onwards," he said, looking directly at me. Dadi also turned to look at me with a small smile plastered on her face.

I gulped and nodded with a fake smile.

This is the first time I heard my name from his mouth. It felt different, a fluttering sensation inside my stomach. It was a new feeling for me, one I hadn't experienced before.

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Annyeong👋