Bhavika POV

As I finished getting ready, a wave of nervousness washed over me. Making my way downstairs, I headed to the kitchen, only to find Aksh's mother and chachi already there, their warm presence somewhat easing my anxiety.

I approached them, offering a soft, "Good morning, aunty," hoping for a comforting response. They exchanged glances, perhaps sensing my uncertainty.

"Beta, what did you just call me?" Aksh's mother asked gently, her voice filled with kindness.

"Um, aunty," I replied hesitantly, unsure of the next right step.

"Beta, now that you are married to my son, you should call me Ma," Aksh's mother said with a tender touch as she patted my cheek, her warmth wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.

"And you can call me Chachi!" Aksh's chachi chimed in from beside her, her smile reassuring and inviting.

"Ji, Ma," I responded, still feeling a bit unsure but comforted by their affection.

I couldn’t help but wonder if they were aware of the argument that had taken place between Aksh and me the night before. Maybe he hadn’t shared the details, but it was clear his family had always been supportive and kind to me from the very beginning.

Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly pulled back to the present by Aksh’s mother calling my name, her tone gentle yet encouraging.

"Bhavika, today marks your first rasoi as the daughter-in-law of this house. You just need to prepare a sweet dish; everything else is already taken care of," she explained, her smile reassuring.

"And don’t worry if you’re unsure about cooking! We’re here to help you every step of the way," Chachi added softly, her supportive words bringing a spark of comfort to my heart.

_

As I was preparing the dish, I caught the sound of Chachi calling out to Ma.

"Bhabhi, the Chauhans will be here shortly," Chachi informed Ma with a warm smile.

(NOTE: The Chauhan's are dear family friends of the Rajvansh's, just like the Malhotra's are, and their son Kian Chauhan is Aksh's best friend.)

As everyone settled around the dining table, the Chauhans arrived, and I learned that Kian bhai is the cherished only son of Veer and Shital Chauhan. This was my first time meeting Kian bhai's parents, and I only knew him a little; our connection was mainly through his close friendship with Aksh at school.

As I started serving the food, I was gently interrupted by Ma. "Bhavika, you can sit down; we'll help ourselves, beta," she said kindly. I looked at her, feeling uncertain, but she sweetly tugged at my wrist and encouraged me to sit beside her.

The atmosphere was mostly quiet as we ate, but then Papa broke the silence by asking about Aksh. "Where is Aksh?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

"We don't know, Bade Papa. When we were at the gym, Bhai wasn't there. We thought he might have gone for a walk or something," Nakul replied, his eyes meeting Agastya's, who nodded in agreement.

Papa turned to Ma for clarity, but she shook her head, revealing that she hadn’t seen him since morning either. He then shared with the group that he had some important work with Aksh, but was unable to reach him by phone.

Everyone listened intently, and I too remained silent, as I was equally unaware of Aksh’s whereabouts since last night.

"Um… Uncle, wait! Let me try calling him and see where he might be. Don’t worry!" Kian proposed, to which Papa nodded in appreciation.

Kian bhai called Aksh, and Papa asked him to put the phone on speaker, which he did. After two or three rings, Aksh picked up.

There was silence on the line, but Papa gestured for Kian bhai to speak to him.

"Where are you, Aksh?” Kian bhai asked gently.

"I'm on my way to Sweden," he replied with a hint of indifference.

Everyone was taken aback, even Kian bhai, who seemed surprised by the news.

"But why are you going there now? The university hasn’t even opened yet, and not to mention, you just got married yesterday," Kian bhai said softly, as though trying to remind him gently of the situation.

"Oh, come on, Kian. I really don’t want to talk about Bhavika right now. I don’t know what she thinks of herself, but her decision has turned my life upside down. I just can’t stand her,” he said, his voice filled with frustration and anger.

Kian bhai became uncomfortable hearing Aksh’s words. He glanced at me for a moment, as though he wanted to interject, but Papa stopped him.

As I listen to him speak this way, I can't help but notice that everyone around me seems to be searching for answers in my expression. I feel a mix of pressure and concern—what should I say to help them understand?

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