7.

                                    

                                              

This book is entirely a product of my imagination. Please do not copy my work, or I will take strict action.
Thank you ❤️


Aarav's POV
I got ready for work and came downstairs expecting the dining table to be full but it was empty.
“Maa where are you all?” I called out.
"We are all in the kitchen bhai!” Riya’s cheerful voice came from inside the kitchen.
What are they all doing in the kitchen? I walked over and sat at my usual place at the dining table. Soon everything was set on the table.
"I made this bhai. Especially for bhabhi" Riya said excitedly bringing out a plate of poha and placing it in front of Aaradhya’s seat. She rushed back to the kitchen humming to herself.
Nobody in the house eats poha. Oh so it’s specially made for her. A mischievous idea clicked in my mind. I took the plate and poured a large amount of red chili powder mixed it well and placed it back. A small smirk played on my lips as I imagined her reaction.
“Good morning beta” Chachu greeted as he came downstairs.
“Good morning Chachu” I replied as he sat beside me. Slowly everyone gathered.
"Today I made poha for bhabhi!" Riya announced proudly clapping her hands with excitement.
“Wah beta! That’s a very good thing"  Papa praised her.
"Bhabhi it's better to stay hungry than eat food made by Riya" Darsh joked making everyone laugh.
“Darsh bhai! Aap na nandon ki tarah bezzati karna band karo!” Riya pouted dramatically.
"Bhabhi wait. Let me call the ambulance first" Raj teased and everyone burst out laughing again.
“Papa, bade papa Look at these two!"  Riya sulked crossing her arms making Papa glare at Darsh and Raj. They both quickly looked down pretending to behave.
"Bhabhi eat and tell me how it is?" Riya asked eagerly.
Aaradhya took a bite and that was the moment I was waiting for. Her eyes instantly filled with tears. She looked around, trying to stay calm but the spice hit her hard.
"How it is beta?” Maa asked with a kind smile.
"Very... very good I could eat poha like this every day" Aaradhya said with a forced smile. Then she quietly continued eating alternating between bites of poha and gulps of water.
Riya said proudly. "See! I told you all I am a very good cook!"
Poor Aaradhya. Her face was red and her eyes were teary but she ate every bite of the spicy poha without a single complaint.
Aaradhya’s POV
I knew it was Aarav ji who had added the chili to the poha. Riya had shown me the dish before serving it, and there was no chili then. I ate it anyway because I didn’t want to upset Riya.
I glanced at Aarav ji who was eating his breakfast with a satisfied smirk. When our eyes met, he raised an eyebrow, as if daring me to react. Instead, I gave him a soft smile.
His smirk falteredband he stared at me stunned.
Maa said to face challenges with a smile, I thought. That’s what I was doing and the look on his face made it worth it. The reaction he wanted from me tears, anger or complaints I gave him the exact opposite.
After breakfast, everyone left for their work.
“Aaradhya beta take this” Maa called me softly handing me a tablet.