Chapter 36: 34. Kitchen talks

Samyuktika glanced at Ekansh, noticing that he still wore his work attire. “Ekansh, why don’t you go change? You’ve had a long day, and you’ll be more comfortable in something casual,” she suggested with a gentle smile.

Ekansh raised an eyebrow but chuckled. “You think I need a wardrobe change to impress my guests?”

“Not to impress anyone, just to relax,” she replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone. “Plus, it’ll give you a chance to unwind a bit before dinner.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, you’ve convinced me. Just give me a minute.”

As he turned to head upstairs, Samyuktika felt a wave of relief wash over her. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts before the evening progressed, especially with Naira back in the picture.

She could feel the tension in the air, especially after witnessing Naira’s close interactions with Ekansh. I just need to focus on being myself, she thought, trying to shake off the insecurity creeping in.

While Ekansh changed, Samyuktika took a deep breath, reminding herself that she belonged here too. She resolved to make the evening enjoyable, despite the unexpected dynamics shifting around her.

Samyuktika slipped into the kitchen, grateful for the moment of solitude. As she leaned against the counter, she couldn’t help but ask herself, Why am I feeling so jealous?

The clamor of laughter and warmth from the living room felt distant, and the kitchen was a quiet refuge. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside.

It’s just Naira, she reminded herself, trying to rationalize her feelings. Ekansh has been open with me, and we’ve built something together. Yet, the image of Ekansh and Naira laughing together kept replaying in her mind, twisting the knot in her stomach tighter.

What if he remembers how close they were? she thought, insecurity creeping in. What if he wants that connection back?

Samyuktika shook her head, dispelling the thoughts as best as she could. She had fought hard to be in Ekansh's life, to carve out her place beside him. Yet, the familiar feelings of inadequacy loomed large.

Taking a deep breath, she focused on the task at hand, finding comfort in the familiar motions of the kitchen. I need to be confident, she decided, trying to channel her energy into something positive. I can’t let her affect me like this.

But deep down, the lingering doubts remained, and she knew she had to confront them head-on when Ekansh returned.

As Samyuktika focused on the task at hand, Rihaan entered the kitchen, his presence lightening the atmosphere. “Hey, Bhabhi! What did you make for dinner?” he asked, a friendly smile on his face.

She turned to him, her expression shifting back to normal. “I made Shahi Paneer, Dal, rotis, and matar pulao,” she replied, trying to keep her tone upbeat.

“Wow, that sounds amazing! You always know how to impress,” Rihaan said, genuinely impressed. “I’m sure everyone will love it.”

“Thanks! I hope so,” Samyuktika replied, her confidence bolstered by his compliment. It felt good to focus on something she enjoyed.

Rihaan leaned against the counter, glancing around the kitchen. “Need any help? I can chop vegetables or something,” he offered, eager to lend a hand.

Samyuktika smiled. “I appreciate it, but I’ve got it under control. Just keep me company while I finish up?”

“Absolutely!” Rihaan said, settling in. They chatted easily as she worked, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating.

For a moment, the kitchen felt like a sanctuary, and she was grateful for Rihaan’s friendly presence.

Ekansh walked into the kitchen, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Samyuktika and Rihaan laughing together. The warmth of their camaraderie seemed to ignite a flicker of irritation in him, though he couldn’t quite place why.

“What's going on here?” Ekansh asked, his tone light but edged with curiosity as he leaned against the doorframe.

Samyuktika turned, her laughter fading as she caught sight of him. “Just chatting while I finish dinner,” she replied, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

Rihaan, ever the cheerful one, added, “Just making sure Samyuktika has some company in the kitchen. She’s a pro at this!”

Ekansh felt a mix of protectiveness and something he couldn’t quite define. He forced a smile, but his gaze lingered on Rihaan. “I see. Just don’t distract her too much. We need that dinner ready!”

“Of course! I wouldn’t dream of it,” Rihaan said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Samyuktika felt the tension shift as Ekansh’s presence filled the room. She could sense the subtle undercurrent of jealousy in his demeanor and hoped to ease the situation. “Dinner will be ready soon. You should relax for a bit,” she suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

Ekansh nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the two of them for a moment longer, an unspoken challenge lingering in the air. He turned away, the mix of emotions swirling within him, leaving Samyuktika to wonder how to navigate the growing complexity between them.

Just as the atmosphere in the kitchen began to settle, Naira walked in, her presence instantly commanding attention. “What’s going on in here?” she asked, a playful smile on her lips as she surveyed the scene.

Samyuktika turned, forcing a smile. “Just getting dinner ready,” she replied, trying to keep her tone casual.

Naira’s eyes sparkled as she moved closer. “I hope you’ve saved some room for dessert! I’ve been thinking about something sweet to make,” she said, glancing at Ekansh. “What do you think, Ekansh?”

Ekansh’s demeanor shifted as he regarded Naira, momentarily forgetting the tension. “That sounds great. What do you have in mind?” he asked, a hint of enthusiasm returning.

Naira leaned against the counter, her confidence radiating. “I was thinking of a classic—maybe some gulab jamun. I can show you how to make it,” she offered, her eyes darting between him and Samyuktika, noting the subtle shift in energy.

Rihaan chimed in, “I’d love to help with that too! I’ll be your sous-chef for dessert, Naira.”

Naira smirked, enjoying the attention. “Looks like I’ll have a whole kitchen brigade!” she joked, but her gaze lingered on Samyuktika, gauging her reaction.

Samyuktika felt a knot tighten in her stomach again, the dynamics shifting once more. She forced a smile, but inside, she braced herself for the inevitable competition that was beginning to unfold.