Chapter 26

The sound of water running in the bathroom broke the quiet morning as Mayank sat in the living room, typing away on his laptop. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the space.

Niharika emerged from the bathroom, her damp hair falling in loose waves. She paused in front of the mirror, noticing the faint red line of sindoor still lingering in her hairline. He wouldn't like it. She tried wiping it away with a tissue, but it wouldn't completely fade. With a small sigh, she placed the tissue down and unclasped her mangalsutra, setting it carefully in her jewelry box.

Dressed in a loose T-shirt and comfortable shorts, she stepped into the kitchen. She hoped her casual attire wouldn't bother him.

"What do you want for lunch?" she asked, her voice cutting through the quiet as she peeked into the fridge.

Mayank glanced up from his laptop. "Anything is fine. You decide."

"How about aloo paratha?" she offered, half-turning to look at him.

"Sure." His tone was neutral, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Niharika set to work, tying her hair back into a messy bun. As she kneaded the dough, a strand of hair fell across her cheek. She huffed in annoyance, trying to blow it away, but the stubborn strand clung to her face.

Mayank, on his way to grab a glass of water, paused when he saw her. She was focused, her brows furrowed, her hands dusted with flour. Her hair—messy yet captivating—kept falling into her face. Without thinking, he walked up behind her and gently tucked the strand behind her ear.

Her hands froze, and she looked up, startled. "Thanks," she murmured, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

Mayank stepped back quickly, leaning against the counter. He crossed his arms, trying to mask the moment. "How long have you been cooking like this?"

She returned to kneading the dough. "Since Berkeley. I used to miss home food, so I started experimenting in the kitchen."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I don't think I cooked anything during my time at Berkeley. It was all cafeteria food and instant noodles for me. You've definitely outdone me there."

She smiled faintly, appreciating the casual conversation. He excused himself when his phone buzzed, and she focused on cooking.

When he returned, he noticed something was off. His eyes dropped to her neck, where the mangalsutra was missing. For a moment, he felt an odd pang, an unsettling sensation he couldn't quite explain. He shook it off and joined her for lunch.

"This is amazing," Mayank said, savoring his first bite. "Seriously, it's so good. I'll admit," he added, breaking into a small smile, "this might be better than Mom's."

She laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by the doorbell. When Mayank opened it, his parents, Maya and Madhun, stood smiling on the other side.

Niharika froze, her eyes darting to her shorts and T-shirt. Flustered, she whispered, "I'll go change," before rushing to the bedroom.

Mayank chuckled and grabbed her wrist, "It's fine! They don't care."

But she insisted and went inside. Then she reappeared a few minutes later, now in track pants and a simple but presentable top. Maya greeted her warmly, teasing, "Niharika, you're fine! Mayank walks around in shorts all day. You can, too."

Niharika smiled shyly and offered to make chai. Maya praised her efforts at the Indore function, eventually suggesting, "We're planning our 30th wedding anniversary in three months. Would you mind helping us out?"

"Of course, I'd love to," Niharika replied, her confidence shining through.

As they discussed the anniversary plans, Maya casually suggested something that left both Mayank and Niharika stunned. "You know, you two should take a honeymoon before things get busy. Just go somewhere nice, relax, enjoy yourselves."

Mayank immediately started to protest. "We just used our holidays—"

"Oh, don't even try that," Maya interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "I know how flexible your work is. Take your laptops if you have to. You'll manage."

After a little more nudging, they agreed reluctantly, and the conversation shifted to destinations. "Europe," Mayank said, almost instinctively.

Maya beamed. "I had a feeling. Niharika, what do you think?"

Niharika hesitated. "I'm okay with anything."

Mayank looked at her thoughtfully. "Paris and Italy?" he suggested.

Her eyes lit up ever so slightly. "That sounds nice."

Maya clasped her hands together. "Perfect! I'll book everything. You'll leave next week."

~•~

Later that evening, Mayank leaned against the doorframe, watching as Niharika stared at her phone. "Want to go out?" he asked suddenly.

She looked up, surprised. "Out?"

"For chai," he clarified.

She hesitated before nodding. "Okay."

After quickly changing into leggings and a sweatshirt, she joined him in the car. As they drove, an SRK song played softly on the radio. Niharika hummed along, only to stop abruptly when Mayank changed the channel.

He glanced at her, noticing her disappointed expression. "You're fighting yourself not to hit me, aren't you?" he teased.

She smirked. "Maybe."

He chuckled, switching back to the SRK song.

A moment later, his phone rang. It was Arjun. "Where are you, bro?"

"Out for chai," Mayank replied, his tone casual.

"Perfect. I'll grab Imran, and we'll join you."

Mayank hesitated. "I—"

Niharika leaned over and spoke into the phone, "We're heading to Palm. You both can join us there."

After ending the call, Mayank shot her an amused look. "You didn't have to invite them."

She shrugged, smiling. "It's fine. It'll be fun."

Mayank nodded, "Call Siya and Samar too then."

At her suggestion, she nodded, and she called Siya, who quickly agreed.

~•~

At Palm, everyone gathered near an open area. Niharika chatted with Siya, her laughter lighting up the group. Mayank watched her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Where's Samar?" Niharika asked, scanning the area.

"Right here!" As if on cue, Samar appeared, calling her name.

She turned, her face lighting up as she ran toward him. "Samar!" They hugged tightly, exchanging excited greetings.

Mayank watched the scene unfold, an unfamiliar tightness settling in his chest. This wasn't expected. He felt strange.

When Samar let her go, Mayank forced a smile as Samar approached, shaking his hand.

"Still the same old monkey , huh?" Samar joked, nudging Niharika playfully.

She laughed, brushing off the comment. "Still the same old donkey, huh?."

Mayank stayed quiet, his gaze lingering on Niharika longer than he intended.

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