Chapter 13: Settling In

Ananya

The morning had been a whirlwind of emotions. Between Aarav's teasing, his unexpected tenderness, and the way he'd helped me with the saree, I wasn't sure what to think of him anymore. He was unpredictable—gruff one moment and impossibly gentle the next.

As we stepped into the dining room, my nerves returned. The entire family was gathered for breakfast, and their cheerful chatter filled the room. Plates clinked, children laughed, and the aroma of fresh parathas and chai wafted through the air.

"Here they are!" Aarav's younger sister, Nidhi, announced dramatically, her mischievous grin making me shrink a little behind Aarav. "The newlyweds have finally decided to grace us with their presence!"

Heat rushed to my face as all eyes turned toward us. Aarav, of course, looked completely unbothered.

"Don't scare her off, Nidhi," Aarav said, his tone laced with mock sternness. "She's new to this chaos."

"Chaos? Bhai, it's called love," Nidhi shot back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Right, bhabhi?"

I fumbled for a response, but Aarav rescued me. "She doesn't need you overwhelming her on her first day," he said, his gaze narrowing at his sister.

I bit my lip, trying not to smile at their banter. Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in the family that I found comforting.

Aarav

I could feel Ananya's hesitation as she stood beside me, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her saree. It was endearing, the way she tried to hold her own amidst my loud and lively family.

"Come," I said quietly, leading her to the table. I pulled out a chair for her, ignoring the exaggerated gasps from my cousins.

"Bhai is being so romantic!" one of them exclaimed, earning a round of laughter.

"Enough," I said, my tone firm but not harsh. I wasn't going to let their teasing bother her.

As Ananya sat down, my mother placed a plate in front of her, her smile warm and welcoming. "Eat, beta. You'll need your energy. First days in a new house can be exhausting."

"Thank you, aunty—uh, I mean, Ma," Ananya stammered, her cheeks turning pink.

My mother chuckled. "You can call me Ma, Ananya. You're part of the family now."

I watched as Ananya smiled shyly, her nervousness easing ever so slightly. She was trying so hard to fit in, and it made me want to shield her from the world—even my own family's harmless teasing.

Ananya

The rest of breakfast passed in a blur. Aarav's family was lively and affectionate, and while it was overwhelming at times, I found myself smiling more than I expected.

After breakfast, Aarav stood and held out his hand. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

I hesitated, glancing at the curious faces of his family members. But his steady gaze reassured me, and I placed my hand in his.

He led me outside to the garden. It was sprawling and beautifully maintained, with vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and a small fountain in the center.

"This is beautiful," I said, my voice filled with awe.

"It's my mother's favorite spot," he said, his tone softer than usual. "Whenever things get too loud inside, I come here."

I looked up at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his words. "You like quiet?"

He nodded, his eyes scanning the garden. "With a family like mine, it's rare to find peace. But I don't mind. It's home."

There was something in his voice—an affection for his family, despite the chaos. It made me see him in a new light.

As we walked along the path, I asked, "Why did you bring me here?"

He stopped, turning to face me. "I wanted you to have a place where you can feel at ease. If things ever get too much, you can come here."

My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. He might be strict and intimidating, but there was a kindness in him that I hadn't expected.

"Thank you," I said softly.

His gaze lingered on me, intense and unwavering. "You don't have to thank me, Ananya. I told your parents I'd take care of you. And I will."

There was a promise in his words, one that sent a shiver down my spine.

After spending the day navigating introductions and settling in, I finally retreated to our room. Aarav was already there, sitting at the desk with his laptop.

"You look tired," he said, glancing at me.

"I am," I admitted, sinking onto the bed.

He stood and walked over, surprising me when he sat down beside me. "You did well today," he said, his voice low. "My family can be... overwhelming."

I smiled faintly. "They're lovely. Loud, but lovely."

He chuckled, the sound rare but genuine. "That's one way to put it."

For a moment, we sat in silence, the weight of the day settling over us. Then, without thinking, I said, "I don't know how to do this, Aarav. This whole... being married thing."

He turned to face me, his expression softening. "Neither do I," he admitted. "But we'll figure it out. Together."

His words, simple yet sincere, were exactly what I needed to hear.

And for the first time since our wedding, I felt a glimmer of hope.