Chapter 17

I woke up one morning with an idea. It wasn't grand or dramatic, but it felt important. I wanted to do something for Veeranshu, something to show him that I appreciated his effort to be present, to make space for me in his life.

I remembered an age-old saying that my mother used to tell me when I was little: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." It made me smile. Veer wasn't the type to be easily impressed, but maybe a homemade meal would touch him in a way words couldn't.

That day, I decided I would make both breakfast and dinner for him. Breakfast seemed like a good way to start the day, and dinner was something we shared every evening. Since he ate lunch at the office, these two meals felt like my best opportunity.

The staff was surprised when I announced my plan in the kitchen.

"Ma'am, we can handle the cooking," one of the chefs offered.

"No, it's okay," I replied, shaking my head. "I want to do this myself."

They hesitated but eventually stepped aside, letting me take over the stove.

I wanted to make something special, but there was one problem—I didn't know Veer's favorite food. Neither did the staff, as it turned out.

"Ma'am," one of them said, "he never shares his preferences. He usually eats whatever is made without complaint."

So, I decided to make my favorite dishes instead: aloo paratha, paneer butter masala, dal tadka, and jeera rice. Simple, comforting food that I hoped he'd enjoy.

As I kneaded the dough for the parathas, I found myself smiling. It had been so long since I'd cooked for someone else, and the process brought back memories of my time with Dadaji. Cooking always felt like an act of love, and today, I wanted Veer to feel that love too.

While I was in the kitchen, I overheard two staff members talking.

"Since Ma'am came, Sir has been coming home every night," one of them said.

"It's true," the other replied. "Before her, he used to stay late at the office almost every day."

Hearing that made my chest feel warm. I hadn't realized how much had changed in such a short time.

Later, as I opened the fridge to gather ingredients, I noticed there was no non-vegetarian food. Curious, I asked one of the staff about it.

"Why is there no meat in the fridge?"

"Oh, Sir ordered us to throw everything out after you came," the chef said. "He told us not to prepare non-veg anymore because you're a strict vegetarian."

I stared at him, stunned.

"And not just that," he continued. "He also told us to keep the kitchen stocked with all your favorite snacks and food items. He said Ma'am's comfort is the top priority."

I didn't know what to say. The warmth I felt earlier grew into something deeper, something that made my heart ache in a good way. Veer never spoke much about his feelings, but his actions... his actions said everything.

By the time evening came, I was a mix of excitement and nerves. The table was set with everything I had prepared, and I kept fidgeting with small details, adjusting the plates and arranging the food just right.

When Veer walked in, he paused in the doorway, his sharp gaze softening as he took in the scene.

"You cooked?" he asked, his voice quiet but full of curiosity.

"Yes," I said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I wanted to do something for you."

He walked over to the table, examining the dishes before turning back to me. "It smells amazing."

I felt a small wave of relief and smiled. "Thank you. I hope you like it."

As we sat down to eat, I watched him take his first bite, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"This is... really good," he said, looking at me with something close to surprise. "Thank you, Tara."

The sincerity in his voice made my nerves disappear. I couldn't help but smile as I took my own bite, enjoying the meal as much as he seemed to.

We talked more than usual that evening, our conversation flowing easily as we shared the food. I told him about my day at school, and he shared a little about his work. For the first time, it felt like we weren't just fulfilling a routine—we were connecting.

After dinner, Veer suggested we take a walk in the garden. The night air was cool, and the soft glow of the mansion's outdoor lights made everything feel calm and serene.

As we walked, I felt him slow down beside me. Then, without warning, he stopped and turned to face me.

"Tara," he said, his voice low, "thank you. No one's ever made food for me before. Not like this."

His words caught me off guard. I stared at him, unsure of what to say.

"I mean it," he continued, his gaze steady. "You've done so much to make this place feel like home."

Before I could respond, he stepped forward and hugged me tightly.

It was unexpected, but I didn't hesitate to hug him back.

"I don't know how to say this," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But thank you for being here. For trying , thankyou for not being disappointed , for waiting and to give me the joy of coming back home  ."

"You don't have to tha and you aren't the only one to receive joy , I also received it the joy of waiting for you to come back , the joy of being cared for and to be understood ," I said softly, resting my head against his shoulder. "you are my family Veer , you matter to me."

he cupped my cheeks softly caressing his thumb over them and looked at me as if he glanced away even for one second I might disappear , laughing a bit he said ''what I am going to do with you , and then lightly kissed my forehead before taking my hand in his and continuing our walk

As we continued our walk, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Veer's way of expressing himself was quiet, almost hesitant, but it was clear he cared. And knowing that made all the difference.

I made a silent promise to myself that night: to keep trying, to keep building this life with him, one small gesture at a time.

And as we returned to the house, I realized that for the first time, it truly felt like home.