Serendipity

Episode #42 : For The Ones Who Love Us Unconditionally

SCENE 1

Suman's Kalakand was loved by all sans, obviously, Mahima who pointed out it was a pure Banarasi dessert and Suman should learn something in Rajasthani cuisine. Abhimanyu wanted to give a befitting reply but Suman stopped him through the subtle shake of her head. It was a minor thing and she didn't want to spoil her or Abhimanyu's mood over such trivial matters.

“I still remember, during her first rasoi, Mahima had mistakenly added salt instead of sugar in the kheer.” - Anand disclosed at the dining table, chuckling.

Abhimanyu's eyes sparkled and he finally smiled as Mahima glared at her husband.

“I was new at cooking. Before marriage, my focus was on my studies and career. So naturally, I didn't get time for the kitchen.” - Mahima defended.

Abhimanyu's smile only grew further. “Ditto like Suman, Taiji. She also doesn't know how to cook but see ? We are eating a perfect dessert.” - he couldn't help but boast proudly. Enjoying the look on his aunt's face.

“You don't know cooking Suman ?” - Manjiri asked surprised. “Then how did you make it so perfectly ?”

Suman smiled shyly at all the compliments being thrown her way. “Internet.”

“Wow Suman. The efforts you put in for your first rasoi are laudable.” - Parth said, capturing her attention. “Shefali had to leave on her ritual day as her boss had called. She was late for the reception as well.” - he said with a chuckle but the taunt was obvious.

Shefali looked at Parth while Suman and Abhimanyu shared a look. Suman shifted uncomfortably in her seat, not wanting to be the cause of the couple's latest argument.

“Bhabhi, you have to teach me how to make this dessert! Otherwise I'll pester you to make it for me daily!” - Neil demanded jovially.

Suman grinned. Before she could say anything, Harshwardhan said :

“The kitchen department is left for you now. At least, you'll make yourself useful.”

Abhimanyu stiffened beside her. His jaws clenched and hands rolled into fists but Suman didn't let him lose temper. She placed her hand over his knuckle and squeezed. Even though Neil's hurtful expressions tugged at her heart, she knew squabbling was not the solution.

After the dinner, Suman and Abhimanyu's remaining post-wedding rituals took place. During the ring finding, mostly everyone cheered for Suman. Abhimanyu easily found the ring in the bowl but pushed it towards Suman who found it and flaunted to everyone victoriously.

He had her. She could have everything else.

~

SCENE 2

Neil was seated at the edge of the fountain, his legs dangling and calves dipped in water. Everyone in the house was asleep, the time being post midnight, but he was lost. Sleep was far from his eyes.

“Penny for your thoughts ?”

He startled at the voice. His head whipped up to find Suman stood behind him. He managed a smile.

“Bhabhi... you are awake ?” - he questioned as a form of greeting.

Smiling, Suman sat down beside him maintaining a respectable distance. “I can ask you the same.” - she said with a soft grin.

She couldn't sleep because Abhimanyu was upset over the taunt Harshwardhan made on Neil. She had coaxed Abhimanyu to sleep with difficulty but the frown that remained on his face even after falling asleep pinched her heart. She had walked out of the room to pace and find out a solution but coincidentally spotted Neil near the fountain.