Untill I Found You

Chapter-23: Under the same roof

Aisha walked down the grand staircase, her steps quiet against the marble floor. The morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting golden hues across the lavish interiors. From the kitchen came the sound of utensils and the smell of freshly made parathas.

In the large, elegant kitchen, surrounded by a team of maids, stood Advait's mother, carefully plating breakfast. Dressed in a soft pastel saree, her expression calm and welcoming, she looked completely at ease-even while personally overseeing the meal.

When she saw Aisha, her face lit up.
"Aisha beta, good morning. You're up early."

Aisha gave a gentle nod.

"You don't need to do anything here," she said, wiping her hands on a towel. "Just sit down and eat. That's all I want from you this morning."

Aisha offered a small smile and moved toward the table. As she sat down, she noticed both the head chairs at the table was empty.

Advait's mother glanced at one of the chair too and frowned.
"Where is Advait? Still sleeping?"

Aisha hesitated, then said softly, "Probably. He must be sleeping."

His mother shook her head, clearly annoyed.
"This boy..." she muttered, half to herself. "He'll never learn responsibility. Everything comes easy to him, so he takes it all for granted."

She sighed and turned back to the counter.
"Marriage is not just about wearing a sherwani and taking vows. It's about showing up, being present. Sometimes I wonder if he'll ever understand that."

Aisha stayed quiet, her fingers gently touching the edge of her plate.

A few moments later, Advait's mother returned, carrying a small red velvet box. She sat beside Aisha and opened it gently to reveal a delicate, traditional gold bangle, its fine engravings glowing in the light.

"This is our khandani kangan. Every Raichand bahu wears it. And now, it belongs to you."

Aisha's expression shifted. "No, Ma... I..I can't take this. Please."

"You can and you will," she said softly but firmly, sliding it onto Aisha's wrist. "Not because you have to. But because this family, for better or worse, is yours now. And this... is not a burden. It's a part of who we are."

Aisha looked down at the bangle, the metal cool against her skin but heavy with meaning. It wasn't a piece of jewelry-it was a symbol. Of legacy. Of expectation. Of silent battles.

After a moment of silence, Aisha spoke, her voice soft. "Aunty... I want to go see baba today. Just for a little while."

Advait's mother paused, then nodded with understanding. "Of course, beta. But you can call me maa, you're my daughter now, you don't have to feel uncomfortable. Go with Advait, he'll take you."

Aisha looked down, her fingers tightening around the edge of her saree. The thought of sitting beside him again made her stomach twist.

Just as Aisha lowered her eyes to the bangle resting on her wrist, the sound of lazy footsteps echoed through the hallway. A moment later, Advait appeared at the doorway, still in his crumpled night t-shirt, his hair a disheveled mess and sleep clouding his eyes.

He yawned, scratching the back of his neck. "Good morning," he muttered, more out of habit than intention.

His mother turned sharply, arms crossed. "Good morning? It's almost nine, Advait. Do you think the world runs on your schedule?"

Advait blinked, then looked around, his eyes briefly landing on Aisha-who instantly turned her gaze away.

Advait rolled his eyes. "Ma, please. Don't start early in the morning.
It's not like the world is ending because I woke up a bit late."

"No," she snapped, "but it's embarrassing that the man of this house walks in last, after everyone's already done half their work." Her gaze shifted briefly to Aisha. "Especially when your wife is already up, dressed, and helping."

Advait glanced at Aisha-quiet, composed, but distant. He didn't respond.

His mother turned to him again. "Aisha wants to go see her father. You should take her."

At that, Advait's expression changed.

"What? Why should I go?" he said, irritated. "Why does she need to visit him now? "

"Advait," his mother interrupted firmly, "she's your wife. And her father is unwell and recovering. Do I really need to explain this to you?"

Before Advait could say anything else, Aisha stood up, voice steady.
"It's okay, Ma. I can go by myself."

There was a pause. The air in the room thickened.

Advait turned his head slowly toward her, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "Excuse me?" he said, his voice cold.

"I said," Aisha repeated, her tone firmer, "I don't need anyone to take me. I can go alone."

A sharp laugh escaped his lips, one without humor. He stepped closer, his voice laced with sarcasm and command. "Wow. Look at that independence. But let me remind you, you're my wife. And my wife doesn't roam around on her own."

Aisha met his eyes, her expression unshaken. "Your wife, not your prisoner."

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and threatening, "Say that again."

Before the tension could rise further, his mother stepped in, placing a hand between them. "That's enough, both of you."

She turned to Advait, eyes firm. "You will drop her. End of discussion. And you will behave like someone who actually understands the weight of marriage."

Then she looked at Aisha, her voice softening. "Beta, you shouldn't have to go alone. Let him take you."

Aisha said nothing, but the fire in her eyes hadn't dimmed.

Advait muttered under his breath, "Fine," and stormed off toward his room to get ready-his mood darker than ever.

Aisha adjusted her saree and stared down at the gold bangle on her wrist. So much weight in such a small thing.

But she was no longer the girl who bowed her head in silence. Not anymore.

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That's all, hope y'all like it!! 💗🫂