Mafia's Heartbeat

chapter 26

The sun poured golden light into the haveli, glimmering over fresh marigold garlands and the gentle hum of temple bells. The entire mansion buzzed with warmth and laughter — the first morning after the grand wedding, filled with rituals, whispers, and blushes.

The two newly-wed couples were the center of attention.

In the courtyard, Kritika was giggling uncontrollably while Raj and Kai tried to keep a straight face. Aarav and Nikhil had just come out of their room, looking far too well-rested — and suspiciously glowing.

“Oh ho!” Kritika raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “What’s this glow, Nikhil? Vitamin D or something else?”

Raj whistled dramatically. “Looks like Aarav finally had his protein intake.”

Kai gasped, pretending to cover his eyes. “Innocent people like me shouldn’t hear this!”

Aarav flushed a deep red, pulling the dupatta over his face. Nikhil simply smirked, tugging Aarav closer. “Say more. I don’t mind.”

Rahul, passing by with a tray of pooja thalis, turned around and mock-frowned. “Behave! Stop teasing the boys.”

Anjali followed behind him with flowers and grinned. “Yes, don’t tease too much… that’s our job.”

The room burst into laughter, Aarav nearly hiding behind Nikhil as his mother-in-law winked at him. Just then, Nishant walked in from the hallway, his kurta slightly wrinkled and his arms full — of Tanuj.

The little one was bundled adorably in pastel clothes, arms wrapped around Nishant’s neck and head resting on his shoulder.

“Still in little space,” Nishant whispered with a soft smile. “And his foot hurts, so he’s not walking.”

Tanuj peeked from his cuddle position and softly mumbled, “My footsy ouchie... but I wanna make mithai with hubby…”

“Aww,” Kritika cooed.

Anjali smiled, brushing Tanuj’s hair affectionately. “That’s perfect. Today’s Pehli Rasoi for both our new bahus— Aarav and Tanuj.”

“Kitchen’s ready,” Kai grinned, dragging Raj with him. “Let the chaos begin!”

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In the Kitchen – Pehli Rasoi

The kitchen was polished and full of ingredients, but nothing was where it should be. The salt was in a sugar jar, flour in a container labeled ‘besan,’ and spices had mysteriously swapped.

Aarav, sleeves rolled up and brows furrowed, was trying to find everything he needed.

“Where’s the ghee?” he mumbled, opening the fifth wrong cabinet. “Why does this smell like… vinegar?”

Tanuj, meanwhile, was seated on the marble counter, swinging his legs carefully, his bandaged foot hanging loose. He wore oversized oven mitts just for fun, and was holding a spoon like a sword. “Aarav bhaiya… are we cooking war?”

Aarav huffed, close to panic. “I don’t know what’s happening! I swear, I read the recipe, but nothing matches! I… I think I messed up…”

He bit his lip, eyes shimmering, overwhelmed and embarrassed. He had really wanted to do this right — to prove he could belong.

Just then, two tall shadows stepped into the kitchen.

Nikhil and Nishant.

“What’s this?” Nikhil teased. “Sweet disaster?”

“Sabotage,” Nishant said sharply, quickly scanning the shelf. “Kamolika’s work, I bet.”

Aarav looked up, startled. “You mean… it’s not just me being dumb?”

“You’re not dumb,” Nikhil said softly, cupping Aarav’s cheek. “And we’re not letting anyone embarrass you.”

Nishant walked over to Tanuj, gently picking him up again. “Kitchen warriors, to the counter. You both sit, relax, and smile. Let us handle this.”

Tanuj beamed, hugging Nishant. “Hubby gonna make mithai?”

“Yes, love,” Nishant whispered, kissing his forehead. “I’ll make your favorite halwa.”

“And I,” Nikhil said dramatically, rolling up his sleeves, “will make kaju barfi for my sharma-sharma Aarav.”

Aarav blushed even harder, but this time… it was out of love.

The kitchen was filled with delicious aromas in minutes. Both brothers worked in perfect sync — measuring, mixing, stirring — while Tanuj clapped softly and Aarav watched in awe.

“Now,” Nishant said, placing the finished halwa into a decorative bowl, “you two take this out and say you made it.”

“What?” Aarav panicked. “But—”

“No one needs to know,” Nikhil winked. “This is your Pehli Rasoi. You deserve this. You’ve been through enough.”

Hand in hand, Aarav and Tanuj walked (or limped) back out into the living room, carefully holding trays with the sweets.

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Living Room – Taste Test

Everyone gathered around as Aarav and Tanuj shyly placed their dishes in front of Rahul and Anjali.

“Here’s… our Pehli Rasoi dish,” Aarav said nervously.

Rahul took the first bite, closed his eyes… and smiled.

“Delicious.”

Anjali took a spoonful of the halwa and nodded approvingly. “Absolutely divine. Tanuj beta, you’ve improved so much.”

Tanuj giggled, “Hubby taught me in dreams!”

Kritika snorted, “That explains the magic.”

Kai smirked, whispering to Raj, “Looks like Aarav's a pro. You better learn quick.”

Raj pouted, “I can make Maggi, okay?”

While everyone laughed and praised, Komal and Kamolika stood stiffly at the back. Their plan had failed — and miserably. The joy on everyone’s face was unbearable.

Kamolika whispered sharply, “They’re fooling the whole family. They didn’t make that.”

“Then prove it,” Komal hissed. “Without looking jealous.”

Back in the main group, Rahul stood, holding out a small velvet box.

“This is for you both,” he said warmly, giving one to Aarav, one to Tanuj. “A gold chain for our newest sons.”

Anjali added, her voice gentle, “And all our blessings. This house is yours now.”

Tanuj wrapped his arms around Nishant from behind, smiling into his back.

Aarav looked at Nikhil and whispered, “Thank you… for saving me again.”

Nikhil took his hand and kissed his knuckles. “Always.”

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IshmanIsLove3 my favorite is back