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Author's POV

Paridhi glanced around the kitchen, her hands slightly trembling. She had to prepare the halwa, but nervousness gripped her. What if it turned out bad? What would they say?

Sachi had stepped out, sensing Paridhi's unease. Before leaving, she had gathered everything Paridhi needed, reassuring her with a gentle nod. Paridhi hesitated but eventually nodded back. Sachi understood-cooking in someone else's presence often felt overwhelming. To ease her further, she asked the servants to leave as well. The rest of the food was already prepared.

Paridhi took a deep breath, recalling her mother's words: "Don't be nervous. Just make it the way you always do."

Taking a deep breath, she started making the suji halwa, carefully following each step. Once done, she garnished it with dry fruits, making sure it looked perfect.

Just as she finished, Sachi returned to check on her. She took a small portion to offer as bhog to God before asking the servants to set the dining table.

As they stepped outside, Paridhi scanned the area, relieved when she didn't see him. She quietly served the elders, her heart pounding as they took their first bites. A moment later, their faces lit up with approval. Their words of praise, accompanied by gifts, filled her with relief and a shy sense of accomplishment.

She settled beside them, taking a small bite herself.

After settling in the hall, Kalyani started talking to Paridhi, trying to make her feel comfortable.

"Paridhi, I will leave now," Kalyani said.

Paridhi looked at her in shock. "Leaving? Where?"

Kalyani met her gaze, sighing before she spoke. "Paridhi, Rudra and we do not live together."

Paridhi was stunned.

"What we see from the outside is not always the truth. Every home has its own politics," Kalyani added.

Paridhi understood this all too well-her own home had its share of secrets.

"Rudra is the only one you have here. To be honest, I don't know how much longer I will live. My time is near. So the truth is, apart from Rudra, you have no one in this house. If you ever face any trouble, the first person you should go to is him."

Paridhi was shaken by Kalyani's words. She recalled Sachi's warmth and kindness, and the rest of the family had always seemed good to her too.

"I know what you're thinking," Kalyani continued. "But someone doesn't want us to stay together."

"That's why, in this house, it's just you and Rudra for each other."

She paused before adding, "And one more thing, Paridhi-I know this marriage was not your choice."

Paridhi looked at her in shock.

"Your grandmother told me everything," Kalyani revealed.

"And I know you're not entirely comfortable with how everyone here addresses you," she added, recalling how the servants had called Paridhi Choti Thakurain. "But now, you are Rudra's wife and the daughter-in-law of this family. With this title comes responsibilities, but don't worry-you will get used to it with time."