Disha, for a prolonged duration, found solace in tears. Throughout her 22 years, her parents had never berated her, and the recent incident weighed heavily on her youthful shoulders.
Disha felt as if her inner self had been shaken to the core. Memories of her parents flooded back, and she longed to escape and return home. However, her parents' values did not permit such actions.
While she acknowledged that taking something without permission is wrong, but Aryan's anger was entirely unjustified.
Expressing her anger, Disha spoke to herself, "Aryan, I will never forgive you for your actions."
She then went to her closet, where she found the clothes sent by her mother. They were all heavy, elaborate outfits. Upset, Disha chose the least revealing nightgown, changed her clothes, and headed to the bathroom.
As she washed her face, she noticed her swollen and bruised lips due to Aryan's kisses and bites. Disha applied lip balm, but the pain persisted. She sat on the bed, examining Aryan's hoodie, the cause of her distress today. An overwhelming wave of anger surged within her.
Determined, Disha searched for a scissor and found it in the second drawer of the side table.
Disha, feeling angered by Aryan's actions, decided to take a bold step. She cut his hoodie into small pieces and left them neatly arranged on a table. Seeking refuge from the situation, she grabbed a blanket and retreated into the closet. Her fear of Aryan's possible return led her to choose this unconventional sleeping spot. Fortunately, Aryan's walk-in closet was spacious enough for her to lay down and rest.
Lying on the floor, Disha spent an indeterminate amount of time staring at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she drifted off to sleep.
Disha, accustomed to waking up early, found herself getting up even earlier in her new home. as she woke up, all the events of the night rushed back to her like a haunting nightmare. She cautiously peeked out of the closet, and when she saw the room was completely empty, relief washed over her.
Swiftly, she showered and adorned herself in a lovely red saree, taking a seat in front of the dressing table. Applying her usual face cream, Disha opted for a red lipstick to conceal the bruises on her lips, although she generally disliked heavy makeup. Adding a bindi and sindoor, she checked her reflection, satisfied with the overall look. Despite the red lipstick, her makeup remained subtle, blending well with her fair complexion, red saree and red bangles she had wore symbolising her marital status.
Then, after a final glance in the mirror, Disha stepped out of her room to head downstairs. As soon as she emerged, the corridor appeared completely empty. Only the sound of Disha's heels echoed through the space.
As Disha moved toward the living room, She saw Nita was standing at the bottom of the staircase. Disha touched Nita's feet, seeking her blessings. Nita attempted to dissuade Disha, stating, "Beta, there's no need for all this."
Smiling, Disha responded, "Aunty, seeking blessings is a good thing, isn't it?"
Nita chuckled and said, "Yes, beta, seeking blessings is a good thing, and from today onwards, you will call me 'Mom,' not 'Aunty."
Disha smiled and replied, "Okay Aunty."
Saying this, Disha playfully pressed her tongue between her teeth like a child, and Nita, amused by Disha's childish antics, affectionately patted her head.
After that, Nita took Disha to the house's temple, where they both prayed, and soon everyone joined the prayer, except Aryan.
After the prayer, everyone sat at the dining table, and Nita, taking Disha along, entered the kitchen to perform the Pehli Rasoi (first cooking ritual)
Nita said, "Beta, if you don't want to make anything, it's okay. Just stir the spoon in the dish prepared by the cook."
Seeing Nita's care, Disha lovingly said, "Mom, I want to perform this ritual and make something sweet for all of you. Let me quickly make a sweet dish till then you can start with your breakfast."
Nita replied, "Trust me, beta, no one will mind, you don't have to work so hard."
Showing fake anger, Disha said, "Mom, you don't want to eat something cooked by me, That's why you're saying this."
Seeing Disha's childish behavior, Nita chuckled and said, "Okay, baba, you win. Cook, but take care of yourself, and if you need anything, let me know."
Disha smiled and said, "Okay, mom."
Then Disha started to prepare Halwa (semolina pudding), and within a few minutes, the halwa was ready. Disha enjoys cooking and eating, so she started learning to cook from her mom since her school days.
Disha took out the halwa in a large bowl and came out of the kitchen, heading towards the dining table. Disha saw Aryan sitting at the breakfast table with everyone.
Seeing Aryan, Disha's steps faltered, and it seemed like her feet were gotten stick to the ground.
Nita saw Disha standing like a statue and became worried about her. Coming to Disha, she asked, "What happened, beta? Why are you standing here? Come and have breakfast with us."
Disha, with her heart in her throat, managed to come near the table.
Nita said, "Beta, serve this to everyone. We've been eagerly waiting to taste the halwa made by you."
Ishaan added, "Yes, Bhabhi, serve me first. I'm the youngest in this house."
Disha's hands trembled as she placed the bowl on the table. Due to presence of everyone, she somehow tried to compose herself. Taking a small bowl, she served halwa, starting with grandpa and grandma, then serving Vidyut's parents and everyone else.
Sameer also joined for breakfast, and Disha served him halwa.
Abhi, in a playful tone, said, "Bhabhi, you've given halwa to everyone; won't you give it to Bhai?"
Sameer laughingly said, "Come on, Disha, what's the matter? give poor Aryan some halwa."
Ishaan, pouting, added, "Bhabhi, please quickly give some halwa to Bhai, after all, he's your husband. If he doesn't taste it, we won't get to eat either."
Reluctantly, Disha served halwa to Aryan and was about to move away, but Nita stopped her.
Nita said, "Beta, you also sit down and have breakfast."
Unwillingly, Disha had to sit beside Aryan.
Until now, Aryan hadn't lifted his gaze even once; he kept looking at his plate. He had heard everything, but summoning the courage to meet Disha's eyes seemed beyond him.
Abhi playfully teased Aryan and said, "Bhai, taste it and tell us quickly how it is. It looks delicious, and I want to eat it. But grandma had said that you should taste it first before anyone else."
Aryan without answering took a bite, and slowly said, "It's good."
Sameer teased Aryan saying, "What did you say, Aryan? I didn't hear anything. Say it louder."
Grandma who was trying to hold back her laughter, she also teasingly said, "Aryan how it is? Tell us we are waiting for your answer."
Aryan took another bite and said, "It's good."
Then everyone else tried the halwa. After trying the halwa, they praised Disha, acknowledging its deliciousness.
After breakfast, all the men went to their respective rooms, and the ladies sat in the living room. Grandma called Disha, and asked her to sit beside and affectionately kissed her forehead. She then blessed Disha, saying, "Beta, you truly possess all virtues. Always stay happy, and may God fulfill all your wishes."
Saying this, Grandma slowly pulled Disha's hand close and handed her a jewelry box. Disha got confused as she saw the box.
Seeing Disha's confusion, Nita explained, "Beta, this is a gift from Grandma for your Pehli Rasoi."
When Disha opened the box, she was shocked to find a beautiful and expensive maang tikka (forehead ornament) inside.
Feeling that she shouldn't accept such an expensive gift, Disha hesitated and said, "Grandma, if my refusal offends you, please forgive me, but I can't accept such an expensive gift."
Grandma seeing Disha's sincerity, lovingly replied, "Disha, accepting the gift from elders is like receiving blessings. This is from me and Grandpa. Please keep it, beta."
Accepting defeat, Disha looked at Nita, who gestured for her to accept the gift.
Following Grandma's gesture, Aishwarya also gifted Disha a necklace set, and finally, Nita adorned Disha with the family's traditional bangles. She affectionately kissed Disha's forehead, then ladies continued discussing the upcoming rituals. Nita reminded Disha that shortly, there would be the ceremony of Muh Dikhaai (Showing bride's face). After that, Disha and Aryan would have to go to Disha's house for the Pag phera and would return in the evening.
Disha entered her room where Aryan wasn't present, which gave her a sense of relief. She applied light makeup, tied her hair into a messy bun, and got ready for the Muh Dikhaai.
After a short while, some close relatives started arriving, during the Muh dikhaai guests praised Disha's beauty and presented numerous gifts.
Once Muh Dikhaai ritual was done, all the relatives started to leave after bidding farewell, Nita instructed Sameer, saying, "Sameer, go and inform Aryan to get ready quickly. He need to take Disha to her house for the 'Pag Phera' ritual."
Sameer replied, "Okay, aunty. I'll go and inform Aryan right away."
Saying this, Sameer went to Aryan's study and said, "Aryan, get ready quickly. You have to drop Disha at her house."
Aryan, who was engrossed in his files until now, was taken aback and asked, "Why? Why is Disha going home?"
Seeing Aryan's reaction, Sameer chuckled and said, "Oh, buddy, Disha isn't leaving you. It's a part of the 'Pag Phera' ritual. Both of you have to go to Disha's house. Aunty has asked you to come downstairs after getting ready."
Hearing this, Aryan felt relieved. Otherwise, upon hearing the mention of dropping off Disha, he thought Disha might be leaving him. For some reason, this thought brought a strange pain to Aryan's heart.
Aryan got ready, wearing a formal shirt and pant, and then he entered the living room where Disha was having conversation with all the family members. Disha's open and friendly nature made her easily connect with everyone.
Abhi and Ishaan had started calling Disha "buddy" instead of Bhabhi; they had become quite close because of same age group. When Disha saw Aryan coming towards her, she suddenly fell silent, something that Aryan didn't like at all.
After saying goodbye to everyone, Disha and Aryan left Singhania Mansion and headed towards Disha's home.