The next morning, Aditi woke up with a smile on her face, replaying the conversation she'd had with Rohit the night before. She stretched and looked out her window, noticing the early light spilling over the half renovated homes. Today was another day of progress, both in terms of the house updates and the new direction her relationship with Rohit was heading.
Downstairs, she found her mother in the kitchen, talking animatedly with Mrs. Kapoor. It had become a routine for the two mothers to discuss the house plans over tea every morning, often while throwing in comments about how their children should settle down soon.
"Good morning, Aditi," Mrs. Kapoor greeted her warmly as she entered. "We were just talking about how lovely everything is coming along. You and Rohit make quite the team with these house designs!"
Aditi blushed slightly. "Thanks, aunty. We've been having fun working together."
Her mother chimed in, smirking. "And isn't it convenient that you two are spending so much time together?"
Aditi rolled her eyes playfully, trying to ignore the knowing look her mother gave her. Ever since they'd returned to Panipat, her parents had been making little hints about her and Rohit, though they hadn't outright asked about their growing closeness—yet.
Just then, the front door opened, and Rohit stepped in, looking effortlessly relaxed as always. "Good morning, everyone! Ready for another day of construction chaos?"
Mrs. Kapoor chuckled. "I'm starting to think you and Aditi enjoy the chaos. It gives you both an excuse to spend all your time together."
Aditi shot Rohit a glance, and they both smiled, knowing full well there was some truth to that.
As the day unfolded, Aditi and Rohit found themselves caught up in the flurry of activities—finalizing the façade, working with the contractors, and managing the furniture deliveries. Every shared decision felt like a step toward blending not just their homes, but also their lives.
In the afternoon, they took a break to grab a quick snack from a local café. Sitting across from each other at a small table, they chatted about the renovation and wedding memories, but the air between them was thick with unspoken feelings.
"You know," Rohit said, stirring his coffee, "I was thinking… once our houses are done, we should throw a joint party. Something to celebrate the new beginning, not just for the houses, but for us."
Aditi's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! We could invite the entire neighborhood. Everyone's been so supportive of this project."
Rohit leaned in slightly, his gaze softening. "And maybe we could use it as an opportunity to tell our families about… us. Officially."
Aditi's heart skipped a beat. They hadn't talked much about how to reveal their relationship to their parents, even though it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep their growing affection under wraps. The thought of telling their families excited her but also made her nervous.
"Do you think they'll be surprised?" Aditi asked, biting her lip.
Rohit chuckled, shaking his head. "Honestly? I think they're waiting for us to say something. Our mothers have been hinting for weeks."
Aditi laughed, feeling the tension ease. "You're probably right. They've been dropping hints every chance they get."
Later that evening, Aditi sat on the rooftop terrace of her house, a place she often retreated to when she needed to think. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, a beautiful reminder of the passing day. She felt Rohit's presence before she heard him speak.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, stepping out onto the terrace.
"Not at all," Aditi replied, patting the space next to her.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the sun sink below the horizon. There was something so easy about being with Rohit, a sense of peace that settled over her whenever he was near.
"You know," Rohit said after a moment, his voice soft, "I've been thinking a lot about how much has changed since we came back to Panipat."
Aditi nodded. "Me too. It's like we've stepped into a different chapter of our lives."
Rohit turned to her, his eyes serious. "I'm really glad we found our way back to each other, Aditi. I don't think it's a coincidence that everything—the wedding, the house updates, all of it—brought us back home."
Aditi felt her heart swell, emotions bubbling up inside her. "I feel the same way. I think we needed this time apart to grow, to become the people we are now. But I'm so grateful that we're back in each other's lives."
Rohit's gaze softened, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the weight of their shared history and the promise of their future hanging in the air between them. Without thinking, Aditi reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently.
"I'm glad too, Rohit," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.
As the stars began to twinkle above, they sat together, hand in hand, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they were ready to face them together.