Chapter 5

Divya's POV

I went downstairs towards the to the hall. "Good morning Divya." Mr. Khanna greeted me with a smile. " Good morning uncle." I touched his feet and smiled at him. " Don't call me uncle... You are just like Dipti to us so call me dad.... Ok?" He said. " Ok... Dad." I said and he smiled again. "Where is everyone?" I asked him. "Oh... Your mom(mother in law) and Snigdha Chachi(Raunak's paternal uncle's wife) are in Mandir( a place for Hindus to worship) preparing for today's pooja. And Dipti is with the other ones preparing for your reception." He replied. 

I went towards Mandir and saw my mother in law with chachi were preparing for pooja. "Good morning." I greeted them and touched their feet and took their blessings. "Good morning Divya." Mom said smiling. " Good morning." chachi ji replied. "Can I help you with something." I asked them. " Oh... No no Divya. Everything has done and it's good that you are here, we were going to call you and Raunak." Mom said.

"Mom.... Is everything ready?.... Pandit ji(priest) is here." Ranauk came with pandit ji. "Namastey pandit ji." Mom came forward and greeted him. "Namastey." He replied. After that everybody greeted him one by one and take blessings from him. " Divya come here." Mom called me and I went forward. " This is Raunak's wife. And our daughter in law... Divya." She introduced me and I touched his feet. "Oh... Good bless you. Beta" He touched my head and blessed me. After that We all sat down for pooja. Pandit ji started chanting verses. 

After the pooja ends. mom took me to kitchen for my pehli rasoi(it is a ritual in which the new bride has to cook for her in laws for the first time). I am not good at cooking. So I was feeling nervous. " Divya... Have you decided what do you want to cook?" Mom asked. I looked at her with puppy eyes and shake my head in no. "I am not good at cooking. I can only cook Maggi and poha.... Sorry." I said looking down. "It's ok Divya. You don't have to be sorry. Just tell me what do you want to cook and I will help you... Ok?" She said. " Thanks mom." I said and hugged her. She patted my back. We released from the hug and started cooking. I decided to cook gajar ka halwa (a sweet Indian dish made with carrots) she helped me in cooking and finally I made gajar ka halwa for the first time in life. I feel so happy if ma was here she would be proud of me.

We went to the dining area where everyone was waiting for us. I sat on the chair beside Raunak. The ate our lunch with little conversation and some teasing and now it is the time for desert which was cooked by me. So many questions were running on my head what if it is not tasty?... What if they don't like it?... What if they don't like me? I feel like I am in an examination hall writing my most important exam. "Don't worry.... Everything will be fine. And if it is not good. Nobody is going to judge you based on this.... Nobody is going to hate you." Raunak whispered in my ear and hold my hand firmly under the table to calm my m mind. I was feeling unknown sensations in me. I looked at him with surprise. He gave me an assuring smile. I don't know how did he get to know about my thoughts but his smile works like magic. It calms me quickly. I was admiring his smile when dad's voice caught my attention. "This halwa is really tasty..... I loved it." He said and everybody agreed. " You are right. This is amazing... Even I can't cook like this." Mom said smiling. "Yes mom. Bhabhi you made the best halwa." Dipti said excitedly. " What do you think bhaiya ( another word use for elder brother)" Dipti Di asked Raunak. "Hmm.... It's good... Tasty." He replied looking at me. I can't explain what I felt at that time. It was un unknown feeling. 



" Divya this for you.... This from me and your mother." Dad gave me a beautiful jewellery set I was hesitant at first but than accept that and touch their feet. 

"This one is from us." Chacha ki ( Raunak's paternal uncle) said and gave me a beautiful pair of earrings. I touch their feet also. Dipti Di also gave me a pair of earrings which were very pretty. I thanked her.

After lunch we went to our respective rooms. I entered our room with Raunak following me. "Divya... Wait." Raunak called me. I turned around and looked at him confused. He went towards the the cupboard and took out a box. " This is for you." He gave me that box and said. "Sorry Raunak I can't take it." I replied sternly. "Why?.." he asked with raised eyebrows. "You must have bought it for Myra Di. And I can't accept it knowing that it belongs to someone else." I replied. "You are wrong Divya. I bought it for my wife. Which is you so it is rightfully yours." He said looking into my eyes. I don't know what makes me accept that but something in his eyes makes me comfortable, his words sounds so genuine it makes me trust him, his magical smile and handsome face binds me to that moment. I want this moment to stop. Unknown sensations were growing inside me. He snapped his fingers in front of me. And I came back to my senses. He gave me the box and I thanked him. I opened the box and there was a very very pretty platinum pendant set with small diamonds inside the box. I smiled looking at it.