Today, I am preparing a magnificent lunch for my family. Feeling a bit flustered, I set the vegetables on the stove for the gravy while simultaneously preparing the koftas. Thankfully, I have a four-burner stove. On one burner, I put dal in the cooker, and on another, I set rice in a different cooker. Once these were underway, I started kneading dough for the rotis. I gave my best to make all the delicacies: paneer kofta, dal tadka, jeera rice, roti, and salad. I was happy but also very nervous because my Aunt Aruna is very nitpicky. I also ordered ice cream for my sweetest little brother, Yogesh.

I called Ashwin, "Ashu, has the train arrived at the station?" He replied, "No, still some time left. Don't worry, I'm at the platform. Stop being anxious. I'll call you once they arrive."

I glanced at myself in the mirror, realising the casual shorts wouldn’t be appropriate for greeting family. I quickly changed into a simple cotton salwar suit, hoping it would strike the right balance between comfort and respectability.

After an hour, the doorbell rang, sending a jolt of excitement and nervousness through me. I opened the door to see Yogesh, who immediately leaped into my arms like a joyful monkey, his laughter infectious. I gently disentangled myself from his enthusiastic hug and then respectfully touched the feet of my Uncle and Aunt, feeling a mix of warmth and the familiar pressure of meeting their expectations.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

My aunt was looking happy but slightly envious. I helped Ashwin with the bags and said, “Uncle, Aunt, please come to this room, freshen up, and join us for lunch.” Then I turned to Ashwin, “Did everything go well?” Ashwin, who was drinking water, replied, “I’m good. Just a bit exhausted from the heat outside. I’ll freshen up and join you soon.” I nodded and went back to the kitchen to prepare some lemon soda.

Yogesh was the first to come out, and he immediately grabbed my legs, exclaiming, “Didi, I missed you so much!” I smiled and replied, “I missed you too, my love.” Taking his hand, I guided him to the dining table and poured him a glass of lemon soda. Ashwin also joined us, sitting beside Yogesh, and I served him lemon soda and food, knowing he had to head back to the office soon.

A little while later, my uncle and aunt emerged from their room. Ashwin stood up, having finished his lunch, and said, “Uncle, Aunt, I’m sorry but I have to go to the office for some work. I’ll be back in the evening.” My uncle, Alok, nodded understandingly, “No issue, son. Work is important.”

I followed Ashwin to the door, and after he left, I turned back to see my aunt still admiring the place. Tapping her shoulder gently, I said, “Aunt, let's have lunch first. After that, I’ll give you a tour of the whole house.”