Author POV

Some dinners are about food.

Some dinners are about family.

And some dinners…

are just about seeing who breaks first.

That night, the Malhotra dining table looked normal.

Plates arranged perfectly.

Food served hot.

Everyone sitting in their usual places.

But the air?

Heavy.

Too heavy.

Because after everything that happened in the day, no one was really in the mood to talk.

Except one person.

Rohan.

Dining Table – Night

Rohan sat casually, already eating before anyone even started.

"Finally some good food. I thought I’ll die hungry in this serious house."

Anjali laughed immediately.

"True."

Ayesha gave them a look.

"At least wait for elders."

Rohan smiled.

"Sorry chachi, hunger has no manners."

Kabir snorted.

Rhea quietly started serving food.

She moved from one person to another without making eye contact.

When she came near Karthik, she hesitated again.

Same small pause.

Same fear.

He noticed.

Again.

And again… he didn’t like it.

"Serve properly."

His voice wasn’t loud.

But it was sharp enough.

She nodded quickly.

"Sorry…"

Rohan rolled his eyes.

"Yaar bhai, she is serving food, not giving exam."

Ayesha frowned.

"Rohan, behave."

He raised his hands.

"Ok ok."

But he muttered softly,

"Everyone so strict here, even food feels scared."

Anjali laughed again.

Even Kabir smiled.

Rhea tried not to smile.

But she failed.

Just a little.

And that small smile…

Karthik saw it.

And something inside him tightened.

Small Comedy Moment

Rohan suddenly looked at the dal.

"Bhabhi, this you made?"

Rhea nodded slowly.

"Yes…"

He took one bite.

Paused dramatically.

Everyone looked at him.

Then he said loudly,

"Wow."

Ayesha relaxed slightly.

But next second—

"Salt is less."

Anjali burst out laughing.

Kabir choked on water.

Rhea’s face went blank.

"I… I—"

Rohan quickly added,

"But still better than Anjali’s cooking. That one can kill people."

"OYEEE!"

Anjali threw roti at him.

Rohan dodged.

"See? Violence."

For the first time, the table didn’t feel suffocating.

Even Rhea smiled properly.

But—

That moment didn’t last.

Because Ayesha spoke again.

Cold.

Controlled.

"But cooking is basic. Every girl should know properly."

Silence.

Rhea’s smile faded.

Rohan sighed.

"Chachi, even chefs learn slowly."

"This is not hotel."

"It’s also not army training."

"Rohan."

"Okay sorry."

But his tone showed he wasn’t sorry.

Karthik stayed silent.

Watching.

Listening.

Not interfering.

Like always.

And that silence…

hurt more than words.

Shift in Mood

After some time, everyone finished eating.

Rhea stood up to clear plates.

Ayesha stopped her.

"Leave it. Servants will do."

She nodded.

But didn’t sit.

She didn’t feel like sitting there anymore.

Just then—

Doorbell rang.

Everyone looked.

At this hour?

The servant opened the door.

And the voice came.

"Sorry… am I late?"

Harshita.

Again.

Anjali whispered,

"Season 2 started."

Rohan smirked.

"Full entertainment."

Ayesha stood up immediately.

"Harshita beta, come."

She walked in, perfectly dressed as always, confidence like she belonged there more than anyone else.

Her eyes went straight to Karthik.

"Hi."

He didn’t smile.

"Why are you here?"

Straight.

Cold.

Harshita laughed lightly.

"Can’t I come?"

Ayesha answered instead,

"Of course she can."

Rhea stood near the table, holding empty glass.

Not moving.

Not speaking.

Just watching.

Harshita walked closer to Karthik.

"I came to discuss tomorrow’s meeting."

Rohan whispered to Anjali,

"Meeting at night… interesting."

Anjali elbowed him.

"Shut up."

Karthik stood up.

"Come."

He walked toward study room.

Harshita followed.

Before going, she looked at Rhea.

And smiled.

That same smile.

The one that didn’t feel nice.

Door closed.

Silence.

Rohan leaned back.

"Okay this is getting serious."

Anjali nodded.

"Very."

Ayesha looked irritated.

"Stop your nonsense."

Rohan looked at her.

"Chachi, you don’t see?"

"See what?"

He didn’t answer.

But his eyes moved toward the closed study room.

Outside Study Room

Rhea stood in the corridor.

She didn’t know why.

She didn’t even realize when her steps brought her there.

The door was not fully closed.

Voices were low.

But she could hear.

Harshita:

"You are avoiding me."

Karthik:

"I am working."

"You were never like this."

Silence.

Then softer voice.

"You changed after marriage."

Rhea’s fingers tightened.

Inside—

Harshita stepped closer.

"Look at me, Karthik."

He didn’t move.

She held his arm.

"I’m talking to you."

He finally looked at her.

Too close.

Too familiar.

Too wrong.

Rhea’s breath stopped.

She didn’t hear next words clearly.

Because her mind was already running.

Because that one moment…

was enough to create a hundred doubts.

And she stepped back slowly.

Before anyone could see her.

Before anyone could explain.

Before truth could even reach her.

Author POV

Sometimes the biggest misunderstandings don’t need lies.

They just need one incomplete moment.

One half-seen scene.

One assumption.

And that night…

Rhea didn’t see everything.

But what she saw…

was enough to break something inside her.

End of Chapter 28

How was the chp !??

Do you all enjoy 😉.

Don't forget to comment and vote guys

Bye!!