You and Me | ✓

04

"Where's Amrit?"

That was the first question asked when Roop stepped into the kitchen, she turned to Nandini who stood there with an innocent face, she knew he left a while ago, she just was trying to get information out of her, to confirm her suspicions that the couple fought.

"He left a while ago," Roop answered, taking out the vegetables she needed for today's dinner.

"Ooo, kuch hua kya?" Nandini asked, trying to look sympathetic, her tone was anything but. (Did something happen?)

"Unhe kaam tha." She replied, washing the vegetables, "Dinner tak wapas aajayenge." She lied, and Nandini's constant humiliation was getting to her, if lying could shut her up, she can lie forever. (He had work / he'll come back till dinner)

"Oh." Her face fell, disappointed at the new information but a wicked idea clicked in her mind again, "Phir mai Damini aur uski beti ko call kar deti hoon." She continued excitedly, pulling her phone out. (Then I'll call Damini and her daughter)

"Unke ghar me khaana nahi banta jo aap roz roz unhe yahan bula lete ho?" Roop asked before she could stop herself. (Is food not cooked in their house that you invite them here everyday?)

Nandini's ears turned red at the disrespect, she wasn't expecting a reply from her, not one like this, "Don't forget your place, bahu ho bahu bankar raho." She pointed a finger at her before storming out. (Keep in mind that you're just the daughter-in-law)

Roop took a deep breath before focusing on her work again, Avni joined her later, helping her with other things.

"Did bua ji say something out there?" Roop asked as she finished making kadhai paneer, turning the stove off, she turned to Avni, looking at her expectantly.

"She was talking to dadi and chachi, I don't know what it was about though," Avni replied, an apologetic smile on her face. "Pata lagaun tumhare liye?" She wiggled her brows. (Want me to find out for you?)

Roop looked at her, uncertainty clear on her face, she didn't know if she wanted to know or not.

"What did you do?" Avni asked.

"I..woh.." She played with the end of her dupatta, "Wo aaj firse wo aunty ko bulane wali thi toh maine bas..kuch keh dia, I think unhe bura laga." She replied, cautious with her words. (She was going to invite that aunt again so I just said something, I think she felt bad)

"Unhe kis baat pe bura nahi lagta?" Avni snorted. (what is it that they don't mind?)

"But-"

"Tum tension na lo, bhai ke saamne unka muh nahi khulega." She tried to assure her, while Roop's head snapped towards the living room. She was embarrassed enough after the evening accident, she wasn't ready to face him, not yet. (Don't you worry, she won't say anything infront of bhai)

"Wo aagye?" She asked, trying to peep out discreetly, but she couldn't spot him. (He's back?)

"Nahi, par Rahil ka message aaya tha, unke saath aa rahe hain." Avni informed her, and she sighed in relief. "Yaad aa rahi hai?" She teased.
(No, but Rahil messaged me, they're coming back together// Are you missing him?)

"I'll keep the dishes out." She replied, picking up the bowls. She set everything on the table before going back to Avni, "mujhe bhook nahi hai, mai sone jaa rahi hoon." She said, rushing out of the kitchen only to be stopped. (I'm not hungry so I'm you to sleep)

"Arey, abhi sirf 8 baje hain or tumne lunch bhi nahi kia tha, chup chap baitho nahi toh Chachi ko keh dungi," Avni warned, pointing her knife at her by which she was cutting the salad. (It's just 8 and you didn't have lunch either, stay here or I'll tell Chachi)