The Path to Forever

Part 7

Tejasswi felt a surge of nervous excitement as they approached, each holding a child in their arms. The children looked around with wide eyes, taking in the grandeur of the Kundrra household. Karan stepped aside, allowing the sisters to come forward. They placed their sleepy offspring into their grandmother's welcoming embrace, and Tejasswi could see the familial love that radiated between them.

The taller of the two sisters, the doctor, looked Tejasswi up and down, her sharp gaze missing nothing. "So, you're the one who's stolen my brother's heart," she said, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Her words were teasing, but there was a hint of challenge in her tone that made Tejasswi's palms sweat.

The chef sister, on the other hand, was all warmth and welcoming smiles. She stepped forward and embraced Tejasswi, her arms tightening around her in a gesture that spoke of acceptance. "We've heard so much about you," she said, her voice a comforting murmur. "We're so happy you're here."

Poonam, the doctor, watched the exchange with a knowing smile. "Don't let Meenu's sweetness fool you," she said, her voice light. "We both want what's best for Karan. We're going to make sure you're the right fit for our family."

Tejasswi felt a flash of determination. She would not let these women, who were strangers to her just hours ago, doubt her intentions. "I promise to take care of him," she said firmly, her eyes meeting Poonam's challenge.

Meenu, the chef sister, took Tejasswi's hand in hers, her touch warm and reassuring. "We can see that you do," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But let's not forget, we need to make sure Karan knows how to take care of you too."

Tejasswi couldn't help but laugh at Meenu's bluntness, which seemed to be a stark contrast to her brother's more reserved nature. The sisters' personalities were a delightful mix of strength and playfulness, and she felt a surprising kinship with them.

Poonam, the doctor, raised an eyebrow at Tejasswi's laugh, her expression unreadable. But then she too began to chuckle, her stern facade cracking to reveal the warmth beneath. "It seems you can handle us," she said, her voice softer now. "That's a good sign."

Meenu, the chef, took this as her cue. She tugged Tejasswi closer, her grip surprisingly firm. "Come," she said, her voice a mix of excitement and command. "Let's go to the kitchen. I want to show you something."

Poonam, watched them go with a knowing smile. She knew her sister well enough to understand that Meenu had something up her sleeve, something that would no doubt bring a blush to Tejasswi's cheeks. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the ease with which Tejasswi had slipped into their lives, but she pushed it aside. After all, if anyone could bring joy to their stoic brother, it would be someone as warm and vibrant as her.

In the kitchen, Meenu began to bustle around, pulling out ingredients and setting pans on the stove. "You know, Tejasswi," she said as she chopped vegetables with an efficient grace, "Karan can be quite the stick in the mud. He needs someone to liven him up, to make him laugh." She shot Tejasswi a look over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And from what I've seen, you're just the girl to do it."

Tejasswi felt a warmth spread through her at Meenu's words. It was clear that Karan's sisters had already sized her up and found her worthy, at least in some capacity. She watched Meenu as she cooked, the way her hands danced over the ingredients, turning them into a fragrant feast. "What are we making?" Tejasswi asked, eager to be a part of this domestic ritual.

"It's a surprise," Meenu said with a wink. "But I'll give you a hint: it's something that will make Karan's heart flutter."

Tejasswi couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of doing something special for him. As Meenu worked her magic, explaining each step with an ease that spoke of countless hours spent in the kitchen, Tejasswi felt a kinship growing between them. It was a strange mix of competition and camaraderie, as if they were both vying for the title of 'favorite sister-in-law' but doing so with love and affection.

Poonam, joined them after settling her children in their temporary quarters. She rolled up her sleeves and began to help with the preparations, her movements precise and efficient despite the exhaustion etched on her face from the flight. Tejasswi watched her in awe, realizing that she had never met a woman who could juggle a medical career with the demands of motherhood so gracefully.

"So, you're going to be the newest member of our little family," Poonam said as she sliced a tomato with surgical precision. "I hope you're ready for a lifetime of drama and love."

Tejasswi laughed nervously, her eyes darting between the sisters. "I'll do my best," she said, feeling the weight of their scrutiny.

Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open, and in stepped Karan. His eyes searched the room until they fell on Tejasswi, and a wide smile spread across his face. Without a moment's hesitation, he strode over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist in a playful back hug. "What's all this?" he asked, his voice filled with good-natured teasing.

Tejasswi felt the heat of his body against her back, and she couldn't help the blush that crept up her neck. She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable in front of his family, especially with his sisters' knowing glances. "Just helping Meenu with a surprise," she managed to murmur, her voice a little too high for her liking.

Karan's arms tightened around her waist, his warmth seeping through her clothes. Tejasswi felt a thrill run through her, and she knew that he was enjoying the playful banter as much as she was.

Meenu looked over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You see, Karan," she said, her knife never pausing in its rhythmic dance through the onions, "Tejasswi is already fitting in perfectly. She's going to be a fantastic addition to the family."