Chapter 30

It had been a beautiful few weeks, with laughter and tender moments filling the Singhania house. But today, something was off. Tara wasn’t talking to Vikram. She barely acknowledged him as she moved around the house, going about her routine with a quiet, stubborn determination.

Vikram knew exactly what he’d done to upset her. Last night, she’d shyly shown him a tiny sketch she had drawn—a quick doodle of the two of them she’d done in her journal. She was actually proud of it, even if it was simple, but in his usual teasing way, Vikram had laughed a bit too much, jokingly calling it “abstract art.”

She’d pouted and pulled the sketchbook away, eyes narrowing slightly, but he hadn’t realized just how seriously she’d taken his teasing. All morning, he watched her, hoping she’d soften, but she remained cool and distant.

Unable to concentrate at work, he returned home early, determined to make it up to her. He changed out of his office clothes and, with a small sigh, went straight to the kitchen where he found her preparing dinner.

As he entered, he kept his voice casual. “What are you making for dinner?” he asked, hoping to break the ice.

Tara continued chopping vegetables, ignoring him. Her silence was a bit unnerving, and he knew he had to do something to melt her frustration.

With a soft chuckle, he decided to try a playful approach. “Do you need any help, madam?” he asked, deliberately adding a teasing note.

She finally looked up, her gaze meeting his with a glint of mischief. “Yes, I do need help, Mr. Husband,” she replied smoothly, barely concealing a smile.

He grinned, pleased to see some reaction from her. “Alright! What shall I do?”

Without missing a beat, she handed him a large bowl of onions. “Here, peel all of these,” she said sweetly.

Vikram raised an eyebrow. “Just onions? Easy.”

“Oh, sure,” she replied innocently, her expression unwavering. But as he began peeling, the pungent smell quickly reached his eyes, making them water almost instantly. By the third onion, his eyes were stinging, and a few more onions in, he was blinking through tears.

Meanwhile, Tara had begun giggling quietly, her laughter bubbling up as she watched his exaggerated struggle. “Do you enjoy watching your poor husband suffer?” he asked with mock indignation.

“Oh, is that poor husband here? I don’t see him,” she replied with a smirk, leaning against the counter, her arms folded in satisfaction.

He gave her a long, pointed look, trying to hold back a smile himself. Finally, with an exaggerated sigh, he placed the onions down. “You win,” he said, surrendering. “But…Tara, I am sorry for last night. Your sketch was beautiful. I loved it; I just…couldn’t resist a little joke.”

Tara’s expression softened as she took the onions from him. “I know, Vikram,” she said, eyes twinkling. “I was never truly upset, just letting you see how it feels to be teased back.”

Vikram chuckled, and with a look of affection, gently took her hand. He pulled her close and brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Tara blushed, glancing down with a shy smile, warmth spreading through her heart.

Just then, Avni appeared in the doorway, trying to hold back laughter. “Bhabhi, should we expect biryani tonight, or should I go grab a snack?” she asked in a teasing tone. “I mean, it’s sweet and all, but I think we’re all hungry here!”

Tara blushed harder, rushing back to her task. “I… I’m getting it ready!”

Vikram laughed, grateful to have his wife’s smile back, and playfully nudged her as he stepped back, leaving her to finish cooking with a wide grin. The teasing may have been playful, but moments like these were slowly building something stronger between them.