Prerna stood silently near the window, lost in thought. Her brows furrowed, and her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her dupatta.
Aanya noticed. Concern flickered in her eyes as she stepped closer.
"Prerna… are you alright?"
Startled, Prerna turned. "Aanya?"
Aanya smiled gently. "Yeah, it's me. Are you okay?"
Prerna hesitated. "Yes… why are you asking?"
Aanya tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I mean… you look sad."
Prerna shook her head quickly. "Sad? No, not at all," she said, forcing a smile.
Aanya folded her arms, not buying it. "Oh… now I get it."
Prerna looked at her questioningly. "Get what?"
Aanya stepped closer, her voice soft but sure. "You're thinking about marriage… and how you'll have to leave your family after that, right?"
Prerna gave a small, fake smile and looked away.
Aanya touched her shoulder. "Prerna, don't worry. Don't stress so much. I know—marriage can feel overwhelming. But it's also a beautiful part of life." She grinned, suddenly bright. "And hey! If your wedding gets fixed, I'll have so much to do! Dresses for the sangeet, haldi, mehendi, the big day itself... And matching earrings, sandals, necklaces, makeup—oh my God, I already feel tired thinking about it!"
Prerna laughed softly. "You're something else, Aanya."
Then she paused and asked, "Aanya… have you ever been in love?"
Aanya froze. Her smile faded slightly as she stood up, her expression unreadable.
"Hmm… yes," she said softly. "But... the person I love doesn't love me."
Prerna's eyes widened. "Who is he?"
Aanya fumbled for words, clearly flustered. "It was… long ago. Not now."
Then she quickly changed the topic. "By the way, do you love pizza?"
Prerna blinked. "Pizza?"
Aanya nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Pizza!"
Prerna laughed. "Yeah, I love it. It's been so long since I had one."
Aanya's eyes sparkled. "Oh really? Then I'll make one for you right now!"
"You know how to make pizza?"
Aanya grinned. "It's so simple. Watch me!"
She walked off to the kitchen with a cheerful bounce in her step, leaving Prerna smiling—though her thoughts were still clouded.
---
Meanwhile, in her room, Devika received a call.
She answered, "Hello, namaste, sister-in-law!"
Her sister-in-law replied, "Namaste. How are Aryan and Prerna?"
"They're doing fine. But tell me—why did you call?"
"Well…" Devika hesitated, "Actually, we received a marriage proposal for Prerna."
Her sister-in-law's tone sharpened. "Oh? So you've already decided everything?"
Devika chuckled nervously. "No, no, nothing like that. I just wanted to inform you first. How can I make any decisions without you?"
"Do you have his photo?"
"I don't, his name is "Dev" he's a businessman. His father is Mr. Aravind Raichand also a big buisness person. Aryan knows him too. But without you, we can't proceed."
"Fine," her sister-in-law said. "I'll come and speak in person."
"Sure," Devika smiled after hanging up. "Phew. She didn't overreact."
---
At Aryan's office…
He called out, "Simran."
"Yes, sir?"
"Tell everyone to leave early today."
Simran blinked. "Excuse me? How early, sir?"
"Two hours early."
She stared. "Two hours?! But sir—"
Aryan gave her that look.
Simran quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll inform everyone."
She made the announcement, and the entire office lit up with excitement.
"Wow! Two hours early?"
"Rohit whispered, 'He didn't used to do this before… Maybe it's Aanya's presence that's changing him. Honestly, I'm not complaining.'"
---
Back home, Devika walked toward the kitchen after hearing some clatter.
She peeked in. "Aanya? What are you doing?"
Aanya turned with a big grin. "Aunty, I'm making pizza!"
"Pizza what?"
"Pizza, aunty."
Devika frowned. "What's that?"
Aanya gasped like Devika had just confessed a crime. "Aunty! You don't know what pizza is?! You're seriously not developed at all!"
Devika raised an eyebrow.
"Everyone eats pizza! Even Prerna loves it. I don't know about Mr. Aryan—he's a health freak. But aunty, it's sooo tasty!"
"And what's it made of?" Devika asked, curious now.
"We make a dough base, add sauce, toppings, cheese, and bake it."
"That's it?"
"Well… yeah. But making the dough takes a little time."
Devika smiled. "Alright, I'll taste it today."
Aanya beamed. "I promise you'll love it!"
She set to work—kneading dough, chopping veggies, spreading sauce, layering cheese, and finally placing it into the microwave.
---
Aryan arrived home just as the pizza was ready.
"Back so early?" Devika asked.
"Yeah. There wasn't much work today."
Just then, Aanya shouted from the kitchen, "Pizza is ready!"
Aryan turned in surprise, and their eyes met.
Aanya walked out carefully with the hot pizza in her hands.
"Oh! Mr. Aryan, even you came!" she said playfully.
He raised a brow. "What do you mean even you?"
"You came at the perfect time. I made pizza!"
Aryan looked at the pizza, then at her.
Aanya turned to Devika. "Aunty, it's ready. And Mr. Aryan, I know you don't like junk food, but trust me—this is homemade. Everything is fresh. You must try it."
"No thanks. I don't like it," Aryan said flatly.
Aanya gasped. "How can you say that without even tasting it?!"
"I just don't want it."
"Why, Mr. Aryan? It's homemade! You've never even tasted it!"
"I said no."
Aanya huffed. "You're impossible! Fine—just one bite. I made it myself. Here—"
She picked up a slice and brought it near his mouth.
Aryan's expression turned sharp. He pushed her hand away. "I told you, I don't want it."
The slice fell to the floor.
Aanya stared at it, stunned. Even Devika looked shocked.
There was a tense silence.
Aanya slowly looked up—her eyes no longer playful, but filled with hurt. She met Aryan's gaze, her jaw clenched.
Aryan looked back, unsure what just happened.
---
End of Chapter 25.