Chapter 35

Tea, Titles and Unhealed Bonds

Morning at the dining table felt normal on the surface.

But nothing in that house was ever simple.

Everyone was seated when looked at and asked calmly,

“Do you know how to make tea?”

She nodded softly.

“Yes.”

“I want ginger tea.”

It wasn’t a request.

It wasn’t harsh either.

Just direct.

She went to the kitchen quietly and prepared it the way her mother had taught her — crushed ginger, slow boil, balanced sweetness.

When she served it, he took a sip.

No expression.

But he finished the entire cup.

That was enough for her.

gently said, “Have breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry, Mrs. Raisinghania.”

The formal address landed like a stone.

Before leaving, he turned to Poornima.

“Be ready. I’ll pick you up in the evening.”

She smiled faintly.

“Okay.”

He walked out.

Silence remained behind.

Leelavati’s face fell slightly.

She looked at her husband.

“Ajay… you must be happy now.”

Without replying, stood up and walked away.

Poornima moved closer to her mother-in-law.

“Maa… what happened?”

Leelavati sighed.

“Yesterday he asked me for tea. Your father-in-law said, ‘My wife is not your maid.’ He threw the tea and went upstairs. Tried cooking Maggie… burned his hand. I went and gave him tea again.”

Her voice trembled.

“I didn’t mind making tea for him.”

It wasn’t about tea.

It was about being allowed to care.

Poornima held her hand gently.

“Maa, don’t worry. One day he will talk to you properly. He will call you Maa.”

Leelavati gave a weak smile.

Hope was small.

But it was still alive.

Upstairs, the penthouse door was closed again.

But the house had started breathing differently.

Slowly.

Carefully.

One line:
Kabhi kabhi rishton mein doori lafzon se nahi… adhure bulaane se hoti hai.