Scene: Ananya’s Home – Evening
The warm sunset streamed through the kitchen window as Ananya stood next to her mom, both busy preparing paneer tikka masala, a family favorite. The aroma of spices filled the kitchen as Mrs. Sharma explained the recipe step by step.
Mrs. Sharma: "Ananya, first we need to marinate the paneer properly. Mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and a little salt." 🍋🌶️
Ananya carefully measured the ingredients and added them to the bowl.
Ananya: "Mumma, why do we marinate the paneer? Isn’t it already soft?"
Mrs. Sharma (smiling): "The marination adds flavor and makes it tastier. The spices seep into the paneer and give it that smoky taste once it’s grilled."
Ananya: "Hmm, interesting. And what about the gravy?"
Mrs. Sharma: "For the gravy, sauté onions, tomatoes, cashews, and a little ginger-garlic paste. Once it’s cooked, blend it into a smooth paste. Then, cook it with cream, butter, and our homemade masalas. That’s what gives it a rich and creamy texture." 🥘✨
As Ananya stirred the marinade, she glanced at her mom, hesitating for a moment before speaking.
Ananya: "Mumma, can I tell you something?"
Mrs. Sharma looked up from the stove, sensing a change in Ananya’s tone.
Mrs. Sharma: "Of course, beta. What is it?"
Ananya focused on the bowl in front of her, a shy smile playing on her lips.
Ananya: "There’s someone I want to tell you about."
Mrs. Sharma raised her eyebrows, her curiosity piqued.
Mrs. Sharma: "Someone? Who? Tell me everything!"
Ananya took a deep breath, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Ananya: "Rahul... He’s the one I was talking about last time. He proposed to me, Mumma." 💍
Mrs. Sharma paused, a surprised yet delighted expression on her face.
Mrs. Sharma: "He proposed? When did this happen? And what did you say?"
Ananya (blushing): "It happened last week. He told me how much he respects me and sees a future together. I said yes, but I also told him I wanted to take things slow. He completely understood." 🌸
Mrs. Sharma smiled warmly, her heart swelling with happiness.
Mrs. Sharma: "That’s wonderful, Ananya. Rahul seems like a thoughtful and mature person. I’m so happy for you." 🥰
As they continued cooking, Mrs. Sharma couldn’t resist asking more questions.
Mrs. Sharma: "So, how did he propose? Was it romantic?"
Ananya laughed softly, recalling the moment.
Ananya: "It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it felt perfect. We were sitting in a café, and he just opened up about how he feels. It was simple, but it came from his heart." ☕
Mrs. Sharma gave her a playful nudge.
Mrs. Sharma: "You’re glowing just talking about him. He must be really special."
Ananya (smiling): "He is, Mumma. He’s kind, hardworking, and so down-to-earth. I feel lucky." 💖
Mrs. Sharma added the final touches to the dish, sprinkling fresh coriander on top.
Mrs. Sharma: "Well, I can’t wait to meet him. But for now, let’s finish this paneer tikka masala before your dad gets home and starts asking questions." 😂
Ananya laughed as she helped set the table.
Ananya: "Mumma, maybe I should practice this recipe. It’s his favorite dish!" 🍲
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The Sharma family gathered at the dining table, the aroma of paneer tikka masala and warm rotis filling the air. Mr. Sharma, a tall, strict-looking man in his early 50s, settled into his usual seat. His sharp gaze swept the table, immediately resting on Ananya, who seemed unusually quiet.
Mr. Sharma: "Dinner smells good. Ananya, did you help your mother?"
Ananya (smiling nervously): "Yes, Papa. I helped marinate the paneer."
Mrs. Sharma (teasing): "And she even managed not to burn anything this time!"
Everyone chuckled lightly, easing the atmosphere. But Mrs. Sharma decided to bring up the important topic.
Mrs. Sharma: "By the way, Suno toh, Ananya was telling me something interesting while we were cooking."
Mr. Sharma (looking up from his plate): "Interesting? What is it?"
Ananya hesitated, but her mother gave her a reassuring nod.
Ananya (softly): "Papa...there’s someone I like. His name is Rahul."
Mr. Sharma’s brow furrowed, but he stayed calm.
Mr. Sharma: "Rahul who? Do I know him?"
Mrs. Sharma (smiling knowingly): " Haa, you should know him. Rahul Khanna—the Rahul Khanna. The top businessman in the world."
Mr. Sharma froze mid-bite, his expression shifting from confusion to surprise.
Mr. Sharma: "Wait...Rahul Khanna? The name everyone keeps talking about? The youngest billionaire, known for transforming the business world?"
Ananya nodded, her cheeks turning pink.
Ananya: "Yes, Papa. That Rahul."
Mr. Sharma: "And how do you know him? People like him are always in the headlines but rarely accessible."
Ananya (smiling shyly): "We met through social media. Then we started talking, and...well, he proposed to me."
Mr. Sharma (leaning back, stunned): "Proposed? Rahul Khanna proposed to you? This isn’t some kind of joke, is it?"
Mrs. Sharma: "Ramesh, why would she joke about something so serious? Ananya has always been honest with us."
Mr. Sharma rubbed his forehead, still processing.
Mr. Sharma: "I can’t believe this. Rahul Khanna, the man whose every move is followed by the media, wants to marry my daughter?"
Ananya: "Papa, he’s not just a public figure. He’s kind, respectful, and down-to-earth despite his fame. He loves me for who I am, not for anything else."
Mr. Sharma remained silent for a moment, then sighed deeply.
Mr. Sharma: "If he’s as good as you say, then I’ll have to meet him. But remember, Ananya, fame and success don’t always mean someone is perfect. I need to know if he’s truly the right person for you."
Mrs. Sharma: "Haa ji , let’s give Rahul a chance. If he’s come this far in life, he must have qualities beyond just money and power."
Mr. Sharma nodded reluctantly.
Mr. Sharma: "Fine. Set up a meeting. But I’ll be asking him some tough questions."
Ananya smiled, relieved that the conversation had gone better than expected.
Ananya: "Thank you, Papa. I promise you won’t regret it."
(To Be Continue.....)
