Imperfectly yours

Chapter 1

Character sketch:

Female lead-

Yashvi Bansal Mehrotra(28)-Warm honey skin tone, circular face, full lips, 5 ft 7 inches, waist-length chestnut-colored hair, dark brown eyes. A robotics engineer by profession. She is sarcastic, warm and nurturing but also complicated with emotions and a bit difficult to understand. Grown up with a brother by a single mother, she is married off to a son of a joint family.

Parents:Amrita Bansal and Uday Birla

Siblings:Darsh Bansal(23)

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Male lead-

Advik Mehrotra(31)-Fair skin tone, sharp jawline, slight stubble, carbon black eyes, dimpled smile. Handling Mehrotra Enterprises at the post of Vice President. He is calm, composed, introvert and understanding man who loves his family the most. He is a person who is quite hard to manofy when angry. Married off to Yashvi Bansal in an arranged set up, he finds himself getting attracted to his wife.

Grandparents: Abhinandan Mehrotra-Yashodara Mehrotra:3 Children

Parents: Aakash Mehrotra-Sandhya Mehrotra

Brother: Adarsh Mehrotra(28)

Sister: Adya Mehrotra(23)

Uncle and Aunt: Alok Mehrotra-Padmakshi Mehrotra

Cousin Sister: Aashi Mehrotra Goenka(30)-Yash Goenka(34):Aarush Goenka(3)

Cousin brother: Advait Mehrotra(25)

Aunt and Uncle: Aabha Kansal-Manish Kansal

Cousin Sister: Srishti Kansal(22)

Cousin Brother: Archit Kansal(17)

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Feeling a warm breath against his ear, Advik slowly opened his eyes, stretching his hands, only to realize they were locked around someone. His eyes widened, and he turned to his left in an instant, only to come face to face with a beautiful woman wearing a small smile.

Yashvi was peacefully asleep beside him, holding onto him tightly with her delicate fist, while his arm rested around her shoulder and the other lay on his own stomach.

"She is really pretty," he thought to himself, a small smile forming as he observed her face. Her warm honey-toned skin, round face, rosy cheeks, petite lips, and a mole just beneath them held his gaze. His heart skipped a beat as he admired her pouty expression, feeling her snuggling closer to him.

With a gentle bite on his lower lip, Advik tried to extricate himself from her grasp without disturbing her slumber. Thankfully, she remained asleep as he slowly freed himself, feeling her grip on his white t-shirt loosen. Rising from the bed, he stretched his arms, a yawn escaping his lips.

Advik made his way to the nearby kettle, preparing to warm up some water for himself. However, his eyes remained fixed on his wife, who had by now snuggled deeper under the comforter, her pout transforming into a serene smile.

"Cute," he whispered softly, a smile gracing his face as he poured the lukewarm water into a glass and took a sip.

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"Promise me that you will give Advik a chance. He is a great man, Yashvi. Don't let my past affect your future. Don't enter his life with preconceived notions about love and relationships. Build your own family, embrace it with him. Let him find a place in your heart, and please, Yashvi, try to find a place for yourself in his family's heart too."

Yashvi remembered her mother's words and let out a sigh. Though she had made a promise to her mother, she had no idea how to fulfill it. She had never experienced living in a joint family before.

Shaking her head, Yashvi picked up her bangles and slid them onto her wrist, her gaze shifting to Advik as he entered the room through the balcony door, catching her off guard. Her eyes fell on his attire, noticing the sweat on his body, indicating that he had been exercising.

"Yashvi, if you want any changes in the room, I can contact an interior designer. I know it was supposed to be done before marriage, but our marriage was kind of rushed, so..." Advik's words trailed off as he looked at Yashvi, who held her nuptial chain and met his eyes through the mirror as she struggled to put it on.

"It's your room. What changes would I need?" she mumbled to herself, but Advik heard that and shook his head.

"Correction required, Mrs. Mehrotra. It was my room, but now it's ours. Therefore, your opinions matter as much as mine," he said, moving closer to her and placing his hand on the nuptial chain she was fidgeting with.

"May I?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a perfect arch. If not for the previous tension, Yashvi might have swooned over him.

She looked at him and nodded in agreement. He gently picked up the chain and placed it around her neck.

"Ye bohot sundar lag raha hai aap par," he said, running his hand up to touch her soft skin and removing the beads of sweat that had formed near her nape due to her struggle with the chain. (It looks pretty on you.)

Yashvi felt a shiver run down her spine, but she quickly brushed it off, reminding herself that it was simply a gesture of appreciation. She smiled slightly at him, her cheeks blushing with a faint pink hue. He nodded at her and walked towards the closet.

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As Yashvi folded the bedsheets and tidied the room, she felt a pair of eyes on her. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed Advik standing there, observing her as she worked effortlessly.

"Advik, you should go and get ready for work," she said, stepping away from her task as she felt him approach. She turned to face him, her eyes landing on his slightly crooked tie.

"Your tie is crooked," she stated matter-of-factly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Advik looked at her and let out a sigh, moving his hands to fix his tie.

"You should have told me earlier," he replied, adjusting his tie in haste.

"That's the whole point, Mr. Mehrotra. You have to be observant enough to notice these things on your own," she smirked, teasingly looking at him. Advik shook his head in disbelief as he entered the kitchen and asked a staff member to make him a cup of coffee.

"My family members are extroverted and outgoing, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, please let me know," he said before resuming his usual routine. Yashvi watched his retreating figure and surprisingly found herself admiring his thoughtful nature.

As the sound of the closing door brought her back to reality, Yashvi caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Dressed in a light red blouse and a light mustard saree, she looked beautiful. Her hair was neatly parted in the middle, with a few strands framing her face, adding to her charm. It was a different appearance for her, and though it would take some time for her to fully embrace it, she was willing to adapt.

After giving herself a final look, she left her room and descended the stairs, ready to join the others.

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Advik's attention shifted to his siblings, who were eagerly waiting outside the kitchen, peering in to catch a glimpse of his wife as she effortlessly worked. For a moment, he forgot about their presence and focused solely on Yashvi. He observed her as she tied her saree pallu around her waist and skillfully chopped the dry fruits. Her previously loose hair was now neatly tied up in a bun, accentuating her graceful appearance.

Sensing a pair of eyes on her, Yashvi glanced toward the mahogany door and noticed Advik and his siblings grinning at her. Returning their smiles, she felt a sense of warmth and positivity emanating from them, despite not knowing them well.

Advik quickly averted his gaze, realizing he had been caught admiring his wife. A smile tugged at his lips, revealing his dimples, as he couldn't help but be captivated by her radiant face.

"Bhabhi, what have you made?" his sister, Adya, asked as she entered the kitchen, eagerly rubbing her hands together.

"Custard and suji ka halwa," Yashvi replied, her smile directed at her sister-in-law as she sprinkled the chopped dry fruits on top.

"Smells delicious, but bhaiya is supposed to have it first. After all, his newly wedded wife has made it," Adya remarked playfully, pouting at Yashvi before glancing mischievously at Advik. Advik shook his head in disbelief and entered the kitchen, requesting a kitchen staff member to prepare some coffee for him. (After all, his newly wedded wife had made it.)

"Stop teasing Bhai, Adya," Adarsh, his younger brother, chimed in, entering the kitchen and playfully tapping the back of Adya's head, causing her to glare at him.

"Don't just tap her lightly, Bhai," Advait, Advik's cousin, joined in, walking over to Adya and giving her a firmer tap on the back, making her wince in pain as she shot him an annoyed look.

"Why are you guys behaving like a bunch of monkeys in front of your newly wedded Bhabhi?" Padmakshi, Advik's aunt, scolded as she entered the kitchen, glaring at the younger clan before shifting her gaze to Advik.

"You're the eldest, and they're still squabbling in your presence. Stop enjoying the show, Advik. You're married now," she admonished, giving him a stern look,then turning to Yashvi with a warm smile.

Yashvi looked at Padmakshi with a mix of nerves and anticipation, but her apprehension quickly transformed into genuine happiness as she noticed the warmth in Padmakshi's smile. It was a smile that radiated acceptance and made Yashvi feel like a part of the family. She had never experienced such playful banter and affection within a family, and it warmed her previously guarded heart.

In the midst of the family's lively conversation, Yashvi realized that she missed her brother, Darsh, and made a mental note to call him later. However, before she could even think about it further, her phone began to ring. Excusing herself from the lively gathering, she stepped outside to answer the call, her heart brimming with joy.

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The younger members of the family, full of excitement and energy, boisterously chanted, "Feed him! Feed him! Feed him!" Their hands thumped on the dining table, creating a cacophony that made Yashvi slightly uneasy. She mustered a forced smile, trying to adapt to the lively atmosphere.

Abhinandan Mehrotra, the patriarch of the family, intervened with a stern voice, reminding the younger clan about basic table manners. His disapproving glare silenced them instantly. However, Yashvi still felt the pressure to feed her husband.

Taking a spoonful of the sweet delicacy she had prepared, Yashvi looked at Advik, carefully guiding the spoon towards his mouth. All eyes were on him as he savored the dish and finally uttered, "It's delicious." His words brought smiles to everyone's faces, and they eagerly started enjoying their meal.

Amidst the laughter, shared conversations, and the exchange of food, Yashvi served herself some kachori. She looked around, witnessing the love, support, and care that enveloped the family. Overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality, tears welled up in her eyes. To her surprise, her husband was focused on serving her dum Aloo and fruit custard, ensuring her comfort and nourishment. It was a gesture that touched her heart, creating an instant connection between them.

Advik approached Yashvi with a glass of juice, his deep voice resonating with a sense of care and concern. "Be comfortable, Yashvi," he said, his words embracing her as he joined the conversation and continued to ensure her well-being.

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After enjoying the scrumptious meal, Yashvi was beckoned by Yashodara, Advik's grandmother, who gestured for her to sit beside her. Yashvi's gaze instinctively turned to her husband, who nodded with encouragement, urging her to join Yashodara.

Seated beside Yashodara, Yashvi received a small jewellery box from her older daughter-in-law. Overwhelmed with emotions, Yashvi expressed her gratitude in a heavy voice before carefully opening the box. Inside lay a pair of jhumkas, exuding elegance and beauty.

"Tujhpe bohot pyaare lagenge," Yashodara softly commented, gently caressing Yashvi's rosy cheeks. Yashvi's smile grew wider as she stood up and respectfully touched Yashodara's feet, acknowledging the love and blessings bestowed upon her. (They will look pretty on you.)

Yashvi felt deeply touched by the showering of gifts from everyone. It wasn't solely the material items that brought her joy, but rather the genuine happiness reflected in their faces and the excitement they expressed while presenting the gifts. She glanced at her husband, who sat in a corner, his dimples accentuating his happiness. He nodded slightly in her direction before stepping away to attend a phone call.

Filled with gratitude, Yashvi silently prayed that she could reciprocate even a fraction of the love and warmth that the family had shown her, cherishing the blessings she had received. Meanwhile, Adya continued to engage Yashvi in conversation, making her feel more at ease with each passing moment.

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Glossary:

Saree: Women's garment from the Indian subcontinent

Paluu: The free end of saree

Bhabhi: Indian way of addressing brother's wife

Suji ka halwa: semolina cuisine made by toasting it in clarified butter, adding sweetener and garnishing with dry fruits.

Bhaiya/Bhai: Indian way of addressing elder brother

Dum Aloo: Potato based Indian curry toasted in Indian spices. Baby potatoes are fried or sauted until they gain a red-brown texture and then simmered in Indian spicy tomato-based gravy. Often enjoyed with rice or flatbreads.

Jhumkas: Traditional Indian earrings