The morning sun had barely filtered through the lace curtains when the sound of bangles clinking filled the air.

"Anu! Anu! Le maa! (Wake up, dear!)" her mother's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Today we have puja at our home. If you sleep like a log, who will help me? Come on, get up! After getting ready, call your Atha - puja will start soon!"

Ammu groaned softly and rubbed her eyes. The scent of incense and freshly made filter coffee wafted through the house - the unmistakable smell of a festival morning.

"Ayyo amma, inka time undi kada..." (Oh, Mom, it's still early...) she mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.

"Early kaadu, puja ki late avuthundi!" (It's not early - we'll be late for the puja!) her mother scolded, walking off briskly.

Ammu sighed, got up, and went to freshen up. After a quick bath and neatly draping her half-saree, she walked over to her Atha's (father's sister's) house next door.

She knocked gently.
"Kavita Atha! Nenu vachhanu!" (Kavita Atta! I've come!) she called.

From inside came a cheerful voice, "Ra Anu, ra! Nenu ne kosame wait chesthuna!" (Come, Anu, come! I was waiting just for you!)

Kavita Atha appeared with her warm smile, holding a steaming tumbler of coffee.
"Give this coffee to your husband," she said playfully, eyes twinkling. "I'll go help Vadina with the puja preparations."

Anu blinked, confused for a second.
"Atha! Emi chepthunnaru? Aayana na husband kaadu!" (Aunt! What are you saying? He's not my husband!) she protested, blushing.

Kavita chuckled, placing a gentle hand on Ammu's head.
"Ayyayyo! Ippudu kaadu kaani avthadu le Anu." (Oh dear, not now, but he'll be soon, Ammu.)
"ee coffee ivvakapothe, mee aayana day ela start avthundi? Po, po!" (If you don't give him this coffee, how will his day even start? Go on, go!)

Anu pouted slightly but couldn't hide her smile. "Atha, meeru kuda na." (Aunt, you're just like my mother.)

She took the tray and walked to Vedansh's room - her heart beating a little faster.

The door was half-open, the morning light spilling across the floor. Vedansh lay sprawled on the bed, one arm over his face, still lost in sleep. His hair was tousled, and the bedsheet was tangled around him.

She placed the cup of coffee on the side table and leaned closer.
"Bava, le! Puja time aindi." (Bava, wake up! It's time for the puja.)
He didn't move.

She nudged his shoulder gently. "Bava, le...! Amma already scolding started."

He shifted slightly, groaning. "Hmm..."

"Bava! Le, puja ki ready avvali kada." (Bava, wake up - we need to get ready for the puja!)

Still nothing.

Finally, she placed both hands on his arm and shook him a little harder.
"Le Bava! Please!" she said, half laughing, half frustrated.

With a sleepy grumble, Vedansh finally stirred - but instead of sitting up, he turned toward her, resting his head lazily on her lap.

"Five minutes, Ammu... please..." he mumbled, voice thick with sleep. He moved her oni(dupatta) snuggled into her navel.

Anu froze, her breath catching for a second. The warmth of his head against her lap sent her heart fluttering.

"Bava! Idi cheating!" (Bava! This is cheating!) she whispered, trying to push him gently.
But he only smiled faintly, eyes still closed.

"Five minutes ante five minutes. Promise."

Anu sighed, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Sare, five minutes matrame." (Okay, only five minutes.)

She brushed a stray strand of hair from his forehead, watching his peaceful face as the early morning light bathed the room in gold. Outside, the temple bells began to ring - the puja was about to start.

He snuggles into her stomach, his nose nuzzling her navel, lips touching into belly button. her stomach is filled with butterflies...

oh god......

The pooja is about to begin, but he lingers, his thick black hair tickling her skin as she gently strokes it. She leans down, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. Suddenly, he bites her navel, startling her. She pouts, "Bava, what is this? Why did you bite?"

He chuckles and get up " remove my clothes from cupboard i will come in a while." he said and left for bath.

Vedansh walked in, towel slung over his waist, droplets still clinging to his hair.

Anu smiled, folding his clothes neatly and placing them on the bed. She had been scrolling through his phone, lost in time, when he came out.

Their eyes met - hers wide and soft, his gaze lingering a moment longer than usual. Something playful flashed in his eyes as he stepped closer.

"Why are you staring like that?" she teased, trying to hide her flustered smile.

He chuckled. "Because you're looking... different today." he about to kiss her, she kept her palm between their lips.

Before she could reply, he leaned in, whispering, "You know what? Today feels special."

She stepped back a little, laughing nervously. "No, Bava! Not today, I'm keeping a fast."

He raised an eyebrow. "Fast? For what?"

"Mummy's keeping for Daddy, and Atta for Mama... so I'm keeping for my future husband," she said with a shy grin.

Vedansh tilted his head, pretending to think. "Oh really? then why are you fasting."

Anu frowned playfully. "for my husband."

"but ammu no need to fast, it will impact on your health maa." he said.

"no i want to fast, if you don't like then don't talk with me" she said and about to go.

he pulled her on his lap and trapped between her legs and gave towel "wipe it."

she didn't move her cheeks are puffy with anger then he kisses her cheeks.."okay do whatever you wish. okay now smile" he says and kissed her forehead.

she also smiles and wipes his wet hair while he held her waist sometimes tickling it, sometimes