07

Chapter 5

✨ Welcome to the Drama, Love & Chaos ✨
Hey fam! 💖 You've just stepped into a world where family bonds, wild twists, sizzling secrets, and a sprinkle of romance collide. From grand weddings to shocking truths, every page here promises laughter, tears, and maybe a few jaw-drop moments. 😏🔥

So buckle up, grab your snacks, and get ready to dive into the rollercoaster ride of the Rathoure x Sharma universe—where nothing is ever as simple as it looks, and every character hides a story waiting to explode. 💃🎭

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🌅 Next Morning – Rathoure Mansion

Innaya's eyes fluttered open to the gentle warmth of morning sunlight. For a second, she forgot where she was—until she noticed her mother, Myra, asleep right beside her. Myra's hand was still holding hers tightly, as if she had guarded her all night.

Innaya's POV:
"She stayed. She didn't leave my side. Maybe... maybe this is what it feels like to truly have a mother."

Myra stirred, her eyes opening softly. A faint smile curved her lips as soon as she saw Innaya awake. She reached out and brushed her daughter's hair tenderly.

Myra (softly):
"Good morning, beta... did you sleep well?"

Innaya (hesitant but warm):
"Yes... and Mama, thank you for staying with me."

The word Mama made Myra's heart overflow. She hugged Innaya close, whispering:
Myra: "I'll always be here for you, Innaya. Always."

They sat for a while, just talking—about London's rainy mornings, about how Myra had missed so many years of her daughter's life, about little things that felt like everything. It was a quiet, sacred bond being woven—thread by thread.

Breakfast at Rathoure Mansion – Polite Elders, Intense Sons

The morning sunlight poured through the grand windows, bathing the dining hall in a warm, golden glow. The long marble table was set with steaming parathas, fresh fruits, and fragrant chai. Innaya clutched Myra's hand tightly, her heart thumping as she entered the room.

The entire Rathoure family was already seated, their eyes turning to observe the new arrival.

👑 The Elders – Warm and Polite

Abhinay Rathoure (70), the patriarch, gave a gentle nod as Innaya approached.
Abhinay: "Welcome, Innaya. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Please, have breakfast with us."
His voice carried authority, yet it was calm and inviting, a careful balance of respect and expectation.

Samyukta (68), the matriarch, smiled gracefully, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
Samyukta: "Yes, dear. Sit beside your mother. Eat well—you'll need energy to settle into our home."
There was warmth in her tone, and her demeanor eased Innaya's nerves just a little.

👨‍👩‍👦 The Sons – Mixed Reactions

Eshan (29), always charismatic, leaned forward with a playful smirk.
Eshan: "So, this is our new sister. Don't worry, we don't bite... at least, not before breakfast."
His grin was teasing, but there was a spark of genuine curiosity in his eyes.

Aayan (27) gave a subtle, unreadable glance. His calm expression held a faint edge, and though polite, his gaze made Innaya aware that she would have to earn his respect.

Zayan (25), adventurous and light-hearted, chuckled softly.
Zayan: "Relax, Innaya. Breakfast is safe. The real fun begins later."

Rudra (22), broody and intense, gave a measured, cold look. His eyes briefly met Innaya's, assessing, almost like a shadow passing over her.
Rudra: "...good morning."
One word, but heavy with silent scrutiny.

Kabir (20), playful and mischievous, leaned slightly forward.
Kabir: "I expected a giant... you're shorter than I imagined! But I bet you're quick on your feet."

Anjun (25), witty and charming, smiled at Innaya.
Anjun: "Welcome to the family. We'll make sure you survive breakfast... and maybe even enjoy it."

Advik (20), quiet and reserved, simply nodded with a soft smile. His gaze was calm but alert, watching her closely without words.

🍴 Innaya's POV

Her heart raced as every name and face registered in her mind. The warmth of the elders gave her a safe space, yet the intense, scrutinizing looks from Rudra and Aayan made her feel small and uncertain. She swallowed nervously but tried to smile politely.

Innaya (softly): "Thank you... I'm honored to meet you all."

Myra's hand brushed hers under the table, a quiet reassurance. Slowly, she began to relax, noticing the gentle smiles from Abhinay and Samyukta, the playful spark from Eshan and Kabir, and even the subtle approval in Zayan and Anjun's expressions.

Though the morning was still tinged with tension, Innaya realized something important: this family, with all its grandeur and sharp edges, was slowly opening a space for her. And maybe... she could belong here. 🌸

Breakfast – Conversations and Subtle Bonds

Innaya picked at her paratha, trying to keep her nerves in check. Myra sat beside her, sipping chai and smiling encouragingly. The breakfast table, though polite on the surface, hummed with curiosity.

Eshan leaned forward, resting his elbow casually on the table.
Eshan (teasing): "So, Innaya... tell me, are you good at sports? Or should I start calling you 'Rathoure sister-in-training'?"
Innaya giggled nervously.
Innaya: "I... I like walking and swimming... that's about it."
Eshan raised an impressed eyebrow.
Eshan: "Not bad. You survive London on your own, and you can swim? Respect."

Aayan, quietly watching from the other side, gave a faint nod, though his cold gaze lingered.
Aayan (calmly): "Independence is good. But surviving here will be... different."
Innaya blinked, unsure if he was warning her or just stating a fact.

Zayan laughed, a carefree sound that cut through the tension.
Zayan: "Don't worry, little sister. Danger's mostly optional at breakfast."

Rudra, sitting silently, finally spoke in his low, measured tone.
Rudra: "Be careful what you say and do here. Not everyone's reactions are as playful as your brothers'."
Innaya nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words—but she noticed a subtle softness in his eyes as he continued eating.

Kabir, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, whispered under his breath, barely audible.
Kabir: "She's smaller than expected... might make her the easiest target for pranks."
He winked at Eshan, who smirked knowingly.

Anjun chuckled, gesturing to Innaya.
Anjun: "Don't worry, kid. We'll all test your wit before we fully accept you—but for now, just eat."

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Hellooo my lovely readers! 💕
Wow—you made it till the very end! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with every twist, turn, and little surprise in this story. Your love and support mean everything to me. 🌸

Let's aim high together—50+ votes! 🌟 Each vote is like a spark that keeps this story alive and growing brighter. ✨

Your comments, feedback, and votes aren't just numbers; they're the reason I keep writing, adding more drama, romance, and those "wait... WHAT just happened?!" moments that we all secretly live for. 😏

So don't hold back—drop your thoughts, hit that vote button, and let's make this journey unforgettable. Because every time you vote, I'm literally doing a happy dance in my room, grinning like a fool, and planning even crazier scenes for you all. 💃🔥


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✨ Coco | 📚 Student ✍️ Future Writer🌿

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✨ Coco — where art meets science 🎨💉 📚 Student • ✍️ Future Writer • 🩺 Aspiring Doctor • 🌿 Painter of dreams 💫