The morning sun had just started spreading its golden light over the quiet village. Birds chirped on the trees surrounding the large haveli of the village sarpanch.

Inside the courtyard, Rajeev’s mother, Triveni, stood watching the gardener watering the plants.

“Shanti!” she called out.

The old gardener quickly walked toward her. “Ji, malikain.”

Triveni sighed slightly. “Our maid left yesterday without even informing. The whole house work is pending. Do you know someone who can work properly?”

Shanti thought for a moment. Then suddenly a name came to her mind.

“Yes, malikain. My neighbour’s daughter Gauri… she works in many houses in the village. She is very hardworking and cooks very well.”

Triveni nodded thoughtfully. “Send her tomorrow morning. I will see if she can manage the work here.”

The Next Morning

Early in the morning, an 18-year-old girl walked nervously toward the big haveli.

It was Gauri.

She wore a simple cotton salwar suit, her long braid resting on her shoulder. Her eyes showed both nervousness and determination.

Shanti brought her inside.

“Malikain, this is Gauri.”

Triveni looked at her carefully. Gauri folded her hands respectfully.

“Namaste.”

“Can you cook?” Triveni asked directly.

“Yes,” Gauri replied softly. “I cook in four houses.”

Triveni nodded. “Fine. Make breakfast today. Let me see.”

Evening

A black car stopped outside the haveli gate.

Rajeev stepped out.

The 32-year-old sarpanch of the village had just returned after several days out of the city for work.

He walked inside calmly.

“Ma,” he called.

Triveni smiled seeing her son. “You came! You must be tired.”

Rajeev sat down on the sofa.

“Bring some water,” he said.

Triveni looked toward the kitchen.

“Gauri! Bring water for Rajeev.”

Gauri filled a glass of water and slowly walked into the living room.

Rajeev was sitting on the sofa, busy on his phone.

She stood near him and said softly, “Sahab Paani…”

Her soft voice suddenly echoed in Rajeev’s ears.

For a moment, his fingers stopped moving on the phone. Something about that voice felt different.

He slowly looked up.

Gauri stood in front of him, her eyes lowered respectfully, holding the glass with both hands.

Rajeev took the glass… but for some reason, his heart started beating faster.

He didn’t understand why.

It was just a maid giving him water.

Yet something inside him felt strangely disturbed.

Gauri quietly placed the glass in his hand and walked away.

But Rajeev kept looking in the direction she had gone, confused by the sudden feeling in his heart.

Later Rajeev went inside kitchen and saw Gauri working .

Your name is Gauri?-he asked in a dominating voice.

J..ji sahab.-She replies

K...kacchu chahiye aapko?

[Translation-Do you need something?]

Ha ..tum-he replies

Her eyes widened at his answer.she didn't uttered any word ,and kept stirring the curry she was making.

He left smirking from there.

Gauri huh no Gauri Rajeev Suryavanshi will be better.(in mind)