Baked with love - NaYat FS

DEDICATION

I am dedicating this story to my friend Jasminerahul who had requested me to write on Samrat-Nayanthara from Yeh Hai Chahatein based on the Malayalam serial Chocolate.

BLURB

Nayantara has a gift for creating irresistible chocolates, but the world seems determined to judge her by everything except her talent. Rejected from marriage proposals and cooking show auditions alike because of her dark complexion, she quietly buries her dreams behind the counter of her father's modest sweet shop.

Samrat is the heir to a struggling chocolate empire facing one crisis after another. When a chance encounter leads him to Nayantara's extraordinary creations, he realizes she might be the key to saving his family's business.

What begins as a practical arrangement soon brings together two people from completely different worlds—a cheerful dreamer who refuses to give up on chocolate and a businessman who always relies on logic over emotions.

As friendship grows amidst family chaos, playful banter, and unexpected challenges, Nayantara and Samrat discover that life's sweetest recipes are often the ones no one plans.

A heartwarming tale of dreams, family, self-worth, and love—sprinkled generously with chocolate.

CHARACTER SKETCH

1) Abrar Qazi as Samrat

2) Sargun Kaur Luthra as Nayantara

3) Bharat Ahlawat as Mohit, Samrat's younger brother

4) Swati Sharma as Ishani, Nayantara's younger sister

5) Poorva Gokhale as Revati, Samrat and Mohit's mother

6) Saurabh Agarwal as Vinayak, Samrat and Mohit's father

7) Syed Zafar Ali as Govind, Nayantara and Ishani's father

8) Pratichi Mishra as Malati, Nayantara and Ishani's mother

9) Shrenu Parikh as Gauri

10) Adaa Khan as Sitara

11) Erica Fernandes as Sonakshi

SHOT 1

Shree Bakery, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

The sweet aroma of chocolate drifted through the narrow streets long before people reached the small shop.

"Uncle, give me two packets of Nayantara's cookies!"

"No, no, I came first!"

"Save some for me!"

The customers crowded around the counter of Shree Sweets, a modest neighborhood shop owned by Govind.

Govind laughed as he packed boxes one after another.

"Slow down! There are enough cookies for everyone."

From the kitchen behind the shop came a cheerful voice.

"Appa, tell them there won't be enough if they keep eating samples!"

A young woman emerged carrying a fresh tray of dark chocolate cookies.

This was Nayantara.

She wore a simple cotton salwar, her hair tied into a messy braid, a streak of flour across her cheek.

The customers immediately brightened.

"Nayantara, these cookies are even better than last week's!"

"Did you add something new?"

Nayantara grinned.

"A secret ingredient."

"What is it?"

She pointed at herself.

"My hard work."

The customers laughed.

Though Nayantara's chocolates were famous throughout the area, her life wasn't as sweet as her creations.

***

That evening another family arrived to "see the bride."

Nayantara sat nervously in the living room while her parents Govind and Malti served tea.

The groom's mother looked her up and down.

Her smile disappeared.

Within minutes the family found an excuse and left.

The rejection was obvious.

Govind sighed heavily.

Nayantara forced a smile.

"It's okay, Appa."

But it wasn't okay.

This was the fifteenth proposal in two years.

The reason was always the same.

She wasn't fair-skinned enough.

***

Later that night Nayantara stood alone on the terrace.

Her younger sister Ishani joined her.

"They rejected you again?"

Nayantara nodded.

Ishani rolled her eyes.

"Their loss."

Nayantara laughed softly.

"You always say that."

"Because it's true."

Ishani wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"One day they'll regret it."

Nayantara wasn't so sure.

Marriage wasn't the only place where people judged her.

For years she had dreamed of becoming a professional chef.

She loved creating desserts.

She loved experimenting with flavors.

She loved making people happy through food.

Most importantly, she loved chocolate.

Especially dark chocolate.

Her dream was to participate in a national cooking reality show.

But reality had been cruel.

Four different cooking shows.

Four different auditions.

Four rejections.

Not because her food was bad.

Because of how she looked.

The memory still stung.

A producer had tasted her chocolate mousse and praised it enthusiastically.

"This is fantastic!"

Nayantara's eyes had sparkled.

"Then am I selected?"

The producer hesitated.

Then he awkwardly smiled.

"You are talented, but television is different."

"What do you mean?"

"We need contestants who are... more camera-friendly."

Nayantara understood immediately.

"Because I'm dark?"

The producer avoided her gaze.

She never forgot that moment.

***

The next morning Nayantara was once again in the kitchen.

Whenever she felt sad, she baked.

Today she was making her famous dark chocolate cookies.

She mixed ingredients with practiced ease.

Within minutes the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma.

Govind entered and stole a cookie from the tray.

"Appa!"

He grinned.

"I am quality control."

"You are a thief."

"A thief with excellent taste."

Both burst out laughing.

Moments like these reminded Nayantara why she loved baking.

Her chocolates made people smile.

That was enough.

Or at least she tried convincing herself it was.

***

Chennai

Across the city, things were very different.

Inside a luxurious corporate office, tension filled the air.

Employees whispered nervously.

Investors demanded answers.

Managers argued over reports.

The company was in trouble.

At the center of it all stood Samrat.

Young, intelligent, and usually confident.

But not today.

His father, Rakesh, had disappeared three months ago.

No ransom demand.

No clues.

Nothing.

Without Rakesh's leadership, their chocolate company was struggling.

Sales had fallen.

Competitors were taking advantage.

Every day brought new problems.

Samrat rubbed his forehead.

There had to be a way to save the business.

That evening he returned home exhausted.

His mother Revathi waited in the living room.

"You haven't eaten."

"I'm not hungry."

"You said that yesterday too."

Samrat sighed.

The stress was becoming unbearable.

Revathi softened.

"We'll find your father."

Samrat nodded, though worry remained in his eyes.

***

A few days later one of the company's marketing managers entered Samrat's office carrying a small box.

"Sir, you should try this."

"What is it?"

"I went for a marriage last week in Coimbatore. There, I bought this from a local sweet shop's bestseller."

Samrat opened the box.

Inside were dark chocolate cookies.

He took a bite.

Then another.

Then another.

His eyes widened.

The flavor was extraordinary.

Rich.

Balanced.

Unlike anything he had tasted before.

"Who made these?"

"A girl named Nayantara from Shree Bakery."

Samrat immediately sat upright.

"Find out everything about those chocolates."

***

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing for Nayantara.

A group of neighborhood women had gathered outside the sweet shop.

As usual, they were gossiping.

"Govind doesn't want to marry off his daughter."

"Of course not."

"She earns too much money for the shop."

"Why would he let go of a golden goose?"

Their cruel words eventually reached Govind.

For the first time, the accusations hurt him deeply.

That night he made a difficult decision.

"Nayantara."

She looked up.

"Yes, Appa?"

"You'll stop making chocolates."

The spoon slipped from her hand.

"What?"

"Until you get married."

Nayantara stared at him in shock.

"But Appa—"

"No arguments."

"Chocolate-making is my life!"

"I know."

His voice trembled.

"But people are questioning my intentions as a father. I too feel sometimes that I am making you work too hard for the family and I work very less. I am more reliant on you. But I am the father and I have to make you happy but it's the opposite happening."

"You are my father and what is wrong if you rely on me?"

"I know. But I cannot be selfish by seeing you work so hard for me and I cannot even get you married."

"It's not like that, Appa."

"It's like that only, Nayantara."

Nayantara's eyes filled with tears.

Govind looked away.

The decision hurt him as much as it hurt her.

Slowly, Nayantara nodded.

"Okay."

For the first time in years, the kitchen remained silent.

No chocolate.

No cookies.

No dreams.

Just heartbreak.

***

The following morning, a sleek black car stopped outside the sweet shop.

The entire neighborhood stared.

A tall young man stepped out.

Well-dressed.

Confident.

Clearly wealthy.

Samrat looked at the shop sign.

Then he smiled.

"So this is where the magic happens."

He had come looking for the girl behind the chocolates.

And neither he nor Nayantara knew that this meeting was about to change both their lives forever.

To be continued...

Thanks a lot for the dedication. Chocolate is there in tamil also.I am surprised to see the cast especially shrenu Erica and Adaa.

The title of this story is perfect.how did you choose this title?

I am glad that nayantara's sweet shop is making profit because of her chocolates. Loved her saying that the secret ingredient is her hard work.shocking that 15 marriage proposals got cancelled bcz of her looks.liked swati telling nayan that rejecting her is their loss.sad that cooking reality shows too neglected nayantara as they also want only beautiful girls.i wonder where Samrat's dad disappeared into.nice to see samrat revathi scene.sad that because of gossip mongers govind told nayan not to make chocolates anymore.their conversation was very emotional. Samrat is going to enter Nayan's sweet shop.cant wait for nayat's meeting.i just loved the pics.

I am surprised that nayat stay in tamil nadu. Is samrat also a tamilian here?The malayalam serial chocolate also was shot in chennai.

I forgot who played Nayan's parents in yhc.are the same actors playing Nayan's parents in this story?

I think in some places it's written Harish instead of Govind.

Originally posted by: jasminerahul

Thanks a lot for the dedication. Chocolate is there in tamil also.I am surprised to see the cast especially shrenu Erica and Adaa.

Since the original is Malayalam, I mentioned it. Shrenu, Erica and Adaa are cameos.

I have seen the 'Baked with love' caption in bakeries and cakes so I kept this as the title.

Yes. All the characters are Tamil people.

Yes. The same actors who played Nayantara's parents in YHC. I took their names from Wikipedia as I haven't seen them. Revati's father is from Jhanak (he played the role of Poorva Gokhale's husband in that show).

I have edited it.

Thankyou so much.

The world is too obsessed with white skin. Most do not look beyond that.

She has the magic touch with her baking. But her life has seen too many setbacks.

SHOT 2

Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

The entire neighborhood watched curiously as the well-dressed stranger entered Shree Sweets.

Samrat thinks in his mind, " I should onboard Nayantara in my company as only she can save my company."

Inside, Govind was arranging sweets while Nayantara sat quietly in a corner, helping with accounts. Ever since her father had stopped her from making chocolates, she seemed unusually subdued.

"Good morning," Samrat greeted politely.

Govind smiled. "Welcome. What would you like?"

"I'm looking for Nayantara."

Both father and daughter looked surprised.

Nayantara stood up. "I'm Nayantara."

Samrat studied her for a moment.

This was the girl whose chocolates had impressed him more than anything his company had produced in months.

"You make the chocolates here?"

Nayantara nodded.

"Made," she corrected softly.

Samrat frowned.

"Made?"

Govind awkwardly explained the situation.

The gossip.

The accusations.

His decision.

Samrat listened silently.

When Govind finished, Samrat looked genuinely disappointed.

"So you've stopped?"

Nayantara tried to smile.

"My chocolates have officially retired."

"Without even a farewell party?"

That unexpected response made her laugh.

The first real laugh she had given in days.

Samrat smiled.

At least she could still laugh.

***

That evening Samrat visits the shop again to convince. But he is guilty of asking her father to let her work as he very well know that it will make his reputation worse as society will say that he is exploiting his daughter.

He finds Nayantara sitting quietly, staring at an empty mixing bowl.

"So no baking today?" he asks.

She shakes her head.

"Appa's rule."

Samrat notices how much she misses it. He feels bad.

The next day he arrives carrying a glass jar.

Nayantara opens it.

Inside are her own dark chocolate cookies.

"You bought my cookies?"

"I bought every packet available in three neighborhoods."

"Why?"

Samrat shrugs.

"If you're not allowed to bake, your cookies should at least be appreciated."

For the first time, Nayantara realizes he truly values her talent.

Not out of pity.

Not out of charity.

But genuine admiration.

***

Over the next few days Samrat visited Coimbatore and her shop several times, with a hope that he could convince her but still he couldn't.

At first, he came to Coimbatore it was for business reasons looking for good bakeries and chefs but no one could match Nayantara's skill. Eventually he started staying here as Ooty and Yercaud are nearby which is also known for wonderful bakeries.

As time passed by, the reason for visiting Nayantara became something else.

He enjoyed talking to Nayantara.

Unlike most people around him, she never treated him like a wealthy businessman.

In fact, she often teased him.

One afternoon he asked, "How do you make your chocolate so good?"

Nayantara folded her arms.

"Trade secret."

"I'll pay."

"No."

"Double."

"No."

"Triple."

"No."

Samrat sighed dramatically.

"You drive a hard bargain."

Nayantara grinned.

"And you ask too many questions."

That evening heavy rain starts unexpectedly.

The shop closes early.

Nayantara has no umbrella.

Samrat offers his.

"What about you?"

"I'll manage."

"You'll get drenched."

"So will you."

They spend five minutes arguing about who should use the umbrella.

Eventually they both walk under it.

Unfortunately the umbrella is too small.

By the time they reach her house, both are soaked.

Ishaani sees them.

"Wow. Arre Der kis baat ki kudiye... Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. Haseena Maan Jaayegi. Dilwalee Dulhania Le Jaayegi"

(Translation: Oh girl, why are you waiting. Groom's procession has come. Accept him, Ms. Gorgeous, the brave hearted man will take his bride for sure.)

Nayantara glares.

"Don't."

Ishaani grins.

"I'm not saying anything."

Samrat has never felt so awkward in his life.

***

Slowly a friendship formed.

Samrat learned about her dreams.

Samrat asks: "Why chocolates?"

Nayantara becomes thoughtful.

"When I was little, I faced a lot of rejections in dance or fancy dress or school drama auditions. When I was sad after every rejection, Amma and Appa used to buy me chocolate."

Samrat listens quietly.

She continues.

"One day I decided that instead of waiting for someone to make me happy, I'd make chocolates myself."

Samrat is silent.

Then he says softly: "So every chocolate you make carries a little bit of your courage."

Nayantara looks at him in surprise.

Nobody has ever understood her so well.

This becomes the moment she starts seeing him differently.

Samrat's way of seeing her also slowly changes.

Her love for baking.

Her failed cooking-show auditions.

The pain she carried behind her cheerful smile.

One evening they sat outside the shop after closing time.

Samrat listened quietly as Nayantara described another rejection.

"They didn't even taste my dessert properly," she said.

"They looked at me and made their decision."

For the first time, Samrat felt angry on her behalf.

"They were idiots."

Nayantara laughed.

"That's your professional opinion?"

"Absolutely."

"Businessman by day. Judge of idiots by night."

Samrat chuckled.

***

Nayantara is secretly experimenting with a recipe at home.

Everything goes wrong.

The chocolate burns.

She becomes frustrated.

"I can't even make one batch properly anymore."

Samrat, who had come to discuss some recipes, tastes the failed chocolate.

He immediately makes a dramatic face.

Nayantara groans.

"It's horrible, right?"

Samrat nods seriously.

"Absolutely terrible."

Then he takes another bite.

And another.

And another.

Nayantara catches him.

"If it's terrible, why are you eating it?"

"To protect humanity."

"What?"

"If anyone else tastes this disaster, your reputation is finished."

Nayantara laughs so hard that tears form in her eyes.

It's the first time she's laughed freely in weeks.

Samrat quietly smiles because making her laugh feels strangely rewarding.

***

Chennai, Tamilnadu

Meanwhile, Samrat's business problems continued. Even though with the help of Nayantara's recipes, he tried to recreate her creations, it didn't work in favor as the cooks cannot able to recreate Nayantara's specialty in making those chocolates.

Without innovative products, the company struggled.

One evening he sat with his mother Revathi, discussing possible solutions.

"You look miserable," Revathi observed.

"I am miserable."

"What happened now?"

Samrat explained everything.

"So marry her."

Samrat nearly dropped his cup.

"What?"

"From what you are speaking, you look like you want to marry her."

"Amma! I never thought of Nayantara in such way. We are good friends."

Revati chuckled and caressed his cheeks. Samrat understood that she is in the mood to tease him. He blinks.

"What?"

"You can't solve every problem with marriage."

"I solved my problem by marrying your father. Even Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Mimi and Jr. Akshara believe that all problems have one solution that is marriage. It worked for them. Why won't it work for you?"

Samrat groaned. Revati laughed.

"You are impossible."

Revathi is still laughing.

"I'm serious."

His mother was pulling his leg. The idea sounded ridiculous.

Completely ridiculous.

Yet somehow it refused to leave Samrat's mind.

The more he thought about it, the more practical it seemed.

Nayantara needed freedom.

His company needed her talent.

Both families would benefit.

Most importantly, he genuinely respected her.

***

A week later, he returned to Coimbatore.

He plans to propose her the next day but he visits the shop to see her. Samrat accidentally overhears Nayantara talking to her father in the bakery.

She says: "Appa, even if I never get married, don't worry. I'll be okay."

Govind looks heartbroken.

Nayantara smiles bravely.

"We still have each other. Amma, Appa and me"

Samrat watches from outside.

He realizes how much pain she hides behind her cheerful personality.

That night his respect for her grows immensely.

His proposal stops being only about business.

It becomes about giving a deserving person the chance she never received.

Next day

Samrat comes to the shop. Nayantara immediately sensed something unusual.

"You look nervous."

"I am."

"Why?"

Samrat took a deep breath.

"I want to discuss something important."

"That sounds dangerous."

"It probably is."

Govind joined them.

Samrat gathered his courage.

Then he said the last thing anyone expected.

"I want to marry Nayantara."

Silence.

Absolute silence.

The lights went off. Ishaani controls her laugh, "I know this will happen one day."

Nayantara blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Then pointed at herself.

"Me?"

"Yes."

"You?"

"Yes."

"Are you feeling alright?"

Ten minutes later everyone was seated.

Samrat carefully explained everything.

He didn't want to lie.

He didn't want to pretend it was love.

"I respect Nayantara enormously," he said honestly.

"I admire her talent."

"But I won't claim that this is a love marriage."

Nayantara listened carefully.

Samrat continued.

"If we marry, nobody can stop her from doing what she loves."

Govind frowned.

"And what about my daughter's happiness?"

Samrat answered immediately.

"I'll never stop her dreams. I will be a good husband to her. If she didn't like me after sometime, we will end this marriage as I don't want to cage Nayantara. I have my intentions but Nayantara can be free and no one will insult you."

The sincerity in his voice surprised everyone.

Including Nayantara.

That night she couldn't sleep.

Ishaani found her sitting on the terrace.

"So?"

"So what?"

"The rich businessman wants to marry you."

Nayantara threw a pillow at her.

Ishaani laughed.

"What are you thinking?"

Nayantara stared at the stars.

"He was honest."

"Which is rare."

"Very rare."

"He respects you."

"That's true."

Ishaani became serious.

"And when you talk about him, you smile."

Nayantara immediately threw another pillow.

***

For days she thought about the proposal.

It wasn't a fairy-tale romance.

There were no dramatic declarations of love.

No violins playing in the background.

But there was honesty.

Respect.

Friendship.

And a chance to live her dream.

Finally she made her decision.

When Samrat arrived at the shop again, Nayantara was waiting.

He looked unusually tense.

She almost laughed.

The great businessman looked terrified.

"Well?" he asked.

Nayantara adjusted her glasses.

"I have conditions."

Samrat nodded.

"Go ahead."

"I continue making chocolates."

"Done."

"I participate in cooking competitions."

"Done."

"You never stop me from following my dreams."

"Done."

She smiled.

"Then I agree."

For a moment Samrat simply stared.

Then relief flooded his face.

Nayantara couldn't help laughing.

"You really thought I'd say no, didn't you?"

"A little."

"A lot?"

"A lot."

Samrat takes rose which he was hiding under his shirt.

Samrat: "I know, its awkward but I like to give this rose to you."

Dekha Tenu from Mr. & Mrs. Mahi plays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpE-hVumiDI

Nayantara laughed.

Nayantara: "But why such formality?"

Samrat: "It's not formality. I like to give this rose to you. That's it. If you don't want, it's fine."

Nayantara: "Okay. Don't make puppy faces."

Nayantara accepts the rose and she observed how Samrat's face brightened up. She unknowingly blushes. When she realizes, she guarded up and notices if Samrat noticed her blush but however he is in his world. Nayantara chuckles.

Nayantara: "Soon this will be a love marriage."

Samrat is not listening. Nayantara smells the rose and smiles.

***

The wedding preparations began immediately.

Both families became busy.

The neighborhood exploded with gossip.

This time, however, people weren't criticizing Nayantara.

They were shocked.

The same girl they had rejected repeatedly was marrying one of the city's most eligible businessmen.

Several aunties nearly fainted from surprise.

Nayantara enjoyed every second of it.

On the wedding day, Nayantara looked beautiful in a traditional silk saree.

Yet some distant relatives still whispered cruel comments.

"She's so dark."

"Samrat could have chosen anyone."

Unfortunately, Nayantara overheard them.

The old hurt returned instantly.

Before she could walk away, another voice interrupted.

"You're right."

Everyone turned.

Samrat stood there.

The relatives smiled, expecting agreement.

Instead he continued:

"I could have chosen anyone."

Then he looked proudly at Nayantara.

"And I chose the best person I've ever met."

The relatives immediately fell silent.

Nayantara looked at him in surprise.

Yeh Hai Chahatein's Title track plays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Kn48Fefrs

For the first time, she felt truly defended.

A few hours later, amidst blessings, laughter, and endless photographs, Samrat tied the sacred knot around Nayantara's neck.

Their marriage deal was now official.

Not a love marriage.

Not yet.

But perhaps the beginning of something far more meaningful.

As Nayantara entered her new home later that evening, Revathi welcomed her warmly.

Then she whispered with a mischievous smile:

"Don't worry, dear."

"About what?"

Revathi winked.

"Friendship has a habit of turning into love."

Nayantara blushed immediately.

Across the room, Samrat looked suspicious.

"Why are you both smiling?"

Neither woman answered.

And for the first time since the wedding began, Nayantara felt excited about the future.

To be continued...

Smrat is seeing the talent and the real human being here, which many fail to see.