???? Prologue ????
???? Spruha's POV ????
Varad is… an unfinished chapter, a footnote in the story of my life. Just one chapter doesn’t define the whole book. I need to fill the remaining pages with better ones.
Lost in thought, I heard a knock.
“Spruha, are you ready? They’re asking for you!” Bhabhi’s voice, bright as always, came from the other side of the door.
“Coming, Bhabhi,” I said, turning to the mirror. A white anarkali patterned with silver thread, silver jhumkas, a touch of pink lip gloss, and kohl smudged lightly at my eyes. I sighed. This was the tenth time, wasn’t it?
Rajeev Uncle, Baba’s friend, was here with his family. I’d seen him at gatherings, but never really *seen* him.
“Spruha?”
“Yes?”
“Do you like any of them, beta?”
“N-no,” I mumbled.
I remembered my stupid answer yesterday, and how it had led to this.
A wave of nervousness washed over me, and I started to sweat. I took deep breaths, rubbing my palms together.
I need to calm down. I’ve brought this on myself. I can’t be a coward and back out now.
Dad’s smiling face last night haunted me.
Oh God, why is this so difficult?
I’ve decided to move on. Yes. He is nothing. No one.
“Deep breaths, Spruha…” I coached myself, and followed through with the actions.
Stupid girl, you could have seen the picture!
I was nervous.
Fuck it.
The relentless knocks and Bhabhi’s gentle whispers pulled me from my reverie.
Looking at the door, I took a deep breath and finally opened it to face the consequences.
***
I kept my head down, sitting beside Mom and Bhai. My palms were slick with sweat. I was so nervous! Oh God!
“You’re looking beautiful, beta!” A woman’s voice, warm and maternal, reached my ears. I looked up. The woman was beautiful, radiating motherly affection.
Mom guided me towards them. I bowed to the elderly couple. “God bless you,” I guessed it was Rajeev Uncle.
I smiled at them both. I hadn’t glanced at the man sitting opposite me. There were four of them in all: Rajeev Uncle, his wife, then him, then a girl who chattered incessantly!
Just look at him once, Spruha! My heart urged.
“Not at all,” I scolded myself.
“Come, dear, serve them these dishes,” Mom patted my back, encouraging me.
Seriously, Mom?!
I walked towards them, carrying dishes filled with Mom’s tasty snacks. As if it wasn’t bad enough, Bhabhi brought a tray with four glasses of Amul Lassi!
You too, Bhabhi?!
I glared at her, but she just smiled reassuringly. My hands trembled as I carried the tray. I’d done this ten times before, but why did it feel different now? I handed the first two glasses to Rajeev Uncle and his wife, then my heart skipped a beat as I approached *him*. His cologne hit my nostrils, forcing me to look up. I extended the glass, my eyes refusing to meet his.
Stop ogling him, Spruha!
Oh God! The same chocolate-brown eyes, thick raven hair, a chiseled jaw, a hint of stubble, a straight nose and full lips… the same handsome face.
Stop imagining him everywhere, Spruha!
I was shocked was an understatement. My heart pounded against my ribs. He just smiled at me, a slow, confident smile.
Smiling? My foot!
I was pulled back to reality by the chatterbox’s voice. Yes, the girl sitting beside him—his sister, I guessed.
“I’m here too, Bhabhi? You can stare at him later.”
My breath hitched.
Oh God.
I gave her a weak smile. Everyone started laughing, and Auntie said, “Stop teasing her, Shrau. Don’t make her more nervous.”
“Nervous? Didn’t you see the longggg eye-lock they had, Mom?”
I swear, this girl!
While this handsome man smiled broadly at me.
Gross. I’ll kill him now.
…
As Dad said, it was just a casual talk. But I couldn’t bring myself to look at the man in front of me.
How can he do this to me?
Was he really him?
I still can’t imagine what all happened. Auntie… Shalmali Auntie, finally I heard her name from Aai. She hugged me, kissing my forehead and blessing me. Rajeev Uncle did the same. Shrau hugged me. But damn, I didn’t pay attention to that young man. I was furious. But when our eyes met, he winked at me.
Seriously? The nerve to wink at me, Mr…?
…
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Next part will be published soon!
Until then, ~????????