𝐀𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀

t w e l v e

❦

    "S H A S H I,  J A S W A N T I, we need to get back soon. Our orders are piling up, and we need to get work done. "

     "Why don't you relax for a bit, Aaina? The baazar feels so energetic and colorful today. "

    The air of the baazar was indeed blooming like never before. The well stocked wares in front of the shops had their sellers sporting a wide smile. The baazar had never looked so good in many months. The three ladies had set out on their weekly spree of buying the essentials as well as spending some saheli time together.

    Jaswanti's laughter carried them all through the way as she excitedly halted at every shop and stall, gazing at the variety of fresh miniatures, jewellery, and dupattas displayed throughout. Shashi stood at Aaina's side patiently as their younger saheli took her time. As for Aaina, she was busy checking the stuff they bought and ticking it away in her note.

    "Aaina behen?"

    She turned around at the call of her name, only to find a familiar face in the crowd.

    "Milan! Tum yahaan?"

    "Haa. The baazar looked too good to miss today. I had to drag him out for once just to take me to see it. "

    Oh. He is also here.

    "Are those your sahelis you were talking about?"

     She nodded, and he sidled past to talk to the two ladies, who were very surprised by the warm advancement by the new gentleman.

    Milan indirectly cleared her way towards the man himself. Aaina approached him as he seemed busy loading giant bags of a variety of spices in a carriage.

    "Um. . . what are you doing?"

    He looked at her over his shoulder, not very surprised on seeing her. "Working. You?"

    "I come to the baazar with my sahelis every week," she replied with a wide smile.

    "For what?"

    "A little bit of work. And for fun. "

    "Well, don't let me keep you—"

    "I wanted to ask something," she blurted.

    "Tell me,"

    "When are you planning to. . .?"

    He looked at her expectantly, but she was hesitant to continue.

    Amar took a deep breath. "You know I don't possess the power to read your thoughts."

    She scoffed. "I was saying; just warn me when you're going to be coming to Hira Ghar. I'll be prepared. "

    "Prepared for what?"

    That had Aaina rolling her eyes. "To let a stranger inside my home when I'm alone." Why did I ever agree to this, she thought.

    That cracked a dimple over his cheek, and she realised he was finding her shenanigans very amusing. The daylight illuminated his eyes in a way she had never seen. It was the first time she met him outside of the hill where everything was always damp and hidden. He looked calmer, more human here. The sunlight emblazoned over his brown eyes, and she found her gaze linger a bit longer. Or maybe it was just him with a smile — a not very frequent sight. His ring clad finger came up to softly scratch the spot under his eye, and the gleaming golden orb brought back memories for Aaina. There was something so. . . appealing about the rings he wore, and it looked like they were made just for him. She found it intriguing to know he had an affinity for them.