𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗲

𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℝ𝔸𝕁𝕍𝔸ℕ𝕊ℍ'𝕊

"Aunty, will all the rituals take place now?" I inquire.

"Not all, but a few post-wedding customs," Aunty explains.

"However, we need to prepare beforehand. And this can't be done on such short notice." Chachi chimes in.

"Okay, so you can take your leave now?"Aunty suggests.

"I think they need to rest too! Just like me! Just look at me, how exhausted I am!"I jest.

Everyone bursts into laughter.

"Yeah, you all should get some rest. Meanwhile, we'll prepare for the next rituals." Chachi recommends,

I bid farewell, "Okay, then I'll take off."

"Have dinner with us today, dear!"Aunty invites warmly,

"No, no, I should head back." I declined,

Adwait persuades playfully, "Oh, come on! Join us for dinner today!"

And he pulls me along with him, insisting I stay for dinner with a charming smile.

............

I arrived at the Bansal mansion after a long, hour-long drive. The dim orange lights cast a warm glow on the white marble, turning it a soft orange hue. The mansion was shrouded in silence, unusual for this time of night. I assumed my parents had already retired to their rooms, but then I heard my mom's voice.

"You're back!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing in my ears.

"Yeah, I just got back," I replied, a bit surprised that they were still awake.

My dad emerged from his room, asking, "How was it?"

I was taken aback, "What?" I asked, realizing they were referring to the meeting I attended.

"The meeting you went to!" he clarified.

"It wasn't as we expected." I rubbed my neck,

"I see." My dad nodded

"Go get some rest!" My mom suggested,

"Sure." I agreed

"Did you eat something?"Mom asked,

"Yeah, I had dinner at the Randhawa palace."I replied,

"Ooh! Okay! Then take some rest!"She responded,

I bid them goodnight, "Good night, both of you," as I climbed the stairs to my room.

They replied in unison, "Good night."

I washed up and snuggled into bed, ready to drift off to sleep.

...............