My Mr. Artist

Chapter 27

Kiyah

"Is she really that good?"

"Yeah, and she would always give that shy smile to everyone, especially when he is around. Well... I don't know... she felt like a genuine person, but her smile still made me feel like she was mocking me, even without her knowledge. Also, she is way too comfortable with his family, even more than he is himself." I sipped my coffee, relaxed on the couch after a hectic day on site, and narrated my overall observation that I had deduced over the past month to Ashi. But to tell the truth, I had only gone there three times; the rest of my days were spent planning the layout and visiting the site to check the work. Still, I felt she was too sweet, for God's sake.

"Let me tell you, rich people's marriages are unions of families and traditions. They won't care about the couple's feelings. So, if she makes his family happy, then it's equivalent to being a good wife. And most importantly, being a good daughter-in-law means everything to them—and that scored her 100 points," Ashi explained, as if she had done a lot of research on this specific topic.

"Whereas you would have been a vixen who had hypnotized their beloved son for their wealth, which would lead you to score -100 points. So, it's already a losing game, baby." She slurred as she continued, and I heard Tanish and Reva, along with some other friends, laughing in the background. Ashi was quite straightforward when alcohol was in her hand—and maybe reasonable, too.

They must be having a pre-Diwali celebration. Every year, some of my friends would organize pre-Diwali parties. It would start after Dusshera and continue till Diwali. It would be anything but modest—with lots of alcohol and gambling bets. And then everyone, like obedient kids, would celebrate the real Diwali with their families. Some, including me, would travel back to their parents' house for Diwali.

This time was different. I missed Navratri and Dusshera, and I would also miss my Diwali. It would not only be my first time not going home for Diwali, but it would also be my first time being utterly alone during the festive season. For the past few years, since starting college, I had missed going home for who knows how many festivals—but there were always my friends and him around me to dissipate the loneliness. On Navratri, we would buy passes and go for Garba; Dusshera was for making authentic Indian cuisine; then came the pre-Diwali parties, tons of shopping for families and friends, and finally booking tickets and going home together with Ashi, Tanish, Reva, and Rohan for Diwali. And many other fêtes like Christmas parties, New Year celebrations, Holi parties, and so much more—and I had never felt so left out as I did this year. Maybe after he left, I had that void in my heart—but it would be different this year, because I knew for sure that he was not alone like me.

"How many of you are there right now?" I changed the topic as I didn't want to talk about that golden couple anymore. Also, they all sounded quite tipsy. I shouldn't have picked up the call knowing there would be a party. But I was feeling lonely and left out—and right now, I felt that loneliness had only increased while hearing the loud crackling against my still side. Adding to it, the embarrassment of discussing the affair of my ex and his new wife.

My bad!

Wait was she discussing me around others?

"Ashi, can you not publicize my affair around everyone!" I nearly whisper-yelled while covering my face with my other hand, though no one was around.

"Don't worry, Ki, they're busy teasing each other. No one heard what I said. Maybe some did, but no one's laughing at you. Wait, let me go outside." I heard her hushing them and then opening the door—and finally, there was just the howling sound of wind, nothing else.