Not My Little Sister

Chapter 29 - Speed dating?

Vinaya's hand flew across his face before she could stop herself. The sound of the slap drew startled gazes from guests in the vicinity. She stood there, breathless, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt.

She couldn't comprehend what had come over her. Tears stung her eyes once more as she grappled with the realization that this wasn't the Nithin she knew—the selfless, generous, and respectful Nithin she had known and grown to love. This version of him was unfathomable, and she refused to accept it.

With a heavy heart, she turned away, slipping into the crowd and forcing a smile as relatives greeted her—the groom's sister. Despite the outward appearance of composure, inside, her world was crumbling, shattered by the sudden revelation of the person she thought she knew so well.

The next day was Grihapravesham, the traditional bride welcoming ceremony. Vinaya dressed in a simple salwar kameez, adorned with a matching bindi and oxidized silver jewelry. Her outward appearance belied the turmoil raging within her. She was still reeling from her encounter with Nithin the previous day.

She stood beside her mother welcomed her brother and his new wife, Meera, into their home. Vinaya couldn't shake the feeling of unease as she noticed Meera's quiet demeanor. Meera participated in all the festivities, from the search for the ring hidden within the barrel of rice, washing her husband's feet, sharing a glass of jeera water with him and so on. She graciously thanked everyone for their gifts, but she seemed distant, as though her thoughts were elsewhere.

"Welcome, chechi!" Vinaya greeted her sister-in-law warmly when they finally had a moment alone.

"So?" Vinaya asked mischievously, a playful glint in her eyes. "How was your first night with my brother?" She winked teasingly.

Meera's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly looked away, clearly flustered by the question. Vinaya, sensing an opportunity for some lighthearted banter, pressed on. "Oh, that bad, huh?" she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

Meera looked up suddenly, as if she wanted to respond, but then averted her gaze once more. Vinaya's brow furrowed in concern. Was Meera truly uncomfortable, or was she merely playing the part of the shy bride? She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface.

Just then, Mohan approached them, draping his arm casually over the back of the sofa. Meera tensed visibly, her shoulders bunching up as he spoke. "You two getting along?" he asked his wife kindly, to which she responded with a slow nod but remained silent.

Vinaya seized the opportunity to playfully tease her brother, knowing he could take a joke. "She was saying you're really bad in bed," she teased.

Mohan threw his head back and laughed, taking the banter in stride. "Well, I'm not going to discuss it with you, vaave," he chuckled, "but Meera, that's one thing you won't have to worry about."

Vinaya was taken aback by Meera's lack of reaction to her brother's remark. Sensing something amiss, she silently questioned Mohan with a quizzical look. He shrugged in response. Then, glancing around cautiously, he lowered his voice. "What did Nithin want with you?" he inquired, his expression serious.

"He asked me to marry him," Vinaya replied, her tone casual despite the weight of her words. Mohan studied her for a moment, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Vinaya hesitated, wrestling with her conflicting emotions. She wasn't okay, but she didn't want to burden him with her troubles, especially considering how angry he had been four years ago. She looked away.