𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐘𝐀

C H A P T E R - 4

Mayra

Noon passed in a blur and I sighed sinking back in my chair. The constant screen-time exhausted me to the verge of craving some sleep but one glance at alarm clock boosted me.

Diya must be here anytime and I have lots of important discussions to do with her. I grabbed my phone and left the room just in time to find Moksha in the corridor "Hey Mayra!" she goes right for the hug "How have you been Muku" she slides her arm over my shoulder while we descent the stairs. "All charged." she often makes a gesture with her fist whenever she's on the brim of happiness.

I pass a glance at her face, at that snub nose, full lips and highlighted green curls falling over her forehead but what catches most attention are those eyes. If one does not have any idea their eyes can give away the hint, it's like I'm staring at Adi's eyes. The twins charm.

The hall was packed with elders, both dads busy with their usual politic chats and mothers engrossed in family gossips. I spotted Iti beside mumma with Suvy maa and Shorbari chachi. Moksha practically drags me towards them, I managed to greet Suvy maa before taking a seat close by.

"How's you Mayra" Suvy maa pats the space beside her and I move to sit there "Good enough" she places her hand over mine "College's tension?" I slightly nod "Bhabhi aap Mayra ko college ke liye mumbai kyu nahi bhej dete, waha hum sab bhi hai isse koi dikkat bhi nhi hogi" to be honest I had considered that option.
(Bhabhi why don't you send Mayra to mumbai for her college, we're all there to take care of her)

I will have more time with Iti and there's more opportunities in mumbai but I have to give my best to compete in entrance exams, my eyes find Iti grinning to something mumma said and I wondered I'd be able to meet her anytime I felt low but does she wants me to?

My chain of thoughts were broken by a loud noise "Areyy namasteyy bhabhi ji" and there goes the peace. Iti glances me with a knowing expression and we turn to face mumma doing the same. 

Dad immediately gets up from the couch "Adrika mai bhaisahab ke saath bahar jaa rha hu thodi der me hum wapas aajayenge" (Adrika we're going out and will be back in a while)on his way dad passes a please-take-care-no-drama-happens look and I nod at him with a sigh.

 Bua settles beside Suvy maa and her daugther takes a seat next to Moksha "I'll get the tea ready" mumma gets up and Iti follows her in the kitchen. They left me here to endure the drama that's about to coil in.

"Namastey Rashmi didi" Shorbari chachi on my left greets her with the same dramatic tone. "Oh my Moksha's bloomed like a lily, she just got your face Shorbari" the former person just hums in response. "Girls always bloom to become a beauty, look at our Mayra" Suvy maa pinches both my cheeks.

"What's the meaning of being beautiful when all the nerdy vibes ruin it" Tanvisha my cousin and bua's daughter blows out a fraction of breath. "Beauty with brain is rare too" that instant remark from Moksha left me to form my own retort on pause. I can sense Tanvisha's irritation on her face.

Someone breaks in the conversation "Maa where's Iti?" I look up to find Manav jiju with Sharan, former wearing a white shirt both sleeves folded and the later in casual jeans and a t-shirt. "Ohho bhai, bhabhi goes out of sight for two minutes and you start to miss her already" Moksha teases him like no other.

"That's not true-- I- I forgot where I kept my watch" the top of his ears were turning a shade pink and awkwardly turned away "Be responsible Manav" he gives a slight nod, "She's in the kitchen" he left for the kitchen in an awkward hurry and both Moksha and Sharan did a high-five.

"Sharan when are you getting married, it's already age now isn't it" I internally slammed my head on the wall.. it's always typical bua behavior that makes everyone dislike her and entire family knows that. How can she ask such questions to someone she doesn't know properly yet.

Tanvisha turns an inch toward Sharan to catch his reaction "I hate people who talk too much, it's unlikely I'll get marry any sooner" I stifled a laugh when my phone pinged with a text.

Diya: Here!

I got up biding everyone and headed for the door when Moksha follows me from behind "Girly! please take me with you, I have no nerve to tolerate that-- don't mind" I motioned my hand for her to come along "I won't" as we made our exit Diya was getting off from the car on the main gate.

A thud sounded before two figures came next to us "Going somewhere?" that annoyingly deep voice called. "Guess so" Moksha answers Aarav while turning towards me to confirm and at exact moment Diya finds us "Hey guys!" they exchanged quick hellos except the broody bastard behind me.

"Mayra won't you show us how Delhi looks at night?" Adi encloses Moksha in a tight headlock. I was about to answer when Sharan and Aaksha joins us too. Diya nudges me from behind "Okay-sure".

"I'll drive" Aarav rounds us and whistles the driver for the key "We'll need two cars" Sharan points out "Use my car" Diya motions towards her car where Kartik, Diya's boyfriend was leaning on the bonnet.

"Who's going in who's?" Moksha shouts from beside the car Aarav's driving.

"Me and Moksha can go with Diya" she nods and makes way for Diya's car "Wait, you two are the only ones who know the routes" Adi interjects----for god's sake please. "Google maps have been in use since 2000" to my response both the sisters snicker.

"Mayra let us go with Aarav, google maps only distracts him" Moksha pats my shoulder and leaves. I take a deep breath and give myself a quick pep talk.. you're going to control your anger, your tongue and your movements.

You won't lose even if he instigates you to... and surely won't remember something that happened in past. Let the bygones be bygones.

I made to enter in the backseat and found it already acquired, Adi and Moksha fastened their seat belts, with a silent prayer to the gods of calm and perception I settled in the passenger's seat.

I took my time fastening the belt and when I looked up he was staring at me with a predator's gaze, silently gulping I recoiled from him and towards the door.

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