𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐘𝐀

C H A P T E R - 20

Mayra

I wasn't done with admiring Iti's now bedroom. The pastel themed room was all according to her taste which doesn't appears to match Manav jiju's vibe.

The round designed bed rests in the center of the room, the door to the bathroom was left to it and a glass wall with a breathtaking view on the right.

As soon as we entered she filed into her closet and emerged out after seconds with boxes piled up on each other. I help her place them on her bed then she opens then one by one.

They all contained multiple jewelries ranging from headpieces to kangans to necklaces. "Since when have you become so responsible Iti?" I mocked her in sarcasm when she eyes me while laughing "Atleast I don't lose stuffs every now and then" her comment reminds me an accident happened months ago on one of Iti's wedding ceremony.

I am so full of excitement that I am unable to express. My feet won't stop even if I tell them to.. a voice breaks from the outside that stops me from keep posing and dancing while looking myself back in the mirror. As today was going to be a big day for Iti Dadi got her an amazing piece of jewelry from her ancient collection.

Being younger had its advantage too, she gave me her most intricate anklet she ever owned. The heaviness of the silver practically screamed I might have to drag myself. 

I gave myself a last look in the mirror and jingled my ankle, giggling I left my room in haze. The haveli booked for the wedding was a pure labyrinth unless you have google maps. 

As it was the haldi ceremony the drums busted in the hallway downstairs. I immediately spotted mumma on the far end of the corridor but even if I shouted it won't reach her because of the music and drums playing. 

I grab a fistful of my long skirt on either side and sprinted towards her while glancing downstairs. All the brothers and sisters of jiju were dancing and Adi alone was blogging.

I unknowingly bumped into a servant. The basket full of flowers flipped and all the petals floated in the air and the sudden accident made me lose balance and I tripped.

"I'm sorry" I quickly mumbled to her but despite my stupidity she helped me get up and I swiftly helped her with flowers. 

She left and I got up to head to my direction when I realized my anklet's hook opened. I grabbed the anklet and placed my leg on the space provided in the railing.

I tried to close the hook but it appeared that I unfortunately broke it. Screw. Me.

And to my goddamn stupidity the anklet slipped from the space between my fingers and fell somewhere between the dance crowd.

Iti jolts me out of my trance and the reality seeps in "Don't worry. Abhi to dadi ko kuch nahi pata. Mai try krungi shayad koi duplicate bana sakta ho" (Don't worry. Dadi doesn't know it yet. I'll try to find someone who could forge a duplicate) I nod her in response. I've tried that many times, there wasn't one goldsmith in Delhi that I didn't seek to.

The door to the room opened and we turned around together to find Manav jiju entering. He wasn't at the breakfast table and no one seemed to notice that, it might be because everyone already knows.

He looked tired.. was he out all night? "Are you okay?" Iti sounded concerned but he simply gives a nod "Hey Mayra" I passed a smile to him. 

"Hey. Where were you?" he loosened his tie lazily "Just business things. I heard about the college. Congratulations" I chewed on my lip to not grin like an idiot "Thanks jiju" he passes me a warm smile "I'll head for the bath" she keeps a box aside and then shuts all the other "I'll bring your breakfast here" he turns the door of the bathroom "It's okay I'll just sleep for now".

We left her room and I don't know if I was imagining or Iti was really blushing. Downstairs I found Suvy maa leaving for somewhere but stops when she finds us coming "Oh thank god I found you guys here" I passed a glance at Iti who was busy with Dadi.

"Do you need anything maa?" she pressed her lips while clutching my hand "Mai bas nikal hi rahi thi kanha ji ke mandir jane ke liye. Tum log bhi saath chalo waha accha lagega" (I was just leaving for Lord Kanha's temple. You guys should join too) I was about to answer when Iti interjects.

"Of course maa" she entangles her arms with me and drags me outside following her. Suvy maa and I got in the backseat while Iti settled in front.

Sharan was the one driving us there. We talked the entire ride about most random things. I never needed to think when talking to Suvy maa she's just so open and gentle.

Sharan drops us at the temple and left for some work he referred was urgent. The marble structure was a view indeed. It looked so mesmerizing.

I took my dupatta and placed it over my head while wrapping the longer end over the shoulder.. we headed inside. There were several bells on the entrance we passed entering a long hallway full of few worshipers.

Suvy maa went to receive a call. In the meantime we found a group of girls dancing on the rhythm of flute and hymn. Iti and I passed a look before a smile formed on me. We politely asked those girls to let us in and for a while we managed to learn their steps.

In a handful of minutes we were coordinating as a group. We rounded, we clapped, we swung. The aura of the temple and the tender smell of floral made it all seem perfect.

I noticed much later that Suvy maa was filming us, and after that we stopped. I chuckled thanking those girls and made to join maa for taking blessings.

Suvy maa and Iti were first to take blessings as I was busy admiring a cute child who was dressed as Lord Kanha. I was about to join them inside when they left to take rounds of the temple. I settled on my knees in front of Kanha ji and closed my lids.

God I'm thankful for where I am. I know the importance of events and I won't complain anymore. Please keep showering your love on me and my sister. I remember those words Diya spoke to me. that I need to find my person. Whoever it is I hope will be the one you choose for me. Thanks again.

I bowed my head deep in gratitude. I got up opening my eyes to a person I least expected to show up here.

"Did you complain about me, bunny?" he was grinning.