The Second Chance

Tug of war

The Luthra household was a flurry of activity as Preeta busied herself with the final preparations for the pooja. The scent of incense mingled with the fragrant blooms that adorned every corner of the house, creating an atmosphere of serene devotion.

Palki, beta," Preeta called, "you must wear a saree for the pooja today. I want you to look your best."

Palki, who had been helping with the decorations, looked up, a bit startled. "A saree, Maa?"

Preeta nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, you will look beautiful."

Palki's heart raced. She had never worn a saree before and had no idea how to drape one properly. After a few failed attempts at arranging the yards of fabric around her, she had a sudden, albeit impractical, idea – to staple the saree in place. Desperate times called for desperate measures, she thought.

Just as she fumbled with the stapler, trying to make the pleats stay, Shaurya walked into the room. He paused, his eyes widening in surprise and amusement at the sight of Palki wrestling with the saree.

"What in the world are you doing?" Shaurya asked, a mix of curiosity and laughter in his voice.

Palki looked up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I... I'm trying to staple the saree. I don't know how to wear it properly."

Shaurya shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. "Stapling a saree? That's a first. Here, let me help you. It's not a good idea to staple it. It’ll be uncomfortable, and you might get hurt."

Palki hesitated but handed him the stapler. Shaurya took it from her and they both ended up in a playful tug of war, each trying to take control of the situation. Palki pulled the fabric one way, while Shaurya tried to guide it the other. Their banter filled the room as they wrestled with the saree.

"You’re doing it wrong!" Palki exclaimed, laughing despite herself.

"No, you’re doing it wrong!" Shaurya retorted, a grin on his face.

In their playful struggle, Shaurya managed to pull the stapler free, but in the process, he stumbled slightly. His lips accidentally brushed against Palki’s forehead. Both of them froze, realizing what had just happened. Shaurya quickly stepped back, his heart racing.

I... I didn’t mean to..." he stammered, trying to find the right words.

Palki, equally flustered, touched her forehead where his lips had been. "It’s okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

They stood there for a moment, caught in the unexpected intimacy of the situation. The air between them seemed to crackle with a newfound tension, one that neither of them was quite ready to acknowledge.

Shaurya cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Let's just get this saree sorted out."

Taking a deep breath, Shaurya carefully gathered the pleats and tucked them in at Palki’s waist. She stood still, trying not to giggle as his fingers brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. As he finished, he looked up, their faces inches apart.

"There, all done," he said softly.

Palki looked down at the neatly draped saree and smiled. "Thanks, Shaurya. You did a good job."

"See? No staples needed," he teased, his eyes twinkling.

Just then, Roohi burst into the room, breaking the spell. "Mumma! Papa! Nani is calling you for the pooja!"

Shaurya and Palki exchanged one last glance before heading out of the room, their hearts still pounding. As they walked towards the pooja area, they couldn't help but think about the unintentional kiss, wondering what it meant for their complicated relationship.

Throughout the pooja, Shaurya found himself stealing glances at Palki, who seemed equally distracted. Preeta, oblivious to the undercurrents between them, smiled happily, thinking that her son and daughter-in-law were finally bonding.