BEDIL SHERGILL || ✔ ||

[12] : Holi Celebrations

The Shergill mansion was abuzz with the vibrant energy of Holi. The garden was a riot of colors, tables adorned with hues ranging from deep reds to sunny yellows, and the unmistakable aroma of thandai wafted through the air. Amidst this lively atmosphere, Drishti was on a mission-one that went far beyond the playful festivities.

Dressed in a striking red saree, her hair cascading down her shoulders, she moved with purpose after returning from the mandir. She approached the table with the thandai, a mischievous glint in her eye. Carefully, she mixed bhaang into the drink. This wasn't just about enjoying the festival; Drishti needed to distract everyone to search the house for clues about her mother's killer and perhaps uncover a hidden room-a possibility that seemed all too likely in a mansion like this.

As she completed her task, Rakshit appeared, looking every bit the formidable CEO even in a simple white kurta. He began pouring the thandai into large glasses, setting them out for the family. Just as he opened his mouth to say something to Drishti, She went away and a girl from the neighborhood-one who had always tried too hard to get close to him-arrived with a too-bright smile.

"Congrats on your marriage, Rakshit." She simpered, her voice laced with insincerity as she reached for a handful of red powder. Rakshit took a step back, his annoyance barely concealed. Festivals were not his thing; they grated on his nerves, and this girl was doing little to help.

She pouted, holding his hand and pressing it into the color. "You don't want me to put color on you, but you can put it on me!" she said coyly, trying to make him smear it on her cheek.

Rakshit's jaw tightened. He was raised to respect women, and despite his growing irritation, he didn't push her away. "Stop it, you're annoying me." He warned, his voice low with a hint of danger. But she persisted, pulling his hand to her face.

Just then, Drishti returned, her presence instantly altering the dynamic. The girl turned, her saccharine smile still in place. "Hi, congrats on your marriage. But just so you know, he put the first color of Holi on me. I hope you're not hurt sweetie." she declared triumphantly, as if expecting Drishti to crumble.

Drishti's smile was sweet, but her eyes were sharp. "No, sweetie, I'm not hurt. Do you want to know why?" she asked, her tone dripping with mock concern.

The girl blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Why?"

"Because he put the first color of Holi on me." Drishti replied smoothly, turning to Rakshit with a knowing look. "Right, Mr. Shergill?"

Rakshit, caught off guard but quick on the uptake, nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Yes, that's right."

The girl's face flushed, her victory snatched away. "Are you blind? Where's the color?"

Drishti pointed to her shoulder where a faint yellow stain lingered. "He applied this haldi on me two hours ago. It's still a color, isn't it?" she said with a raised eyebrow.

The girl's smirk faltered completely, but she tried one last jab. "Oh, by the way, why did you end up marrying him? You guys don't even love each other. He was supposed to marry Lavanya. So why the switch, Ms. Sud?"

Rakshit's voice was a low rumble as he corrected her. "Mrs. Rakshit Shergill."

Drishti barely suppressed her laughter as the girl's face burned with embarrassment. Defeated, she slinked away, leaving Rakshit and Drishti to exchange a victorious high-five.

Rakshit slid his hands into his pockets, his expression more relaxed now. "You just look innocent, but you're a tigress inside."

Drishti shrugged, her smile unbothered. "I just stated a fact. Turmeric is a color too. And I don't like whoever she is."