Ever Since Udaipur

Chapter 10

THIRD PERSON POV

The group of children sprinted across the ground, their laughter echoing with the hum of devotional music. They waved colorful balloons in the air, relishing in their carefree joy. Smiling, Aisha gently dodged them, weaving through the crowd and making her way toward the temple at an unhurried pace.

She lifted her head and gazed at the long, white staircase before slipping off her sandals, adding them to the pile of other shoes. Once her attention shifted to the beautiful sculptures of the deities, solace replaced the awkwardness and anger that previous incidents had caused.

Sighing in relief, she took a few steps forward when a breeze played with her long skirt, wrapping it around her toes and making her pause. She clicked her tongue in frustration, unable to untangle it as her hands were full with the heavy basket needed for the prayer.

Aisha looked over her shoulder in an attempt to find a relative nearby for assistance, but unfortunately, they were immersed upstairs, conversing with a priest. Just as she slumped her shoulders, she noticed a known face.

Anger and embarrassment filled her senses almost instantly after her gaze met Zeeshan's. She looked away, watching strangers walk past her, leaving her helpless on the third step.

She heard Zeeshan approaching, his long sigh met her ears. "Give it," He said, causing her to furrow her brows as she turned to face him. "Give me the basket." He elaborated.

Aisha forced a smile and said with a tilt of her head, "No, thank you!" After the ride that had felt torturous, she was eager to distance herself from him and his so-called help, certain he would become insufferably smug later. "I will manage on my own."

Zeeshan rolled his eyes at her behavior and chose not to speak further to see how she planned to manage. Leaning against the golden rail, he watched her struggle. She had barely reached the fifth stair before she stumbled but steadied herself before falling.

He shook his head and muttered, "I told her!" before quietly approaching from behind. Gently lifting her long skirt just above her ankles, he began to walk slowly, wanting to prevent her from falling without bruising either of their egos. He chose a subtle way to offer help.

He thought to himself, "It would have been better if she had accepted my help. At least then I wouldn't be receiving these strange stares from people."He tried to ignore their curious and confused looks.

✩✩✩✩

Udaipur's market was warm and welcoming, shimmering underneath the sun and buzzing with activity. The tiny stores were decorated with vibrant colors and products, attracting customers toward the souvenirs. Tourist's chatter kept the small street lively, their bargains and discussions over the local items echoed through the stalls.

The Mehra and Malik cousins decided to explore the market after their visit to the temple, and just behind a few alleys was located the city's charm.

Aisha tucked a hair strand away and smiled at the shopkeeper, who was eager to assist. She gently grabbed the pieces of jewelry from the elder lady's palm and shifted sideways to see herself in the hanging mirror.

The earrings were stunning and distinctive, leaving her torn between a black jhumka with grey tassels and a silver bell-shaped jhumka.

"Mahi," Aisha called, her gaze fixated on the reflection. "Which one is better? I like them both, but I feel I should only buy one considering the amount of earrings I already own...but I am too confused." She shook her head. "The silver one is super pretty, but I feel the black one will match more with my sangeet outfit." Aisha impatiently paused, awaiting a response from her sister, who surprisingly didn't answer to her rant.