DEV(i)

6. Her above all~

As they approached Srinika's house, Dev felt his usual calm slip into nervous anticipation. He rang the doorbell, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Srinika shuffle behind him, still drenched from the rain. "Seriously?" he muttered under his breath, a grin tugging at his lips as she tried to hide like a kid sneaking home past curfew.

The door swung open, revealing Srinika's mother, her face instantly lighting up at the sight of Dev. "Dev! Tui ekhane? (you here?) " she exclaimed, stepping forward with warmth radiating from her.

"Mashima, kamon achho? (how are you?) " Dev greeted her, offering a side hug, feeling the usual comfort in her maternal presence. He glanced behind, knowing Srinika was trying to avoid her mom's gaze.

Her mother's eyes shifted, catching sight of Srinika peeking out from behind Dev like a guilty child. "Titli, what have you done this time?" she asked, her tone a mix of stern affection and mild exasperation, as she took in her daughter's soaked appearance, the towel hanging limply around her shoulders.

Srinika shuffled forward slightly, cheeks flushed. "Sorry, Ma," she mumbled, eyes flickering down to avoid her mother's questioning look.

Her mother sighed, shaking her head in that tired but fond way only mothers could. "Both of you, inside before you catch a cold," she said, stepping aside. "You can't stand out there all night, especially in this weather."

As they stepped into the familiar warmth of the house, the smell of spices from dinner still lingered in the air, and the comforting hum of the rain outside only added to the homey feel. Dev caught a glimpse of Srinika's sheepish expression and couldn't help but smirk. He nudged her playfully as they moved into the living room.

"Always getting yourself into trouble, aren't you?" he teased, leaning in as they both settled onto the couch.

Srinika rolled her eyes, though a grin tugged at the corner of her lips. "I wasn't trying to. The rain just has a thing for me, I guess," she quipped, her playful spirit showing through despite her earlier embarrassment.

"Narcissist!" he prompted.

Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted by Srinika's mother returning with towels and two steaming cups of tea. She handed them each a dry towel, her usual warmth still present. "Dry yourselves properly, and drink this. You'll warm up in no time," she instructed, her tone a blend of concern and motherly authority.

"Thanks, Mashima," Dev said, accepting the tea with a grateful smile.

Srinika's mom watched them for a moment, her eyes softening. "Titli, why don't you go freshen up first? Dev can relax here in the meantime," she suggested gently.

Srinika, sensing the underlying hint of her mom wanting a private word with Dev, quickly agreed. "Yeah, okay, I'll be back soon, Maa don't complain about me to him please!" she said, offering Dev a quick glared glance before disappearing down the hallway.

Left alone with her mother, Dev felt a sudden wave of awkwardness. He shifted slightly on the couch, unsure of where the conversation might head next. But Srinika's mom, always attuned, gave him a soft smile before placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Dev, you're a good man, you know that?" she said gently, her tone laced with something deeper, more serious.

Dev chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks. I try," he replied, unsure of what else to say.

Her smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. "Dev, can I talk to you about something important?" she asked, her eyes searching his face, suddenly more serious.

"Of course, Mashima," Dev replied, sitting up straighter, his curiosity piqued.

She hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "You know Srinika is getting older... and I'm starting to think about her future. She has denied so many times but- It's time we consider what's best for her," she began slowly, her voice measured, but the implication clear.

Dev's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected this. "What do you mean?" he asked carefully, unsure where this was leading.

Her mother sighed, looking slightly weary. "I've been thinking about... marriage for her, this time seriously." she said softly, as if the words themselves carried weight.

Dev felt a strange sensation wash over him, a mix of surprise, discomfort, and something he couldn't quite name. "Marriage?" he echoed, trying to process the thought of Srinika being married off, something that had never crossed his mind before.

"Yes, Dev," her mother said gently. "Arranged marriages are common in our culture. And I want to make sure Srinika is secure, happy... settled. But I'm not sure if she's ready, or if she's even thought about it seriously."

Dev swallowed hard, trying to remain composed. He knew this was an important conversation, but his thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. " I understand your concerns," he began cautiously. "But... do you think she's ready for something like this? I mean, we both know how she feels about... certain things. And-"

Her mother sighed again, her gaze softening. "I know. She's had her struggles... with relationships, with herself. That's why I'm worried. She needs stability. And sometimes, as much as we want to follow our hearts, traditions can provide that."

Dev nodded, his thoughts heavy. He cared deeply for Srinika, but the idea of her being married off—especially in an arranged setting—felt too abrupt, too soon. "I want what's best for her too, Mashima. But I think we need to consider what she wants. Her happiness is the most important thing, right?" but why was he being involved in this discussion?

Her mother smiled sadly, her eyes glistening with emotion. "You're right, Dev. Her happiness comes first. But... I also see how much you care for her. How you look out for her. And mostly how you look at her." She paused, her voice softening. "Have you ever thought... you could be the one for her?"

The question hit him like a ton of bricks. Dev froze, not sure how to respond. His heart pounded, and for a moment, he didn't trust himself to speak. "I—I don't know," he stammered. "Srinika... she doesn't see me like that."

Her mother smiled knowingly. "Sometimes, Dev, we don't see what's right in front of us."

Dev's mind was a blur. He had always suppressed any deeper feelings he might've had for Srinika, never wanting to risk their friendship. But now, hearing her mother speak so plainly about it, the idea felt both terrifying and... possible.

"I just don't want to ruin things between us," Dev confessed softly. "She means everything to me."

Her mother reached out and squeezed his hand. "You won't ruin anything, Dev. Whatever happens, you two have something special. And if it turns into something more... you'll know. I really would like you to consider this"

Dev nodded hesitantly, feeling the weight of her words settle within him. Whatever the future held, he'd be there for Srinika but marriage? Had he ever considered so? 

Srinika was 26 sure- a very stereotypic marriageable age in a Bengali household. But she had never considered him more than a friend. Because it never mattered what he felt- her feelings was above all. She was above all. And maybe, just maybe, they'd find their way together. But only if she wanted it. 

~.~

To be continued...