Unbinding Tradition

14. Hidden warmth 🤗

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(Note:- Please read Dear diary chapter first as I have made some additions to it)

The Jeon haveli's kitchen was alive with the hum of activity. Tae worked alongside the other women of the house. The clang of pots, the crackle of oil, and the fragrance of spices filled the room as they prepared the evening meal.

Tae was kneading dough, her hands moving rhythmically as she tried to keep up with the pace of the women who seemed to have years of practice. She was nervous, hoping not to make any mistakes. The women around her exchanged conversations and shared light jokes, but Tae remained mostly silent, watching and learning.

"Banno," came a soft voice from across the room. It was Mrs Jeon, Jungkook's mother, who was standing by the stove, stirring a large pot.

Mrs Jeon- Can you hand me the salt?

Tae immediately nodded, stepping away from the dough and grabbing the small tin of salt. She approached Mrs Jeon, but as she held out the tin, something made her pause. Her eyes caught sight of a red, swollen bruise on Mrs Jeon's hand, the skin discolored and raw.

Tae's heart skipped a beat. The bruise looked fresh and painful.

Tae- Ma-sa; are you all right? How did this happen? (she asked with concern)

Mrs Jeon looked at her hand for a moment, her expression changing slightly before she quickly hid her hand in the folds of her lehenga.

Mrs Jeon- Oh, this? (she replied lightly, though her voice had an edge of nervousness to it) It's nothing, really. I'm always knocking into things, you know. I can be quite clumsy.

Tae frowned slightly, her concern deepening. The bruise looked far worse than what one would get from just knocking into something.

Tae- Are you sure, Ma-sa? Maybe you should rest for a while. I can finish the cooking. (she said gently)

Mrs Jeon forced a thin smile, but her eyes showed a quick look of surprise at Tae's offer. She paused for a moment to think about her answer before shaking her head.

Mrs Jeon- No, no, I'm fine. I've been managing this kitchen for years. You don't need to worry about me, Lado.

Tae swallowed her concern and nodded, though she wasn't entirely satisfied with the response. She didn't want to push her mother-in-law on her very first day in the household, but the bruise lingered in her mind.

Mrs Jeon, now turned away, exhaled softly. She glanced briefly at her bruised hand and then at Tae, who was quietly working.

Tae's worry touched her heart as it reminded her of her deceased daughter, but she quickly pushed those feelings away. This wasn't the time to think about old hurts.

~~~

The grand dining hall was dimly lit, with lanterns casting a soft glow across the long table. The men of the Jeon family sat in their designated places, with Dadi-sa at the head of the table, her gaze sharp as ever.

Tae moved quietly, serving with extra care, making sure not to spill anything. Her hands were steady, her heart racing. She knew Dadi-sa's eyes were on her, ready to catch any mistake, no matter how small.

The men began eating, and Tae stood by the side. Jungkook, seated a little farther from Dadi-sa, picked at his food, his appetite clearly lacking.

Tae noticed him pushing food around his plate, taking only a few bites. He had seemed calmer since the earlier commotion, but his silence still unsettled her.