Unbinding Tradition

18. Whispers in Bazaar 🤫

Chalo, chalo; Diwali ka bonus Lelo Author-sa se... But no one will go without leaving bunch of comments otherwise I will be sad sad... 🙁

As Jungkook finished his morning pooja, he made his way to the living room, settling down with a sense of calm after the ritual. His mother, Mrs Jeon, glanced at him from the kitchen as she prepared breakfast.

Mrs Jeon- Jungkook, please bring some vegetables and a few grocery items from the market. (she said, her voice casual yet expecting his compliance)

Jungkook sighed, leaning back against the cushions.

Jk- How many times do I have to tell you, Maa? Don't tell me to go for grocery shopping. I don't understand much about these things.

Mrs Jeon was about to argue when Dadi-sa, seated at the head of the dining table enjoying her cup of tea with a piece of rotla in her hand chuckled mockingly.

Dadi-sa- Then take your Gharwali with you. Let's see when she'll start being useful.

Jungkook frowned, clearly uncomfortable with Dadi-sa's biting remark, but before he could respond, Mrs Jeon stepped in.

Mrs Jeon- Yes, take Banno with you. She can handle the shopping.

Tae, who had just finished her morning chores, entered the room in time to hear the conversation. She nodded dutifully, though her stomach fluttered with nervousness. The thought of going out with Jungkook, especially after the incident in the bathroom earlier that morning, made her anxious, but she didn't dare say no.

Jungkook grabbed his bike keys with a sigh and headed out of the haveli without a word. Tae followed him silently, adjusting her ghunghat and keeping her eyes low.

He climbed onto the bike and gestured for her to sit behind him. Hesitating slightly, she placed her hand on his shoulder for support as she sat behind him, gripping his waist with delicate fingers.

She felt awkward, her hands barely touching him, but she had no choice. Jungkook started the bike, and they rode off towards the market.

The ride was mostly silent, aside from the hum of the bike's engine and the sound of the bustling streets around them. Tae kept her head down, occasionally stealing glances at the passing landscape.

Once they arrived, Jungkook parked the bike and signaled her to get the vegetables.

Jk- Go get what we need. I'll wait here. (he instructed in his usual tone)

Tae nodded and stepped off the bike. Jungkook remained where he was, leaning against the bike casually, arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Many passerby bowed to him, a sign of respect for his position as district collector. Jungkook nodded back, though his attention remained on Tae as she approached one of the vegetable vendors.

Tae began picking the vegetables, carefully choosing the freshest ones just as she had learned from her mother. She inspected each one, trying her best to appear confident even though market shopping wasn't something she had much experience with. After gathering a decent amount of vegetables, she straightened up and asked the vendor for the price.

Tae- Kaka-sa, how much for these?

The vendor, recognizing her as the collector's wife, hesitated for a second before naming a price that was clearly inflated.

Vendor- It'll be 80 rupees, Bahurani.

Tae's eyes widened in surprise. She knew the prices in the market, and this was far more than what was reasonable. She furrowed her brow and looked at the vendor with a calm but firm tone.