Whispers of Destiny.

CHAPTER 3

Nina's POV

Next morning, I woke up to the gentle hum of activity in the house. Sunlight filtered through heavy curtains and fell warmly upon the room like a golden glow. Fresh flowers and incense wafted from the living room, reminding me that today was the day when the Ganpati decoration preparation would begin.

I stretched, my mind still warm with the words of Harsh from the previous night. His "goodnight, sweetheart" had completely surprised me, but I was lying if I said I hadn't thought about it before falling asleep. He could be so bold sometimes, yet he always made me feel so relaxed.

All the family members were already downstairs; I came wearing my dress. Now, the mess had just begun; Myesha was on full swing; bossing everyone around as if that's what they were there for. Colorful garlands of marigolds and roses were being placed at their places for later and trays of sweets were being made. It was like the whole house was buzzing with so much energy.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Myesha called out with a grin. "Come help me with these lights. We're going to mix traditional with modern, just like we talked about!"

My smile broadened, and I trailed after her, grabbing a string of LED lights. I can still remember this. There were his eyes on me from across the room. He was setting up clay idols and brass lamps for Akshay. I tried not to look at him, but couldn't help it, and caught myself glancing towards him. We exchanged a brief glance, and a fleeting smile from him.

"You appear distracted, Nina," Myesha teased, catching my glance. "Anything—or anyone—on your mind?"

I shook my head, laughing it off. "No, just thinking about how nice it is to be home again."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me but letting it go for the moment.

A little later, still trying to untangle some lights, Harsh walked over. "Need any help?" he asked, casual in his tone but again, that teasing spark in the eyes.

"I've got it," I said though I knew I could use the help. But being a bit of a stubborn one, I didn't want to be one of the people they had to come and rescue.

He didn't step back, though. He stepped closer, his hand brushed mine as he took one end of the lights. "Let me help, Nina. Two hands are better than one."

His touch was a little tickle through me, but I kept my eye on the lights. "Fine, but no more calling me sweetheart," I shot back, trying to keep the mood light.

He laughed, low. "Can't make any promises."

We worked in silence for a bit, tension between us rising to the boil. I felt him looking at me, though I wasn't looking directly at him; I knew he was smiling that half-smile of his.

As we were just finishing up hanging the lights, Myesha came over to examine our handiwork. "Nice job, you two. See? You're a great team."

I colored, hoping she hadn't noticed that awkwardness there between us. Harsh was just grinning away, which made him look horribly smug.

The rest of the day just went by with preparations—flowers, decorations, and laughter filling our house. Yet every so often, Harsh and I would exchange those fleeting glances, the unspoken connection that was growing with each passing moment.

So, when we had spent the morning hi-tea with our family, the sun was bound to set behind the hills and start casting long shadows across the village. 

Afternoons are spent adorning, guffawing, and tolerating a bunch of Akshay's worst jokes. But today was about buckling down for the final touches of the Ganpati festival.

"Hey, who wants to come with me to the market?" Myesha asked, snatching a basket. "We gotta get some stuff for the Modak and these other sweets."

"I'll be back," I said, stretching my arms. "Need some fresh air after sitting in there all day."From there itself, Harsh shot up. "I will drive. 

Let us go and see the Ganpati idol before it is too late." 

Just as Akshay was about to get a turn at roasting, he escaped when Myesha jumped in with the idea, "Super! You guys can go fetch the Modak ingredients and Harsh can take Nina to go check on the idol afterwards.".

So, I smiled and took my handbag.

small chapter!sorry