Unbinding Tradition

31. Burdened hearts 😔

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Tae woke up to the faint chirping of birds outside, a sign that dawn was approaching. The room was still draped in darkness, and the lantern by the bedside had long since flickered out.

She blinked and sat up slowly, turning to her side to find Jiminee fast asleep on Jungkook's stomach, her tiny hands clutching his nightshirt as if holding on to him for dear life.

Jungkook, still asleep, had one arm protectively wrapped around Jiminee, keeping her in place even in his sleep. A soft smile crept onto Tae's lips at the sight of the two. There was a warmth in the simplicity of the scene that made her heart swell.

Tae quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake them. She moved to the corner of the room where Jungkook's study table stood. Lighting the small lantern, she opened her books, determined to get some study time in before the morning duties called her.

The dim light cast shadows on the pages, but Tae focused, immersing herself in the words. The house was still quiet, offering her a rare moment of peace.

She studied diligently, the hours passing unnoticed as the sky outside slowly began to brighten with the coming dawn.

As the first rays of light slipped through the window, Tae sighed and closed her books. The day had begun, and with it, her duties as a daughter-in-law and a wife awaited.

She placed the books back in their spot carefully and got up to freshen herself. When she emerged from the bathroom, she saw Jungkook stirring awake. His eyes fluttered open, and he greeted her with a sleepy smile before pulling her into a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Jk- Good morning. (he whispered, his voice raspy from sleep)

Tae- Good morning, Sa. (she replied softly, smiling at him)

Jungkook got up and stretched before heading towards the bathroom. Tae, knowing his routine, quickly prepared his clothes and laid them out on the bed.

She turned her attention back to Jiminee, who was still fast asleep, her face peaceful. Tae leaned over, brushing a strand of hair from Jiminee's forehead and kissed her softly.

Tae- We need to get you back before everyone wakes up. (she whispered to herself, gently scooping Jiminee into her arms)

As she carried her, Jiminee stirred slightly but didn't wake. Tae tiptoed down the hallway and quietly placed Jiminee back in the storeroom where she usually slept, making sure she was comfortable.

With a sigh, Tae headed to the Pooja room, lighting the deepam in front of the deity's statue. The soft flicker of the flame filled the room with a sense of calm as she closed her eyes in prayer.

Once done, Tae made her way to the kitchen, where the morning chores awaited her. She quickly started preparing tea, kneading dough for chapatis, and setting out the spices needed for the day's meals.

The sun was now fully up, casting golden light into the house. The sound of footsteps indicated that the rest of the family was beginning to stir.

One by one, the ladies of the household entered the kitchen. Mrs Jeon's sister-in-law, Aunt Sharda, was the first to notice Tae's progress.

Tae- Khamma Ghani, Kaki-sa. (she greeted politely, her hands busy rolling out chapatis)

Sharda- Ghani Khamma Banno. (she responded, her eyebrows raised in surprise as she surveyed the kitchen)

Mrs Jeon entered the kitchen next, her eyes immediately scanning the room to assess how things were going. She noticed the already prepared dough, the bubbling pots, and Tae's focused yet calm demeanor. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips.