The house was buzzing with laughter, music, and everyone's chaotic energy. Nina felt the joy filling the air, spilling into the night and making everything feel warm and exciting. She and Harsh had slipped back into the crowd after their quiet moment, and even though they were surrounded by family, she couldn't shake the electricity still pulsing between them. They exchanged quick glances and shared shy smiles across the room, like they were in on a secret no one else knew.
Just as she started helping her aunt serve sweets, she felt Harsh's presence nearby. He grabbed a tray, carrying plates to different family members as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Her cousins threw her curious looks, noticing how he kept drifting closer to her. She stifled a smile, catching his eye.
"Didn't know you were this helpful," she teased, holding out a modak.
Harsh took one, popping it into his mouth. "I'm helpful when it comes to these," he said, pointing at the tray of sweets. "Modaks are my real weakness."
She rolled her eyes, laughing as he kept reaching for more. "Good thing I'm the one serving, then. You'd wipe out the whole plate."
As the night rolled on, Nina found herself relaxing more, falling into the rhythm of the festivities. She helped her mom arrange more marigold garlands around the courtyard, their fragrance drifting through the air. Harsh followed her around, pitching in and adding playful comments that made her laugh so hard she almost dropped a garland.
Akshay's voice booms from inside, interrupting us. "Hey, where did you two run off to?"
Harsh and I share a grin, both of us blushing, before heading back in. The night ends with everyone laughing, eating, and sharing stories—exactly what it should be.
****
Ganesh Chaturthi is big for my family, especially now that we're all together. I didn't come with my parents—Dad's no longer with us, and Mom couldn't make it. Instead, I came with Nani and Nana, who've basically raised me like their own. My cousins Akshay and Myesha are here too. Akshay even dragged his best friend, Vikram, along. Aunt Ira and Uncle Sneh, with their little firecracker, Myra, are here, plus Aunt Shweta and Uncle Sam with their two, Nick and Reya. And let's not forget Grandma and Grandpa, the 'wisdom team,' who keep everyone in line.
****
YOU ARE READING
Whispers of Destiny.
RomanceA unexpected crossover after many years turns into a disaster love story. "In the Village of Dreams" tells the story of Nina and Harsh, two strangers whose paths cross in a small, peaceful village. As they share a moment of connection, their encount...
