Here's your Diwali bonus.
31/10/24
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It's been two weeks, and the third week is Diwali week. Honestly, it feels like a marathon of shopping and prepping. Diwali used to be my favorite festival, bursting with excitement, but lately, that spark has faded. Still, being home this year feels comforting after such a long time.
I slipped into my anarkali, feeling a mix of nostalgia and joy, and Ahaan was more than happy to play photographer. As I twirled, he laughed, capturing the moment.
I lit all the diyas around the house, their flickering flames dancing in the evening light, and then headed for Lakshmi Pooja. Afterward, Ahaan and I watched as a few crackers popped and crackled in the distance. While the rest of my cousins were all grouped together, it was just the two of us, the usual dynamic: them against us. It's sad but at this point, we've accepted our roles as the underdogs.
After a while, I pulled myself out of the festive spirit and video called Ashutosh. He answered almost instantly, and there he was, looking sharp in a black sequin kurta that made my heart skip a beat.
"Happy Diwali, my fuljhari!" he said, grinning widely. I laughed at his cheesy line.
"You really look good," he added, and I felt my cheeks heat up. I wanted to tell him he looked hot, but something held me back. Why do I always play it safe? With him, I could be me—laughing, crying, and even arguing. It's a comfort I can't quite describe.
"Don't disturb the crackers, okay? Let them have their moment," he teased.
"Hah! Look who's talking! You're practically a walking firework yourself, Mr. Chick."
"So lame, Ahana, so lame!" he shot back, laughing.
"Shut up," I said, playfully rolling my eyes and handing the phone off. He continued to laugh, knowing he hit a nerve. But, of course, I came back to him in under two minutes.
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Diwali week flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to pack up for a new job. Wow. How did time slip through my fingers like this? I was excited and anxious, and I stuffed my bags with a mix of memories and hopes.
When I arrived at the station, Maa's tears caught me off guard. "Come on, Maa, I'm just going for a job! I'm not getting married!" I tried to lighten the mood, but inside, I was a bit choked up too. I didn't let any tears fall, though; it's just how I handle things.
"I just want my daughter to be humble." she said, shaking her head. Yeah, I'm definitely the misunderstood emotional one.
No more ranting—I made my way to Delhi. The moment I got there, Ashutosh showed up like a knight in shining armor, ready to whisk me away. We exchanged smiles, and he grabbed my bags, striding confidently like my personal chauffeur.
"Hey, how's Papa?" I asked, remembering his family troubles, unaware that I might be bringing up a sore topic.
"He's better. Thanks for asking." he replied, his tone a bit too formal, but I didn't push it.
After Diwali festivities had settled, we ended up playing UNO with Anoushka, and of course, Ashutosh had to tease me at every turn.
"Why do you cry so much?" he said, with a smirk.
"I don't! You just make me mad!" I shot back, tossing down my cards in mock frustration.
"Admit it, you're just a sore loser," he laughed.
"Yeah, and you're a cheat!" I exclaimed, dramatically throwing my hands in the air.
"Hey, at least he is not cheating on you!" Anoushka joked, and I shot her a glare, feeling a flush of embarrassment. I shook my hands in frustration and bolted out of the room.
"Wait, where are you going?" Ashutosh called, chasing after me.
He caught my arm from behind, and I spun around, shoving him away. "I'm not falling for your tricks, Mr. Cheater."
He stepped closer, grinning mischievously. "Why are you running away? You're the one who's upset, not me!"
"Right? You think you can just tease me into submission?" I rolled my eyes, trying to sound indignant.
"Of course! It's a foolproof plan!" he said, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Alright, let's make a deal," I said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Come sit, and I'll show you something."
He settled behind me as I plopped down, and I felt a flutter in my chest as he started to braid my hair. "If you do it right, I owe you a cold coffee." I challenged.
"Deal?" he asked, and I nodded, watching him focus intently.
When he finished, I turned to see he'd done it perfectly. "That's what you've been doing at AIIMS, huh? Practicing your hair-braiding skills?"
"Exactly! Holding up my girlfriend's hair like a pro," he teased, puffing out his chest. I gave him a light smack on the arm.
"Now my cold coffee," I demanded, sticking my tongue out.
"Oh, is that how it works?" He grabbed me playfully, pulling me closer. "I think I should charge for my services!"
"Let me go!" I shouted, laughter bubbling up inside me.
"I can't." he said, his voice suddenly serious, sending a thrill through me.
"Why not?" I challenged, ready to bolt again.
"Because I'm just that charming." he replied, and with that, I was off again, running away in a fit of giggles.
It's always fun with him, and in moments like these, the world fades away, leaving just us and the laughter echoing through the room.
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