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Tanishka's Pov:
We had arrived home a few minutes earlier, and I hurried straight to my room, feeling overwhelmed by pain and tears. I couldn't hold it in any longer and I didn't want anyone to see me; otherwise maa would think I was seeking attention instead of Tanya. I entered my room, closed the door behind me, shutting myself off from the outside world.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, not noticing a single tear rolling down my cheek until the reality sank in and I spoke my first words, "Kya mai itni buri hu ki aapni behen ki sagai mein bhi samil nhi ho sakti, Shiv ji." I whispered.
(Is there a reason why I could not attend my sister's engagement ceremony, Shivji?)
It dawned on me that my mother had intentionally told me to take the route with a lot of traffic, knowing that I would be late and unable to join my sister for her special day. But why did she do this? Did she truly believe I would ruin Tanya's happiness or was I envious of her? Why, Mom, why? I just want to know the reason.
I walked over to the bureau and removed my earrings, bangles, and rings. I was disappointed that I didn't get to meet my sister's soon-to-be in-laws, as I had wanted to do so and see my soon to be jija ji (sister's husband)
I was aware that they probably didn't know me, as maa didn't like to discuss me in regard to Tanya's affairs. After taking off my jewelry, I came out of my thoughts and headed towards the bed.
I sat down on the bed, feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. I couldn't help but wonder why maa had not allowed me to be part of my sister's engagement. Was there a specific reason behind it? As I sat there, questions and emotions swirled through my mind. The silence in the room was deafening.
The sudden knock on my door grabbed my attention, and I asked, "Who is it?" Hoping it wasn't a maid calling me for dinner, as I hadn't eaten since the afternoon. But to my surprise, a familiar voice from the other side of the door replied, "Tanishka, open the door. I need to talk to you." It was Badi Maa. I rose from the bed and opened the door.
I stood there facing Badi maa, my expression revealing a mixture of weariness and curiosity. She looked at me with a concerned expression, sensing that there was something troubling me. I waited for her to speak, wondering what she wanted to talk to me about.
I walked back into my room and turned away from Badi maa. I knew that she wanted to talk about my supposed work, or some other excuse. I swear to shiv ji that I would tell her the truth if she didn't go to my mother and reveal everything.
Then Badi maa stood in front of me and asked firmly, "Tanishka, tell me the truth. I know you didn't really have work because you were so excited for her engagement ceremony, and suddenly you had work. Tell me the truth." I raised my gaze to meet hers, cleaning my throat before confessing,
