Unbinding Tradition

37. Comforting embrace 🤗

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Tae returned to the Jeon Haveli after a long day of Diwali shopping, her arms filled with bags of colorful decorations, lanterns, and sweets for the festivities. The moment she entered, she was greeted by the warm but bustling energy of the household as everyone began asking about her purchases, admiring the items she had bought.

Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed through the hall, silencing the conversations. Tae's heart lifted at the familiar voices as the servant announced the arrival of her family.

She hurried to the door, where she found Mr Kim, Kamlesh, and Sumi, standing there with bright smiles. Mr Kim held a small silver plate filled with sweets and gifts, traditional tokens meant for Tae and her in-laws on this special occasion.

Clinging to his side was little Jiminee, her round eyes taking in the grandeur of the haveli with wonder.

Dadi-sa stepped forward, her face a composed mask as she greeted the visitors.

Dadi-sa- Ah, welcome Kim Sahab, Kamlesh Sahab. (she said, nodding politely)

She offered a faint smile as her gaze shifted over to Sumi, who lowered her head under Dadi-sa's scrutinizing eyes.

But the moment Dadi-sa's gaze landed on Jiminee, her expression hardened. Her lips thinned, and her brow furrowed, making her hatred for the little girl visible.

Jiminee, unaware of Dadi-sa's disapproval, lit up at the sight of Tae and ran to her, wrapping her arms around Tae's legs. She tilted her head up, looking at her with wide doe eyes.

Jm- Mami-sa! Where's my Kookie? (she asked in her tiny, affectionate voice, her face brimming with innocence)

Dadi-sa's scowl deepened, and she cut sharply into the moment.

Dadi-sa- Banno; take that child out of here. She has no place here. Throw her away in that storeroom where she belongs.

Mr Kim shifted uncomfortably, looking at Dadi-sa with a bit of worry. It was hard for him to ignore the harsh way Dadi-sa spoke about an innocent child.

Tae's face fell, but she masked her sadness with a gentle smile, casting an apologetic look at her father before she bent down to pick Jiminee up in her arms.

She whispered softly to the little girl while walking towards her room.

Tae- Come, Jiminee, let's go to my room. I bought some beautiful things from the market today. Why don't you go see them first?

Jiminee, delighted by the thought, nodded eagerly.

Jm- Really, Mami-sa? I want to see everything! (she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement)

Tae carried her away, setting her down on the bed in her room. She opened one of her shopping bags and pulled out a few brightly colored toys and trinkets she'd bought from the market.

Tae- Here, Jiminee. (she said, laying them out on the bed) You can play here and look at all these while I go back to the others, okay?

Jiminee clapped her hands happily, her earlier worries gone.

Jm- Thank you, Mami-sa! (she said, grinning up at Tae)

Tae stroked her hair softly, feeling a pang of sadness as she closed the door behind her and returned to the main hall.

Back in the living room, Mr Kim, Kamlesh, and Sumi had settled in, enjoying the juice Tae had served them. But Kamlesh seized the moment, straightening up and directing his attention toward Dadi-sa. He gestured proudly toward Sumi, who sat beside him, looking modestly down at her lap.