Unbinding Tradition

40. Celebration of change (2)✨

Comment please.. Just don't go by reading. Care to leave some words. 🙏🙏

The flickering lights from the rows of diyas cast a soft, warm glow over the Jeon haveli as the family gathered in the Pooja room.

It was an auspicious night, and being Jungkook and Tae's first Diwali as a married couple, they were asked to lead the Laxmi pooja. Tae felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she knelt beside Jungkook, preparing the offerings.

She began to recite the prayers softly, glancing at him from time to time. His face was tense, his expression clouded, a hint of anger visible in his gaze. She knew her words earlier had struck a nerve, but Tae held firm in her heart, knowing she wasn't wrong for speaking up for Jiminee.

After the pooja, the family gathered outside to celebrate with firecrackers. The night sky was already coming alive with bursts of color and sound, and the younger cousins were eager to light sparklers and smaller firecrackers.

Laughter and excitement filled the air as everyone took turns lighting the crackers, each moment filled with joy.

Tae watched the scene, trying to blend in, but her gaze kept drifting back to Jungkook. He stood to one side, quietly observing the festivities, his face still carrying that troubled look.

One of the cousins approached him, a sparkler in hand.

Meera- Jungkook Bhai-sa, come join us!

But he shook his head with a faint smile, motioning them to continue without him. His gaze lingered on the house, and Tae noticed his eyes drifting toward their room where Jiminee was left alone. Tae's words from earlier seemed to echo in his mind, resonating in a way he couldn't ignore.

Taking a deep breath, he finally turned, his feet moving almost unconsciously back toward the house. The family looked on in surprise, but he didn't stop, disappearing through the door.

Tae, sensing something had shifted within him, followed quietly, heart pounding as she stepped into the haveli behind him.

Jungkook entered their room, his heart clenching at the sight before him. Little Jiminee was sitting on the bed, her tiny face streaked with tears, clutching a small stuffed doll as if it were her only companion.

The sight of her tear-stained cheeks tore at him, and before he could stop himself, his own eyes began to well up.

He knelt beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

Jk- Jiminee... (his voice was barely a whisper, choked with emotion)

He pulled her into a tight hug, holding her as if to make up for every moment he had kept her isolated.

Jk- I'm so sorry, Jiminee. Your Kookie didn't mean to leave you alone. Please forgive me.

Jiminee sniffled, her tiny arms wrapping around him as she whispered,

Jm- Kookie... don't sorry. I don't like you say sorry.

Her innocent words hit him like a wave, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her small hands, a tear slipping down his cheek as he promised himself he would never let her feel this loneliness again.

Jk- Alright, no more sorrys. But tonight. (he said, his voice softening as a small smile broke through his sadness) your Kookie wants to make it up to you. What do you say we go outside and join everyone? Burn some sparklers together?

Her face lit up, the sadness instantly melting away as she nodded vigorously, a squeal of delight escaping her.

Jm- Yes! I want to see the fireworks!