ISHANI : HIS RELUCTANT BRIDE

2. The Meet!

The morning light crept in through the window as I was pulled out of my sleep by the sound of a phone ringing. I blinked my eyes open and found Aarav bhai, standing near the window, talking to someone. He was grinning from ear to ear, and it made my heart lighter.

Thank you, Mahadevji. At least someone is happy,  I thought. As I turned to stretch my legs, I felt something unusual. To my surprise, Kush bhai was sitting near my feet, resting against the bed.

"Kush bhai!" I exclaimed with utmost joy, jolting upright. My sudden yell woke up Yash bhai, who looked around groggily.

"Sorry, bhai, but look—it's Kush bhai!" I said, hugging Kush bhai tightly, feeling a mix of relief and happiness wash over me.

"Aap yahan?" I asked, pulling back slightly to look at his face.

"Hamari behen taklif mein ho aur unka bhai yahan na ho, toh phir kahan ho?" Kush bhai replied softly, hugging me back and placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. His comforting presence made me feel a little safer.

Just then, Aarav bhai turned towards me. "Dhriti, get ready for—" he began to say, but Yash bhai interrupted him sharply.

"Don't," Yash bhai warned, exchanging a look with Aarav and Kush bhai. They seemed to communicate something silently with their eyes, leaving me puzzled.

"Get ready for breakfast; we are waiting downstairs, okay?" Yash bhai finally said with a forced smile before they left the room.

I took a deep breath and went into the washroom. I bathed quickly, letting the warm water wash away some of my lingering sadness. Afterward, I changed into a simple yet beautiful Banarasi kurti. As I dried my hair with a towel, I stood in front of the small shrine in my room, folding my hands in prayer.

Mahadev ji, please look after my brothers. Whatever happens tomorrow, please let it be good.

Finishing my prayers, I headed downstairs. The dining area was bustling—Dad, Mom, Dadi, Chachaji, Chachiji, and my brothers were all there. I knew if I joined them, the atmosphere would become tense. So, without a word, I slipped out quietly and walked towards the small temple next to our building.

I sat inside the temple, facing Mahadev ji's idol, feeling a wave of emotions crash over me. Tears welled up, and I let them fall, praying silently for a better tomorrow.

"Beti," Panditji's voice broke my trance. I wiped my tears quickly and turned to him.

"The children have come," he said with a kind smile, referring to the group of students I taught classical dance to at the nearby ghat.

I nodded, putting on a brave face. Teaching those kids always brought me a little bit of joy. For a few moments, I could escape my reality. After an hour of practice, I returned home, feeling slightly better but still carrying the weight of my thoughts.

As I walked into the dining area, I saw my brothers sitting at the table, carousel trays filled with food before them. They looked up as I entered.

"Bhai, please go eat with your parents," I said softly, my voice tinged with bitterness.

Kush bhai's face fell, his eyes showing pain at my words. "Ishi, they are your parents too," he said gently.

I shook my head, feeling the sting of tears. "Disguise in the name of parents, bhai," I whispered.

Kush bhai's expression hardened with determination. He reached out and took my hand. "I promise, Ishi. One day, I'll give you a better life."

I looked at him, my eyes searching his. "I hope that day comes before I die," I replied, unable to hold back my tears.