Just then, her grandmother's voice rang out from the hall.
"Ayyoo, Kanyaka! The Utsavam is tomorrow. The temple trust says they need help with some photography and volunteers—too short notice! They want someone young to assist!"
Ekantha raised her eyebrows. Abhimanyu turned to her with a half-smile.
Their eyes met.
Held.
A beat passed.
And then, in perfect sync, they said, "We'll help."
Her grandmother blinked. "You both?"
Ekantha stepped closer, nodding. "It'll be good exposure for me. I can help with volunteering and decoration—just tell me what's needed."
"I'll handle the photography," Abhi added. "No payment. This is seva."
Before any doubts could creep in, he continued, "I've got my backup camera in the car. It's old, but reliable. If it doesn't hold up, I'll check rental options nearby. Don't worry, bammagaru, I'll make it work."
Grinning, her grandmother clasped her hands together.
"I'll call the committee right away!"
She dialed swiftly, giving enthusiastic details over the call. When she hung up, she turned to them with a big thumbs up.
"The committee's fine with both of you handling it. I assured them you'll do a good job. Help me keep up that promise, kanna."
"Ammamma, Abhi's nothing less than a professional," Ekantha said, confident. "You'll get great photos. I'm just... a little nervous about my part. I've never done anything like this before." Her voice dipped with uncertainty, eyes flicking toward Abhi.
He caught her look and smiled softly. "Why don't you try talking to Poorna once? Maybe she can help you."
Her face lit up in an instant. "Why didn't I think of that? Thank you, Anyu!" she beamed and headed to her room to grab her phone.
"Anytime," he called after her, then turned back to the others. The family slowly settled into the living room.
Excusing himself, Abhi stepped out to check the camera in his car — the trusty backup he kept from an earlier event. It had finally come in handy.
He returned, tested a few shots, checked the battery, and smiled to himself — it was working perfectly. The SD card had ample space, too.
Meanwhile, Ekantha dialed Poorna.
"Hello, Poorna! How are you?" she asked as the call connected.
"Hey, Ekantha! What a surprise! I'm good, how about you?"
"I'm good. I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"No worries! What's up? Is Abhi troubling you already?" Poorna teased.
Ekantha laughed. "Not at all. Actually, I was hoping you could help me a little—if that's okay."
"C'mon, Ekantha! Of course. Tell me."
"We're at my village, and there's an Utsavam tomorrow. The decor and photography person bailed last minute. Abhi agreed to handle photos, and I volunteered for the decor part... but I honestly don't know where to start. Abhi suggested I reach out to you."
"Ohh okay! I wish I could come, but I've got an event in the city tonight. But you're comfortable with bouquets and basic stuff, right?"
"Yes, that much I can handle," Ekantha nodded.
YOU ARE READING
Marrying Miss. Insecure
General Fiction❝Your past doesn't define your future. Embrace change, and let your dreams shape your destiny❞ In the bustling streets of Hyderabad, Ekantha, a young woman haunted by insecurities and a painful past, is at a crossroads. She finds solace in natur...
