𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-24

The porch light cast long shadows on the silent street as the three girls chatted together, their sparkling eyes slowly drooping with tiredness.

Nidhi handed Ira a white coconut chocolate container with a warm smile. "Here you go, Ira."

Ira smiled gently. "Thank you, and good night."

"Before you say goodnight, share some chocolates with us, my love~" Navya sang, extending a hand toward Ira, palm up.

Nidhi playfully slapped her shoulder, rolling her eyes.

Ira let out a small laugh and twisted open the pack, the plastic crackling as she extended it toward them.

Nidhi took one piece, her fingers closing around the smooth, white chocolate, while Navya grabbed a handful, the candies spilling into her palm as she chirped, "Thank you, cutie! Now, goodnight! Bye-bye! See you in class!"

The two girls waved goodbye and headed down their lane, their hushed conversation fading into the distance.

Smiling to herself, Ira turned toward the iron door at her house's entrance. The metal groaned softly as she pushed it open, and the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby vines wafted into her lungs as she inhaled the night air.

As she stepped inside, her ears caught the sounds of laughter and bickering. Cocking her head slightly, she scanned the living room before stepping in.

Nakul lounged on the bed, the TV remote held firmly in his left hand. "Come, come, my cute little buffalo! What have you brought for me?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

Ira walked further into the room, her footsteps quiet on the cemented floor. The LED bulbs cast a bright glow, illuminating the pale yellow walls.

As she approached the bed, her gaze landed on a scattering of shopping bags. Setting the chocolate container aside on the bed's edge, she sat down and reached for one bag.

"What are these for?" she asked, glancing at her brother.

Nakul popped a handful of coconut chocolates into his mouth, his cheeks bulging as he chewed. "Jhee...age...nt."

"Huh?" Ira leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees.

Nakul gulped and wiped the corners of his mouth with his thumb. "Jheel Didi's Chheka ceremony."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Ira looked at the bags again. Her fingers rummaged through the contents, uncovering intricate silver anklets, a nose ring, earrings, and fine fabrics. "When did her marriage get fixed?"

"Beta, do you even live around here?" Nakul commented. "Huh? You're always zoned out in your own little world." He grabbed another handful of chocolates and popped them into his mouth one by one.

Ira's expression remained neutral. "This is why Mamu came here? To give the wedding card?"

Nakul nodded, his cheeks full as he chewed.

"Okay. So, when is it?" she asked flatly.

"The day after tomorrow is the Tilak, then two days later it's the Chheka!" Vaidehi burst into the room, her eyes shining with excitement. "And after one month, the marriage!"

A small smile played on Ira's lips as she watched her mother's face swirl with genuine happiness. "What's the difference between the Tilak and Chheka?" she asked softly.

Vaidehi sat down beside Ira, her hands moving swiftly as she unpacked the shopping bags. The soft rustle of fabric and the jingling of bangles filled the air as she spread the contents across the bed.