Unbinding Tradition

123. Mins at Jeon Residence 😶‍🌫️

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The sun had just risen over the sleepy city, casting golden strokes through the colonial arches of the hostel building. Jungkook stood leaning against the side of their Ambassador car, dressed in a simple white kurta-pyjama, hands behind his back, eyes narrowed in the morning light. He looked every bit the stern government officer he was-but beneath that, his heart was still swirling with last night's emotions.

Upstairs, Tae climbed the stairs with light steps, her pastel dupatta trailing behind her like a soft breeze. There was a gentle grace in her presence, her slightly flushed cheeks glowing with the joy she still carried. As she reached the door of Room 17B, she raised her hand and knocked.

The door creaked open, revealing a young girl with oil-slicked braids and round glasses-Jiminee's roommate.

Tae- Hello beta... (she greeted her warmly) Could you call Jiminee? I'm her Mami-sa.

The girl smiled politely, stepping aside. "Yes, she's just finishing her bath."

Just then, the bathroom door opened with a soft clank, and Jiminee stepped out, towel around her neck, hair dripping with water and comb marks visible on her forehead. But the moment her eyes landed on Tae, her entire body stiffened.

Jm- Mami-sa? (she whispered, eyes darting toward her wardrobe)

The memory of yesterday's encounter in the marketplace surged through her-Jungkook's piercing stare, the cold silence, and her own rising fear. Had he seen them? Did he tell Mami-sa?

Before she could spiral deeper, Tae stepped in and wrapped her in a warm hug, kissing her cheek affectionately.

Tae- So, how did you like our surprise visit? (she asked with a wide smile)

Jiminee tried to chuckle but it came out nervous.

Jm- N-Nice... very nice, Mami-sa.

Tae nodded gently, sensing the anxiety beneath her words but choosing not to address it-not yet.

Tae- Your Mama-sa is waiting downstairs. We've come to take you back to the village.

Jm- Back? But... why? What happened, Mami-sa? (her heart thudded against her chest)

Tae- Nothing serious, sweetheart. Some guests are visiting our house on Sunday. Everyone needs to be there. It's only a matter of three to four days. We'll drop you back after that. (she replied lightly while placing a hand on her shoulder)

Jiminee tried to smile, but her mind had already started running in a hundred directions.

"Or is this just an excuse to pull me out permanently? Has Mama-sa found out about Ishaan? Am I going to be married off now-to some old zamindar with four wives?" (her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her suitcase)

Tae noticed the hesitation in her eyes.

Tae- Come, I'll help you pack. (she offered, kneeling beside her and gently folding her clothes into a worn cloth bag)

By the time they reached downstairs, Jungkook was seated in the front seat of the car, the door already open for Tae. Without a word, she slid in beside him, while Jiminee took the back seat, sitting stiffly like a schoolgirl caught cheating in an exam.

The car started, rumbling with its old but loyal engine as it made its way out of the city and toward the desert roads that led to the Jeon Residence.

The silence stretched, broken only by the sound of the gravel road. Jiminee's eyes nervously shifted between the window and the rearview mirror. Jungkook's reflection was unreadable. Had he seen Ishaan or not?