"Happy Married Life, Shivya Pathak" I weakly smiled seeing my condition, mangalsutra dangling in my neck, vermilion in hair and both hands filled with gold bangles.
"Come out quickly or do you want me to break the gate," my husband knocked again...
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Shaurya was crouched by the half-open door of Ruh's room, his mischievous eyes darting inside waiting for the right moment to sneak in. Shivya, who had been walking past, paused mid-step, narrowed her eyes, and realized instantly that he's about to do something.
"Uss din issi harkat ki wajah se koote jaane wale the tum Vedant se," she scolded sharply, marching forward and delivering a quick light slap on the back of his head. Shaurya winced dramatically, rubbing his head and turned to look at her.
(That day you were about to get beaten up by Vedant for this very act.)
"Aaah, haan toh abhi aap kyun maar rahi hain? Apne pati ka badla le rahi hain?" he muttered, half-groaning, half-grinning, trying to divert her mind.
(Yes, so why are you hitting me now? Are you taking revenge for your husband?)
But Shivya was not one to be fooled so easily. She crossed her arms firmly across her chest, and tilted her head with a sharp look "Why were you sneaking into Ruh's room secretly?"
Shaurya shrugged casually, his lips twitching with a smirk that betrayed him, as though wandering about near his sister's room like a burglar was the most natural of habits.
Shivya's brows arched higher. She turned slightly, pretending to walk away, her corner of the saree brushing the floor as she moved. "Fine, don't tell me. But I am sure you would love to explain it all to Vedant or perhaps even to Chachu."
At once Shaurya panicked. Vedant's name was enough to shake his bravado. In a flash, he jumped in front of her, blocking her way "My sweet bhabhi" he said in his most flattering voice, drawing out the words like honey, " I was kidding. Listen to me."
Shivya raised one elegant brow, her expression half suspicious at his sudden change of tone.
"Actually," Shaurya continued, lowering his voice as if he was about to confess a state secret, "Ruh has a whole set of glitter pens. She refused to give them to me. So, I thought... maybe I could quietly take some."
Her suspicion softened a little but only for a moment. "Do you have to make a project?" she asked, her voice practical, as if maybe there was some genuine academic reason behind his scheming.
Shaurya shook his head vigorously. "No."
"Then why do you want glitter pens?"
"Bas aise hi," he replied, shrugging again, trying to sound casual.
(Just causally)
"Shaurya," Shivya's voice carried the weight of a warning, a tone of patience stretched thin, "Don't try to play smart with me. Tell me the truth."
For a second, he hesitated, biting his lip, then leaned closer "Do you remember Mishti Adhikari?"
At once, Shivya's face changed. How could she forget? Ever since Shaurya had met this girl at school, he had filled the house with her name-Mishti this, Mishti that. He had spoken of her endlessly, describing her as an unbearable nuisance, a girl with a "tadka-type" face who strutted about like she's superior.
