POTION OF LOVE

55. 𝐌𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢

“My back is gonna break—” before I could complain further about the slow ache crawling up my spine. Probably because of my terrible posture, Stella leans against me to support my body.

She chuckles softly. “You’ve been working too much.” Her voice carries the same gentle scolding I’ve been hearing from almost everyone in the family these days.

I groan, letting my head fall back against her shoulder, staring up at the blue sky “Perks of being the groom's sister. I am also getting good practice for your wedding” I add teasingly, while I nudge my head against her.

She grumbles under her breath, pushing me off her gently “Don't start. You know how many u aunties of yours have asked when I will get married and have kids?”

Gosh

They didn't leave her too

I roll my eyes in annoyance, “They don't have anything to do except asking about marriage and babies. You should have told them to mind their own business”

“They are your relatives, Jas. It would be rude if I said that”

I scoff “They themselves are a bad impression”

I glance at mehendi artist — neha, keeping her head down, fully absorbed in her work on my hand. I am still stuck with my first palm while half my relatives have already finished and now relaxing in the comfort of AC indoors. Meanwhile — Nyra, Sonia, Stella, and I were running around as if at a race — managing food, photos and greetings.

[Mehendi is wedding celebration where women and bride apply henna on their hands and feet as a symbol of beauty, good luck and marriage]

To top it off, this is a women-only event, so none of the guys even bothered to show up.

Typical then.

Kavya got her mehendi done first and disappeared inside to rest. She has been cold to me since the maze incident, speaking only a few words

“Do you like your design?” I ask stella, straightening up to glance at her design.

Stella nods, he eyes sparkling with satisfaction as she shows off her design proudly “It's so pretty, I can't wait to see the results when it dries off”

I smile, admiring the delicate flowers and curves adorning her skin. Her sage green anarkali makes the henna stand out even more. Stella has grown so fond of traditional wear lately and honestly, she looks breathtaking in it.

“You have Liam's name in it?” I ask slyly.

She smirks, her eyes mischievously “Yeah, Sonia told me about that, hiding your partner's name and he has to find it. It's quite interesting so I couldn't let the moment go” she replies excitedly.

“Are you going to do it too?” She asks wiggling her eyebrows

I shake my head immediately “No way, it mostly suits engaged or married people—”