POTION OF LOVE

62. 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐫

A/n : Grab a pillow because you might wanna hug, punch or throw it

“Yeh sab kya hai!” my uncle snaps, slamming his palm on the table. The impact makes the table rattle and tea cups shake. His face is fuming with anger, breath coming out rapidly.
[Translation - What is this!]

I take a step closer, pretending to be confused as I look at the bold headline flashing on the tablet screen:

“The Royal Crest’s Heiress Spotted with Her Foreign Boyfriend at Her Brother’s Reception!”

I tilt my head, feigning innocence “kya hai yeh media wale, har jagh ghus jate hai” I sigh, shaking my head in disappointment.
[Translation - These Media people will get anywhere]

His eyes narrow dangerously. I can tell he wasn’t expecting this little twist and now, with this article circulating through every corner of our family’s social circle, his matchmaking schemes are in vain.

“Bhai sahab, aisa bhi kya ho gaya? Bas ek article hi toh hai” my father tries to smooth down the situation. Everything was perfectly calm at breakfast but the second we sat down for tea, this bombshell dropped and turned the calm into chaos.
[Translation - Brother, it's just an article, why are you reacting like that?]

“Tum toh chup hi raho, Vinod!” Uncle snaps “Tumne hi use itni chhoot de rakhi hai. Ab dekho kya ashleelta kar aayi hai!”
[Translation - You keep quiet, Vinod. You have only given her too much freedom. See what shameless things she is doing]

I scowl. The disrespect in his tone makes my blood boil. Just because he is older doesn’t mean he gets to talk to Papa like that. If Dadi were here, he wouldn’t dare raise his voice

Maya lets out a dry chuckle, placing her cup back down. “Arey, jaan boojh ke thodi kiya hoga usne. Aajkal toh celebrities ke personal photos leak ho jaate hai. Yeh toh sirf ek blurry picture hai, ismein toh theek se dikh bhi nahi raha ki yeh Jasmine hai” she says, gesturing at the photo.
[Translation - Gosh she didn't do it intentionally. Nowadays celebrity's person photos are getting leaked. This is just a blurry image, it's not even clear of its Jasmine or someone else]

She is right. My guess from last night was spot on, those men were from the media sneaking around. They did manage to get a shot of Lucas and me kissing but it’s neither clear nor close enough to show our faces. Veer  planning to file a complaint, and honestly. I just needed this article to ruin Uncle’s little plan

“And even if she was kissing someone, so what?” Maya continues “She is in a relationship. Aap toh aisa react kar rahe ho jaise aapke bachche aasman se tapke ho.”
[Translation - You are reacting like your kids have directly dropped from sky]

Uncle’s eyes widens in disbelief at her words. My mother holds Maya's hand, gesturing to her to stay quiet but I don't think she will.

Go maya, shut him up.