They Don't Know about Us

Chapter 32 - Warmth Wrapped in Golden Touches

Chapter 32 – Warmth Wrapped in Golden Touches

Anjali's room buzzed with chaos. Marigold baskets on the floor, lehengas half-steamed, jhumkas lying around on the dresser, lipsticks and eye palettes open — typical haldi morning madness.

Anjali stood in the middle, hair half-straightened, complaining loudly, "WHY IS EVERYONE SO CALM? I'M THE BRIDE AND I'M LOSING HAIR BY THE SECOND!"

"Girl, if you keep yelling you'll keep losing your hair". Muskaan, sitting cross-legged on the bed taking selfies, "Calm–"

Anjali threw a cushion at her, making her shriek. Riddhima giggled softly as she arranged her bangles, the sunlight warming her face. Her yellow suit made her glow — more than she realized.

Sneha sat at the dresser curling her hair, lips pursed, inspecting herself in the mirror. Ever since she had noticed Armaan and Riddhima's interactions over the course of Anjali's wedding events, she had been paying special attention to Riddhima.

And she had been glowing differently lately.

Everything was normal. Until Riddhima leaned down to pick up a string of faux jasmine and her dupatta slipped a little from her shoulder.

Just enough to reveal... a faint purple smudge high on her collarbone. It wasn't huge however it was clear enough.

Sneha saw it instantly and her eyes froze mid-blink. Her curler paused in the air, lips parting slightly as her gaze sharpened.

Innocent Riddhima wasn't so innocent after all.

And before Sneha could even open her mouth, Muskaan noticed Sneha noticing. Her eyes widened and she acted instantly.

Muskaan suddenly sucked in a loud, dramatic breath.

"ANJALIII!" she exploded, pointing accusingly at the bride. "Please tell me you didn't choose this outfit for haldi!"

"What is wrong with my outfit?" Anjali froze mid-kajal. "This is perfect!"

"It is NOT!" Muskaan declared, clutching her chest dramatically. "Who chooses rose-nude for a haldi event! You need the yellow kurta to match the theme—"

"No, I don't!" Anjali protested. "Are you crazy Muskaan? We've been through this. I am supposed to stand out, that is the whole point."

"Okay but imagine you are stained with haldi and this designer outfit, pink and haldi yellow," Muskaan twisted her face, "it's going to be an odd combination!"

"Oh my god–" Anjali looked like she was about to pull her hair out. "Sneha, can you knock some fashion sense into this girl."

Sneha blinked, turning toward the noise. Just the distraction Muskaan needed, she smirked internally and looked at Riddhima who gave her a questioning look. Muskaan glared at pointing towards her collarbone with her eyes.

Riddhima, confused, raised her eyebrows making muskaan roll her eyes and sigh. She turned her head to see Sneha listen to Anjali rant, and she subtly touched her collarbone, as if rubbing the skin there. Riddhima looked down and noticed the faint mark and her eyes bulged out.

Fixing her dupatta properly, she looked up at Muskaan who was already busy listening to Sneha and Anjali go on and on about the outfit and colour theory and what not.

Walking up to them, she interrupted, "Guys, can we please not fight today?" Holding Anjali's arms, she said, "You look amazing Anji! I can't believe you're getting married tomorrow!"

Anjali teared up and mumbled a thank you. "Are you sure I look good?"

"Of course," Riddhima smiled at her truthfully, "When has our Anji not looked beautiful?" Anjali pouted and Riddhima giggled and cupped her cheek. "You know what?" Riddhima squeezed her hands, "We should make this day memorable, after all, tomorrow you'll be busy getting married so today we need to click a lot of pictures!"