"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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Shivya carefully placed her earring back on the vanity, a brief second after her attention shifted toward the knocking on the door, which had happened thrice at a few seconds interval.
Adjusting the loose end of her hair almost absentmindedly, she walked toward the door and opened it, only to find her mother-in-law standing there, fully dressed and adorned for the Sawan puja, every pleat and ornament in place as though she had stepped straight out of tradition itself.
"Shivya, abhi tak taiyaar nahi hui?" Apurva questioned, her eyes immediately scanning Shivya from head to toe, taking in the loosely draped saree, the absence of proper jewelry, and the clear lack of readiness.
Shivya, you’re not ready yet?
Shivya instinctively straightened a little under her gaze, offering a small nod as she replied, "Bas, almost ho gaya hai."
I’m almost done.
Apurva did not comment on her state further, although the subtle shift in her expression made it clear that she had noticed everything, and instead, she asked in a matter-of-fact tone, "Vedant taiyar hua? Subah se dikha nahi hai."
Is Vedant ready? I haven’t seen him since morning.
A faint sigh escaped Shivya before she could stop it, and she replied, "Dikhenge bhi kaise... abhi tak so rahe hain."
How would he… he’s still asleep.
She stepped aside slightly, allowing Apurva a clear view into the room, and both of their gazes fell upon Vedant, who was still fast asleep, turned toward Shivya's side of the bed.
"Itne late tak toh kabhi nahi sota," Apurva remarked, straightening up as she adjusted the pallu of her saree with a hint of concern "Tabiyat theek hai uski?"
He never sleeps this late. /Is he alright?
Shivya hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering, choosing her words carefully this time "Kal raat tak kaam kar rahe the... shayad isliye der ho gayi."
He was working late last night… that’s probably why.
Apurva nodded, though the concern did not fully leave her face, and then said firmly, "Jaakar dekh usse, aur uthao bhi. Aaj uska saath chalna zaroori hai. Gaon ke log honge wahan... aur puja mein tum dono ko saath baithna hai."
Go check on him and wake him up as well. It’s important that he comes along today. The villagers will be there… and both of you have to sit together for the puja.
Shivya gave a small nod in response, silently acknowledging the instruction, and once Apurva turned and walked away, her footsteps fading down the corridor, Shivya gently closed the door not making sound.
For a moment, she stood there, her back resting lightly against the door, as if gathering herself, before finally pushing away and walking toward her side of the bed.
