OUR PURPLE JOURNEY

PART 28

AUTHOR'S POV

Meanwhile, Nishita stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the pallu of her crimson red saree. The golden embroidery on it shimmered beautifully under the soft yellow lights of the room. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before placing the small red bindi properly on her forehead.

Usually, she loved dressing up for festivals. But today... Her heart wasn't completely into it. Since morning, only one thought had been circling inside her mind.

Nishita (In mind) :- Kookie didn't have breakfast...

She looked down absent-mindedly while adjusting her bangles.

Nishita (In mind) :- Then he skipped lunch too... Every single time I asked him to eat, he gave me some excuse. Not only him... Jackson oppa, Shantanu and even Taehyung oppa have been acting strangely since morning.

She sighed.

Nishita (In mind) :- And the weirdest part... the other BTS oppas aren't reacting at all. It's like they already know what's going on.

She folded her arms.

Nishita (In mind) :- Seriously... what are you four hiding from us?

Before she could think further...

Knock... Knock...

Kavya :- Nishu! Are you done?

Nishita :- Almost! Just give me one minute.

She gave herself one final look in the mirror before opening the door.
The moment she stepped outside...
She couldn't help smiling. Kavya stood there wearing a gorgeous maroon lehenga with intricate golden embroidery.

Beside her, Mahi looked graceful in an emerald green saree. Shrishti had chosen a pastel pink Anarkali suit, making her look both elegant and adorable. Just then... Mrs. Jeon stepped out of her room. She was wearing a royal blue silk saree.
Although Nishita had helped her drape it earlier, Mrs. Jeon still looked a little nervous while trying to manage the pallu. Everyone looked at her silently. Mrs. Jeon immediately became conscious.

Mrs. Jeon :- D-Do I look strange?

The girls exchanged glances. Suddenly... Nishita walked towards her and hugged her tightly.

Nishita :- Eomma...

You look beautiful. Mrs. Jeon's eyes instantly softened.

Mrs. Jeon :- Really?

Kavya :- Absolutely, aunty.

Mahi :- If someone didn't know, they'd never believe this is your first Karwa Chauth.

Shrishti :- And uncle is definitely going to fall in love with you all over again today.

Mrs. Jeon's cheeks turned pink. She lightly hit Shrishti's arm.

Mrs. Jeon :- Aigoo... you girls have become so naughty.

Everyone burst into laughter. Just then... A loud whistle echoed from downstairs.

J-Hope :- Ladies!!

Are you planning to celebrate Karwa Chauth today... Or next year?
Everyone laughed.

Nishita :- We're coming!

Holding their thalis carefully, the five ladies walked downstairs together.

...

The moment they entered the living room... All five of them stopped walking. Their eyes widened. Not a single word escaped anyone's lips.
The living room had transformed completely. Beautiful marigold garlands decorated every corner.
Fresh flowers filled elegant brass vases. Tiny fairy lights illuminated the entire hall, giving it a magical glow. A colourful rangoli decorated the centre of the room. Traditional diyas surrounded it beautifully. Near the temple, five beautifully decorated Karwa Chauth thalis had already been arranged. Everything looked perfect. For a few moments...
Nobody spoke.