Parivara: Story of a Family

7 : Conversations

Aditi lay on the cushioned swing that decorated her bedchamber's balcony, the sun lazily shining down onto her. Her mind was occupied with a variety of thoughts, all with one thing in common: Vishu. She absentmindedly braided her long, dark tresses as she slowly swung back and forth and her mind slowly replayed the kiss she had shared with her childhood friend.

Divya and Payal had always thought of Vishu as a younger brother, her parents also regarding him as a son. But Aditi had always felt a deeper connection with him. He wasn't her brother, he was her best friend. They confided in each other, played with each other, laughed with each other, and even cried with each other. She'd never had someone like that until he'd been brought to their palace. Divya and Payal had always been very isolated and independent, neither girl wanting for friends and being content with servants and ladies they only talked to at balls. Both of her sisters had a good equation with Aditi; they may want to strangle each other, but Divya was always sweet to her and Payal was like another mother, always caring for Aditi. But they weren't close as sisters, not deeply. When Vishu had come along, Aditi had truly learned what is was to have a deep bond with someone, and it had become a sort of addiction for her. She couldn't imagine living without it, without him.

As if her thoughts manifested him, Vishu suddenly appeared, sticking his face over hers to block the sun. Aditi jumped in shock as Vishu chuckled and moved away, walking around so he could sit at her feet on the swing. As he sat, Aditi pulled her feet slowly towards her, and she suddenly realized she felt coy. Vishu noticed her shyness and his eyes crinkled in confusion.

"Are you alright?" He pondered, laying out beside her on the swing. Aditi nodded but she could feel herself shrinking next to him, giving away her discomfort. "Aditi, tell me what is bothering you. You know you cannot hide things from me."

"I know," Aditi told him, her eyes downcast. "That's what's bothering me. What happened...yesterday...in the fields--"

"Yes?" Vishu stretched the word out, his eyebrows rising in question.

Aditi sighed dramatically and exclaimed, "Why are you so calm? Was it nothing for you? Have you already forgotten all about it?" She sat up and was about to stand and leave when Vishu pulled her back onto the swing so her back pressed against his chest.

"Of course I haven't forgotten. It meant everything to me," Vishu whispered into her ear. Aditi slowly turned her head to the side so they made eye contact. Mistake. She felt a shiver go down her spine and instantly turned her eyes back downcast. Vishu chuckled and said, "Aditi, please relax. You do not have to blow this out of proportion."

"Don't you think this topic requires a bit of discussion?"

"No! You know how I feel," Vishu pecked her cheek, his lips lingering a little. "Do you feel the same way?" Aditi had closed her eyes when he kissed her cheek, and kept them closed when he asked this. They were both quiet for a moment, Aditi still not opening her eyes. She heard Vishu chuckle lightly and felt him give a gentle squeeze to the cheek he had kissed as he stood up. As he left the balcony, he said, "Decide how it is that you feel, and then we can talk."

It wasn't contemptuous, only a sweet departing statement. Once he left, Aditi finally opened her eyes and suddenly she had to think: what did she think about them together?

***

Payal was strolling through the gardens, something she did everyday to get some air. Her two ladies maids were following her. They were there to keep her company, but Payal had always found them so foolish; not worth talking to.

She was enjoying the warm sun on her back and the breeze tickling her neck, when footsteps were heard behind her and her party. They all turned to see Abhay and a couple of his guards making their way towards them. The two ladies maids immediately dropped into low bows, but Payal waited until Abhay raised his eyebrows challengingly to bow her head slightly.