Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 27: Beyond The Golden Skies •

The vanishing sun painted the skies of Sonambar in fiery gold and orange hues. Wedding preparations were carried out with great enthusiasm in the Kumar household.

"Neither of the bangles fit! Sakshi's knuckles hurt trying them on," Ranveer said, raising his brows in dismay. Thirteen days had passed since Sakshi conceded for the wedding.

He lifted a fat bangle crusted with glittering heart-shaped diamonds and handed it to his father. Seated on the sofa in the living room, Udayveer stretched his bare feet on the carpet, examining the bangle.

"Stupid Pushpa has not sent the right size! I shouldn't have trusted her," Udayveer said.

"Shall I get a replacement?"

"These custom made pieces take a week to arrive. We need them for the wedding tomorrow morning!"

"Sakshi has a set of gold bangles. She can manage with that."

"Kushwant was elated that we are offering diamonds in dowry. What will he think?"

"We'll explain to him about this mishap."

"Nonsense! I want our family to be the first in Sonambar to deck the bride in diamonds. It will increase our status by many folds."

"I must transport Sakshi's belongings to the Vardhan house in a while. I'll take her to the jewellery shop and find a close match."

"Our men will take care of the transportation."

"What if they mess up? They are adept in handling weapons, not a girl's clothing and stuff," he said with a grin.

Udayveer burst out chortling. "That's true! Your sister is very particular about her things. You deliver it safely at her in-laws home."

Conceding with a nod, Ranveer careened to his sister's room. His heart weighed heavily, knowing it would soon be empty. He won't have a cheerful person to welcome him home. Who else was he going to love, spoil and pamper? Maybe her son or daughter, someday. Despite the dark events of the past month, he loved her the same. Letting her go was par to ripping off a part of his heart. Inhaling a shallow breath, he knocked on her door.

"Saash?"

Sakshi harkened to her brother's dull voice. Zipping the last bag of clothes, she unlocked the door.

"Are these all?" he asked, sweeping his finger across the three bags on her bed.

"Yes," she said.

"I need to leave your luggage with the Vardhans. Baba would like us to exchange the bangles. Come along with me."

"Why should I? I'll give you my bangles, you check the size and purchase it."

"Don't be resentful, it's your big day. At least have the joy of selecting your jewellery."

"I'm not selecting my life partner, of what concern is jewellery?"

"Kritesh, load these bags in the backseat of my jeep!" Ranveer called out to one of the servants.

The man meekly entered the room and carried her luggage outside.

"What are you planning for your cat? Ballu, right?"

She clicked her tongue in disapproval. "His name is Barfoo. Lajo Aunty will take care of him henceforth."

"That is sweet. I thought you'll be taking him with you."

"Didn't you say Mrs Vardhan is allergic to animals?"

"I said that? Oh yes, I did. Anyway, come soon. We're running late."