How home echoes in him

S E V E N T E E N

Time brought resignation and a melancholy sweeter than common joy.
***

They entered the haveli it was nothing compared to what she had imagined, It was big, perhaps big is not the word to describe it, it was enormous. Huge enough to engulf her and never let her be found. The aura surrounding it screamed poise and grace, both of which she had, but did not know.

Looking at her face Shahmeer held her hand in his and they moved forward. It was after a journey of 2 whole days that they had finally arrived.

Syra was nervous and confused about what to think. Shahmeer had told her about his family and how accepting and humble they can be. Their Reception was to be held in here with everyone present. Looking around the huge front yard she wondered 'is the house also as big as it seems or is there places we are not allowed to go, like haunted places. Spooky ones', as if reading her thoughts Shahmeer spoke which caused her to slightly jump.

"Don't worry, there are no ghosts in here, not that I've encountered any but beware, I haven't been here for ages maybe there are now." His face had a slight grin looking at her terrified expression.

"Are you honestly telling me the truth?"

"of course I am, I haven't been here for a long time, changes can be made, ghosts can be here now."

Gulping she looked up and back down to the ground. Her eyes held a strange but excited gleam in them.

"You don't even know how excited I am. I love haunted adventures and I would love to explore the places, haunted ones." She said 'haunted ones' in a hushed tone. Fearing someone might hear it. The child-like expression caused Shahmeer to burst into a loud chuckle. It frightened her but then puzzled her.

"What is so funny?"

"You".

"Me!?" She questioned loudly.

"Yes, you."

"And what is so funny about me?" Her eyes now narrowed at him and hands at her hips waiting for his answer. She looked like a child huffing and puffing.

"There are no ghosts here, I was joking and yet you took it seriously. Gosh, never thought of you to be into 'ghost hunting'"

"Sir, I would suggest not to keep expectations from me, I am not the most expecting person, you see. I am interested in many things you don't know about". There were vanity and mischievousness in her voice, something in him relaxed seeing her so normal after so long.

"Let's not keep everyone in there waiting and go in already, they must be getting impatient now."

And just like that, all the playfulness that consumed her moments ago vanished and the same nervousness and dread filled her.