Project Parvati

Part I: Eleven

The grand oakwood table was lavishly set with steaming dishes, China plates and silverware. The soft glow from the fake candles added to the overall vibe of the evening, creating an atmosphere of positivity. When we first got here, lavender-scented ornate wax candles further embellished the finesse of the feast, but, Arjun got them replaced with fake ones in the interest of Anaisha's safety.

It was only the three of us. Parvati had wandered off to the gardens, promising to fix the broken old fountain.

I had no idea how that would work out.

Cheeni sat at the head of the table, with me and Arjun occupying seats on either side of hers, opposite to each other. She seemed more interested in playing dandiya with the fake candles than eating. Occasionally, she would close her eyes and nod her head sideways while humming and playing dandiya together, earning our adoration.

"Cheeni, please open your mouth." I pleaded, my hand aching from holding out the spoon for too long.

She looked at the spoon and then at me, before finally turning away to give a finishing stroke with the fake candle. As she did so, the edge of her candle hit the spoon in my hand and the Rajma Chawal decided to go skydiving.

Huh. Why do they get to have all the fun?

"Oh no, Anaisha. Here, let me get that for you." Arjun offered little Anaisha, who had spilt Rajma on her dress.

"I'll manage, Arjun," I said, sliding out of my chair.

"That's okay, Meera. I'll be fine." He said in a calm tone, even though it sounded more like an order.

Anaisha looked down at her pink frock, which was now stained with brown marks, courtesy of the Rajma. She pulled at the stains, hoping that they would actually come off.

Arjun smiled and knelt beside her, clearing up as much of the spilt Rajma as he possibly could, with a couple of tissues.

"Thank you, Arjun Massadji." Anaisha smiled and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"You're welcome, my bhanji," Arjun smirked at me, laying heavy emphasis on the one word that supposedly defined their relationship.

These two will be the death of me, someday. I swear!

I gathered our plates and decided to head for the kitchen, when someone tugged on my arm, stopping me. I turned around and saw Arjun, lifting a tiny Anaisha, both of them giving me evil smiles.

"See, Arjun? My smile is Daayan-er." Anaisha narrowed her eyes and smiled as evilly as she could, but her dimples weren't helping.

She looked cute, and not evil. However, I felt obligated to keep it from her.

"Yes, princess. I admit defeat. So, what shall we do now?" Arjun looked at her with puppy eyes.

Both of them turned their eyes to me. I furrowed my eyebrows, partially bracing for what was to follow.