CHAPTER XXXVII
As soon as my sister finished her worship and stepped out into the hall, her eyes landed on me and Sita sitting together. A look of pure surprise washed over her face.
"Ved! When did you come? And why didn't you tell me you were in India?" she exclaimed, walking quickly toward us with a mix of joy and disbelief.
I stood up and smiled. "I arrived just three days ago. I wanted to surprise you, that's why I didn't call or say anything. Thought it'd be more special if I showed up at your door myself."
My sister gave me a knowing look and then asked, her tone softening, "But what brought you back all of a sudden?"
I paused for a moment, the mood shifting slightly, and replied quietly, "Grandpa… he's no longer with us. I came to attend his funeral."
She nodded solemnly, her expression clouding with a quiet sadness. "Yes, I heard. But I honestly thought the rest of the family wouldn't tell you anything."
I sighed and said, "It was my brother who called and informed me. At least he thought I had the right to know."
Then, as if remembering something important, she asked curiously, "Wait… does Papa know you're here?"
I shook my head gently, my voice calm but firm. "No. If he knew… I wouldn't be sitting here."
A silence passed between us — the kind that held unsaid pain and shared understanding. She nodded again, this time slower. "You're right. That makes sense."
I smiled faintly and reached for Sita's hand, lacing my fingers with hers as I turned to my sister. "By the way, this is Sita… my wife."
Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise as she looked at Sita — not with judgment, but with genuine happiness. "Ved, I never imagined your taste would be so… amazing! She's absolutely stunning. I always thought you were into girls like Paddu or Shilu — you know, the loud and chaotic ones!"
I groaned playfully and waved my hands. "Please! Don't bring up those names in front of Sita."
Sita giggled, her curiosity piqued. "Who are Paddu and Shilu?" she asked with mock suspicion, raising an eyebrow.
My sister burst out laughing and said, "Ah, just a couple of hilarious disasters from Ved's past. Don't worry, you're definitely a major upgrade."
I looked at both of them and chuckled. Even in the middle of emotional storms and strained family ties, moments like these felt like rays of sunshine breaking through. Sita leaned closer to me, whispering with a smile, "I'm starting to like your family already."
And in that moment, surrounded by old memories, laughter, and unspoken grief — I felt a warmth I hadn't felt in a long, long time.
My sister turned to Sita with a teasing smile and asked, "So, Sita, what do you think of our Ved? How does she seem to you?"
Sita glanced at me, then smiled warmly and replied, "I like your Ved. She's… special."
I quickly turned toward Sita, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Really? Are you serious?" I asked, as if I couldn't believe my ears.
Sita sighed playfully, shaking her head with that familiar look she gives me whenever I act silly. "Ved, why do you always act like this?"
I pouted slightly. "Oh, I just thought you'd shower me with compliments in front of my sister. You didn't say anything that sweet. I was expecting a full-on love letter."
My sister chuckled, half-amused and half-annoyed. "Ved, stop being dramatic."
I raised my hands in surrender, grinning. "Okay, okay! I'll behave."
Then I looked at both of them and said, "Alright, I think we should get going now. It was so nice meeting you, but we have a few things to pick up on the way home. And besides… we have to reach home on time—otherwise the Home Minister might get upset."
At that, both Sita and my sister burst into laughter. They knew exactly who I was talking about — Sita, of course.
My sister said with a knowing smile, "Yes, Ved. Don't you dare upset her. You two go now, but promise me one thing—bring Sita back soon. And not just for a quick visit… I want her here for a week or two at least."
I smiled and gave her a playful salute. "As you command, ma'am. Your wish is my command."
We all laughed once more, and in that moment, despite the complexities that still surrounded my family and my past, the atmosphere felt light — filled with affection, teasing, and genuine connection. Sita and I turned to leave, hearts a little warmer than before, carrying with us a memory that felt like the beginning of something better.
After exchanging a few more smiles and warm goodbyes with my sister, I gently reached for Sita's hand and intertwined my fingers with hers. Without saying a word, I tugged her softly toward the door — and just like that, we stepped out together, leaving behind the memories of home and stepping into our own little world again.
As we walked down the path, the sunlight played lazily across our faces, and the breeze carried with it the scent of incense from the house behind. I glanced at Sita, her hand still in mine, and felt a wave of peace rush through me. No matter how chaotic things were, holding her hand always felt like coming home.
"I hope you liked my sister," I said gently, glancing sideways.
"She was lovely," Sita replied with a small smile. "And the way she teased you… now I understand where your dramatic flair comes from."
I laughed. "Oh please, you've seen nothing yet."
We both chuckled as we reached the car. Once inside, I turned the keys, and the engine hummed to life. "Alright, Mrs. Home Minister," I said with a smirk, "next stop — the supermarket. We need to grab some groceries before we run out of essentials. And don't even think about skipping the snacks section this time."
Sita rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, but only if I get to pick the ice cream flavor."
"Deal," I said, starting to drive.
The roads were a little crowded, but somehow, even traffic didn't feel annoying when she was next to me. We played our favorite playlist, sang off-key, and pointed at funny billboards along the way. It was ordinary — and yet, so incredibly special.
As we pulled into the parking lot of the supermarket, I looked at her once again, smiling like a fool. "Let's make this a fun mission. You take the cart, and I'll be your loyal assistant."
Sita laughed, shaking her head. "Why do I feel like you're going to disappear the moment we pass the snacks aisle?"
I winked. "No promises."
And with that, hand in hand, we walked into the store — two people trying to build something normal and beautiful amidst the chaos of their extraordinary lives. Even if it was just grocery shopping, it was our moment. And that made it perfect.
To be continue....