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Evening draped the bungalow like velvet, and the celebration was about to bloom.
The corridors smelled of rosewater and faint oud, laced with the click-clack of heels and bangles chiming in harmony. Every girl in the family had transformed into a vision tonight — shimmering like pearls scattered on satin.
One cousin strutted past in an expensive, shiny white salwar, jewels embroidered along the neckline like constellations. Her earrings swayed like silver chandeliers. Another walked in with a deep green anarkali, tight at the waist, flaring out like a blooming lotus, golden zari weaving across the borders. Anklets tinkled under her hem.
A third cousin wore a modern Indo-western fusion outfit, the backless blouse glittering like stardust, clearly flown in from a designer boutique.
They posed, laughed a little too loudly, and shared rehearsed compliments while eyes scanned for flaws in each other.
And then… she walked in.
Mahi.
For once, she had tried.
Not for herself.
Not for the mirror.
But maybe... for someone whose gaze lingered when she wasn't looking.
She wore a golden lehenga that clung to her gently, the skirt embroidered with subtle mirror work catching every flicker of light. A matching choli, modest yet elegant. A maang tikka nestled gently on her forehead. Her hair was brushed back and tied, framing her cheeks naturally. Delicate dangling earrings swayed with each step, and a slim neckpiece hugged her collarbone like a secret.
BOOM. BOOM.
A silent explosion in the room.
The air thickened with jealousy, unspoken but undeniable.
Cousins turned, eyes narrowing, lips twitching as they forced smiles.
"Ohh Mahi, you're looking so beautiful," one said with a grin stitched tightly on her face.
But inside, their hearts were RED, eyes teary—not with joy, but disbelief.
How dare Mahi… outshine them?
Suddenly—
FOOTSTEPS.
Heavy. Graceful. Confident.
Soumik.
He descended the stairs like a slow drumroll. Wearing an ash-colored kurta, with a royal-length petticoat underneath, he looked like something carved from old Bengal paintings.
The tension shifted.
Cousins gasped softly. Jealousy rerouted. Hunger filled their eyes.
They closed in.
Cousin 1:
"Hey Soumik..."
Cousin 2 (stepping closer, batting lashes):
"Would you like to dance with me ton—"
But just as the words formed—
SWOOSH.
Another cousin dragged her away like a silent assassin, arm tight around her waist, whispering fiercely in her ear.
Soumik (blinking, confused):
"Heh—"
Mahi, silent as always, followed behind him. Her lehenga swished softly with every step.
They all entered the main hall.
---
And what a hall it was.
Golden fairy lights coiled like vines across the ceiling, catching on the crystal of a giant chandelier that bathed the room in soft royal glow. Arabic-scented candles dotted the corners, whispering tales of ancient markets and spices. Velvet cushions, silver trays of sweets, and a massive music system stood at the far end.
Cousin (whispering):
"So they planned this?"
Before anyone could respond, an uncle stepped up, clapping his hands.
Uncle (smiling wide):
"Tonight, we play a game... for this beautiful night!"
Gasps. Laughter. Intrigue.
Uncle (continuing):
"Boys vs Girls. We'll play songs—you dance. Either group or solo. Miss the hook step, and you're out!"
Everyone turned.
Girls vs boys. Stakes were high.
The city girls smirked. They knew the beats of Western songs like second nature. Club moves. TikTok trends.
But Mahi... her strength was different. Classical. Expressive. Intimate.
And the boys? Including Soumik? They were already sweating.
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