The early morning mist still clung to the air when I zipped up my suitcase. Just as I tightened the last buckle, the familiar growl of Sudesh's bike echoed from the street below.
"Amrita, Sudesh arrived!" Pa's voice called from the hall.
"Coming, pa!" I shouted back, dragging my suitcase toward the door.
I hugged Ma and Pa tightly. "Bye, ma. Bye, pa. Don't forget to come for our house marriage."
Ma rolled her eyes, smirking. "Of course, we'll come for our favorite son, Sudesh, and Anita."
I gasped and turned to Pa dramatically. "See, pa? Ma always takes Sudesh's side!"
Pa chuckled and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Ignore her. She has no other work."
I giggled, kissed his cheek, and stepped out where Sudesh sat smugly on his bike.
"Seriously? We're going to your house on this bike?" I raised my eyebrows at his ex5 like it was a horse with broken legs.
"What's wrong with it?" he shot back, patting the handle proudly. "Stop complaining or I'll let you walk. Get on."
Before I could retort, he placed a pink helmet on my head, carefully fastening the strap. My heart did a silly flip at his gentleness, but I quickly rolled my eyes and swung my bag onto my back.
"Call us once you reach there!" Pa reminded, waving.
"Don't worry, uncle," Sudesh replied, flashing that trademark smile of his. "Even if she forgets, I'll make sure to call you."
I narrowed one eye at him. Sweet-talking my parents again. Hmph.
With one last wave, we set off, the morning wind whipping across my face.
---
When we stopped, I froze. This… wasn't his house. Before us stood a mansion, walls draped with marigolds, fairy lights twinkling even in daylight.
"What on earth…?" I whispered.
The gates opened, and out came Ravi uncle and Sarala aunty, glowing with excitement. "Amrita, come inside, beta!"
I hugged them warmly and followed in, my eyes drinking in the vast hall, chandeliers glittering like jewels. Faces I didn't recognize bustled around, arms full of flowers, trays, and fabric.
A gentle bump on my arm made me glance sideways. Sudesh leaned close with a grin. "I know what you're thinking did Sudesh kidnap me? Relax, detective. This is Nikhil's house Anita's future husband. The wedding preparations are all happening here."
Relief softened my breath. "Ohh. That's really nice. And they're lucky to have Anita as their daughter-in-law."
He nodded, and just then a shriek rang down the staircase. "Amrita!"
Anita flew into my arms, hugging me tight.
"Of course I came before the marriage," I laughed, holding her. "You're my favorite way more than your brother."
"Excuse me?" Sudesh groaned, rolling his eyes as we giggled.
A tall figure passed by, neat and composed. Anita lit up and called, "Nikhil, come here!"
He walked over, polite smile in place. "So, this is Amrita. I've heard plenty about you." He extended his hand.
I shook it, impressed by his calm presence. "Good to meet you too. Anita's lucky."
And in that moment, I felt a quiet assurance Anita would be safe with him.
---
Later that evening, I stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a white cotton towel. My new room was painted in shades of purple and white my favorite. Had Sudesh planned this? Or was it coincidence? Either way, it felt cozy, like it already belonged to me.
I reached for my green kurti when the door suddenly creaked open.
My breath caught.
A man stood there. Tall. Broad-shouldered. He turned immediately, his back facing me.
"I'm sorry!" his voice was deep but calm. "I knocked five times no answer. I just came to take the gift boxes."
My eyes darted to the corner, where stacks of wrapped presents sat. Clutching the towel tighter, I snapped, "I'll take them out. Please leave now."
"I didn't mean to intrude," he said softly, before closing the door.
I stood frozen for a second, cheeks burning, heart racing. Rushing to the door, I locked it firmly and leaned against it. "How could I forget to lock the door?"
Embarrassment still prickled as I slipped into my green kurti. My fingers brushed against the fabric, trying to calm myself. With the gift boxes in hand, I left the room, shaking my head.
"Where did this stupid Sudesh disappear?" I muttered, scanning the busy hall for him.