The next morning, I freshened up and wore my favorite pink salwaar kameez. The mirror told me I looked bright, but my mood was even brighter as I stepped out. Only to freeze.
Two figures stood in the corner of the hall, leaning a little too close. Anita and Nikhil. My eyes widened as I realized they were almost—almost—about to kiss. Oh my god! My palm instantly flew up, shielding my eyes.
Before I could sneak away, Nikhil's nervous voice broke in. "It's not like what you think!"
I peeked through my fingers, raising an eyebrow. Anita's cheeks were burning red, and Nikhil looked like he had just been caught stealing sweets. They were terrible actors, these kids. A smile tugged at my lips.
"Hmm? What do you mean? What was I thinking?" I asked innocently.
"That we were trying to… you know…" Nikhil trailed off, scratching his neck.
I rolled my eyes dramatically. "Haan haan, I see. And Anita madam, you better run before I tell your brother."
Anita's eyes widened in horror. She looked at Nikhil, then at me, then immediately nodded and fled the scene like a criminal escaping the police. Nikhil's face fell with disappointment, and I had to bite my cheek to stop laughing.
"Haan, Nikhil," I said sweetly, "go and see where Sudesh is, please."
He shrugged but obeyed. Watching him leave, I shook my head. A laugh bubbled in my chest. These two were going to get married, yet for me, they would always remain like kids. My kids. I even pretended to wipe fake tears. Haan, I feel like a proud mama.
---
I made my way downstairs. "Fine, time to check the catering list," I muttered. On the way, Sarala aunty crossed paths with me, balancing a tray with coffee cups.
"Amrita beta, can you please take this to the garden area? I'm a little busy."
"Of course, aunty. Don't worry, I'll manage."
She smiled with relief and hurried away. I took the tray carefully and walked to the garden. But the moment I reached there, my eyes widened.
My parents. Sitting comfortably on the chairs, laughing and talking with others.
"Mama! Papa!" I called, almost dropping the tray in excitement.
My father turned and smiled warmly. "Careful, beta."
I placed the coffee tray on the table and rushed into their arms. Hugging them tightly, I felt whole again. My father gently patted my cheek. "My daughter, Amrita Sehgal."
I smiled through misty eyes, then noticed the others seated opposite them. My heart skipped.
Vaishank. Sitting beside a graceful woman who had to be his mother, and a dignified middle-aged man who could only be his father. In the center, Ravi uncle watched me with a teasing smile.
"She looks so pretty," Vaishank's father said, his tone proud as though I were already family.
My dad's eyes softened. "Yes. She is my everything—not only my daughter, but my mother, my blessing, my Lakshmi, my happiness."
The words hit me so deeply my throat tightened. I wanted to cry, but out of joy. To be spoken of with such love—what more could a daughter ask?
I lowered my head slightly, cheeks hot, only to feel a gaze piercing through me. Lifting my eyes, I caught Vaishank watching me intently over his coffee cup. His eyes didn't look shameless, not at all. They held something else—something heavy, quiet, and deep. Admiration? Adoration? I couldn't name it, but it made my heart pound painfully fast.
"See, that's his love for his daughter," Ravi uncle teased, chuckling.
He introduced the family. "This is Anil Mehra, his wife Sona, and their son Vaishank. Anil was my college mate."
Polite greetings followed, but I was too aware of Vaishank's eyes. His mother leaned forward, her voice sweet and gentle. "She has such an angel face and smile. May God always bless you with good health, beta."
Her words melted me. "Thank you, aunty," I whispered, my face burning.
I dared one more glance. Vaishank was still watching me, calm yet intense, like I was the only person in that garden. My heart fluttered violently. I quickly looked away. "Papa, I'll just find Sudesh—I need to check the catering list."
My father nodded with a smile. I slipped away, pressing a hand to my chest. Why does my heart always race when his eyes are on me?
---
Inside the library, the peaceful pastel blue carpet and soft green sofa should have calmed me. The air-conditioning was perfect, yet my thoughts were stormy. Why did he look at me like that? Why do I keep replaying it?
I shook my head and started searching the room. Somewhere here, Sudesh said, was the catering list. I had barely begun rummaging when Sudesh himself popped in.
"Hoi! What are you doing here? Eating something without me?"
I rolled my eyes. "Yes, about to eat the catering list. Want to share?"
"Anything's fine unless it's poison." He grinned that annoying grin of his.
I glared. "What do you want, Sudesh?"
He leaned against the door dramatically. "Tomorrow we're going on a trip. You're coming. I already got permission from your parents."
I froze. "What?"
"Yup. A youth trip. You, me, Nikhil, Anita… and Vaishank."
The last name hit me like a slap. My breath caught. "No, Sudesh, actually—"
Before I could finish, his palm covered my mouth. My eyes went wide.
"No excuses. Anita's getting married, so we should spend some quality time with her. Please, for me and Anita?" His eyes turned puppy-soft, the classic Sudesh trick.
I wanted to refuse, but Anita's face came into my mind. This was her last free week with us. How could I say no? With a sigh, I nodded.
His grin returned instantly. He pulled me into a quick hug and dashed out, victorious.
"Him and his tricks," I muttered, rolling my eyes. Still, a small smile tugged at my lips.