Shreya--
After Tanmay left, I returned to my room and finally allowed myself to breathe.
I felt… embarrassed.
I replayed everything in my head --the unanswered calls, my growing agitation, the way I lost patience and even hit his toes. I had never behaved this immaturely before. Even on the terrace, I didn't know why I was so careless with my words, saying whatever crossed my mind without filtering it.
Tanmay is a good person. I've met men with inflated egos and hidden intentions but he isn't one of them. Somehow, this entire situation feels safe to me.
If this were a normal arranged marriage, I would already be adjusting for controlling my irritation, lowering my expectations, pretending to like the man or even his toxic family. But this is different. I don't have to perform. I don't have to pretend to like him.
So I decided ,from now on, I'll stay composed with him.
Because He listened when I explained. He understood.
That feeling of being understood is rare.
In life, no matter how much you explain, rigid people never hear beyond their ego. They don't bend.
I sighed softly.
Should I be happy that I met someone like Tanmay… or sad because this situation isn't permanent?
"Oh," I muttered, lightly tapping my cheeks.
What nonsense am I thinking now?
All I need to remember is this: he's a good friend, and he values peace above everything else. Nothing more.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.
The door was already open, but in our house, everyone followed basic etiquette.
"Oh, didi( big sister)," I said quickly. "Please come in."
She entered and sat beside me on the bed.
Truth is, my relationship with my sister Mirali has always been shallow. I was the youngest, ten years younger than her, eight years younger than my brother. They had their own world, their shared topics. My thoughts were always labeled childish, too modern, or unnecessarily expensive hobbies.
No bitterness , just truth.
I smiled at her.
"You and jiju ( brother in law) are staying tonight? That's nice."
"Yes," she said. "It's a happy occasion. Reyansh is having fun with Rutvi ( Rutvi is daughter of my brother Meetesh) ."
She smiled fondly. "And Vivek (brother in law) has a holiday tomorrow, so we all family members decided to visit our kuldevi (Ancestral goddess/ Deity) temple together."
Here we go again, I thought.
Decisions made without me. Information delivered later.
I nodded, hoping silently that they wouldn't expect me to involve Tanmay again. He already had enough meetings today. That man zones out easily, and too much socializing wouldn't help either of us.
Then she added casually,
"We already invited Tanmay's family. They'll join us."
"Oh," I said, forcing a neutral smile.
"That's… good."
Inside, anxiety stirred. Tanmay would definitely think I hid this from him.
She took my hand gently, rubbing my palm the way one does with a child.
"Look, Shreya," she said softly.
"I know I haven't been a great sister. I was always lost in my own chaos like all of us were. We might not always understand you, but we always thought the best for you. You were so smart from childhood that none of us ever worried."
Her voice softened.
"But seeing you get married now… I realized we never really talked like sisters."
I listened quietly.
"You grew up too fast," she continued. "You never needed me. But I'm proud of you. All of us are."
She smiled faintly.
"After you were born, our financial situation improved. I was jealous of you but it was childish jealousy. But today, I see a confident, independent, strong, beautiful woman."
She placed her hand gently on my head.
"We love you, okay? If anything ever happens, you can always call me."
She chuckled lightly.
"Your sister may not be strong in academics, but in marriage and dealing with in-laws? I have a few degrees there."
I nodded smiling.
I had always been a quiet, aloof child. I never blamed anyone. But it felt good, hearing this.
"Okay," she laughed. "Emotional drama over."
Then she smiled knowingly.
"But I must say, hah... you and Tanmay look really good together. Same height, good physique, similar interests. He seems mature. And most importantly, he knows how to behave with a woman."
I blinked. ( And smiled in my mind. Ofcourse he knows how to behave around woman. Years of experience. I chuckled. But it's not same with me. At that time he was in love. But this time, I am his peace-seeking journey partner), ( didi continued)
"There's an invisible communication between you two," she added. "Eyes talking. Body language."
( My brows knitted together. No ways)
"Didi… eye contact and body language?"
She smiled.
"You two look like you walked out of a romantic movie. When you went to the terrace, he was leaning toward you subconsciously. Not touching but close. And you too."
She grinned.
"He's handsome, by the way. Deserving."
(Blushing? Me?Heat rushed to my cheeks. It's misinterpretation. We are just good friends. But I don't care. It's good they interpret that way.)
"Didi…" I protested.
She pulled my cheeks playfully.
"It's good to see my little sister fall in love."
(Fall in love...*** Joke..)
"Ah stop didi! It hurts!"
She laughed.
"Okay, okay. No more teasing."
She kissed my forehead. Like I am still child.
"Goodnight, princess."
She left, closing the door behind her.I stood up and locked it from inside.
That was it. No more visitors today.
My head was spinning.
Then my phone lit up.
Of course.
Mr. Peace-Seeker.
Tanmay: Do you know about the temple program tomorrow?
Shreya: No, buddy. Just found out.
I could already imagine his reaction.
Tanmay: I don't mind the temple. But so many people… endless discussions.
I smiled faintly.
Shreya: In ancient times, families prepared together for spiritual offerings with devotion. Nowadays… let's not even discuss. Neither you nor I can change this. Just waiting for freedom.
Tanmay: Right. Goodnight then.
Shreya: Goodnight.
I placed the phone aside.
I had waited an entire week just to play badminton.
Whenever my weekend plans change, it hurts more than it should.
I closed my eyes, exhausted.