The laughter around doubled.
I glanced at Suman, who stood watching quietly while the Bhabhi-sas laughed along.
“Nandani, come in,” Rudra Bhai-sa called out.“The water’s nice.”
She shook her head, glancing around at the crowd.“This is a wedding, not a picnic.”
“Privacy,” King Abhinandan ordered casually, and before anyone could stop him, he scooped Nandani Bhabhi-sa up and tossed her into the pond too.
“Nandan!” she yelled furiously.
I laughed harder.“Yes, now this feels balanced.”
She splashed water straight at my face.
“I haveso muchwork to do,” she snapped, glaring at Rudra Bhai-sa.
His grin vanished instantly.“Alright, alright, sorry. Let me help you out.” Holding her shoulders, he guided her to the edge.
Aishwarya Bhabhi-sa helped Ranvijay Bhai-sa out as well, smiling softly at him.
I looked around for Suman and stretched my hand toward her for help, but she rolled her eyes at me and walked away.
“What?” I called out, offended, and Abhinandan just laughed at me.
“You are a complete lost cause.” He said and helped me out of the pond.
The rest of the day passed in a joyful blur. Wedding preparations were in full swing, with decorations, food, and laughter everywhere. Both my Bhai-sas were clearly enjoying themselves, and it made me happy to see everyone so carefree.
The next two days followed with similar rituals. Guests arrived, and the celebrations grew louder. Every night, the women gathered to sing wedding songs with musical instruments. We men weren’t allowed, but I heard that after the mehendi ceremony, the bride would dance during the Sangeet.
For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, I desperately wanted to see Suman dance.
I had never seen her dance or lose herself to music, but I knew she’d look mesmerising.
Sadly, I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the ceremony.
So, that night, after my mehendi was done with simple patterns and her name etched into my palm, I was utterly annoyed. The smell was unbearable. I had never encountered henna before, and I decided right then that I never wanted to smell it again.
Later, unable to sleep, I went looking for my partner in crime, Eklavya.
I walked straight into his chamber, not bothering to announce myself, but the moment I entered his guest chamber, I regretted that decision.
The room was dark, and I froze mid-step at the sound of a woman’s moans mixed with a man’s groans.
“Huh… harder…”
The moment I heard it, my stomach twisted.
What the hell!
My heart screamed at me to turn away, but curiosity betrayed me.
I leaned slightly toward the curtain and immediately looked away.
They were close, pressed against the wall. I couldn’t see their faces, just silhouettes.
I exhaled sharply and walked out silently, not wanting to embarrass anyone.
