She left without responding.
I couldn’t eat a single bite, knowing I could do something for her, and I wasn’t doing it.
I wanted to see her smile, if not much, then at least how she used to before that incident. Not that I had seen her, but I had noticed her.
After having a few bites, I took leave of Rudra Bhai-sa and returned to my chamber.
I was happy about the celebration, but a celebration only meant hectic days for her.
Our life as the royals was easy; we could command, but she had to work with her hands, listen, and be answerable for everything.
I understood it was her job, but she was mine now.
No!
She wasn’t.
Still, why was I feeling strange and bothered by her presence and absence if she wasn’t?
?????
For the whole day, I focused solely on decorations and the upcoming event at the palace. After finishing the palace’s exterior, halls, corridors, and gardens, I finally arrived at Rudra Bhai-sa and Nandani Bhabhi-sa’s chamber.
I wasn’t eager to go in. I knew that if I did, I would end up confronting her. Yet, I had no choice.
I couldn’t ignore Bhai-sa’s words.
The baby shower was only a day away, and close relatives, especially Nandani Bhabhi-sa’s family, had already arrived.
When I reached their chamber, I saw everyone seated in the guest chamber with Nandani Bhabhi-sa. I smiled before greeting them.
“Pranaam, Daadi-sa.” I first greeted Bhabhi-sa’s grandmother, followed by her mother, Trisha, and Abhinandan. I couldn’t forget their warm hospitality when I first met them during Holi after Rudra Bhai-sa’s wedding.
“How are your wedding preparations going, Agastya?” Daadi-sa asked as she pulled me to sit beside her.
I inhaled sharply, struggling to come up with a response.“Great! Awesome!” I chuckled.
“I heard you visited your in-laws to celebrate Ganguar with your fiancée. How romantic!” Daadi-sa remarked.
I nervously shook my head as I noticed Suman bringing in the juice and snacks. She set the plate before Daadi-sa, smiled, and squatted to touch her feet.
“Pranaam, Daadi-sa. How are you?” she asked warmly, her gaze never meeting mine.
I noticed a pale glow with a mole on her right cheek as the sun illuminated her face.
“God bless you. I’m young, slim, and beautiful,” Daadi-sa said, caressing Suman’s head.
Everyone laughed.
I couldn’t.
Her lips didn’t form a smile either.
Is something bothering her?
“I’ve heard you’re taking great care of Nandani, Suman. I hope she isn’t too much trouble,” Daadi-sa laughed.
Suman shook her head and smiled.“Not at all, Daadi-sa,” she replied before greeting others.
