“Why did you deny making the Rangoli?” I pressed, and she shook her head, attempting to walk past me.
“Because I don’t want to.”
My brows knitted together.“Why?” I inquired, spreading my arms before her and gazing into her eyes.
“I have other important things to do,” she stated.
“What’s more important than making the Rangoli? I’ve heard you make the best. Why aren’t you making one for the baby shower?”
She gulped. The glow on her face faded as she tried to move past me again.
I couldn’t help but grip her wrist and pull her back in front of me.
Her eyes widened in shock, her hand gripping mine, her gaze fierce with anger.
“Kunwar-sa,” she breathed in a low voice, warning me.
“This is an important day. Make the Rangoli,” I said, almost pleadingly, my voice lowered.
“I can’t,” she replied immediately.
“Why?”
“I have other things to do.”
“You don’t love Bhabhi-sa and the baby?” I asked, stepping back when she looked uncomfortable.
Her eyes filled with tears.“I do love them, but I have other things to do,” she insisted, and I found it hard to believe her.
“You can do those later. Just imagine how happy Bhabhi-sa will be to see the Rangoli made by you,” I said, and she shook her head.
“Please,” A tear rolled down her cheek, and noticing an attendant approaching, she quickly turned and dashed into the kitchen.
What is wrong?
She didn’t seem herself.
?????
5. Suman
Taking my inauspicious presence near Nandani was the last thing I wanted. It was time for the baby shower, and everyone had gathered while I kept myself busy in the kitchen.
“Suman,” an attendant called me, and I looked up from the curry I was stirring.
“Rani-sa is asking for you,” she informed, and I smiled, nodding.
“I’ll be there in a moment,” I lied. She walked away.
I couldn’t go closer to her. It was against the rituals, and although I didn’t believe in any of the myths, I couldn’t risk the baby, Nandani, or this family.
I’d sometimes explain my absence after the celebration ended.
Kneeling before the stone grinder, I added red chillies, salt, and garlic cloves. Since Daadi-sa loved red garlic chutney, it seemed like the perfect way to keep me busy.
I took off my bangles in case they broke before I started.
“Suman,” another attendant’s voice caught my attention.
