What in the world did I dream about? And why?
I shook my head in disbelief. How could I dream about him? I quickly covered my face, struggling to breathe.
Suman, you’ve become a problem. He isn’t the problem. You are the problem. You’re getting turned on. And after seven years, for him?
Suddenly, I felt the bright sunlight on my face and immediately looked toward the window. It was late in the morning.
Ugh, no! Let me handle one thing at a time.
A grand feast awaited in the kingdom, and I was sleeping.
I immediately threw away the comforter and walked toward the common bathing room for attendants. At this time, it was empty. Typically, we attendants would remove our clothes and wrap ourselves in cotton fabric to take a bath together. However, some attendants were very confident about their bodies, so they went naked, like older women.
I wrapped the fabric around my body and stepped into the pool, which was filled with dirty water since everyone had bathed. However, I let it go, and after emerging from the pool, I used a bucket of clean water to change into my plain clothes.
But today, I chose to face the reality. I removed my bangles, nose ring, and toe rings. In our tribe, wearing vermilion was optional, but the toe and nose rings were significant ornaments for married women.
I needed to accept it, and Kunwar-sa did too.
Taking a deep breath, I walked toward Nandani’s chamber. Upon entering, I found her sitting with Daadi-sa.
“Pranaam, Daadi-sa,” I greeted, bending down to receive her blessings. She placed her hand on my head and held my wrist, encouraging me to sit beside her.
“How are you, Suman?” she asked in her weak, old voice, and I smiled, rubbing her hand.
“I am good, Daadi-sa,”
“You called me Bhabhi-sa?” his voice suddenly captured my attention and sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
“Ji, Devar-sa, come here,” Nandani invited, and I heard his footsteps approaching. I glanced at him as he settled on the other side of the bed with Nandani.
“I was thinking of taking you with me for a while. You’ll feel better,” Daadi-sa said, catching my attention as I heard Nandani talking to him.
“What happened to you last night? Why were you acting so childish?”
I gulped nervously, feeling my palms sweat with the tension.
“You’ll come with me, right, Suman? You’re our child now. I want you to get married and settle down in a loving family. I have someone in mind,” Daadi-sa said, and my smile faded from my face.
Did she have to say all of this in front of him?
I tried to shake my head, but then he suddenly burst out laughing.“Um… Bhabhi-sa, actually, no one knew what I wanted to eat, and I wanted to teach them a lesson. So, I kept sending them back until they brought me what I love,”
My stomach twisted at that.
“Tell me, Suman. You’ll get married, right?” Daadi-sa asked, shaking me. I tried to nod absentmindedly but noticed Nandani twisting his ear.
“How can you act like this when your Bhabhi-sa just laid an offspring? Couldn’t you eat what they made for just one day?”
He yelped and shook his head.“Ouch… sorry, Bhabhi-sa. I’m really sorry; I won’t do that again.”
His voice sounded cute, and I couldn’t believe his cuteness wasn’t as charming in my dreams.
My cheeks grew warm as I glanced at Daadi-sa, who was still waiting for my answer.
I gulped nervously.“Ji, Ji, Daadi-sa. Whatever you want,” I muttered, hoping he wouldn’t hear.
“By the way, I want to see my papaya,” he said, leaning forward to look at the baby. I guess he hadn’t even noticed me.
