Aathya's POV
Soft morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, gently warming the room. The brightness crept onto Aathya's face, nudging her awake. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the light, and for a brief moment, forgot everything.
But memories hit her like a wave-Ivaan's engagement. Last night. The reality that he was never hers to begin with. Yet, strangely, there were no tears. No ache in her chest. Just... stillness. She had cried enough. It was time to move on, even if it hurt.
She threw the blanket aside and stepped out of bed just as a knock echoed at her door.
"Come in," she said softly.
The door burst open and in tumbled Riya and Ronit, the mischievous younger ones of the family, arguing like always.
"Stop pushing me!" Riya barked.
"You were the one who-"
"Hey!" Aathya interrupted, hands on her hips. "Enough. What happened now?"
Ronit scowled. "We came to tell you that Dadi is calling you-"
"But I was the one going to tell her first!" Riya cut in.
Aathya sighed. "Both of you, seriously? Always fighting."
Ronit huffed. "She started it."
"Bro, I don't care who started it. Just stop."
"Anyway," Riya added, "Dadi's calling you."
"Right... Dadi. Must be some work." Aathya nodded, brushing her fingers through her hair.
Just then, Piyali(ishita doughter) came rushing in. "Di! You know what happened last night after you left?"
Aathya frowned. "What?"
"Total drama! Everyone started yelling at Ivaan bhaiya. Apparently, the family didn't even know about the engagement. They were furious. And Ivan bhaiya, being all cold and quiet-didn't say a single word."
"And that Alina," riya spat. "She was acting all sweet and fake."
"Riya piyali !" Aathya scolded gently. "Don't talk like that. It's not right."
"You don't know her like we do, Di," Ronit muttered. "She always looks down on people."
"You can't just judge someone like that," Aathya said, shaking her head. "We don't talk bad about others, remember?"
"Okay, Mother Teresa," Ronit teased.
Piyali giggled. "Let's just go, Dadi's waiting."
"Fine, fine. Let me change first," Aathya said. "And you two-no fighting while I'm gone. I mean it."
"We don't fight!" they said in unison.
"Yeah, right," she muttered, heading to the bathroom.
But of course, by the time she came out, her room was a battlefield of pillows and scattered books.
"Hey! You two!" she shouted. "You cleaned my room-by destroying it?"
"Why me?" riya whined. "Ronit should clean it, not me!"
"I didn't even-"
Ronit pulled her ear. "Say that again!"
"Ahh! Aathya di! Save me!"
"Ronit!" Aathya yelled. "Leave her alone."
"She started it!"
"And you always finish it," Aathya muttered, pulling both of their ears. "Now both of you clean this mess. Together."
"But Di-"
"No buts. Let's go, Dadi's waiting."
They finally left the room-grumbling but smiling.
---
---
A few minutes later, in the main hall...
The morning was lively as everyone greeted each other. Dadi sat in her favorite chair, dignified and calm. Beside her stood Alina, dressed neatly, her expression sweet and rehearsed.
"Aathya, you're feeling better?" Dadi asked kindly.
"Yes, Dadi. Much better."
"Good. You left early last night, so I didn't get to introduce you properly. This is Alina, Ivaan's fiancée."
"I remember," Aathya replied politely. "Nice to meet you, Alina."
Alina offered a too-sweet smile. "So you're the cousin? Or... sister?"
"She's like our daughter," Dadi replied proudly.
"Oh... so she's the orphan?" Alina said with an innocent blink.
Aathya stiffened, but before she could respond, Dadi's voice grew stern. "Watch your words."
"It's okay, Dadi," Aathya said quickly. "I don't mind."
Alina leaned closer, her voice syrupy. "You don't mind, do you, Aathya? I mean, it's just the truth."
"No," Aathya replied with a soft smile. "its okay."
Dadi stood. "Aathya, you may go. Alina, come with me. You're not familiar with our traditions-I'll explain them to you."
"Of course, Dadi," Alina said sweetly, following behind.
And just like that, everyone scattered to their routines. Aathya, calm on the outside, gathered her bag and headed off for college.
❤️❤️🌸🌸🌸🌸❤️❤️🌸🌸🌸🌸❤️❤️🌸
by eethya :)
Write a comment ...