Amrita's POV
The early morning light spilled across the terrace balcony as I pinned the damp clothes to the line. A mix of warm and cool breeze brushed my skin, playful against my cheeks, making my straight black hair dance. My pink dupatta flicked against my face, tickling me until a smile broke out without permission.
Holidays like these were rare college breaks meant more time with family, more chai breaks, and more laughter watching our favorite Bollywood serials together.
"Amrita, get a chai for Ravi uncle!" Amma's voice floated up from downstairs.
"Coming, ma!" I shouted back.
Balancing three cups of chai on a tray, I stepped into the living room. There sat Appa, Amma, and Ravi uncle, deep in conversation.
"Hello, beta, how are you? How was your last exam?" Ravi uncle's eyes crinkled warmly.
"I'm good, uncle. Exam went pretty well!" I smiled, handing him the cup.
"Thank you, beta. Sit, sit."
I slipped onto the sofa beside Appa. He smiled and patted my head gently, the kind of touch that always made me feel like a little girl again. My eyes wandered to the wedding card lying on the coffee table.
"Is Anita getting married, uncle?"
"Haan, yes," Ravi uncle nodded proudly. "You all must come early. Anita will be happy to see you."
Of course, Ravi uncle and Appa had been best friends since their teenage years. Their bond had become ours. Ravi uncle's son, Sudesh, had been my best friend since childhood, and his daughter Anita was practically my sister.
"Uncle, please tell Sudesh that I've been calling him for two weeks. He said he was coming from Chennai, but no sight of him yet."
Ravi uncle chuckled. "He came last night, still sleeping. I'll tell him to visit you later. Okay then, I must go before Sarala scolds me for forgetting her chai."
"Oh yes, you're right," Amma laughed. "She'll never let you live in peace."
We all shared a chuckle before Ravi uncle left. My phone buzzed in my lap. A message lit up the screen: Sorry cittu, I'll come see you later.
Rolling my eyes, I hugged myself in irritation. Two weeks of unanswered calls, and now this? Just wait, Sudesh. I'll make you beg.
Hours blurred by. I colored idly in my book, not because it was my hobby, but because boredom demanded distraction. Then vroooom. The unmistakable hum of a bike. My lips betrayed me with a smile, and before my mind caught up, my feet wanted to run downstairs. "Stop it, Amrita," I scolded myself. "Self-respect. Don't melt now."
But then his voice sliced through the air.
"Chittu."
I ignored him, pretending to focus on the half-colored flower. Footsteps drew closer. Then swish. A vadapav dangled right in front of my nose. My eyes widened. I snatched it without hesitation.
"Hey, I was craving this!" I said with my mouth full, taking a greedy bite.
He raised his eyebrows smugly.
And then it hit me. Self-respect! Oh, Amrita, where did it go? Heat flushed my cheeks as I squeezed my eyes shut in embarrassment.
Sudesh plopped onto the bed beside me, taking one vadapav for himself. "Hah, see? All your anger melted in one bite. Why so hard, then?"
I snapped my head toward him. "Shut up! I was worrying for nothing while you avoided my calls!"
He rubbed his earlobe, his usual guilty habit. "Sorry, yaar. Was busy with Anjali. You know she misses me too much."
Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms. "Fine, spend time with your girlfriend, I don't blame you. But at least pick my call!"
"Sorry, cittu. Won't happen again."
I groaned. "I've heard that more than a thousand times, Sudesh."
He only smiled, his innocent face trying to melt me. Not this time.
"Alright, listen. Be ready tomorrow morning. I'll pick you up."
I frowned. "Why?"
He smirked. "Why? Oi hello, my sister's wedding. You better help me! If you don't, I won't help at your wedding."
I stared at him, silent for a moment, before shrugging. "Fine. Did papa and mama agree?"
He puffed his chest. "Of course! How could they deny Sudesh Sharma? You already know I'm their favorite kid."
I clenched my fist. "Hoi, I'm their only favorite kid, okay?"
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," he teased.
I hit his shoulder, and in an instant, his arm snaked around my neck, pulling me close in a playful chokehold. I pinched his arm hard until he let go.
"Chase me if you can," he grinned before darting away.
And just like that, laughter echoed through the house as I ran after him, forgetting my sulks, forgetting everything—except that Sudesh Sharma would always have his way with me.
"I thought life was only about family, chai, and chasing Sudesh around the house. I had no idea that a wedding card lying on the coffee table would change my destiny forever."