Calm down

Everything is gonna be fine.

HOW IS IT GONNA BE ANYTHING BUT FINE!

I am still staring at Maya in disbelief.

She is wearing a yellow coloured kurti paired with denims. Long hoop earrings with her hair are twisted in a single braid. She has changed a lot, her expressions grew bolder and mature with time.

She might be around thirty now and that's all I know about her. I wasn't even born when my uncle aka her father, disowned her and divorced her mother. Still I would see her in a few functions in my childhood but it's been forever since I last saw her.

Does he know that Maya is here?

Maya is engaging with ma freely, she talks about her travel and something about work. To be more precise — Maya is the first grandchild of this family. Hence, she was in contact with our grandparents not with my parents though.

I glance around the room to see my parents and Kavya's parents already present before I came. They seem a bit indifferent about this situation, maybe because she met them earlier? Or they knew she was coming?

My eyes drift towards Lucas and dadi engaged in a conversation near the window. He seems comfortable and relaxed while talking to her, unlike him when he is around my father.

His presence is making me feel calm.

For now, atleast

“Inti ghari sooch?” Suddenly, a hand tapped on my shoulder making me jump and turn in surprise “Mujhe pe dhyan hi nai gaya” he rolls his eyes dramatically while crossing his arms.

I would be confused because of their identical faces but talks like this can be only done by one of the twins

“Nikhil?” I ask cautiously. Despite myself I have certain excitement under my tone. The corner of his lip curves up into a smile “Haan, aur kon?” He asks playfully and opensopens his arms for a hug.I smile through a small smile “Long time huh” I mutter, it's been years since i met him.

Despite the conflicts we are still cousins

Nikhil steps back with a small shrug “Hey, I have always been here, you just left”

I roll my eyes “Thanks for the reminder” I comment sarcastically. Nikhil hasn't changed a bit, the tall man with ‘devil may care if given candy’ eyes. He is grinding like always — something Kunal wouldn't do.

“You forgot to welcome your favorite cousin in a grand way!” He says, keeping his hand over his heart dramatically, “I am hurt”

“Favorite?” I scoff playfully, “You are the walking, talking headache I grew up with!”

He smirks unapologetically "Exactly, it makes me more memorable”

“More like annoyingly memorable?”

“Annoying isn't a word in my dictionary” He comments. I gasp loudly in fake offense “You aren't at the level to try srks's dialogue!” I say jabbing his arms gently.

Before he could come back with a remark, a soft voice grabbed our attention.

“Don't give her the reason to have Crocin, Nikhil!” said Kunal, walking with a flat expression while shaking his head “Hey cuz”

Suddenly the air shifts, Kunal doesn't know so it's casual for him. But me? I am seeing him really differently now.

Stop thinking about it

It's not your place to say anything!

I try to smile, I try really hard but I know my expression says that I am displeased to see him. “Kunal! Hey! Namaste! Hey!” Even Nikhil cringes at my ramble.

Nice way of starting a conversation Jasmine. Why couldn't I just make it more awkward?

I let out a loud laugh waving my hand like nothing happened “Sorry, bad humor” I try to cover up. Kunal remains unfazed by my behavior, he shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly “It's alright”

How did Mira even tolerate that?

It's not like Kunal has always been like that. He was also a bright kid until his father's disciplined raising started. However that didn't affect Nikhil as much as to Kunal

“Long time?” Kunal says

I nod “Yes”

My eyes flicker to Kunal and Nikhil. There has always been a difference of day and night. I could easily give Nikhil the title of firecracker and Kunal as candlelight.

Nikhil suddenly bobs his head in front of me like a duck, making me blink in surprise and lean back. He does the same with Kunal but he pushes Nikhil's face away

Nikhil chuckles crossing his arms “I smell awkwardness from you both” He spreads his arms and squeezes us against him “You both need some ‘Nikill’ time”

Nikill time always meant something dangerous. Sneaking out of school, climbing on old trees, stealing a bike and going on a ride.

“Nikhil! Haat ja!” Kunal and I say in a re-union. Kunal and I look at each other having another moment of deja vu. Unexpectedly, Kunal laughs a bit not a small one but a hearty one which I haven't heard in years “Hamesha ka yeh hai tum dona kai” He says with a sigh. We both jerk off his arms from us and step back.

“Okay everything aside. Let's address the foreign invasion here” Nikhil says briefly gesturing towards Lucas who is still engaged in the conversation with dadi.

“Kya? I am dating him” I reply casually while dusting the imaginary dust on my clothes. Kunal and Nikhil exchange a look “We know that too Missy. But you can hide the details!” Nikhil adds, I can't tell of its curiosity or something more. Whatever happens, Nikhil will always remain loyal to his brother so I can't completely trust them.

Kunal sighs “You just don't know how to mind your business, do you?” He says in a disappointed tone. Nikhil rolls his eyes “Don't act like you ain't curious!” He turns to face me, his eyes gleaming with mischief “Tell us!”

“It's nothing! We had the same course and bumped into each other — alot. That's all” I sum up, I can't get away without giving nikhil something or else he wouldn't get off my back.

I should remember this story for the remaining nosy relatives

Nikhil hums tilting his head, he doesn't seem satisfied with the answer. Before he could say something, Kunal keeps a hand on his shoulder to stop him “It's enough”

“Yeah, whatever” Nikhil jabs his elbow to Kunal's side — pushing him away. “Anyways, I gotta thank you and Veer for opening our gates for a love marriage!” He cheered. Kunal's expression flatters for a second before he turns his head away.

He looks displeased.

Does he know? But if he did he should’ve reacted. Maybe it's something else? I hope he doesn't know and creates some drama.

Okay, the topic is diverted.

“Am I interrupting something?” Lucas spoke from behind, his voice deep and calm. He stands right beside me, looking at the twins — more like analyzing.

I hope he remembers the warnings I gave him about them.

Surprisingly, Kunal steps forward with a small smile and extends his hand to Lucas “Kunal. You must be Lucas” He introduces, waiting for Lucas to accept his hand.

Lucas takes a glance at Kunal's hand before meeting his eyes. A spark of hidden words crosses their expressions before Lucas's lips break into a smile as he shakes Kunal's hand.

“Yeah, nice to meet you,” he says politely. As Kunal was about to say something more — Nikhil launches forward taking Lucas in a side hug which takes Lucas by surprise.

“Don’t be a monkey!” I mutter pulling him away from Lucas. He is acting like they are long lost brothers or something. And Lucas isn't a fan of physical interactions — especially these ones

“What? I am welcoming him with a grand gesture!” Nikhil replies with a proud huff. “Anyways, I am Nikhil — the more fun and memorable twin” he introduces himself to Lucas.

Lucas just nods in response, not being much impressed. But this hug made him tense up from his shoulders.

“Wow, dadi was right. He is like a rasgulla. Welcome to our chaotic family!” Nikhil says teasingly, nudging me. Lucas shoots me a knowing glance, the corner of his lips twitches.

I clear my throat “Stop that. And Bhai mentioned that you are bringing someone? Who? A girlfriend?” I ask, trying to change the topic but I am a bit curious too. Among all of the cousins I don't remember anyone dating and even if they did — it was really secretive.

“You thought I would bring a girlfriend?” He just laughs shaking his head “That someone is Maya di”

My eyes widened in shock. He brought Maya here? I don't think even Veer could've imagined it. She was disowned by her father but a few other members of the family still kept in contact with her — especially dadi.

So how did Nikhil contact her? Didn't his father protest? Or is this the conflict bhai mentioned earlier?

“oh wow, that's…” I trail off, unable to say something that wouldn't come out rude or unwelcoming. Lucas glances at me, his eyebrows frowned in concern and confusion. He still doesn't know about Maya. I didn't even tell him and why would I? She was so away from my life that I literally forgot her existence.

“It's a family moment. The first wedding in years so all the family members should be present, right?” Kunal adds after me, helping me from giving a blunt reaction. Nikhil quickly joins in with an authentic nod “Yeah! The more, the merrier!”

I smile and nod

The more people join, the more scary it's getting for me.

He scratches the back of his neck with an hesitant look “But I did bring a plus one though”. My eyes widened at his words, “Wait, seriously? Who?”

“You will know” He replies vaguely as if he wasn't pursuing me a few minutes ago. But from his words it's so obvious that he is also dating someone.

“Bacchon, chalo khana khalo!” Dadi calls us, a wave of nostalgia passes through all of across the room. We all glance at each other with small smiles — even Maya looks at me with soft expressions.

“Let's go” Nikhil says, draping his hand over Kunal's shoulder and guiding him towards the door. Everyone chatters with each other while making their way towards the dining hall — we all will have lunch together today.

Once they are gone, I turn to face Lucas “Sorry about that whole nikhil situation. He is quite enthusiastic today” I let out a tired sigh, my head is heaving with the amount of stress and shocks I have faced in one day.

Lucas nods “It's alright” he says slowly, stepping closer and holding my arm for support — if he didn't, then I wouldn't have realised that I am stumbling on my feet. “Are you okay?”

I nod “Yeah, I just need to eat” I mutter, I haven't eaten properly in the morning. His arm supportively holding my waist — if someone sees this then there will be a new series or teasing.

Though I am fine, I couldn't help but lean closer to him — seeking comfort. “I am sorry about the whole Nikhil situation. He is quite enthusiastic”

Lucas shakes his head “Don't be, maybe it's the wedding air?” He asks, taking a glance at me. He hasn't asked about Maya yet, but I can see him waiting. “I was shocked to see Maya here. She is my uncle's first daughter from his first wife. They were divorced and he disowned Maya long back. I wasn't even born at that time” I explain shortly, not wanting to burden my family with drama.

“You don't need to solve other's affairs” He says, carding his fingers through my hair slowly. “I don't want them to escalate and destroy the perfectly happy moments” I reply with a sigh.

“You need to relax and have fun instead of stressing”

“I am not stressing—” I bite my tongue. I am stressing myself, making my brain think of every reason and alternative reactions for those occurring situations. Even though nothing has happened yet — I still feel the calmness before the storm.

“I am an overthinker” I mutter resting my forehead against his shoulders. “My anger issues could increase and I am being paranoid”

“Milaya”

“Don't say that” I warn, I am not in the situation to melt into him while he calls me that. He chuckles, tightening his grip on me “You need to listen. Don't think about things that won't happen. Be selfish for ones, enjoy yourself. You deserve happiness too, it's your brother's wedding”

I stay quiet, listening to the truth behind his words. What can I do? Everything that happened today has gotten overly into my mind.

“Whatever happens won't be your fault or responsibility to handle” He reminds. He gently holds my chin, tilting my head up to face him. Looking at my hesitant expressions, he sighs.

“I am sorry, I am worrying you and pulling you into this mess. I haven't done much to make this new country experience good for you”

“You need to stop apologising” He replies, “It's not your fault, okay?” His thumb caresses against my cheek tenderly. “Plus, smiles suit you better than frowns. Let's have lunch, maybe that would make you feel better?”

I nod with a small appearing smile on my lips.

His hand interviews with mine as we go to the dining hall. His hand forms a gentle and silent support. My fingers tightens around his hand, letting the finger maintain a bit longer. The chatter of my family could be heard from feet away. Lucas’s words are right, I should think positive instead of worrying about something that didn't even happen yet.

Become your real self, Jasmine!

We reach to the dining hall, the voices grows louder. A few servants already bringing in the dishes. I stop a few steps away before slowly slipping my hand from Lucas's but he tightens his grip.

He lifts my hand up to his lips, pressing a kiss on my knuckles “I wanted to kiss you since morning but the situation wasn't right, though I can survive with this” his thumb still caressing the back of my hand.

I feel the heat coming back in my chest making me flustered “You are not supposed to do this ” I mutter trying not to look so affected but oh sweetness.

“Oh I very much can, I have the boyfriend privilege” He winks with a smile — that charming, angrezi smile that makes my butterflies do something hoolahoops.

I clear my throat trying to calm myself down “Let's get going before anything happens” I say and dashing into the dining hall, not waiting for his response. He follows me quickly, keeping up with my pace.

The clatter of plates along with loud laughter of Nikhil on something Sonia says doesn't help in diverting my mind from the finger brushing from Lucas.

I slide into the first seat I find empty that also happens to be at the centre of the table. The ivory linen rustles against my lap as I make myself comfortable. Lucas takes his seat right beside me — ignoring the glances from my cousins.

My parents are seated at the starting of the table with my dadi. Nikhil, Kunal, Maya and Sonia are opposite to us in a line. Sonia is talking to Kunal but I don't think she has interacted much with Maya. Kunal and Maya are just eating silently.

Kavya, Kabir and their parents have went out to explore Udaipur today so they wouldn't join us for lunch

“Wow, this is like a feast” He mutters softly, his eyes scanning over the sea of dishes spread out on the table. The fragrance of freshly cooked food and rich spices makes my stomach growl with hunger.

“What should I eat?” Lucas says in a low tone, mostly to himself but I could hear it. His eyes stopping at every dish and plate trying to figure them out. I take a few minutes to decide what would be suitable for his tolerance level

“You should try these” I suggest, serving dal in a small cup and bati on the side of the plate. Lucas doesn't stop me, while I server myself — he continues to observe them. “These are like golf balls” he comments

I stop my hand mid air while the dal drips down on my plate from the spoon. I look at him in disbelief “Seriously? Don't please”

He gives me an innocent looking “What? I was just trying to understand. What is this?” He asks, poking the bati and watching it.

I sigh, sometimes I just forget he doesn't know much about my food or culture. I should explain before reacting.

“Dal bati,” I say, patiently. “The round one is the bati. It’s hard wheat bread. You crush it and then pour hot dal over it. Add a little ghee, maybe some chutney — if you want”

I explain while crushing the bati. Taking the spoon from his hand, I scope some dal and drizzle it over the crumbled bati. “This enhances the flavours” I add a tiny spoon of ghee over it. “Now try” I say, passing his spoon back.

He stares at the plate, before nodding. He mixed the dal, bati and ghee together — I am happy he understood the necessity to do that. He takes a spoonful to his mouth.

He takes another two, three bites. His expressions are neutral as he takes in the flavours. “It's actually good. A bit different but yeah” he says, surprised.

A smile forms on my face watching him eat with interest and reaching out for other dishes as well. I turn back to my plate and continue with my lunch. It's been so long since I had dal bati, time to devour it!

Veer isn't here, I haven't seen him since meeting Aryan. I don't know if he introduced Aryan to ma and papa — maybe they are having lunch privately?

“So, Lucas” Maya's voice floats from across the table. She takes a sip of water and puts down the glass with a soft thud. “I am very curious about how you and Jasmine met”

I freeze mid bite

Lucas blinks and looks at me while swallowing hard.

“I know you were taking the same classes but there should be something more to the story right?” She asks, her tone is sweet but with a hint of questions.

Now — Sonia, Nikhil and Kunal are also looking at us with curiosity. I haven't given deep details to anyone. No one even asked.

He keeps his spoon down on his plate, drumming his fingers on the table “Well, actually it's quite interesting” He starts, glancing at me for some back-up.

Usually I could make a million fake scenarios before sleeping but here my brain has decided to go on airplane mode.

I give him a tight smile. Praying internally that he somehow comes up with a genuine ‘Jab we met’ story.

“Yeah, we were taking the same classes” I start slowly giving Lucas time to add something to the story. He nods quickly, “And we were assigned on a group project” he adds “But that's not how we got closer, Jasmine wasn't that fond of me—”

My eyes widen when I realise how it isn't making stuff but repeating the real encounters we had. I start, pushing my knee against his under the table —stopping him from talking about the café, lemonade, seat, fountain and all the history.

He shoots me a glare before pushing my knee back. Maya raises an eyebrow with interest “Lucas, what were you saying?”

I chuckle, waving my hand dismissively “Oh nothing, what he means to say is that I wasn't fond of group projects that's why we didn't get that close”

“Oh, was it love at first sight? If not for Jasmine, then maybe for Lucas?” She asks, her eyes twinkling like she knew something was up.

I almost coughed up

Lucas rubs his left hand on his lap nervously “No it wasn't. It took time. Encounters, arguments, agreements” He says, looking at Maya in the eye with this genuine expression — he wasn't making anything up. Just answering her honestly.

“Our paths kept colliding. Our timings mingled into a pattern. The situations of incredulity turning into familiarity. The coincidence became something I started to hope for” he was looking at me, a soft smile lingering on his lips as if he was recalling the moments.

My heart suddenly picked up the pace due to his words. I couldn't do anything but nod, “It took time, a lot of it actually. But I am grateful for that, because without having time — I wouldn't have understood Lucas, as much as I do now”

“Aww” Maya cheers, looking at us with awe “You guys kept bumping into each other — like fate!”

“More like traffic”

The table falls silent after Nikhil's comment. Maya looks at him like he is an alien or something. Sonia slams her palm on her forehead while shaking her head.

Lucas just blinks and looks at me who is already in a deep moment of disbelief.

“What?” Nikhil asks innocently, utterly confused “You know? Like bumping into each other? Cars? Traffic? Get it?” He jokes.

“I don't know him” Kunal announces, turning slightly away from him. Maya sighs, shaking her head “Way to ruin the atmosphere, Nikhil”

He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly “I guess I had bad timing”

“And bad sense of humour” Sonia adds, her tone is sarcastic but very true.

“Well I will come up with a better one next time. Sorry about that” He says gesturing to us. I don't think he meant anything bad, Nikhil always had a bad timing. “It's alright” I reply

Nikhil grins leaning towards Maya but Kunal is between them. Kunal leans back against his seat avoiding Nikhil “Even I am in a relationship, why didn't you ask me?”

Maya gives him a tight smile “Nikhil, if you really wanted that girl to die —- you could have given her poison. Why the torture of tolerating you as her boyfriend”

Sonia laughs while clapping her hand on the table “Oh that was a good one”

Nikhil gasps, clutching his heart dramatically “Why are my sisters so cruel? I am wounded. Again. So deeply!”

Maya shrugged, unbothered by his drama “I would call it balance. You have wounded women's standards for years”

The entire table bursts into laughter. Even dadi was chuckling behind her palm.

“I hate you” Nikhil mouths to Maya who is eating peacefully again.

I try to hide my amusement about their banter. I didn't realise they were this close or this just came out randomly?

Lucas's fingers brushes against mine grabbing my attention. He leaned slightly closer “After tolerating all this — I do deserve some brownie points, right?” He whispers, his breath warm against my skin

“Do you? I gotta think”

“Yeah and I really need some alone time with you. That's the only calm I could feel during this chaos” His voice dropping lower sending shivers across my skin.

“Lucas” I whisper, my cheeks warms instantly. I bite back a smile, trying not to look at him and give away the way my heart fluttered.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

The night breeze drifted through the window slowly. I sigh softly as the cool air against my skin gives me a sense of relief.

A small wince escapes my lips as I try to free my hair from the jhumka. My ears are already hurting from wearing these the whole day. Between the meetings, meals and sangeet practice — I totally forgot about these.

I didn't feel anything during the day as I was busy and excited but now as I am about to rest, I am realizing the extent of it.

I sigh in relief as I finally free my hair and remove the jhumka. Looking at myself in the mirror, I remove my bangles and necklace.

Despite the rollercoaster of emotions today. I had fun, maybe having my cousins around after so long isn't so bad?

Even Maya — she was really sweet and helping throughout the day even though she needed to rest after traveling from Bangalore to here.

From what I learnt about her is that she is a lawyer now. She still lives in Bangalore — her mother's hometown after her passing away. Maya didn't mention much about her personal life. She smiles throughout the time but I know deep down she holds some bitter memories.

All I have to do is, change and get into bed. Look through the catalogue that has designs for tomorrow's fitting. I should select beforehand so it doesn't take long. Veer mentioned only I, Lucas, Liam and Stella has to select their outfits. Others have already done it or wearing the outfits they brought themselves.

My eyes falls on the new phone kept on the dressing table. I forgot I have to set it up too, Kavya brought it for me today as felt guilty that my previous phone broke because of her carelessness.

I pick up the phone and walk over to the bed, getting comfortable before doing the work. I didn't mind as it was a mistake and even I wasn't paying attention to it. But I am grateful that she brought it as I really needed it for calls and texts.

I couldn't even talk to Lucas while we were away doing separate things.

I wanted to spend more time with him but couldn't. However, it hasn't even been 24 hours since we became official? Is it alright if I miss him even though he was around all the time?

He is my boyfriend

I sigh softly laying on the bed. Boyfriend? It makes me giddy up

A knock grabs my attention, I quickly sit up and run my hand through my hair to set them. I glance at the clock, it's past eleven pm — who is it now?

Another knock

“Coming!”

I jump off the bed and walk towards the door. I pause before the mirror and check my appearance to make sure I ain't looking flustered. Sonia said that my cheeks are making it too obvious!

Now I am more embarrassed!

Making sure I look presentable, I grab my dupatta — draping it over my shoulder and slowly open the door.

Lucas

Under the dim lights of the hallway, he was on one knee — holding a red rose

My mouth parted looking at the sight. A stunned breath comes out of my lips

His hair was slightly messy and his breathing was fast — like he ran here in hurry. He was still in the same shirt that matches my suit — collar button undone unlike before and sleeves rolled up as if he knew that I like it

“Milaya” he says, his voice warm and raspy but a lot sincere. “Would you do the honour of going on a date with me? Right now? Away from all this. Just us, somewhere quite?”

My heart thudded widely in my chest

I have never been asked on a date in such a way. Not my first but undoubtedly my favourite now.

He stays still, not moving and inch. He looks at me with a boyish grin waiting for acceptance.

I am tired, I should be resting but suddenly

I am wide awake.

I carefully take the rose from his hand “Yes, definitely”