“Good Evening, Ma’am” I greet, approaching Jasmine's mother carefully. She was seated in the sitting area going through a magazine “Good Evening, beta. Kaiso ho?” She asks, she turns to me realizing the slip up. “I mean how are you?”

[Translation - Good Evening, son. How are you?]

I smile standing behind her “I am doing good” . I haven't had any interactions with her, mostly for meals only. As I was walking by, I thought to greet her.

“Are you enjoying your stay here?” She asks, gesturing to me to sit beside her. “Yes, it's refreshing and a bit tiring too” I reply, sitting beside her feeling a bit out of place

She laughs and nods “Oh I heard about the fitting from yesterday. But these kinds of weddings happen once in a while so you gotta put through it. What about the food and weather?” She questions, her smile filled with warmth and eyes wanting to know my opinion.

I don't wanna be rude nor wanna lie. Something subtle in words should be fine, right? Plus I should be making a good impression on her. “The food is great, I have never experienced such excellent cuisine. The weather is a bit hot for me but I am managing well due to the arrangements made”

Her face softens in relief “Oh I am glad to hear that” She pauses for a second, thinking about something else to ask.

“What about you? I heard from Jasmine you are coming here for the first time. Are you liking it here?”

She nods in response, keeping her magazine aside “Yes, it's relaxing but a bit stressful too? However, Veer and Jasmine are handling everything well so I don't need to worry much.” She says, her expressions a bit conflicted “But these don't take care of their health at all. Especially Jasmine, she will skip meals to complete her work and won't stop until she does”

I blink in surprise taking in her words. I know Jasmine wants herself to complete her work first and fast but skipping meals?

“She didn't eat breakfast or lunch because of the fitting. I tried to make her eat but she just had some snacks and juice” Her mother complained, shaking her head. “Now she and her gang are just chatting instead of eating. Kids these days”

I glance at the clock, there is still some time for dinner and the lunch would’ve already been wrapped up by the staff.

“Don't worry, ma’am. I will make sure she has something” I assure her. Jasmine's mother looks at me with a small smile, patting my arm “You are very responsible towards her, I appreciate that. And please don't call me Ma'am, it's very formal. Just aunty is fine”

I smile “Okay, aunty”

After a few minutes chatting with Jasmine's mother — who mostly talked about Jasmine's responsible behaviour to everyone else but her own health. I understand her mother's frustration because after hearing about her negligence.

I went to the kitchen to look for something edible, and I found some fruits. Varieties available but the one that looks suitable for the day is watermelon providing both nutrition and hydration.

Grabbing a knife and chopping board, I quickly slice the watermelon into small dices — removing the seeds and shifting them into a bowl. Sprinkling a pinch of salt on it, I grab the bowl and head out.

Yesterday, the whole day passed by in outfit selection. After mine and then Jasmine's — she is still hesitant about a few. Then she proceeded to call Liam and Stella regarding their outfits and fittings. They cooperated well but these selections weren't quick either. And today, she was mostly busy with practice and arrangements.

Jasmine still doesn't know about their early arrival and Charlie coming along.

I make my way towards the lounging area outside. The sun had dipped low enough to create a golden glow across the palace walls. Despite the heat during the day, the cooler is making the temperature significantly lighter.

Then I hear the soft laughter and clapping. Spotting Jasmine with her cousins surrounding the sofa. She was seated comfortably on the couch with her legs crossed — she was listening to Kavya attentively, who was on the opposite couch with Maya.

While Nikhil and Kunal were sitting on the rugs placed on the floor. Veer and Kabir were also engaged in a different conversation seated side by side on the chairs.

I silently walk over to them, Maya glances at me and smiles before turning back to Kavya. Jasmine changed back to her casual clothes. I loved her in those traditional and vibrant lehengas but even in simple kurti she never fails to grab my attention.

“Hey” Jasmine looks up and welcomes me with a smile as I sit beside her “Have these, heard you didn't eat anything” I remark, keeping my voice low only for her to hear. She looks at the watermelon and back at me “You didn't have to, I would have eaten dinner directly”

I shake my head, giving her the bowl until she holds it. Letting my fingers linger against hers “With the same excuse you have skipped breakfast and lunch. I ain't buying it”

She sighs softly while looking at me “Alright. Thank you, I appreciate it” She replies with a small smile, the colour of her eyes deepens due to the dusky setting. As the air blows in her direction, a few hair strands waves freely. I reach out for her cheek when suddenly Kavya clears her throat, making me pull myself back together.

I forgot everyone is present here.

“Jasmine! Sun na phirf kya hua!” Kavya calls back for Jasmine's attention. She nods quickly “Yeah yeah, bol”

[Translation - Jasmine! Listen to what happened then.

Yeah yeah, tell]

Kavya claps her hands together and starts speaking again, her tone high pitched and excited while others listen to her. I don't understand what she is saying but looking at everyone's expressions it's like some top gossip.

I observe Jasmine, who is just nodding while listening to her very carefully. Her eyebrows furrowed in concentration — suddenly she let out a gasp in shock, followed by Nikhil laughing while shaking his head when Kavya revealed something.

Jasmine glances at me and pauses before turning to Kavya and says something. Kavya's expressions flatter a bit after hearing her but quickly compose herself. Everyone's eyes shift in my direction, making me the centre of attention — even Veer and Kabir stops their conversation.

Kavya looks at me and smiles — a forced one at most “Lucas, we were just talking about gossip. About one of my distant aunt's son” She says flatly and shoots a look at Jasmine. I nod, not knowing what to do with that information “Oh, so what happened?”

“So she wanted her son to get married and all. She even kept the condition that if he doesn't get married then she won't give him her property” Jasmine explains, her hands moving while she speaks. When I observe her familiar words, I realise she is repeating the same thing which Kavya said in Hindi so I could understand better.

A tight feeling forms in my chest. Is that why everyone looked at me? Because Jasmine wanted Kavya to repeat this? I don't think Kavya liked that idea and felt annoyed.

I don't want Jasmine to do this just to make me feel included.

“Yeah and that guy seriously got inspired by some drama and brought a fake bride” Jasmine adds while laughing, “I guess he wanted that property so badly?”

I blink in amusement at her words. Nikhil pats the coffee table to get everyone's attention “Oh no, it wasn't for property! He just brought her so his mother doesn't bring an arranged bride”

Maya shrieks “He doesn't want property, he doesn't want to get married then what?” She pauses thinking something, her eyes widened “Don't tell me—”

“Your assumptions are worse, don't start!” Nikhil points his finger at her accusingly. Maya gasps loudly in offense and throws a pillow at his face “It's better than having no creative imagination!”

“Guys! Listen first!” Kavya hushes them all. “He brought that fake bride and for a week they pretended to be a couple while his mother prepared the documents”

I glance at Jasmine who is now leaning back, a pillow kept on her lap and the bowl resting on it — untouched. She is so into this drama that she didn't even take a bite.

I take the bowl from her — picking up a piece of watermelon with the fruit fork and taking it to her mouth. Jasmine — having her half or more than half mind in that conversation just leans sideways and eats it.

“She knew?” Jasmine yells, keeping her palm on her mouth while still chewing.

“Yes! That's why she just gave him a small sweet shop as property and he exploded!” Kavya reveals and everyone gasps “He literally blew off his cover saying he knew she wouldn't give him anything!”

“Gosh so stupid” Nikhil comments shaking his head in disappointment

“So he was after the property at the end?” Maya asks

“Maybe? Not clear. But then his mother said she knew all along and showed him the real property which he will get if he marries the girl of her choice!” Kavya says further into the story.

I couldn't pay much attention while I continued to feed Jasmine and wipe the side of her lips. She just unconsciously eats from me without any protests.

Oh if she realized.

“Did he agree to get married?” Nikhil chimes in. “I hope he didn't. He got outplayed” Kunal adds

Kavya shakes her head, her gaze lingering on me before turning to Kunal again “I don't think he got married yet. He just wanted to prove that his mother wanted him to marry her choice at the end of the day”

“Yeah but bringing in a fake bride for all this? I think only she benefitted from this” Maya states

“I know right, in real life it's weird. Like who does that?” Nikhil snorts in disbelief . Veer looks at us from across his seat, even Jasmine gives out a reaction. I rub her back while she almost chokes on the watermelon “Careful”

I know she reacted because our relationship started off as a fake one but as we are official — I don't find a reason to be shaken.

Kavya frowns in confusion, her eyes flickering to us suspiciously “Why are you reacting like that?” She asks Jasmine

Jasmine waves her hand dismissively “Oh nothing, I just swallowed without chewing properly” She replies nonchalantly. Kavya doesn't look like she is buying it, her eyes and she opens her mouth to say something but her brother interrupts in between.

“It actually happens in real life, you know, for green cards and all? Many cases were registered because of that countries stated to take strict action against this”

Kunal nods at Kabir's words “Yes, I remember. Well they are reasonable. These fake or contract relationships just fools others”

Veer scoffs while crossing his arms, his expression turns serious “If it's to benefit or protect someone then it's fine. Fake relationships are better than fake promises. At least people will know what's coming and don't take their hopes high” He says, his tone sharp and accusing.

His words are like daggers aimed towards Kunal — who looks at him with an indifferent expression, “Everyone has a different point of view in things. Guess our thinking is different. A lot different” He replies in a monotone.

Jasmine's eyes widens, she sinks into the couch “I wanna disappear, why is he provoking Kunal!” She whispers to me. Her eyes narrows in warning towards Veer.

“Don't pay attention to them. Eat” I say, feeding her another bite. She lets out a soft sigh, closing her eyes while eating. Slowly the reaction draws upon her as she sees me holding the fork and bowl “You were feeding me?” She asks

“You didn't notice?” Maya asks while giggling “He was more focused on feeding you than the story”

Jasmine presses her lips together, her cheeks getting flustered in embarrassment, while she glares at me. I shrug my shoulders nonchalantly while bringing a last piece to her.

Everyone around teases her with ‘oh’s’ and ‘ah’s’

Jasmine huffs taking the fork from my hand and eats it while grumbling “Thank you”

I slide back and lean against the couch comfortably. Veer shoots me a glare due to my previous actions but I don't bother much.

“Aww you both are so cute like lovebirds!” Kavya exclaims looking at us with awe — her reaction towards me shifting out of the blue. “Hey, I heard you and Jasmine were selecting clothes for the wedding? Did Jasmine make you wear that black kurta?” She asks, her tone playful while she wiggles her eyebrows. Internally, I get surprised at her question with such confidence. How did she even know?

Jasmine’s expression flatters, a look of fear crossing her face “Kavya! Don't!”

She just giggles flipping her hair off her shoulder “What? He is your boyfriend now. Don't keep secrets” She turns to me again, her eyes glistening with hidden meaning “Jasmine had this childish dream to make her partner wear this black outfit. I can't believe she actually forced you to wear it! You are too easy”

Jasmine shifts in her seat uncomfortably. My expression hardens at her behaviour — despite her protests, Kavya didn't stop her snarky comments hidden under the name of teasing.

From what I understand is Jasmine just had this bucket list to do with her boyfriend and talked about it to Kavya when they were young. However, mentioning it openly in front of everyone isn't something that friends do.

“I wore it because I liked what Jasmine selected for me. Plus, being her boyfriend I would like her to be happy and complete each of her wishes. What's wrong with that?” I ask directly, silencing her nonsense. Kavya blinks, her words getting stuck as she opens and closes her mouth.

The place falls silent. I might have come out harsher than intended but I don't feel sorry at all.

“I am not saying it's wrong but like just” She says casually, biting her lower lip while she tries to come up with something “You are whipped so openly. If you wore it then you could have blessed me with your handsome visuals too, brother in law? Wasn't so hard right?” She says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. I try not to cringe at her expressions.

“Like I said, I wore it for Jasmine. If you really want to see someone in those clothes — then make a boyfriend and ask him to do it. Simple” I reply calmly, despite having an off feeling about her words.

Kavya scoffs, her face turning into a scowl “Okay, chill I was just joking? You don't have to be so rude about it”

I let my expressions flatter, making an unknowing face “Oh you were joking? I couldn't differentiate as jokes were supposed to be funny. And I am not being rude. I am saying it as genuine advice to you” I feigned innocence

“I agree” Kabir speaks taking everyone with surprise “If my girlfriend liked something, I did it only for her” I would have misunderstood him because of his previous stunt with Jasmine but something about him using past tense in his tone makes me realise he is speaking his own experience

“Yeah true, I wouldn't want others to see me in something only my girlfriend brought me” Nikhil agrees

“I think the same. And it's their personal matter which shouldn't be discussed like this” Veer says, his tone leaving no place for any argument.

Maya sighs softly and holds Kavya's arm to stop her from reacting “Stop it, Kavya. He didn't realise you were joking”

Kavya mutters something in hindi before leaning back on her seat.

My jaw tightens, I don't know about others but I didn't like her behaviour nor her words.

Nikhil clears his throat “Kabir, isn't that our cricket ball?” He asks, pointing at the ball that Kabir is holding. A smile forms on his face as he holds the worn out ball forward. “Yeah, remember this? We all used to take turns to play with this one”

“All the other ones got lost but this one always remained” Kunal reminds, his tone filled with nostalgia. “The amount of sixes we hit because of this one” Kabir adds while throwing it towards Nikhi who catches it easily

Nihkil turns to Jasmine with a teasing look “And the amount of windows Jasmine broke because of it?”

Jasmine rolls her eyes, a smile lingering on her lips “Oh at least I was able to hit the ball in the air. You couldn't even take it off ground”

Nikhil lets out a dramatic gasp “Haw! I was the best batsman, okay?” Jasmine brushes him off “That's not what I remember”

My eyebrows shoot up in ashtonisnet at the sudden change of topics. Especially with the fact that Jasmine broke windows while playing cricket.

Veer's expression softens into a lighter look, he releases his arms down “Remember? Dadu kept some iron barriers to the windows as he was so done with our chaos”

[Translation - Grandfather]

Nikhil and Kunal nod in reunion. “And Kunal always used to take the blame for Jasmine when she broke the windows or dadi’s flower pots”

[Translation - Grandmother]

Jasmine sighs at Nikhil's words “Yes, I remember. I am so sorry Bhaiya” She says making a pitiful expression, her hand on her chest dramatically. Kunal scrunches his face in disgust “Ew, don't do that okay?”

[Translation - Brother]

Nikhil wraps his arm around his brother's neck and pulls him down ruffling his hair “Kunal was always a softie inside”. While Kunal groans and pushes him away, fixing his shirt “You don't have anything else to do?” Everyone laughs at their interaction.

“You guys were so busy playing and breaking windows while I had to pick them up,” Kavya hissed while crossing her arms.

“Hey! We never forced you. You didn't like playing cricket but didn't want to be left out either” Nikhil countered back at her. Kavya uncroses her arms and sits up “But still, I could’ve learnt!”

“I did try to teach you but you always ran off!” Her brother says poking her arm. “Yeah because you were a scary teacher!” She mocks, sticking out her tongue before turning away from him

I notice Maya sitting quietly while hugging her knees as she watches them — she is smiling yet her eyes seem distant. She notices me and lets her legs down “Lucas, did you never play cricket?” She questions curiously

I shake my head “Oh never. I am more into basketball”

“Basketball? Really?” Nikhil asks in amusement and takes a look at Jasmine with a questioning look. I frown in confusion and look at her as well. She gives me a smile “It's nothing, I used to play basketball in high school just for fun. Not professionally that's why Nikhil is reacting like that”

“Oh, I didn't know that”

Jasmine shrugs her shoulders “It's alright but let me tell you all — Lucas is fabulous in basketball, he is the best player in our university's team and they even won a cup” She announces proudly while wrapping her hands around my arm

“Wow Lucas, that's amazing!” Maya says

“Yeah, totally dude.” Nikhil responds.

Kabir moves forward on his seat “Maybe sometime we all should play basketball and cricket to revive the memories?” He suggests. It doesn't take a second for others to agree.

“Why wait? Bring the bats and balls. Let's do it tomorrow!" He exclaims with enthusiasm. Veer shakes his head in denial “Not tomorrow. We are going to explore a few places”

Everyone's heads snap in his direction waiting for further explanation. “I thought we all should have a cousins trip together before the ceremony begins. Whole day, get prepared”

Kavya claps her hands excitedly “That's a brilliant idea Veer! Not gonna miss out!”

“So is everyone in?” He looks at us, waiting for confirmation.

“Is that alright?” Jasmine asks, seeking for my confirmation. Her hand still held my arm gently. “Will you be alright? Won't be tired?”

“Yeah I will be fine” She replies assuringly

“Then let's go”

The trip gets finalized with everyone including. After breakfast — we will be leaving to explore the decided places. I don't have much information about these places but I am happy that I could spend time with Jasmine — even though her cousins will be lingering around.

“Okay, let's head for dinner” Kabir says getting up. “Yeah I am really hungry now” Nikhil joins in. Slowly everyone walks away, leaving me alone with Jasmine.

“I don't like your friend”

Jasmine looks at me surprised “Who? Kavya?”

I nod, avoiding looking at her. My hand curled into a fist. “Yeah, her behaviour today was unacceptable. She shouldn't—”

“Lucas” She interrupts me “She sometimes tells stuff she doesn't mean, it's just sarcasm. It's been a while and she was in America while I was in Sydney. We had our differences and changes, it was just a small slip up”

My eyebrows draw together as I finally face her unable to understand her “You are defending her?”

Jasmine lets out a sigh, her shoulders limping down “I am just telling the truth. She isn't like that okay? Please don't take her wrongly” She requests, keeping her palm on my cheek.

She knows what she is doing

My body relaxes under her touch, relaxing my hand. I wanna show what she is trying to cover up, but the way her eyes are looking at me — I don't want to put pressure on her mind after all this work.

Maybe keep this talk for another time

I exhale slowly taking her hand in mine and kissing her knuckles “Only because you are telling me”

She chuckles softly “So you will do anything if I ask?”

I smile watching her lean closer to me until her forehead is resting against mine. “You don't even need to ask. I will eventually know what to do”

Her smile widens, her eyes crinkling in the corner “You are too good to handle” She whispers while brushing her nose against mine. A small chuckle escapes my mouth, our fingers interlocking together.

“And you are too good to resist” I whisper, holding her chin and bringing her face closer to mine. My thumb brushing against her lower lip teasingly.

Our moment gets broken by a sharp voice. A flicker of annoyance crosses my face as I lean back to see what happened. Jasmine's face drops, she quickly pulls her hands back and moves away from me.

“What a

re you both doing here?”