"Haan bhai ready ho rahi hoon!" I say in a slightly annoyed tone. My phone is placed on the dressing table as I get ready. "Aaj bhi late Latif hai" my brother say in disbelief

[Translation - Yes brother I am getting ready!

2. Today also you will be a late comer]

I take a deep breath and secure the pallu of my saree over my shoulder with a pin. Slightly arranging the pleats of the saree for the 100th time. The lavender net fabric draped around me perfectly with silver glitter on the clothing.

I don't usually wear sarees, the last I wore it was for my 10th farewell and honestly? I didn't like it. I don't know what I was thinking that I could carry myself. Even with the constant compliments from my friends, I couldn't believe it at all

Well this time I put in extra effort. Did some curls to my hair which took forever, light makeup because I have to work afterwards and a pendant with matching earrings. I hope that's all?

Oh! Bangles!

I quickly wear my sandals and grab the12 pieces bangle set I made which is a mix of silver and purple colors. Sliding them in my wrists, the jingling sound as the come down one by one

Okay done

"Hogaya ya nahi?" He yells through the speaker again. I huff and glare at the phone, as if I am glaring at him "hogaya finally. Bahut shukriya aapki madad ke liye" I say in half gratitude and half mockery

[Translation- Are you done it not?

2. Yes I am done. Thank you for your help]

Well I am still bad at wearing sarees and only my mum helps me. But today she wasn't available so I had to call my older brother. Who knows this well

He scoffs "Haan Haan aise baat karte Hain Bhai se?"

[Translation - yeah yeah, is this how you talk to your only brother?]

I roll my eyes while stuffing important things in my bag "Maaf kijiyega aadaraniy Bhai shri. Mai aap ka ahankar ko thes nahi puchana chahati thi"

[Translation - I am sorry respected brother. I did not want to hurt your ego]

Even though I am actually grateful that he helped me despite being busy. Veer is the ceo Royal Crest, our family's 5 star hotels and this guy loves his job more than his family.

Yet I am a special case

Let's not talk about the fact that I messaged and called him like 100 times to get on his nerves that he had no choice but to guide me. I could refer YouTube videos but i never understand those tutorials

"Chalo, fit reveal" I sing and switch on the camera, keeping my phone in a straight position while taking the support of the mirror. I step back to give him the view of my look.

[Translation - okay, fit reveal]

Veer looks through the screen in his natural straight face. His dark brown eyes are still as stone and even after looking at him. He shrugs his shoulders and lean back against his seat. I can see he is still in his office "Thik hai"

[Translation - it's fine]

I scoff crossing my arms "what did I even expect"

"Ek bhai hai, agar mai na hota toh kya karti" he teases with a small smile. Looking forward and grab my phone "hai aur ek bhai" I say in a nonchalant tone making him surprised.

[Translation - You have one brother, if it wasn't me what would you do?

2. I do have one more brother]

His eyebrows frown together in confusion and he moves forward "yeh konsa Naya Bhai aagaya?"

[Translation - who is this new brother?]

"Ready to go?" As I was about to reply I hear a knock. I smile recognising the voice, I turn back to the screen "lo, aagaya" I say to veer while grabbing my bag and walking towards the door

[Translation- here he is]

"Chalo acha hai, zyada fikar nahi karna padega mujhe" I say with a fake relief, but fails to cover it up. Since I came to Sydney, the most worried person among my family is my brother. We do fight, it's a worldwide sibling thing yet I know he cares.

[Translation - I guess it's fine, i don't have to worry too much about you]

When I told him that I would stay with Williams, he was both shocked and worried. Of course he heard about them but was unsure to let me stay. He calls me every 3-4 day and says the same

"Dhyan rakhna apna, All the best" Veer says, this time in a genuine tone and his expression softens. I smile and nod "Rahoongi, Bye!" I wave and hang up before opening the door

[Translation - Take care of yourself, all the best

2. I will, bye!a]

Liam gives me a small smile as he sees me standing at the door. He takes a glance at my dressing and nods in acknowledgement "Wow, you look good in that" he compliments "a saree, right?"

"Got it, right. Well they are showcasing how our university consists of students from different countries" I say while walking with him towards the entrance of the house. Despite my uncertainty about wearing my traditional dress around foreign people, I didn't have a choice. When I asked my mum what I should wear, she instantly sent this saree and if I don't wear it she would be upset

"Thanks for picking me up" I say while walking towards the car.. Everyone had work so all the cars and drivers are unavailable today. I asked Stella but even she has work at her faculty, luckily Liam is going there too so I got a ride.

I pause and look at him "hm am I allowed to sit in the front?" I ask, it's mostly Stella's place there so I don't want this to be awkward. He chuckles and open the back seat door "hope you don't mind"

"No, I am happy to be here. I don't have a CEO being my driver" I say in a playful tone while sitting inside . "No problem with me" Liam replies while getting in the driver's seat.

He wears his seatbelt and gives me a cup making me confused "Stella said you have an important event. You might need it" Liam says while looking at me through the rear view mirror as he drives. I open the cap to be hit by the pleasant smell of tea, I sigh softly as I take a sip "Oh thank you! To you and Stella"

He nods as he keeps his eyes forward. I could see three more cups in the holder on the front seat "For whom?" I ask in curiosity

"Hm chamomile tea for Stella and me, Black coffee for you" he replies in a calm tone. I do know that Stella and Liam both get each other this specific tea. It's like their own beverage. I raise my eyebrow when he says black coffee for Lucas

"Black coffee? Seriously?" I say in disbelief with that fox's choise

Liam lets out an amused chuckle "yeah why?"

I roll my eyes while crossing my arms "he is already so bitter, why add more to it?" I mutter under my breath. I don't understand how people can drink black coffee? Like seriously asking for poison at this point

Liam hums in response tapping his fingers on the steering wheel "sometimes to forget the bitterness of life, you need to add more of it"

His words make me blink in surprise. I have never thought about it that way. I move forward on my seat and look at Liam. "Well, instead of filling yourself with bitterness, why not add some sugar?"

Liam glances at me with a small smile on his face, his eyes trying to tell a different story despite his smile but I can't catch up. He focuses back on driving again "when someone is so used to that bitterness, they need someone else to make them realize the value of sweetness" he says, his words are deeper than the causal example he stated

I know he isn't talking about coffee

This is about life

Everyone needs someone to add some sweetness in their lives

They just need to find that person

After a while of driving, the car stops as Liam parks it at his usual spot. By this time I have finished my tea and already feeling refreshed and better. Hope this lasts until I go to the stage

I get out of the car and bend down towards the passenger seat window. Liam looks at me while undoing his seatbelt "All the best, be great out there. Okay?"

I nod in response, returning his smile "Of course! Thanks Bhai"

[Translation - Thanks brother]

He looks at me a bit surprised and confused when I address him like that but doesn't question it and nods in acknowledgement.

I make my way towards the university center where the programme is held. I can see many stalls are already being set up on the way so the guests can enjoy exploring and watching the event

The management has put extra efforts in making this event as grand as always. The cleanliness, decoration, stage set up and everything else. A few students handing out flyers or have stalls to promote about their faculties and majors

I make my way behind the stage towards the halls which are set for preparations. Loren said everyone has to meet up there exactly at 10 am, I am 5 minutes late. But it's not my fault, this is a generational thing in our family to be late to any event

Even our own

Among these stalls one of them would be ours, mine and that fox's. I don't know what game universe wanted to play with me and paired me with him. I had a perfect plan and was excited for this until he sneaked in

Even after asking the professor, he made no expectation as it would be partial. In the end I had no choice but to work with him and we planned for our stall. Surprisingly, he agreed to my idea.

Let's see what profit we make today

As I walk inside the building I see many people in attires for their performances, I could even see a few girls in classical dance outfits. Oh I am excited for them

I step into the hall, it seems like a tornado here as everyone is moving here and there getting their work done. A few are getting ready, some practicing. Among this rabble I find Loren helping someone wear a mic. I sigh in relief and walk towards him, he stands there in the university's formal coat

I stop beside him when my eyes fall on a girl in front of him. I blink in surprise as I see Mia standing with Loren while he fixes her mic closer to her mouth

Mia's gaze falls on me and she looks at me a bit startled and steps back from Loren making him confused "hey!" She says in a nervous mutter and fixes her hair. I frown and look at her clothes, she is wearing a simple yet elegant long sundress. Holding a clipboard in her hand like she is taking part in this event too

She didn't tell me about this?

"Hey, Mia" I say casually but my curiosity betrays it "you are participating too?" I ask. She glances at Loren before looking back at me and nods "yeah, it's just a small addressing at my faculty. Nothing special" she mumbles, clenching the clipboard.

"You look great by the way!" She blurts out in a ragged breath but I can see the genuine appreciation in her eyes. "Thank you!" I smile at her compliment, Noticing her behavior I decide not to push her further.

When I glance at Loren I find him already smirking at Mia as if they are having a secret conversation

Dal mai kuch toh kala hai

[An idiom used in the situation when there's something suspicious]

"Great choice of outfit, Jasmine," Loren says with a hint of amusement. I don't think he has seen me in Indian before or noticed it so his amusement is not a surprise. "Thanks! But sorry I am late"

He shakes his head "No problem, you will be on stage in 5 minutes okay? Remember everything?" He asks and I nod in response. Silently gathering the courage to step out in front of everyone

"Best of luck" Mia says, giving me a side hug and I return the gesture patting her back "you too!"

Mia takes her leave as she also has some work to do before joining the programme. Loren gives me a copy of the script to review it one last time before going.

I take a deep breath looking at the script, my grip making the papers crumble but I can't help my nervousness. Oh I am confident and extroverted to talk in front of people, I don't mind going up to strangers and complimenting them. Not a big deal until I have to do something accordingly and which doesn't come from my heart

Today I have to open the event and introduce all the performances and speeches which will take place. More like a host but only for the starting of the event, there will be other students who will take over luckily.

"Jasmine, on stage now!" Loren signals me giving me a thumbs up for luck. I walk out and climb the stage carefully holding my saree, I wore sandals instead of heels because I don't trust myself with them

Taking a deep breath I stand at the center holding a mic. The sun is shining right above me, it's a perfect day with subtle clouds in the sky. The crowd gathering down to watch the event, all the eyes on me waiting for me to start

Okay let's do it

I put on a wide and welcoming smile on my face "Good Morning everyone! We welcome you to the Central University of Sydney.."

✄-------

"What do you mean he isn't coming!" I yell in frustration slamming my hand on the table making it shake. Loren steps back a bit startled by my actions, he clears his throat and gestures me to calm down "okay I know it's shocking but please calm down"

I groan running my hand through my hair in disbelief "calm down? How can I? The stalls are opening up and now I know that he is backing out?"

Everything was going well. Like seriously, I had hosted my part well. Represented my culture without feeling insecure of the judgment. After my part, I changed into a causal kurti and plazo to be flexible while managing the stall

Lucas brought up all the ingredients I gave him the list for. We decided to set up a panipuri stall as this is the most cheap yet favored street food in India because of its taste and availability. I thought if Indians like it then others might too. Plus we are selling it at a low cost and with hygiene

Everything was good until Loren informs me that Lucas can't join me

How will I manage everything alone?

"I know but he got a bit injured and something happened and I-" Loren pauses when I give him a warning glare. I know he is covering up for his damn friend. Why-

Why did i trust him after everything?

I should have known he would bail on me again. This is his new way to trouble me, to make me fail in this assignment too! What was I thinking to give that guy a chance who has brought me no good!

"It's okay, please calm down. I will send someone who will help you okay? Please wait" Loren assures me and rushes to get someone to be with me. I look around to see everyone already with their partners ready to open their stalls

I sigh sitting behind the stall on a small stool and bury my face in my knees. I could feel my throat wobble and ache due to the pent up emotions I am holding from yesterday

I thought everything will go smoothly

I was so close in showcasing my culture here proudly like everyone else. So close to get some extra grades for this assignment. So close to earn on my own and then-

Then he ruins everything

I look up at the sky as a tear slip from my eye. I don't know why I am crying, I don't usually cry this soon. I am not a big emotional person

Maybe because I am failing without even trying?

Maybe because I trusted someone whom I shouldn't?

I hate you

I really hate you

a few hours ago

I sigh, placing the last pack of plates under the table and get up. I hum in satisfaction and step back counting everything again to make sure it's perfect

I have brought everything Jasmine has listed and kept back at home. It was my duty to bring and arrange everything. She was preparing all this from early in the morning with all her energy and dedication to make this

I don't know much but according to her this is a famous street food. Even aunt Lia mentioned her liking for this particular snack when she visited India but i know my stomach won't be able to handle this

I hope her hard work pays off

She prepared the plan and everything while I invested in this. We need to get some good profit which would help in our grades maybe

Okay there's still so much time for these stalls to begin. So maybe I could explore and see what she is up to?

There are volunteers and others keeping a watch for these stalls so no one would steal anything. Taking a last glance I make my way towards the central stange.

There are many people surrounding the made-up stage as a group of students perform on a catchy jazz song. Looking up from here I know they are doing tap dance because of their moves and constant tapping yet that rhythmic sound is covered with music and people's chatter

I continue to walk while keeping my eyes on the stage. Keeping a good distance between me and the crowd. It's already hot and if I get mixed up there, it will be hard to come out

Soon the performance comes to an end and everyone applauds in appreciation towards the talent. As the group exits the stage, a girl climbs up and starts speaking, I frown in confusion and freeze in my position, recognizing the voice instantly. Narrowing my eyes I look at her to confirm my suspicion

Jasmine stands in the center of the stage with sheer confidence. Holdi a mic in her hand she addresses the previous group and continues to talk with a smile on her lips

As I force my legs to keep moving forward, my eyes trail down her figure draped in this long purple fabric with silver highlights. I know this is her Indian clothing, I have seen her once or twice in her traditional wear but this?

It's something indescribable

I continue to walk without any direction as I couldn't avert my gaze from her. Whatever she speaks just gets muted in my mind while only her image plays in my head

The cloth cascading down her waist till her feet like a waterfall of silk. The way that fabric clings to her curves as if it's caressing her honey toned skin in a gentle way. The rich hue compliments her skin and black hair perfectly

I could not tear my gaze away from her, no matter how much I wanna look away. Why? Why are her simple movements feels like an effortless seduction?

She has a vision of elegance and Beauty which I don't wanna admit out loud but deep down I know that her look has captivated my senses. As I continue to walk forward with my eyes on her to my side, even with the farthest distance I could clearly see her

Under the soft glow of cloud covered sun, she stood like a look to behold.

Her beauty is like a work of art come to life

In my distraction, I suddenly stumble forward with my gaze still fixed on her and crashed headlong into the tree trunk. The impact of the hit makes me groan and pulls me out of my reverie. A jolt of pain shoots through my forehead as I feel some blood dripping down from the scraped skin

I step back and look at her before glancing back on my fingertip which held the drop of blood. I blink in surprise unable to digest the fact I was so taken away by her that i didn't realize this

Embarrassment and surprise flickers on my expressions as I look around hoping no one witnessed my stupid blunder

A dreadful distraction

I scoff and turn back to leave, something is wrong with me. What was I even thinking? That too about her? Seriously?

No no no

My mind is definitely playing games with me

I need sleep-

"Woah!" I snap out of my thoughts and look forward to see that I bumped into iris. She lets out a small chuckle and looks at me while batting her eyes "Hey" she says in a long and low tone

"Hey" I reply, clearing my throat and stepping back to make some distance between us, noticing that she moves closer, invading my personal space. Her strong perfume is making my smelling senses mess up

"Oh my! What happened!" She says in a loud gasp looking at the scratch on my forehead. She brings out her handkerchief and tries to wipe it but before she could touch me I hold my hand up to stop her "I am fine it's nothing"

"Aww don't be so tough" she says in an annoying baby tone and dabs the blood off my forehead with the soft material. I try to stop her but she doesn't listen. I glance at the stage again as Jasmine makes her exit

Something is truly different this time

Why am I feeling this way

"Lucas?" My head snaps back to iris who looks at me with confused expressions but the way she is clenching the handkerchief it's clear she is annoyed that I am not paying attention to her.I stop myself from scoffing at her face, after everything she has done she doesn't have the right to have that feeling towards me

"I need to go" I mutter to her before striding away from her despite her calls. I grab my phone and send a quick text to Loren

'hey! I got a small injury and something came up. I might be late for the stalls so please cover for me'

I rush back to my car before this storm inside me dies down. It's been a while since I felt this way, to be motivated towards something. Especially my panting

For some reason I feel like I have an idea for this even though I decided not to paint again

I can't stop myself

Not after I felt this rush of adrenaline