The airport was quieter than usual, bathed in the morning light. We arrived earlier than the commercial flight as we took the jet before our decided time

The air of Mumbai was different from my side. A few people around waiting for their flight were chatting, eating, and exploring. They had this joyful expression on their face due to excitement and a few people rushed in like they were already missing the bus

I smile forms on my face as I look around while pushing the luggage cart.

Jasmine steps beside me, adjusting her purple dupatta again. I can see she is feeling self-conscious, and I don't understand why; she looks gorgeous, wrapped in purple clothes with silver embroidery.

Her long earrings with her hair done loose make me want to stare at her.

“Am I-”

“Yes, Jasmine. You look perfect in your dress, hair and makeup. Everything is on point except your stressing brain” I cut her off before she repeats the same question for the tenth time in the day.

She takes a deep breath, relaxing, and gives me a small nod “Sorry, it's been a while since I met everyone face to face, and now I am bringing you; I don't know how they will react” she mutters, the nervousness highlighted in her voice.

I take a step closer, making her look at me “It will be fine, just think positive. It's your brother's wedding and you should be happy, not stressed. And whatever happens, I am here” I assure her

A small smile appears on her lips; she tilts her head up. “You are being surprisingly nice. I will give you a brownie point for the jet and all the stuff you arranged for me”

I raise my eyebrow in interest. “Brownie point, huh? So how many did I gain yet?” I ask wiggling my eyebrows teasingly as I rest my arm on the cart handle making my face come closer to her

She presses her lips together thinking before she takes a step closer, her fingers coming up to my shirt and buttoning the collar button. I gulp the lump in my throat when her fingers brush against my skin

“You gained one, gain five more points and you will be rewarded” she replies, her voice dropping lower

My breath hitches at her words, her signature floral scent dislocating my focus. I clear my throat, forcing myself to look away from her. “I think I deserve another point for dressing up for you”, I try to bargain, gesturing to my white button-up shirt with black trousers, which Jasmine made me wear.

Because jeans and T-shirts aren't appropriate to meet her family

I don't mind though

She hums while crossing her arms. “Are you forgetting clause number 3? Let me remind you - party B should listen to everything party A says up to the limits and requirements for the wedding”, she says in a professional-like tone, “This is a requirement,” She adds a gesture to my clothes.

She is smarter than I thought

“I know your tactics,” she says confidently, flipping her hair behind her shoulder

“Yeah, well done”, I reply mockingly, my hand tightening around the handle to control myself from pulling her close.

“Jasmine!”

Our heads turn at the voice calling Jasmine's name. Veer approaches us, dressed in a t-shirt and sweatpants - he looks totally different from how I saw him at the graduation. He looks more approachable with this casual look.

“Finally! Itne deer kyun!” Jasmine says, her tone showing that she is annoyed but she moves forward to hug him. “Tu ne hi yeh timing change ki. Uthte hi aagaya” Veer replies hugging her and patting her back

[Translation - Finally, why did you come so late?

You changed the timings last minute. I came here as soon as I woke up]

“Tabiyat thik hai? Kuch hua?” Veer asks. He looks at Jasmine's face keenly, but his eyes show concern. Jasmine leans closer and whispers something to Veer, which I can't hear and don't try to hear.

[Translation - Is your health alright? Did something happen?]

As Jasmine steps back, Veer's gaze falls on me. His expressions turn serious, “Hope you had a comfortable flight”, Veer states, not asking. He is definitely not happy to see me.

What did Jasmine tell him?

I force a smile; he is Jasmine's brother, so of course, he will be slightly hostile to me. “It was good. Thanks for coming to pick us up despite the time” I reply

“Let's go” Veer turns away and starts walking expecting us to follow. He doesn't even reply to my words. If he is like this with me, how will the rest of the family be?

“Don't worry, he isn't fond of new people”, Jasmine pats my shoulder assuringly; she reaches out to the handle, but before she can, I start pushing the cart forward.

“He isn't fond of new people or his sister's boyfriend?” I ask gruffly

Jasmine chuckles, shaking her head “Firstly, you are the first boyfriend who is fake and he knows that well. Secondly, all brothers are protective at times. Remember how you punched Loren?” she nudges my side making me roll my eyes trying to act annoyed

“I had my reasons,” I say defensively

“He has his reasons,” she says nonchalantly and increases her pace

We load our luggage in the car and settle inside. Surprisingly, Veer was driving while Jasmine and I sat in the backseat. It was mostly her idea because she wanted to tease her brother about being a driver despite being a CEO

Jasmine informed Veer about our early arrival at four in the morning, and no staff had come in yet. That's why Veer had to drive himself.

“Sab ko pata hai hum subah aarahe hai? Dupahar ko nahi?” Jasmine asks her brother while closing the door. “Haan, inform kardiya tha mene” " he replies to her while driving, maintaining eye contact through the mirror. “Everyone except you both at breakfast”, he adds in English, including me in the conversation.

[Translation - Does everyone know that we are coming in the morning and not in the afternoon?

Yes, I have informed them]

I nod in response reaching out to my collar to unbutton it as I am feeling hot. But Jasmine's head snaps in my direction halfway through my unbuttoning; she shakes her head in disapproval. I sigh and fix it again leaning back against the seat.

Jasmine nods and turns to talk to he brother again

The car rolled through the main roads, the soft hum of the city as the sun slowly brightened up the place. I lean closer to the window, observing this new place.

Mumbai isn't like anywhere I have been. Aunt Lia has talked about this place many times - the rich culture, heritage, and feeling. It has a vibe of chaos and calm at the same time.

I slowly lower the window, letting the breeze flow in. I close my eyes feeling the warmth that came along. A mixture of life - flowers, spice and, if I am honest, the hint of smoke too.

The streets change, coming to busier roads. People rush to their offices, schools and colleges. Small stalls lined across the footpath. The shouting of vendors, the honking of autos, the laughter of kids climbing the school bus, and small crying.

This city is alive

Just like her

“You okay?” Jasmine asks, gently touching my arm to grab my attention. I smile and nod, noticing Veer's gaze lingering on us before focusing back on the road.

“How do you like the city?” Veer asks breaking the silence.

I blink and slowly nod. “It's different, vibrant and a bit loud”I reply hesitatingly, hoping they don't mind that.

Jasmine and Veer both chuckle in reunion. “You are saying it like it's a bad thing. It's very common actually” Jasmine comments

I shake my head “It's not that” I say turning to face the roads again “It's both good and bad but moreover, it's like the city has a heartbeat”

“So a painter with a poetic touch. Impressive” Veer comments shrugging his shoulders. My eyes widen in surprise at his sudden compliment.

Jasmine smiles lightly before gesturing me back to the window.

I sigh softly, bringing the window up again. I take the scene outside with amusement when we stop at a signal. Two men on a bike, while the guy behind is holding a goat in between like it's normal.

This is…. unexplainable

My eyes flicker to Jasmine's reflection falling on the glass, the way her earrings sway when she laughed at something Veer said. How the purple colour stood out against the colours of the city.

The city looks more beautiful when I see it from her eye. It's just like her - loud, vibrant, unapologetic

“Aare bhai kyun!” Jasmine groans in frustration making my focus fully on her. “Everything alright? What happened?”

[Translation - Gosh why!]

Jasmine sighs, looking at me. “My not-so-favourite uncle already came from Delhi. I will have to face him and his taunts now”

From her expressions, I understood who she was talking about. Her father's older brother, who has objected to her coming to Sydney to study, has been creating many obstacles in her life.

“Since he came, he has already shown his disapproval about bringing a foreign boyfriend. He has been blabbering about how ‘modern’ you have become” Veer adds, scoffing at the end of the sentence

“How is being modern a bad thing?” I ask in confusion

“Here, being modern refers to girls being too independent. Adopting foreign cultures, raising their voice for themselves, and being highly educated. Typical - girls getting out of control” Jasmine says, her hands moving to gesture and empathize with every word

“That's not the definition of being modern and all those things show development, especially education. If your uncle thinks being modern is bad, then he has a very disturbing mindset,” I say, I feel bad thinking about Jasmine being surrounded by this kind of thoughts, and now she has to face it again.

Jasmine sighs shaking her head “Welcome to my world” she says sarcastically but it lacks her usual spark

That's not how the word ‘modern’ should be seen. Jasmine is independent, talented and strong. She moved to a different country for her education, alone - and that says a lot.

I might understand her family's concern about her having a foreign boyfriend. I have heard about those Asian standards for a partner. If I could, then I would change their perspective and accept me

✄┈┈

“I am nervous,” I mutter to her as we stand in front of the door. My heart is beating fast and my palms are sweaty. I am usually not this nervous, not even during any exams or matches but here I feel like I am giving the biggest exam of my life.

“Everything will be alright, I am here” Jasmine looks at me, she gives me a soft, gentle smile that suddenly calms my heart.

The door opens, revealing Jasmine's family. Everyone dresses up and smiles on their faces but when they see Jasmine, their smiles turn wider.

Roshni Singhania - Jasmine's mother, dressed in a rich emerald saree along with gold jewellery

“Jasmine!” Her mother says first, excitedly moving forward and pulling Jasmine into a hug. Jasmine reciprocates the gesture, hugging her mother tightly. “Ma, bahut yaad ayi aapki,,” she mumbles. Everyone melts watching the scene unfold

[Translation - Mom, I missed you so much]

They pull apart, her mother caresses Jasmine's cheek “Haye mera bacchi” she says, her voice cracking slightly before Jasmine hugs her again mumbling something

[Translation - aww my child]

I stand behind, Veer standing beside me watching them with an unreadable expression.

Vikas Singhania - Jasmine's Dad. He is a vision of Veer, it's amazing how similar they look. The same eyes, nose and even height.

Jasmine moves to greet her father, hugging him first, and then she bends towards him to touch his feet. Her father places his hand on her head saying something. Jasmine's eyes hold a hint of happiness and also something else. I know she missed her father and her family. She greets a few more people as we walk in further.

“You are Lucas right?” Jasmine's mother asks, looking at me with a welcoming smile. I smile joining my hands to greet her, my moments are a bit stiff and awkward doing this for the first time “Nice to meet you, ma’am and sir”

“You are really white and a bit red like a tomato” her mother says in amusement, taking me by surprise.

Tomato?

Jasmine snorts but quickly covers it up when she sees me looking at her. She waves her hand dismissively “he isn't used to this new place”

I didn't realise I was looking red

Jasmine's father looks at me amused but it soon drains to a serious expression “You had a long journey, let's go inside first”

I nod, following everyone in. I look around, taking in the luxurious interior with homely vibes. The family photographs hanging on the walls, the subtle smell of freshly cooked meal

As we step into the dining room, I am greeted by the large dining table set with warm food. My stomach slightly grumbled at the smell, remembering we hadn't had breakfast.

I was about to take a step further when Jasmine tugged my shirt from behind, stopping me. I glance at her to see her gesturing forward. My gaze falls onto a man approaching us, his jaw clenched and eyebrow frowned in disapproval

Vinod Singhania - Jasmine's Uncle

“Namaste, Uncle”, Jasmine chimes while touching his feet,t, but he doesn't do anything as her father did. He looks at me, his eyes cold and unwelcoming. “Hello, sir” I say politely but in a firm tone

He opens his mouth to say something, I could already guess it would be something bad as I see Jasmine tensing up. “Let's eat breakfast first” Jasmine's father interrupts, gesturing everyone to settle.

Jasmine pulls me with her “Don't talk to him much, okay?” She whispers, making me sit beside her. I don't question it, it's more of her family's matter.

As I take a seat, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Upon turning I see a girl sitting beside me with a huge grin, she extends her hand confidently “Hey, I am-”

“Sonia” I complete for her, accepting her handshake. She gasps in surprise “You know me!” she exclaims in excitement.

Of course, I do

You are partially the reason for this whole thing

“I do, I heard Jasmine talk a lot about you” I reply. Jasmine leans forward and tells Sonia something, making her roll her eyes and sit straight. Sonia is Jasmine's aunt's daughter, she just completed her 10th and lives with Jasmine's family as her parents are in Canada for work

“You came to our house for the first time. I prepared all these for you” Jasmine's mother says, serving different things to my plate all together “This is poha, we prepared some Parathas and misal pav for you. You are new here, you will love them” she adds, her tone warm and bright

Jasmine got her smile from her mother

“Thank you so much, ma’am”, I reply, grabbing a spoon, my stomach is crying for food at this point. “Please just call me aunty. Ma’am and all no need” She says, pouring tea into my cup

Jasmine glances at my plate; her expression flatters to a nervous one. “These can be mildly spicy. Will you be able to”

I nod “Don't worry, I have been trying to adapt to this”

As everyone starts eating, I take a spoonful of the yellow and reddish rice and eat it. For a moment, I hum at the delicious taste but my mouth suddenly burns with a burning sensation. I quickly swallow it glancing at others who eat it perfectly.

I clear my throat and eat more spoons but the spice increases. Noticing my discomfort, Jasmine slides a glass of water towards me. “Sorry, our whole house is spice lovers, we add extra chilly to almost everything. I forgot to tell them about your low tolerance. I can ask to make something else-”

I grab her wrist, stopping her from getting up “It's alright; your mother made this with so much dedication and love. It won't be nice” I mutter in a low tone.

“Lucas” she sighs sitting back down

I somehow finished the photo while taking sips of water; by this time, my eyes were watering, and my tongue was burning.

“Beta, have some parathas too,” Jasmine's mother says, placing two Parathas on my plate. I glanced at others who were eating different things, not like me who was asked to taste everything

I give her a smile, hiding the tornado my body is feeling. I tear a small piece from the paratha that I have learnt from watching Jasmine. As I take a bite, I feel the flour mixed with flavourful mashed potatoes.

It's not too spicy like poho and it tastes really good

“Take some more,” Veer says, noticing my liking towards it. Jasmine moves forward, already adding another Paratha to my plate “Tell me if you need more” she whispers

While I eat silently. Jasmine engages with her family. I couldn't understand much, but from what I have learnt, I know she was talking about Sydney and her education.

Jasmine was talking with excitement, eager to tell her family about her experience. While her mother replied and expressed her opinion, Sonia asked small questions. Veer and her father listened, smiling whenever she told something with enthusiasm.

After a while, the topic shifted to Veer's wedding preparations. Her family didn't ask anything about our relationship till now if I am understanding correctly.

Maybe they won't be in front of me

Everything was going well until her uncle said something, making everyone go silent. Jasmine's eyes widen, she looks at her brother and back at her parents

“Kya? Mujhe kyun nahi maloom pada?” Jasmine asks in confusion, “Aur yeh sudden engagement party?”

[Translation - what? Why did no one tell me about this?

And why the sudden engagement party?]

Veer was about to reply, but her uncle cut him off. “Media aur logon ko maloom hona chahiye. Yeh beneficial hai aur ek engagement party sare shareholders aur sab ke sath achi hongi. Tumhara Bhai shadi Mai toh kisi ko hai bola Raha hau” He says in a stern tone. At this point, I couldn't make out anything

[Translation - Media and others need to know. This is beneficial and an engagement party inviting shareholders and other important people will be nice. As your brother isn't inviting anyone to the wedding]

“Haan lekin aaj shaam? Maine toh kuch tayari bhi nahi ki. Aur Lucas-”

[Translation - Yes but tonight? I am not prepared and Lucas-]

“Tum dono ko aane ki koi zaroorat nahi hai. Hum sab ne baat karli hai. Udaipur ke events mai hi aana. Aur agar media ku pata chala ki tum Sydney ko padhne ke bajaye yeh sab karne gayi toh bazati hogi”

[Translation - You both don't need to come. We all have decided. Come to the other events held at Udaipur. And if the media gets to know that you went to Sydney for all this instead of studies, it will bring shame to us]

Jasmine's expression flatters down midway through her uncle's words. She glances at her brother whose jaw tightens in anger

“Aisa karna thik hai Jasmine. Warna media wala bahut baat uchalenge. Veer ki shadi Mai koi archan nahi aani chahiye. Yeh sirf ke business gathering jaisi hai” Her father adds, his tone apologetic

[Translation - It's better to do this Jasmine. Or else the media will raise this matter. There shouldn't be any problems at Veer's wedding. It's only a business gathering]

“Bhai” Jasmine looks at Veer, her tone pleading but he looks away.

[Translation - Brother]

Her uncle says something more, but her father stops him halfway but the words already hit Jasmine. Jasmine falls silent; her shoulders slumped down in a defeated manner. My stomach drops at her tearful expressions that she tries to hide through her hair.

My hand clenches on my lap, I wanna ask her what's wrong. What did that guy tell her to make her cry like that? Yet I was helpless, if I asked something at the wrong moment then it could bring more trouble to her

I glance at Sonia, who is silently eating with her head down, but her shoulders are tensed, indicating she is aware of what is happening.

She notices me looking at her; she glances at others, making sure they ain't listening and leans closer to whisper, “Bhaiya has an engagement party tonight; it was arranged last moment on bade Papa's demand. But Jasmine isn't invited”

I blink in surprise as she explains the whole situation to me. “Is that my Jasmine is..” I trail off, referring to her teary state. Sonia shakes her head “No, bade papa said a few things about your relationship. That's why” she mumbles, glancing at Jasmine with a concerned look “he said it's shameful-”

“Chup chap khana khao Sonia. Khate waqt baat nahi karte!” Her uncle cuts Sonia off, his tone snappy and angry. Sonia shuts her mouth and starts eating quickly while her uncle continues to glare at me.

[Translation - Eat silently, Sonia. You shouldn't talk while eating]

My jaw clenches at his behaviour. Who yells like this at a child? How could he say something like that to Jasmine? He is older but that doesn't mean he could get away from anything.

I would have stopped him if I knew what was happening.

The atmosphere becomes tense, and no one is talking until Jasmine breaks the silence. “Koi baat nahi, waise bhi Main wahan bore ho jaungi” " she says, forcing a smile, but I can see how fake it is. How she is hiding her emotion

[Translation - It's alright, anyways I will be bored there]

Her uncle’s expression lightens as he nods in approval “Akhlaq ki baat hai”

[Translation - It's a matter of morality]

Jasmine nods while she eats silently. I try to grab her attention, but she doesn't say anything.

“Eat some more,” Jasmine's mother says while serving more to everyone's plates.

I need to talk to her later