“Kya ho raha hai yeh Bhai?” I ask, my voice still shaky from the comments spat by my uncle. I knew he would say something like this, insult me and Lucas in a way. His thinking has always been so backward but i didn't think for him to say something this low.

[Translation - what is happening, Brother?]

Veer takes a deep breath rubbing his forehead “as soon as he came here from Delhi. He started feeding papa with this rubbish idea! He made us do all the arrangements in one day!”

“Why didn't you tell me? You said there won't be any more secrets, Veer. Lekin sab mujhse kuch na kuch chupa rahe hai!” I snap, tears already streaming down my eyes

[Translation - But everyone is hiding something from me!]

Veer's expressions soften with worry and concern. He takes a step “I am trying my best, Jasmine. Bahut mushkil hai, woh log already kuch plan kar rahe hai. Dadi ko bhi Delhi bheja diya aate hi taki woh kuch na bol sake”

[Translation - It's really difficult, they are already planning something. He even sent grandmother away to Delhi so she won't object]

Oh no. That's the reason I haven't seen her yet. Dadi would be the first to greet me but I thought she hadn't woken up this early. I didn't even think that my uncle could have sent her to Delhi at his home

“Look, it's a party for most of our business associates. I don't know if Mira will come or not, even she is busy with her work. If you came, Lucas would have to join and if he does then we would need to say your relationship to everyone which isn't ever real. And even his family will know about it. It's only for a few hours, I didn't wanna pressure you with all this. That's why I didn't tell you, I am sorry” He explains

I take a deep breath leaning against the desk wiping my tears with the hem of my sleeves. After breakfast I dragged Lucas to the study to talk about this.

In our family and almost every family, we can't directly reject our elder's words. I know even veer was helpless in this situation but it still hurts.

When I left to Sydney, my uncle said that slowly these relationship ties will get weak, making me feel out of this family.

Since I got to know about Veer's wedding, then the Singapore project and now this engagement party. I have gotten to know about all this at the last moment. I feel like his words are coming true.

“Your reasons are valid but we could have talked na?”

Veer nods in agreement “I know I should have, everything was so rushed. I didn't wanna trouble you more knowing about your flight fright. You would have been more tensed” He replies

He is right, if i knew this earlier than I would have been more stressed and couldn't sleep on the jet too. Yet this fear, it's suffocating me from inside.

“I am so done with all these secrets. I know that you have arranged something with Mira but you won't tell us. It's your life Veer, but please don't put yourself at risk just for others, for me” I plead, he has always done this since childhood. He is getting married first to prevent our uncle from arranging my marriage first

Veer shakes his head “Don't think like that. I am doing this for good reasons and I am not putting myself at risk. Trust me, Jasmine - after this everything will be alright. And I promise you, after this marriage that guy won't be able to have any control over our family” He says, his voice serious and his eyes holding an intensity of confidence.

“I don't know what you are doing. I just want you to be happy, Veer. Are you happy Veer? About the wedding? Mira?” I ask carefully, watching his reaction

He smiles a little, it doesn't feel forced when I see his eyes sparkle with something “I am. I know I am doing the right thing. Don't stress, trust me and if you could help me”

I nod without a second thought “I will help you, in whatever you want. Thank you for doing all this, for me, for everyone. I don't know what you are doing but I hope you succeed”

Veer's expression relaxes as he hugs me rubbing my arms before pulling back “Don't cry, don't let that old man's words get to you okay?” I nod in response “I know the truth, we all trust you. Papa sent you to Sydney, supported you because he has faith in you. That man's words are meaningless. We know you okay?”

I know. I know that but those words have made me feel like I did something wrong. He humiliated me in front of everyone.

Veer's phone starts ringing making him release me and looks at his phone, his eyes widens “School ke baare maii tho bhool hi gaya” he mutters nervously.

[Translation - I totally forgot about school]

I frown in confusion “kiska school?” I ask, his eyes widen at my question like I caught something.

[Translation - Who's school?]

The door slightly opens, grabbing our attention. I spot Lucas peeking inside, his eyes and face still red due to the heat and also the spicy food.

“I need to talk. If you both-”

“Come in, I was about to leave” Veer cuts him off while stepping away from me. Veer gives me a small nod and walks out of the study, he acted so suspiciously. Lucas steps inside, closing the door behind.

He stands in front of me, his eyes flickering all over my face. I quickly turn my head away, hoping he didn't notice but he is very observant. More than I give him credit for

“Don't hide” He says, holding my chin and making me face him again. I press my lips together feeling exposed under his gaze “I am fine. I am used to this”

“You shouldn't be used to this” he says sharply, his tone opposite to his soft gaze “Don't get used to his behaviour. What happened? Tell me everything please”

I take a deep breath, I know he wouldn't budge if I try to hide or push him away. “Our uncle made Veer hold an engagement party for our business associates, he even sent out grandmother away so he could carry out this plan” I explain, trying to keep it short and understanding

“Is that why you cried?” He asks

I shake my head in denial, my vision gets blurry again “no, it was because he said I shouldn't come. He said it's shameful how I went to Sydney despite the disapproval only to”

I freeze, unable to say the words. His words ringing in my head mockingly

“Jasmine” Lucas whispers my name in the softest tone I have heard. Lucas was cupping my face, his thumb gently wiping my tears which I didn't realise had fallen. I felt my throat tighten with thrones “only to seduce a foreigner and bring him home so openly. He said it would bring shame to our family. What all stuff I have done behind my father's back”

My sobs break out, my breathing heavy as I try to speak but only hiccups come out.

I hate being like this

Being so vulnerable and weak

Letting that guy's words get to my heart

“I didn't do anything like that yet he was accusing me of that lucas. In Front of my parents, my brother and Sonia!” 

Lucas's expression hardens, his blue eyes turning colder “That bastard” he mutters. “I didn't do anything bad that would bring shame to my family, Lucas” I whimper closing my eyes, my heart clenches as I find myself going into this cold darkness “I swear I didn't”

“Shh, Mileya” He whispers, pulling me into his arms and I completely lose my control sobbing into his chest. “You don't need to prove it, I know you. I know you didn't do any of those baseless things he accused you of” He whispers against my hair, his hand gently rubbing my back.

[Translation - Sweet/darling]

“It was so humiliating. He didn't even acknowledge me completing my degree and said all that” I mumble against his chest, his shirt getting stained by my tears.

“He is a dumb, illogical, old man. He could see your achievements, your strength and independence but couldn't tolerate it. He spat that nonsense to mess with your confidence, Jasmine. Don't let it happen”

I cling onto him, my fingers clenches his shirt like my world would collapse if I let go. Lucas's words are true, my uncle has always been jealous of Veer and my achievements. Always trying to show how good his kids are than us.

But saying I might have seduced Lucas, brought him home so shamelessly and questioned my dignity made me realise how low his thinking is.

Lucas cups my face, making me look at him. I was already choking on my tears due to the hiccups, my eyes filled with tears making my vision blurry.

I must be looking so pathetic

“Don't let his words overpower you. You are strong, confident and one of the women whom I respect the most. I know you haven't done anything wrong, the seducing part? We both know why we are in this relationship.” He says, his words firm yet gentle.Coaxing me out of havoc.

“But-”

He shakes his head, cutting me off “Your parents trust you Jasmine, your real family do. They might have not said anything, I don't know why but I have noticed how angry your mother looked, how your father clenched his fist, how Sonia looked at you with concern and how your brother was controlling himself”

I pause at his words, my tears stopping when he says that. I didn't notice my family's reaction to his words, I was consumed with anger and pain that I could focus on anything around.

“We all care about you, Jasmine. And those accusations will never change how I or your family views you” Lucas tugs a hair strand behind my ear, he looks at me with the most tender expression. I could only see my reflection in his eyes - like only I matter

For a second I get lost, I could feel my head banging from all the stress and pain but I take a moment to relax. My body slowly melting against his but he still holds me like I am the most delicate thing.

“Talk to them, Jasmine. Let them know how you felt. Set boundaries so that he couldn't even think about treating you like that again” he suggests

“I don't think that's a good idea” I mutter with hesitation. Hearing about my family's reaction through Lucas gave me some calmness but directly confronting them is really different.

“Tell your parents, your mother or father. Let them know your point of view” he adds calmly, he might not understand the weight of this situation. How weird, awkward and different this experience would be for me.

“I don't know” I trail off while looking down. Lucas sighs softly, pulling me into a hug again. His chin gently resting on my chin while my head rests on his chest, listening to the soft rhythm of his heart beating

“I won't push you. If you need to talk then I am here” His words make me tighten my grip around him. For a moment I let go of everything to blend against him.

He makes me feel lighter

Thinking and arranging the jet, adding all my favourite things without a second thought. I knew when he carried me into the bedroom, I was partially conscious when I wanted to pull him closer.

I didn't know what I was thinking at that time. But his embrace always feels so comfortable.

“Thank you for listening” I say looking up at him without breaking the hug. He gives me a small smile, caressing the back of my head making me lean closer.

I didn't realise how intimate this position is.

Yet I know that I want this moment stay longer

“I didn't want your first day in India full of drama. I am sorry and also for involving you into my family matters”

He shakes his head, while his hand is still caressing my head “You don't have to be sorry. It wasn't your fault. In Fact I am happy that you were comfortable enough to share this with me. Feeling better now?”

I nod in response, just as I was about to say something - a knock on the door makes me pull myself away from him. His grip loosen on me as I step away, his expressions slightly flatters but he quickly recovers them.

“Yes?” I reply, clearing my throat not wanting to show my previous crying state. My arms subconsciously wraps around myself trying to hold that warmth

Sonia steps in opening the door, without a word she strides towards me and hugs me. I blink in surprise, my hands wrapping around her instinctively.

“She was worried about you,” Lucas says, noticing my confused state. My expressions soften at his words as I look at Sonia “Di, aap unke baaton ko seriously mat lo. Hume maloom hai aapne kitni mehnat ki hai. Please dukhi mat ho” she says looking at me

[Translation - Sister, don't take his (uncle's) words seriously. We know how much you worked hard. Please don't be sad]

“I won't be. Thank you for worrying about me. I am fine now”  I say kissing the top of her head. Her eyebrows frowned, not believing me. I take a deep breath while doing “okay, I am not completely fine but I will be soon”

“Pakka na?”

[Translation - Promise?]

“Yes, pakka”

[Yes, promise]

Sonia has grown up with us. Even though she is younger we shared a bond. Her parents are away in Canada for their jobs and also because my aunt didn't want to stay near her brother anymore but wanted Sonia to study here and didn't want her to face the difficulties of the rules of a foreign country at a young age. They visit frequently and take her there for vacations

“Do me a favour and show Lucas around the house. I have some work” I request Sonia. I was going to show him around and let him settle in the guest room as we have to travel to Rajasthan tomorrow. But right now I need to speak to papa before proceeding.

Sonia nods without any questions “Okay, I will take some charges though” she demands playfully crossing her arms

“I bought many things from Australia. Help me and you will get those” I say, gently booping her nose. Her eyes shines with interest upon hearing me “chalo chalo jaldi” she says excitedly to Lucas to follow her

[Translation - let's go quickly!]

Lucas gives me a glance, still holding that worried expression. I nod in assure ‘I am fine’ I mouth him before he leaves

Preparing myself mentally, I make my way towards my parents room. I have never had a talk like this with them, even though I wanted to. I don't know how papa would react. He respects his older brother too much to go against him.

While I have already talked to ma about Lucas, she didn't mind but was surprised by the whole scene she witnessed on the video call. She was the one who suggested bringing Lucas along and she said that papa also wanted that. She seemed to like it because of the way she treated him at breakfast. But I don't know what opinions my dad have about him

I knock on the door before opening it. Being welcomed with the same warmth I have felt for years. I smile when I see papa sitting on his armchair while reading a newspaper, his favourite tea kept on the coffee table

He looks at me, a smile forming on his face as he gestures to me to come in “Beta, soo jana tha. Flight lambi thi”

[Translation - Child, you should have slept, the flight was long]

I shake my head sitting on the carpet before him, crossing my legs. “Bahut soo liya mein. Aap se kuch baat karni thi” I say, my heart already racing with nervousness.He nods for me to continue.

[Translation - I have slept too much. I wanna talk with you]

He takes an empty cup from the tray, pouring more than half of his tea into the cup and giving it to me.

“Aapne bani hai na” I say, only after a sip I understood that papamade this. He nods “dekha abhi bhi wohi svaad hai” He says proudly. I nod in agreement and continue to sip it a little by little savouring the taste after two whole years. After a while, I gather my courage to speak up

[Translation - You have made it right.

See? It still got the taste]

“Papa, aap naraz toh nahi ho na?”

[Translation - Dad, you are not angry with me right?]

He frowns in confusion “naraz? Kis baat se?”

[Translation - Angry? What for?]

I gulp, my throat suddenly burning “That I got a boyfriend without telling anyone? And I brought him home…” I trail off looking down at the cup in my hands, trying to hold my tears.

The last thing I wanna do is hurt my parents, angry them or do something that would disrespect them

“Jo bade papa ne bola-”

[Translation - about what uncle said]

I freeze when I feel his hand on my head making me look up. “Beta, hum jante hai. Mene hi roshni ko bola tha ke tumhe lucas ko saat lana chahiye. Hume dekhna tha ki woh sahi ladka hai tumhare liye ya nahi”

[Translation - Beta, we know. I told Roshni that you should bring Lucas along. We had to see if he is the right guy for you or not]

“Haan lekin, mujhe laga ki aap log nazar ho jaaoge. Aap log accept nahi karoge” I mutter

[Translation - Yes, but I thought you all would be angry. You people will not accept it]

“Dekho, zamana badal Gaya hai. Ab humare zamane mai sab hamare parents ne decide kiya aur humne follow Kiya. Pur ab hum tumlog se woh expect nahi karte. Kyun? Maine aur roshni ne tumhe aur veer ko baraber dekha hai. Tumhe waqt ke saath chalna sikhaya hai, independent hona, apne decision Lena aur jab tum log apne jeevansathi chunoge woh bhi isi hisab se hona chahiye” He says leaning back at his chair, his voice calm.

[Translation - Look, times have changed. In our times, everything was decided by our parents and we followed. But now we don't expect that from you. Why? I and Roshni have seen you and Veer equally. We have taught you to move with the times, to be independent, to take your own decisions and when you choose your life partner, that should also be done according to the same]

“Veer ne jab Mira se shaadi karne ke bare mai bola. Woh bahut shocking tha lekin un dono ko ek saath dekhne ke baad laga ki woh sahi hai. Jab maine veer ko yeh karne Diya toh tumhe kyun nahi? Lekin abhi bahut jaldi hai, Maine Lucas ko theek se jana nahi hai. Veer ne kaha ki uski family achi hai, background, behaviour bhi lekin tum meri ek loti beti ho, kuch toh chinta rehti hai na”

[Translation - When Veer talked about marrying Mira, it was very shocking but after seeing both of them together, I felt that he was right. When I let Veer do this, why not you? But it is too early now, I have not known Lucas properly. Veer said that his family is good, background, behaviour too but you are my only daughter,I will be worried]

My expressions flatter at his words. I didn't think about this from my father's point of view. He would be the one to inspect the quality of chocolates I ate in childhood with the most seriousness making sure they are best for me, how could he just say yes to a decision that would be the beginning of my whole life

“Tum dono bahut alag ho, har cheez Mai. Desh, jaati, dharam, woh toh humara khana beger roye” He adds with a small chuckle. I smile a little, remembering how Luca tried to eat the breakfast silently. Not wanting to let my mother's hard work go to waste

[Translation - You both are very different in every way. Country, caste, religion, he can't eat our food without crying]

He looks at me, his expressions turning serious “Par mere liye bas ye Jana zaroori hai ki woh tumhe khush rakh sakega? Uski family theek hai, uski kamai aur future secure hai? Kya woh meri beti ko woh aarma dega jo humne diya hai?”

[Translation - But it is important for me to know whether he will be able to keep you happy? Is his family well, is his income and future secure? Will he give my daughter the comfort that I have given her?”]

‘he will’

A voice whispers, not in my head but something in my heart says he will.

“Agar Lucas ne woh sab sabit kar liya tho?” I ask, my fingers tightens around the cup with fear and some anticipation. He smiles “phir woh aap ka decision hoga ki aage kya karna chahte ho” he doesn't say the word clearly, but I know his implementation.

[Translation - what if Lucas proves all that?]

His words lifts off some burden from my shoulders. At Least I know that my parents aren't angry about this whole situation and maybe accept Lucas if this whole thing was real.

“Aaj jo bade papa ne kaha, mujhe aacha nahi lago. Main janti hoon woh nahi chahte ki main aap aur veer ko company main join karun lekin woh sab khena bahut disrespectful tha. Aap logo ko maloom hai ki mai Australia sirf yehi wajah se gayi thi taki aapki aur veer ki help kar sakon”

[Translation - I did not like what uncle said today. I know that he did not want me to join you and Veer in the company but what he said was very disrespectful. You all know that I went to Australia only so that I could help you and Veer]

I look at my father, trying to read his expressions. I want him to understand my side, to believe it openly, not silently.

Hearing my words, his expressions turn to remorse. “Hum dono bhai hai lekin kafi alag hai. Main janta hoon ki tumne kitni mehnat ki hai, Veer ne ek puri video bheji thi tumhare graduation ki aur mujhe tum pe garv hai Jasmine. Unki baaton pe dhyan mat do, woh galat hai aur unhe is baat ke ahsas jald hi hoga” He says, his voice mixed with guilt.

[Translation - We both are brothers but we are very different. I know how much hard work you have done, Veer sent a full video of your graduation and I am proud of you Jasmine. Don't pay attention to what he says, he is wrong and he will realize this soon.]

“I will talk to him and make sure he won't say things like that to you ever again” He promises, pouring the rest of the tea into my cup when he sees it's empty

I know I can't make papa change or understand in one time. But him acknowledging it and agreeing that my uncle was wrong makes me feel relieved

“I have one more request” I mumble looking at him hopefully “When I was in Sydney at Lucas’s house. They never once made me feel like an outsider. The whole family accepted me open heartedly. Never made me feel like a guest, made me feel like I was burdening them. Whenever I wanted to leave they stopped me, making me feel at home.”

Even when I was leaving, Aunt Lia, Aunt Emily and Mia were crying. During the graduation they were cheering with full enthusiasm. When I first came to their house, they never once asked when I would leave. They made the guest room my own room and even after I left, they refused to change it back

Papa nods in understanding. Taking his positive expressions, I continue “I am grateful for their support, moreover how they loved me. Tried their best not to make me feel lonely or miss you all. Now that Lucas is here, at my home. I also don't wanna make him feel like an outsider.”

“I understand that. We will give him the same respect that you have received there” he replies

“I know you all will. We treat our guests with the utmost respect. But I am talking about making him feel at home, papa. A few years ago, Lucas lost his father. He was the closest to him, had this unbreakable bond” I say, my voice heavies at the thought “I couldn't even imagine my life without you but he is living a life like that for years now”

He blinks in surprise, his eyes widens at the realisation. “Just make him feel at home” I plead

✄┈┈

I feel better now, Lucas's advice did work. I should thank him later when I meet him. But i haven't see him or Sonia yet and the house seems extremely silent

Where did they go?

“Hii aunty, kya bana rahi ho?” I ask hugging maai, she has been our house cook since I was young. Cooking with the same taste as my mother's, giving the food a homely feeling.

[Translation - Hii aunty, what are you making?]

She laughs “dekh ke! jal jayega!” I quickly step away and peek at her frying papad.

[Translation - careful! It will get burnt]

“aapke mehman hai na, toh roshni ji ne kaha kuch yaadgar bane ko” She gestures towards the pots on flame. I move forward and lift the lid, inhaling the delicious smell filling the air “hmm abhi se bhook lag rahi hai”

[Translation - You have guests, right? So Roshni ji asked us to make something memorable

hmm i'm feeling hungry now]

I take a spoon to taste the curries but most of them are spicy except the dal. Lucas won't be able to eat this especially after the morning meal. I should add something more suitable for him but the lunch is about to finish.

“Aunty, yeh sab rakho. Mujhe thode aur curries bana hai” I say, pulling my hairs together and tying them into a bun. As I was about to remove my dupatta and grab an apron, aunty looks at me amused, I chuckle watching her keep one hand on her hips and the other holding her chin “kya hua?” I ask

[Translation - Aunty, keep all this. I have to make some more curries.

What happened?]

She shakes her head “Phele tho khana bana nahi pasand tha. Ab dekho, unke liye hai kya?” She teases. I looks away feeling embarrassed that she caught this so easily.

[Translation - Earlier, you didn't like cooking. Look at you now, making it for him?]

“Mujhe aise hi bana hai!” I say defensively but she doesn't budge “Haan haan, chehre ki laali baata rahi hai”

[Translation - I just want to make it!

Yes yes, your blush says it all]

“Aunty please!” I whine gently pushing her away. She laughs while nodding “karlo, kuch madad chahiye toh bolna” she says removing some more vessels for me. I sigh in relief as she stops her teasing.

[Translation - fine do it, if you need help tell me]

I grab the chopping board and some onions, peel them and prepare myself for the more years I will be shedding. “Waise aunty, mummy kahan hai?” I ask, since breakfast I haven't seen her. She wasn't in the dining room, hall, kitchen or even bedroom. “Choti leke gayi hai. Woh kuch photos ki baat kar rahe the” she replies

[Translation - by the way aunty, where is mummy?

-Choti - refers to someone younger (Sonia)

Choti took them. They were talking about some photos]

My hand stops letting the half onion fall on the board. Photos? Sonia? maand Sonia was with lucas that means-

“Shit!” I mutter and rush out of the kitchen, aunty calls me from behind but i don't have time to explain. I climb the stairs two at a time to reach faster.

I reach upstairs and stride towards my bedroom, the door is shut. I swing the door open to see Lucas sitting on my bed between Sonia and ma. My eyes widens when I see the thick book settled on Lucas's lap “oh no…”

Their gaze falls on me. Sonia grins at me while ma smiles like she hasn't just opened my pandora box “Beta, aao humare saat bheto”

[-Beta - Son. But can be used by elders to call their children both male and female, also so younger people

Translation - Beta, come join us]

Lucas smirks holding a photo from my childhood. Me dressed in a pink dress with a tiara and fairy stick, my mouth smuged with the chocolate cake I stuffed on my third birthday

“You looked so cute” He comments smugly 

He has gotten his revenge for seeing his childhood pictures