CHAPTER 2
Nivedita raked the brush through her hair, tugging at the tangles violently, wincing as the bristles got caught.She violently yanked the brush, frustrated that it refused to come away.
"Di,let me do it for you."Tapur said quietly,taking the brush and gently detangling it from the stubborn clumps."What has gotten you so riled up?"
"Really,Tapur?"Nivedita asked her incredulously.
"Di,I know you're angry at Jiju.But isn't he always late for everything?Why was today any worse?"
"It's not just about today.I just can't deal with him anymore. He embarrasses me everywhere I go.Everyone judges me for his mistakes. I have to deal with the fallout of his actions."
"Maybe you should just talk to him and sort it out.He's not a bad person.He'll probably understand."
"There's no point in talking to him."
"How can you say that without even trying?"
Nivedita's shoulders slumped,and she put her head down on the dresser.Tapur put down the brush and started stroking her sister's head.
"I'm just tired,Tapur.I really can't do this anymore."came her muffled voice.
"Can't do what any more?"came a voice from the doorway.
Both of them jumped and turned around to face their mother,a pin drop's silence engulfing the room.
"Maa!When did you get here?"Tapur laughed nervously ,even as Nivedita gripped her hand tightly,silently threatening her to not breathe a word.
Mohini glided into the room, as poised as ever and surveyed her daughters coolly.Tapur shivered as she felt the weight of her mother's gaze.
"You didn't answer my question."
Tapur gulped.There was no way she'd survive the inferno her mother and sister wrought and decided to make a silent escape."Baba had actually wanted to talk to me after the aarti.I think I should get going."she mumbled.
Her mother nodded tersely and she gratefully slipped out of the room.Nivedita smiled at her mother,gesturing her to sit in front of the mirror.
"It's nothing maa,just some office related stuff.I'll sort it out with Baba."
Her mother levelled a cool stare."You should really learn to lie,Nivi."
"To bad I didn't learn it from the best."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing ma.Nothing important to you atleast."
"Anything concerning me you is important to me."
"Correction,anything concerning me which affects your status is important.Anyways,I should probably go to the office.I have a few things to wrap up.I'll see you at the pandal."
"Nivi,if there's something bothering you,please lay it out clearly."her mother shot back.
"As a mother you ought to have figured it out."she replied coldly."But I'm sure Anu will have something more pleasant to discuss about.You should probably check up on him."
"You're impossible!"
"That I am."Nivi whispered quietly."You should probably go maa.I need to be alone."
Mohini cast an appraising glance at her before nodding and she left the room,gently shutting the door behind her.Nivedita heaved a sigh of relief and collapsed on the bed.It was promising to be a long day indeed.
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Mohini stared at the mirror,lost in thought,her hand hovering over the necklace Nivi had picked out for her.The sound of someone clearing their throat caught her attention and she looked up,meeting her husband's eyes in the mirror.It took her a second to overcome the surprise as she schooled her expression into one of indifferent calm.Judging by the smirk on his face,he had seen it.
"Shona,what world have you found yourself lost in?"
She rolled her eyes at him,"What nonsense,Moloy!"
He came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders."Usually,when someone doesn't hear their name being name called out twice,doesn't it mean they are lost elsewhere?"
"Are you drunk?"she fired back.
"Yes,I'm drunk in your beauty."he replied.
"Moloy!"
He continued to smile at her."Red and white suit you very well.They accentuate your blushing visage."
"I'm not blushing!'she said hotly.
He simply smiled at her.She looked at her reflection and to her dismay,she was blushing indeed.
"Anyways,what can I do for you,Moloy?"
He continued smiling ,much to her chagrin.
"What is wrong with you?Why are you ...?"she made to get up but tripped,only to be caught by him.
"Thank you."she muttered as he steadied her.
"Let's see,what's missing ?Ah,"he said,picking up the necklace and fastening the clasp at the back of her neck."Perfect !"
She met his eyes in the mirror and to her chagrin,found herself blushing again while he sported a triumphant grin.
"You haven't gotten ready yet."she finally managed to say.
"I am ready."
"Moloy,your clothes are too simple."
"What should I do,Shona?Shall I wear your makeup and perhaps one of your humongous necklaces?As fetching as I am,they'd look hideous on me I'm afraid."
"You're more likely to look hideous."she muttered darkly.He raised an eyebrow at that.
"Well miss richie-rich,I do not need makeup and jewels to look by best."
"Moloy!"she whipped around to face him,glaring at him.He was laughing at her.
"You have applied too much lipstick by the way."he said a matter of factedley.
"What?"she asked,her annoyance momentarily forgotten.
"Here,let me help you."and without warning,he kissed her.
She could feel all her blood rushing into her head as his hands slipped to her waist,pulling her close and deepening the kiss.She closed her eyes and after what seemed like an eternity,they finally drew apart,both of them slightly out of breath.
"It's getting late now,we should probably get going.I'll wait in the car for you."he said,"and your lipstick is a little smudged.You should probably fix it before you scare someone."
With a cheery wave and a pat on the shoulder,he left the room.She turned back to the mirror , still in shock.She was as red as a tomato and the smudged lipstick was doing her no favours.With a sigh,she picked up a tissue and started wiping the excess off before reapplying it.After a final check,making sure she was no longer blushing,she went to the foyer where the rest of the family was waiting to leave.
"Ma,you look beautiful."gushed Tapur,hugging her tightly.
"She is my mother,why wouldn't she look beautiful?"chimed in Anurag as she lovingly ruffled his hair.
"You're forgetting that she was my mother first."came a surly statement from Nivedita.
Mohini beckoned her for a hug.Nivi hesitated for a second,before giving in.
"Sasurji,why are you wearing lipstick?"Anupam's voice broke through the calm as Moloy arrived.
There was a pin drop's silence as everyone turned to stare at Moloy.Mohini felt the blood as drain from her face as her children put two and two together.Anu and Tapur started sniggering,whispering to each other and glancing at her repeatedly whilst Nivi looked like she wished the earth to swallow her whole.Moloy was glaring at the innocent looking Anupam.
"Anupam,I look forward to spending a lot of time with you this evening.You'll be by my side,right?"he asked with a deadly smile.
Anupam gulped at looked at his wife,who was shooting daggers at him ,and then turned to Mohini who looked like she wanted to vapourize him on the spot.
"Of course Sasurji,why not?In fact, I'll even ride with you to the pandal."
"No,that won't be necessary.I won't deprive Nivi of your company,besides.I have much more charming company."saying that,Moloy got into one of the cars.
Annoyed beyond measure and wondering if idiocy and a singular lack of tact were genetic issues,Mohini took a deep breath in an attempt to compose herself before thundering,"What is everyone waiting for?Get in!We need to reach the Pandal by 6."
Her children and son-in -law scrambled into Anu's car and took off,the tyres squealing.Shaking her head,she got in and sat with her husband.The driver took off ,his passengers hanging on for dear life.
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