The next morning, the house was bustling and looked like a festival ground. Strings of fresh marigold garlands hung from the carved pillars and in the backyard, cooks working to get the food ready. The courtyard shimmered with women in colourful sarees moving in clusters while men in spotless white veshtis, conversing.

Inside the living hall, Reshmi stood beside Karthik, her hands neatly folded, a smile plastered on her face that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Guests greeted her and Karthik with warm blessings… She responded with soft nods and polite smiles. Beside her, Karthik was playing the part of a dutiful groom-to-be perfectly. He then, leaned close to whisper something in her ear,