The Charade

1| 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖋𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓

KASHI'S POV

"Kashi, dear, where are you?" I heard Papa's voice echoing through the house as I pouted while gazing at myself in the mirror. The Sage green silk sharara suit looked stunning on me. My hair was left open, and I tucked them behind my ear, the silver shining contemporary jhumkas made my look complete. I smiled, swiftly grabbing the small silver bindi before darting downstairs, ensuring I didn't forget my phone.

"I'm here," I declared, scanning the faces already gathered in the living room. My gaze swept over each one of them. Mummy looked beautiful in her royal blue Banarasi saree, adorned with intricate golden work. Papa matched her attire with a royal blue coat and pants, a vibrant red handkerchief peeking from his pocket. My eyes then landed on Chetna Massi, her peach-colored silk suit exuding elegance, followed by Lalit Mausa ji, donning a crisp white kurta-pajama paired with a sleek black waistcoat.

And then from the kitchen came Nandini wearing a dark red saree. For a moment, my eyes widened as I took in her attire. Why was she dressed as if it were her wedding? She had heavy gold earrings in her ear. My eyes didn't move from her.

But she does look pretty, I admitted to myself as I walked over to greet the elders.

"The groom's side might be arriving anytime soon," Massi informed with a smile.

I gave her a small nod as I moved to sit beside Mummy.

"Are you feeling nervous, beta?" Mummy questioned. I licked my lips out of nervousness and shook my head slightly, "No." Despite my words, the churning ache in the pit of my stomach due to anxiety mocked me for lying.

But it's okay, maybe it's normal.

I got up and approached Nandini.

"How do I look, Kashi?" She questioned as she twirled. The elders delved into their conversation, with Mummy and Massi also engaging with the servants.

"You look beautiful," I told her as I admired her red saree with the simple blouse. The silver glasswork on the hem of her saree looked exquisite, shimmering under the chandelier's light, enhancing her beauty. Her milky white skin gleamed, as it always did.

Nandini has always been beautiful.

"Even you look cute," she said with a small smile. I nodded, trying not to dwell on the fact that she called me cute.

I shouldn't be cute, I should be pretty or beautiful. I tried not to let her words affect me.

It's nothing new. She always does this. She brings me down in a subtle way, just like her father. They both want to show others how superior they are while belittling everyone else.

Oh, I adore her, but sometimes her words pierce my heart.

"By the way, Kashi," she began, and I hummed, looking at her, "don't you think this suit is highlighting your breasts? I mean, it looks good, but it's making you look so busty." Her gaze shifted between my bust and my eyes. Okay fine, if I have breasts like these but this is not something she should poke me over, I never said that she got a zero figure.