"Here is our new book cover ..made by one of my readers .."
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One after another, guests started arriving, and time was slipping away. If this wedding proceeds, it will be a disaster. Oh God, what should I do? Should I inform someone in the family? But we have no proof; who will believe mere words? There's only one person who trusts every lie I tell-Rudra. But is it wise to tell him? What if he doesn't believe me or stops me from doing anything? Oh no, no, it's not a good idea to tell him.
I was lost in these thoughts, nervously twisting my fingers.
"Aarushi? Beta, where is your mind wandering?"
"Huh? Oh...I...Maa..."
"What's wrong, dear? Why do you seem so troubled? Is there something you need to tell me?"
"Uhm... No, Maa, it's nothing. It's just that the wedding is approaching, and there's so much to do. It's a bit stressful."
"Everything is almost done, beta. Just a few things remain, and you've handled everything so well. What's there to worry about? And remember, we're all here to help," she said, gently caressing my cheek.
"Yes, Maa," I murmured in a soft voice.
"Did you talk to Rudra about taking time off from the office?"
"Well, Maa..."
"Oh, stop it, Maa! I've been telling you all along that I don't want to go, but she keep insisting on sending me," Rudra said, walking into the kitchen.
Maa looked confused.
"He's lying, Maa! I didn't say anything like that," I protested, giving Rudra a sharp look.
"Lying? And me? Never, Maa. She's the one telling tales here. Tell her I'm not going to the office for the next week, and she shouldn't bother me about it or ask me to go."
"But I didn't-"
"Enough, you two! You're fighting like children. You're at the age where you should be having children of your own," Maa said as she left the kitchen.
"Lying is a sin," Rudra teased as he came closer to me.
"Then why did you lie if it's such a sin?"
"Oh, I didn't lie. I'm just saving you from committing one. And if you like, I can save you from this sin too."
"Really? How?"
"By giving you a fitting punishment, of course."
"Keep dreaming," I said, suppressing a smile.
"But-"
"No buts! Now come, let's have breakfast," I said, walking out of the kitchen.
"But I want to have you," he said, stepping in front of me and blocking my way.
