Page 31 of Sumanika

“I need to work in the kitchen before Nandani wakes up,” she explained, and my brows knitted in confusion.

“Kunwarsa, where should we hang these red curtains?” a helper caught my attention, and I inhaled deeply, pointing to the top of the gallery.“There, how many times should I tell you?”

I noticed her walk past me, glancing at me briefly. I immediately followed her.

“Suno,”“Hey,” I called, but she continued walking, ignoring me.

My eyes widened at her audacity.

“Hey,” I called again, quickening my pace, and she responded by walking even faster. I noticed a few attendees watching us. My jaw tightened.

“Hey,” I shouted again, almost marching a foot behind her, before she turned right and headed to the kitchen.

Noticing the deserted corner, I quickly positioned myself in front of her and looked into her eyes.“Why are you running from me?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Why are you running after me?” she countered, inhaling deeply, a sign of her displeasure at my interruption.

“Why did you deny making the Rangoli?” I pressed, and she shook her head, attempting to walk past me as she replied,“Because I don’t want to.”

My brows knitted together.“Why?” I inquired, spreading my arms before her and gazing into her eyes.

“I have other important things to do,” she stated, batting her eyelashes.

“What’s more important than making the Rangoli? I’ve heard you create the best. Why aren’t you making one for the baby’s shower?” I asked, and she gulped.

The glow of her face faded as she tried to move past me again. I couldn’t help but grip her wrist and pull her back in front of me.

Her eyes widened in shock, her hand gripping mine, her gaze fierce with anger.“Kunwarsa,” she breathed in a low voice, warning me.

“This is an important day. Make the Rangoli,” I said, almost pleadingly, my voice lowered.

“I can’t,” she replied immediately.

“Why?”

“I have other things to do.”

“You don’t love Bhabhisa and the baby?” I asked, stepping back when she looked uncomfortable.

Her eyes filled with tears.“I do love them, but I have other things to do,” she insisted, and I found it hard to believe her.

“You can do those later. Just imagine how happy Bhabhisa will be to see the Rangoli made by you,” I said, and she shook her head.

“Please,” a tear rolled down her cheek, and noticing an attendee approaching, she quickly turned and dashed into the kitchen.

What was wrong?

She didn’t seem herself.

5

Taking my inauspicious presence near Nandani was the last thing I wanted today. It was time for the baby shower, and everyone had gathered while I kept myself busy in the kitchen.

“Suman,” an attendee’s voice caught my attention, and I looked up from the curry I was stirring.

“Ranisa is asking for you,” she informed, and I smiled, nodding.

“I will be there in a moment,” I lied. She walked away.

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