Page 174 of Glass Jawed
Did I seriously just think that?
Because of fuckingfirecrackers?
Jesus Christ, what is wrong with my brain?
We’re not even together. Not really. She hasn’t said anything. No label. No “we’re back.” Just Kashvi’s teasing, a haldi-smeared nose, and that forehead kiss.
You don’t kiss just anyone’s forehead during a wedding, right?
You don’t let them kiss your temple in public. In front offamily.
Right?
I don’t even realize I’m spiraling until Raj Uncle claps me on the back, jolting me back to earth.
“Oh, just wait tilljoota churai!”he says.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a tradition where the bride’s family hides the groom’s shoes during the wedding,” he grins. “And they only give them back for a generous price.”
He rubs his thumb and forefinger together, the international sign for cash.
I laugh, despite myself. That sounds exactly like something Rohi and Kashvi would cook up together.
Wait. Ishika and Kashvi... hidingmyshoes.
Christ. Stop thinking like this.
I clear my throat. “Do we need the fireworks tonight, Uncle?”
He waves it off. “No, no.Mehendi’stonight—just the henna ceremony. Fireworks are for tomorrow for the wedding!”
I nod, grateful for the reprieve, and head back toward the courtyard. Thehaldichaos has mellowed, but the music’s still going and the drinks are flowing. The evening breeze is cool on my skin.
I’m just about to go look for Rohi when someone grabs my wrist and yanks me around the side of the mansion.
At first, I follow—assuming it’s someone I know. But the second I see who it is, I jerk back hard.
“What the hell?” I snap.
Navya stares at me, arms crossed like she’s channeling a soap opera villain. “Is it true?”
I narrow my eyes. “Iswhattrue?”
She glares harder. “You let Aarohi applyhaldion you?”
I blink. “Yes,” I say flatly. “Right after her mother put it on both of us. What’s yourdeal, kid?”
“She’s playing you!” Navya hisses. “She’s still talking toBhaiyaand going to his room every night.”
Bhaiya—brother. Advik. Right. Yeah, I don’t think so.
“Listen,” I grit out. “I don’t knowwhyyou’re pulling this shit, and honestly? I don’t care. But you’ve crossed a line, and now yourotherBhaiyais gonna be—”
“What the fuck is happening?” Advik’s voice cuts through the air like a whip.
He strides toward us, jaw clenched, and my stomach sinks. Great. Just when I was finally making progress with Rohi... now this.
