Engagement

Ch-12

Maha Lakshmi gave it to me when her husband intervened.

"Son, there is an auspicious time in another hour," the old pandit said. He looked like he was in his nineties or eighties.

Laya wondered how he was still holding on with that much age.

"Since we have fixed the auspicious time. Shall we start the segment? Get my future-daughter-in-law ready?" Maha Lakshmi said.

"Aunt, but Rahul is not here," Durga tried to say.

"It doesn't matter," Maha Lakshmi said.

"But you didn't let the segment happen when my sister is absent, Aunt!" Abhinav almost yelled at her.

Maha Lakshmi looked at him with a frown as he raised his voice at her.

"Abhinav…" Laya's weak voice could be heard in the silent room where a storm was brewing. Her voice attracted the commotion. Maha Lakshmi looked at her with displeasure.