Baba introduced Kushagra to everyone.
“Listen, everyone! This is Kushagra, our very own Kush! He’s like an elder brother to you all. A wonderful young man from a very respectable family.”
Kushagra smiled warmly. “You can all just call me Kush.”
Just then, Kajal arrived with a tray of hot pakoras.
“Here, Kush.” she said softly.
Kushagra looked at Kajal in surprise. “Do you already know me?”
Kajal hesitated a little. “No… I mean… actually…”
Kush chuckled. “I was your senior in school. Perhaps you’ve seen me there.”
Lata silently observed their conversation.
Kushagra took a bite and exclaimed, “Wow! This is amazing! Kajal, your cooking is incredible!”
Kajal lowered her gaze and smiled.
Kush added, “Are you still as shy as before? Were you like this as a child too?”
Kajal looked at him in astonishment.
Lata, intrigued, kept listening. Suddenly, she heard—
“You still look as beautiful as ever, Kajal.”
Before Kajal could respond, Kushagra smiled mischievously and said, “And you still blush the same way!”
Lata’s eyes widened as she watched them.
That night, when Kajal entered her room, Lata rushed in and shut the door behind her!
“Kajal! Tell me the truth, was your childhood crush Kush?”
Kajal gasped. “What? Are you crazy?”
Lata grabbed a pillow and playfully threw it at her! “Hahaha! I heard your flirting! You gave him pakoras, and he took your heart!”
Kajal covered her face. “Uh, Lata! Stop talking nonsense!”
Lata crossed her arms and smirked. “Then tell me, who was your childhood crush?”
Kajal stayed silent.
Lata studied her face for a moment and then suddenly screamed, “Oh my God! It’s true! Your crush WAS Kush! That’s why your grades dropped once!”
Kajal quickly covered Lata’s mouth. “Shhh! Someone will hear!”
Lata, still laughing, asked, “So tell me, will you confess to Kush?”
Kajal said nothing, only stared out the window.
Outside, Kushagra was talking on the phone. In the darkness, his face seemed unreadable.
But why?
The day of Lata’s wedding arrived. The entire house was bustling with joy, laughter, and endless preparations. But one face lacked any happiness—Mamoni’s.
Kajal noticed how Mamoni avoided looking at her. Every time she tried to help, something went wrong.
She accidentally knocked over jewellery, tore a flower garland while arranging it—everything seemed to go against her. It was as if Mamoni was deliberately keeping her away.
Kajal felt hurt but said nothing. She just wanted Lata’s special day to go smoothly.
To be continued…
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