episode 5

The next morning, Aditi woke up feeling refreshed after a good night’s rest. The sun was already high, and the hustle of the wedding preparations filled the house. As she freshened up, the energy in the house felt lighter today, though there was still a sense of excitement for the big day ahead.

After having breakfast with her mother, Aditi decided to visit Harshita Didi, the bride. She knew that today was a big day for Harshita, and from the brief interactions she had seen earlier, it was clear that Harshita was feeling a bit nervous about the wedding.

Aditi walked upstairs and knocked gently on Harshita’s room door. There was a slight pause before Harshita’s voice called out from inside.

"Come in."

Aditi opened the door slowly, her heart warm with understanding. She knew what it felt like to be overwhelmed by the weight of expectations, especially on such a big occasion. When she stepped inside, she saw Harshita sitting on the bed, her hands nervously folding and unfolding a piece of cloth. Her eyes were wide with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

Harshita looked up when she saw Aditi. "Aditi, I’m so nervous," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "I don’t know if I can do this."

Aditi smiled gently and walked over to the bed, sitting down beside her. "It’s okay, Harshita Didi. You don’t have to be perfect. This is your special day, and everyone is here to celebrate you. Everything will fall into place."

Harshita gave a small sigh but didn’t seem entirely convinced. "I know. But it feels like everything is happening so fast. I don’t want to mess anything up."

Aditi placed a comforting hand on Harshita’s. "Trust me, you’re going to look beautiful today. And your family loves you, they just want to see you happy. Just enjoy the moment, and the rest will take care of itself."

She noticed Harshita’s Masi walking toward the room again. The familiar sound of her footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Masi entered the room, her demeanor calm but still carrying the air of someone who had a lifetime of experience to share. She walked straight to Harshita’s bed and sat down gracefully, "Harshita, beta," she said, standing up to give her a hug. "Are you ready for the big day?"

Harshita returned the hug, still a bit nervous but smiling. "I think I’m ready, Masi. Just trying to calm my nerves."

"Today is a big day for you, Harshita. You’ll be going to your new home, starting a new chapter of your life. It’s important to understand what it means to live in someone else’s house, especially in the groom’s home." Masi’s voice lowered slightly, and she looked between Aditi and Harshita with a knowing look. "You’ll have to learn to adjust to their ways, their expectations. Marriage is not just about living together; it’s about understanding your roles and being prepared for certain... responsibilities."

Harshita listened carefully, but Aditi could see the slight blush forming on her cheeks. Masi was always the one to speak frankly about these things, but Aditi, who was still young and not yet thinking about such things, felt a little awkward hearing it.

Masi continued, not noticing Aditi’s discomfort. "It’s important to be respectful and adaptable. And there will be times when you have to manage things in a way that your husband expects, especially when it comes to your relationship in the home." She paused, her tone becoming a little more private, almost teasing. "You know, Harshita, marriage isn’t just about being a good wife—it’s also about knowing how to please your husband in all aspects of life."

Aditi’s face immediately turned red. She wasn’t sure how to react to the conversation, especially since it veered into a more adult territory that made her feel a bit awkward. Her eyes shifted uncomfortably as she looked at Harshita, who was equally flushed but trying to keep a calm expression.

Masi, unaware of Aditi’s unease, smiled knowingly. "It’s all part of becoming a woman, beta. You’ll understand more as you grow. And remember, always respect the space and the rules of the home you enter. A happy marriage comes with understanding and love—don’t forget that."

Aditi, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, decided to shift her attention elsewhere. She looked out the window, trying to avoid the conversation while still being a part of it. She was happy for Harshita, but the adult topics made her feel like she wasn’t ready for them yet.

Harshita, clearly embarrassed but also trying to maintain composure, nodded at Masi’s words. "I understand, Masi. Thank you for your advice."

Seeing that the conversation had become a bit heavy for both of the girls, Masi smiled and softened her tone. "Of course, beta. Don’t worry too much. Just remember to enjoy your day and take it one step at a time. Everything will be fine."

Aditi was relieved as the conversation shifted back to the preparations for the wedding. Masi got up, brushing her hands off. "Alright, girls, let’s get going. The wedding waits for no one!"

As Masi left the room, Aditi let out a quiet sigh of relief. Harshita, still a bit pink from the conversation, glanced at Aditi and whispered with a small grin, "I think I’m going to be a little more careful around Masi from now on."

Aditi chuckled softly, her cheeks still flushed. "I think that’s a good idea."

The two girls shared a laugh, their discomfort from the conversation easing as they returned to the preparations for the wedding. The morning felt lighter again, and though Aditi wasn’t ready to understand everything Masi had said, she knew one thing for sure: today was about supporting her cousin, making memories, and celebrating love—without the awkwardness of adult conversations.

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