Pranati adjusted the strap of her tiffin bag and glanced toward the gate. "I should probably get going…" she murmured, already taking a small step back.
Before she could leave, Dadi's hand gently rested on her arm. "Beta, wait. Why are you in such a hurry? Come, join us for the Maha Shivratri celebration."
Pranati paused, looking at her. "Oh… I—"
Vedshree stepped forward, her voice calm but persuasive. "Yes, stay for a while. It'll be nice to have you with us. You've already brought the offering…"
Pranati hesitated, caught off guard. She had truly intended to leave, but something in the warmth of their smiles made her reconsider. A small, reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "Well… I suppose I could stay for a little while. You did invite me, after all."
Dadi chuckled softly. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Pranati's eyes sparkled with playful mischief. "Don't get used to it. I'm here to liven things up, but only on my terms. Pranati is going to set this place on fire."
Suman raised an eyebrow. "Set the place on fire, huh?"
Pranati laughed lightly. "Not literally. Just… in spirit. You'll see."
Vedshree's smile lingered, quiet and knowing, as if she had sensed something unspoken. "Then come, beta. Let's celebrate together."
Pranati nodded, taking a tentative step into the hall, her heels clicking softly, already aware that this night would be far more interesting than she had planned.
---
The hall was alive with vibrant colors, marigold garlands swaying gently in the afternoon breeze streaming through the open windows. The beat of the nagada and dhols reverberated through the floor as Pranati, Vedshree, and Suman took their positions on the stage, a lively smile dancing across Pranati's face.
Hey Dhin Tadaak Dhin Tadaak… the drumbeat kicked in, each rhythm striking a heartbeat in the chest of every spectator.
Pranati moved with effortless energy, her flowery lehenga twirling with every step, the gold shimmer catching the sunlight. Vedshree, graceful yet strong, matched her steps, while Suman added her own spark, hands moving in perfect sync to the dhol beats.
Pairon Se Bedi Zara Khol… Nagada Sang Dhol Baaje…
The lyrics echoed around the villa, blending with the rapid beat of the drums. Guests clapped along, some even tapping their feet. The three women spun, kicked, and stomped, their hands slicing the air in rhythmic harmony, eyes bright, laughter hidden beneath concentration.
Arnav, leaning against the balcony railing, watched silently. His eyes followed Pranati's every movement, the way she lost herself in the music yet controlled every motion with precision. Something about the way she moved—so full of life, so fearless—made his chest tighten.
Arav nudged Ranav, whispering, "Bhaiya, look at her. She's… amazing."
Ranav smirked, eyes twinkling. "Watch him, he can't take his eyes off her."
Arnav caught the exchange from the corner of his eye and turned sharply, cheeks reddening. "Don't even start, you two. I'm marrying Ruby soon, so don't jump to conclusions," he scolded, though the blush on his face betrayed him.
Meanwhile, the music surged, reaching the lines:
Re Khat-Khat Haan Khat-Khat… Umad-Ghumad Ghumein, Re Machle Re Mora Mann…
Pranati's movements grew bolder, more confident. She leaped, spun, and landed softly, her eyes scanning the crowd but always returning to the subtle smile she offered Vedshree and Suman in unspoken camaraderie.
The final chorus rang out:
Nagada Sang Dhol Baaje, Dhol Baaje, Dhaayn Dhaayn Dhaayn Dhum Dhaayn…
As the last beat thundered through the hall, the three women struck their final pose. Applause erupted, loud and heartfelt. Arnav remained frozen for a moment, captivated, his pulse racing faster than the drums had.
To be continued....