** Sree's pov**
I was stunned. I see a few people I don't know sitting in front of me.
"Chechi(means older sister)...are these your friends?" I asked confused, but it could not have been there were a few elders sitting there as well.
"Sree, they are here for the pennu kaanal chadangu ( Bride seeing function)." My sister said with a smile.
"So we are not going out?" I ask disheartened. I was quite excited to go out with my brother and sister after a long time.
"No silly. That was a trick to get you dressed. We know you'll never agree to this. So we used this tiny trick." My brother said with a laugh.
I couldn't believe this. I thought my brother and sister would respect my decision of not wanting to marry yet. I talked to them several times about this matter and rejected all the proposals so far. I was frustrated, sad and angry. After our parents died, Sanjay was all I had. He juggled work and education to take care of me. He became my mother, my father, my brother and best of all my friend. I trusted in him more than anyone else. I thought he would understand. I never thought he would go behind my back and do something like this.
"Come and help me get the tea and snacks Sree." My sister called. I followed behind her into the kitchen. She turned to look at me. "Sree.." I held my hand up to stop her.
"I thought you guys would understand. I didn't think you would go behind my back and do this." I said anger and sadness filled my tone.
"Let this one slide Sree...who knows..maybe you would like him." My sister said encouragingly.
"Hm"
"Right then, you pick up this tray with tea and follow me out after a moment. The one in the middle is for the chekkan(boy) who came to see you."
"Hm"
As soon as I made sure she left I mixed 5 tablespoons of vim to his tea and all the others that were to be given to his family members.
"Sree…"
"Coming chechi (older sister or usually a female who is a few years older than you called)."
I leave the kitchen with a pleasant smile. In the living room, I serve everyone their tea and stand beside my sister.
" The boy and the girl might want to talk to each other. Sree, why don't you both go to the next room and have a chat." My brother suggested.
"Sure. Follow me." I addressed him.