As Maira and Pari stepped through the grand gates of Maira's ancestral home, a wave of nostalgia washed over Maira. This was the place where she had spent her childhood.
"Oh my God, Mother! This place is unreal!" Pari exclaimed, her eyes wide with fascination as she took in the sprawling mansion before her. Its high ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and vibrant gardens were breathtaking, an impressive sight that stood in stark contrast to the modernity and convenience of the world she had left behind.
As they entered the courtyard, a striking figure approached them. Surya, the legendary Army General, was known for both his reputation for ruthlessness and the scars that marked his paralyzed face. He moved with a commanding presence, and as his eyes met Maira's, a flicker of something—perhaps recognition, perhaps intrigue—crossed his face.
Maira felt an unexpected flutter of nervousness but greeted him with a shy smile, aware of his repute and the weight of his gaze. His scarred visage softened as he observed her. He had watched her life from a distance, and now, seeing her free from her previous burdens, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
"Who is he?" Pari whispered, closely observing the interaction. "He looks like he walked right out of a storybook."
"Just an acquaintance" Maira responded.
As they stepped into the lavishly adorned hallway, Maira was greeted by the familiar scent of jasmine mixed with fresh herbs wafting from the kitchen. The spacious living room was filled with the soft glow of oil lamps.
"Maira! My dear, you have returned!" Her mother rushed to embrace her daughter tightly, her warm voice resonating with love and concern. "You have suffered too long."
Maira returned the hug, her heart swelling with emotion. "Mother, I've missed you," she murmured, deeply inhaling the floral aroma that seemed to stitch together the past and present.
Pari watched the scene unfold with curiosity. "Grandmother!" she called out, stepping closer to join in the embrace, taking in the warmth of the moment.
Her grandmother's eyes sparkled as she cupped Pari's face in her hands. "You are stunning, my dear! You must have inherited your mother's beauty," she declared, her voice imbued with warmth that made Pari feel at home, despite the strange circumstances.
"Where is Father?" Maira finally asked, searching the room for her father's familiar face.
"He went to the market as soon as he heard you were coming," her mother replied, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "Always wanting to be the first to spoil you."
Moments later, Maira's father burst through the door, his eyes lighting up as he spotted them. "Maira! My daughter!" He dashed towards her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You should have come home sooner!"
Seeing her father made Maira's resolve falter, tears welling in her eyes as the weight of the past years began to lift. "I missed you so much," she whispered.
As her father also embraced Pari, she felt a rush of joy and connection. "I'm so glad to finally meet my granddaughter!" he said, his voice filled with a pride that echoed through the room.
Dinner that evening was a sensory overload. Exotic spices and fragrant herbs blended perfectly in traditional dishes.
"What a feast!" Pari exclaimed, her senses alive with the flavors of this ancient world. After the meal, her grandmother led her upstairs to see her new room, her heart racing with delight.
"This will be your room while you are here, my dear," her grandmother said as she opened the door. The room was adorned with silks and rich colors, a blend of comfort and beauty that left Pari spellbound. Yet, despite the luxury surrounding her, the absence of modern bathrooms struck her as jarring.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Pari approached her grandfather, eager to discuss her ideas. She wanted to build a house that incorporated modern conveniences and thoughts.
"Good morning, Grandfather," she greeted him, but before she could delve into her plans, her grandmother shifted the conversation.
"Have you thought about marriage yet?," she said, her tone shifting.
Pari's heart sank as memories of her future engagement with a prince resurfaced. I forgot about this! she thought, feeling the weight of expectation. But more importantly, she couldn't let go of her ambitions. I need to talk about my house with Veer .