Talisha's long black braidswayed elegantly as she made her wayintothe courtyard.
She had her thoughts organized and all that was left was to find out what the future promised.
She glanced at the man. He had a decent look—well-built, with a humble expression.
He hadn't spoken at all since he first arrived, except for the occasional greeting. She had been listening keenly for it.
She had made up her mind to look for all the positives, to ease her decision.
She went over to the table and neatly placed down the dishes, observing the family without making it obvious.
It was hard, for all eyes were on her.
She then greeted the father, the man, and his younger siblings.
She turned back and sat beside her mother, her gaze lowered in respect.
"Don't be shy, Mr. Rolo. Eat to your heart's content. The journey must've been tiresome, and you've barely touched your plate," Jatan said politely.
Runal shot her husband a sharp look for the blatant sarcasm.
It was true, though—the man had a shockingly intricate way of eating, barely disturbing the plate.
But the banter seemed to go right over the target's head, for Mr. Rolo was on to his next dish with visible satisfaction.
Mr. Rolo seemed to have no thoughts left for anything other than the feast before him, as his nostrils were tickled by the aroma.
The younger kids got attracted to and joined their father.
The eldest son, on the other hand, seemed to share none of his siblings' appetite.
He kept sneaking occasional glances at Talisha, who was doing the same, and soon, it turned into a quiet game of hide-and-seek between their eyes.
"You have raised a graceful daughter, Mr. Pakshi," Mr. Rolo said, sounding sincere for the first time.
Runal looked proudly at her daughter and silently cracked her index finger, a secret gesture to prevent any jinx.
"Their mother deserves all the praise. I am barely home most of the day," Jatan replied with a smile.
"Well then, all the praise to Mrs. Pakshi. A great parent—and an even better cook!"
He laughed his contagious laughter and raised his hands in her respect.
Runal bent sideways to her husband and whispered something.
He was overtaken by her sudden shift in behavior and even forgot to listen for a moment before regaining his focus.
"She thanks you for the high praise. But it was Talisha who made this serving."
Rolo looked surprised.
"Don't scare me like that. With a lineup of cooks like them, you may even take over our business,"
Rolo said, trying to sound angry—and then erupted in laughter.
Jatan couldn't help but join him, for the sheer theatrical nature of the laugh that this man carried.
"Why don't we let the kids talk? Let them get familiar while we talk about the boring stuff," Jatan offered.
"Absolutely. Go, kids—take a walk."
The order had caught them off guard, and both sat up awkwardly.
"Where should we go?" Retal asked, with only a hint of confidence.
"This way," Talisha pointed to the stairs, without meeting his gaze.
He took deliberately slow steps, concealing his excitement.
They made their way up to the roof and stepped into the open air.
The sky instantly overlapped them with bright light and slow waves of air.
They could easily hear the crowd in the festival street—laughing and bargaining.
She wondered if anyone had seen the grass.
That reminded her of Rani. They had left her in the care of one of Leon's friends for the day.
I hope they take good care of her.
They stood there in perplexing silence.
Talisha was glad for the chance to talk privately, but she also wished Papa had warned her beforehand.
Now she stood there, trying to gather up both courage and words.
It was Retal who finally broke the silence.
"You look gorgeous, Ms. Talisha."
He hasn't even seen my face. Does he want to? Perhaps it's a signal to lift my veil? I can't do that. Not before marriage. At least not before it's final. And why is he already calling me by my name?
But wait. The final decision is mine—and I will say yes… right?
She realized he was waiting for a reply, so she answered with a simple, "Thanks."
Retal had been hoping for a compliment of his own.
Maybe she's just shy. How cute.
"Did you cook all those dishes by yourself?"
She nodded.
"They looked tasty. But I had to leave them for Father and the little ones. Especially Father," he said, his confidence returning in large strides.
He managed to get a little chuckle out of her.
But half of it came from her restraining herself from laughing at the sheer size of his father.
"Do you have anything you want to talk about?" he finally asked.
Should she deny him? Of course not. A chance like this wouldn't come again.
But what should she ask?
"Do you help with your father's shop? Or do you earn some other way?"
She stalled for time, trying to think of something more meaningful.
But this actually was one of the questions she truly wanted to ask.
"I do. I also take care of the farm. Father says I'm good—and that I might even make my way to the royal kitchen."
"That's wonderful."
She adjusted her veil. She wasn't used to it, having scarcely needed it as a child.
"As for myself, I just help Mumma in the kitchen and other household stuff. And I single-handedly take care of the cattle. I also know how to work on the farm." She said without looking him in the eyes.
"That's good"
Why did she ask about my livelihood? She could have asked this from the family.
Maybe she's just as awkward as me and can't think of anything to ask without sounding disrespectful.
Maybe I should lead first.
"You know, it's awkward talking like this before marriage. That's not what usually happens."
That caught her attention.
"Yes, you are right. It is indeed awkward. But I also think we are extremely lucky and should be grateful."
Her voice is cute too.
"Absolutely. I am grateful. It's great to be able to talk to you like this."
"We will be staying in the village for a few more days—for the festival. Will you come with me to the festival? I'll talk to my father. And yours. We'll be able to talk and know each other better."
He tried to be bold, to lead the conversation into a more personal space.
"Well, that's what we are here for right now. Isn't it? To know eachother better. It will seem appropriate to meet often like that in public."
"I see. You are much more socially aware than I am."
His laugh was shallow in contrast to his father's. Or maybe he was just shy.
"Is there anything you would like to ask me?" he said without thinking much.
She still couldn't think of anything.
I should have been prepared for something like this. How stupid of me.
If I ask the right questions and get the right answers, would I fall in love? Is this actually how people fall in love? How mumma and papa fell in love?
She wondered, and then a question popped into her head.
"If I may be so bold… and sorry if I sound rude, but it's something I'm afraid of—and it will calm my heart if you answer honestly.
I'm not questioning your honor or your faith, so.. if I may ask… can you tell whether you drink or not?"
Talisha suddenly realized she hadn't offered him a seat.
How could she make such a basic mistake? What would he be thinking of her right now?
Her veil had made her oblivious to the piercing sunrays, and she had completely forgotten how it must have felt for him.
"You can sit here," she said hurriedly, pulling the rope bed into the shadows.
How caring.
He hadn't noticed the heat, as he was lost in the moment.
But he sat down regardless, in consideration of her thoughtful action.
"Thank you. And... you don't need to worry. I am a man of God. I have never touched a bottle of booze. And I don't plan to."
Her heart felt a little lighter, and she looked at him properly for the first time, even if only for a few moments.
He did look fine. As fine as any young man her age.
How much agency did beauty have in such matters?
She felt anxious but told herself that it was normal.
How shall I even know what love is in such brief moment? Does it even matter in the first place in front of my duty?
She did not have any answers for herself.
"Do you have anything you want to ask me?" she said, devoid of questions.
"Well, yes, I do. So let me ask...Do you feel better now? Calm?"
She nodded quickly, wondering if it was sarcasm or if he was serious.
Should I apologize for the earlier question?
Was it disrespectful?
No, that was just me being honest.
After spending a few more silent moments, they decided to return to the courtyard.
They found their fathers talking about land, dowry, and other important stuff.
The entire room shifted their gaze to them, and followed them till they were seated.
"What did you talk about?" Rolo asked bluntly.
Retal and Talisha were stunned. Everyone in the room was caught off guard.
Do we really have to tell him—
"Aah—I was just joking! Lighten up, would you! Haha!"
What an atrocious banter!
Runal complained to herself.
"So did you like her, son?" Rolo patted his son's back with chunky hands.
"Yes," he answered slowly. Shy, yet confident.
"Of course you did, you lucky fellow. The real question is whether she liked you too."
He now shifted his gaze directly to her, and the room followed.
Of course, she had an answer. She had been practicing.
Everyone waited in silence, as the smell of tobacco filled the air.
She lifted her gaze and looked at her mother before looking back again to the floor.
She clenched her fists and finally gave an answer.
Another silent nod.