Hey guys!👋 How are you all? You know, my best friend is going through a break up rn..No! Do not sympathize with her. This happens to her in every three months and yeah..with the same guy she has been dating for four years now 😪 I know at this stage, every girl wants her best friend to say something like 'He was an a$$hole' and 'You deserve better' blah blah ..but, how can I do that  knowing it's her who always messes up! 🤦‍♀️ Worst of all: Her (ex/present) boyfriend is my cousin, who could be described as an 'innocent bad boy '..😭

Yeah, my story is quite the one I'm writing 😂😂 So, let's just jump and get back to 'Prejudiced' to feel better ..😊

***

Eshaanvi did whatever she could, not because the guests were Hardik's brother and his wife but because they were guests of her brother Rahul. From the childhood, she learnt that how you honour a guest is the honour you deserve.

Finally, she was happy with the result and decided to keep the food at their places. She spent 20 more minutes cleaning the mess around, especially the ones made by her brother and his idiotic friend.

'All ready?' Rahul asked her as she came back drying her hands with a towel.

'Done.' She said with a proud shrug, putting a smile on her brother's lips.

'Thank you Esh. Thank you so much! You have no idea what me and Harry would have done if you didn't intervene.' Rahul sighed in realization.

Eshaanvi looked at her brother for a split second and 'true' she uttered with sarcasm before passing over shaking her head.

Rahul scoffed.

'And please, get ready in good clothes before they arrive. The one you are wearing is stained with curries.' Rahul reminded shouting after his sister.

Eshaanvi knew very well about this. She couldn't stand a second more in this dress. She got to put on something good before the guests arrive.

*******

I took a quick shower, making my skin and body relax. I ran my hands through the wardrobe. What to put on? Dressing for special occasions had always been my drawback. I'm really bad at choosing dress or doing makeup. That's the reason I always took Bhavna with me whenever I needed to get a dress.In here, Kavya is doing that part.

Finally, I made a decision and decided not to overthink. They aren't gonna stay for long, I guess.

I put it on and let my hairs down in there natural way.

Good for now!

I got out of my room to check if the house looked decent. Dining CHECK. Living room CHECK. Book Shelf CHECK. I adjusted some cushions on the couch and took the flower stand few centimeters to the right. That looks better.

I mentally patted myself realizing that I was the most decent and matured person in the house and smiled proudly. I turned around to make way to the dining again but..

'Oops sorry!' That guy almost ran into me.

'Sorry! Don't you have eyes? You know you could have just ran me into the flower stand, breaking both me and the stand.' I said in annoyance.

But, to my disbelief, Hardik just looked at me, as if he saw an alien!

My annoyance reached its peak.
'What now? You think, I'm an al..'

'Who are you, devi ji?' that jerk asked me.

Huh?

'Hardik, what kind of joke is this? What did you just call me?' I asked crossing my arms on my chest.

'De..' he blinked and then cleaned...or rather pretended to clean his eyes.
'Why are you looking like Rahul's bratty little sister?' he asked pretending to be confused.

I rolled my eyes. 'Laugh at your jokes alone, Pandya. I'm off.' I said trying to walk away but before I could I felt my wrist being grabbed and pulled to my previous place.

'What the hell..?' I asked pulling off his grip.

Hardik eyed me again, as if with suspicion. 'Am I missing something?' he asked. 'Is there a festival or something today? Or...wait! Finally, Rahul took my advice and tried to get you married and the boy's family are visiting today. Bingo!' he said chuckling.

I threw him a death glare. He dare not make fun of my clothing.

'Shut up! This is a traditional dress I'm wearing and you should respect that. Of course, I understand that the girls you hang out with barely has any in their stock and you probably think these are ugly and outdated. So, go ahead. Tell me how ugly I look. I don't mind.' I rolled my eyes ignoring the pest and walking off.

'Wait!' he turned around. 'When did I say you look ugly?' he asked suddenly, his voice slightly changed.

I rolled my eyes, not bothering to stop or answer him.

'Esh! Tweety bird! Wait!..' I heard him call from behind but I never bothered to look.

Such a prick!

****

...and the doorbell finally rang. After that small spat with Hardik, I kinda lost my mood and concentrated on the me vs me ludo match I was playing. Besides, I don't know Krunal or his wife. So, there's no point in receiving them.

I heard a huge applauding reception. There was female laughter as well. I assume that's Krunal's wife Pankhuri.
I tried to focus on the match. Me (myself) vs me (trying to cope).

Focus Esh focus! As the dice rolled, Rahul's voice reached my ears.

'Esh, look who's here?' he called, as if I knew them from centuries.

I sighed ending the game and packing up the board. Got to show my face now.

***

I tried my best to walk in a decent manner as I reached the living room filled with chatters and laughs, all of which came to a stand still as the four pairs of eyes fell on me.

Oops! Awkward! I really hate such situations.

I tried giving them a tight lipped smile to which, my brother finally realized he needed to say something.

'By the way, Krunal, Pankhuri! This is my baby sister, Eshaanvi, and Esh....This is Krunal and his wife, Pankhuri..' Rahul formally introduced us.

'So, you're Eshaanvi!' Pankhuri smiled greeting me. 'I've heard a lot about you. But....'

But...?

She paused with a frown of confusion and looked at her brother-in-law Hardik and then back at me. '...but, you don't look like a hungry wild canary about to eat up its cage !'

Hungry Wild what...??

'What?' I asked not believing what impression a lady held about me on our first meeting.

I guess Pankhuri realized the same because she suddenly changed her expressions from that of confusion to that of happiness. 'I'm sorry dear, Eshaanvi. I know it sounded bad but this Harry said...'

My eyes widened. I should have known. I threw Hardik a death glare, to which he sneakily looked away.

Ugh! I just wish I could just slap...

Thump!

...before I could finish desiring, the sound reached my ears.

'...Ouch!' Hardik exclaimed from a small slap his brother Krunal placed  on his arm.

'Why do you tell us wrong things about people?' Krunal questioned. 'Eshaanvi is such a beautiful girl and you..

'Don't mind him, dear. My brother-in-law is as crazy as my husband.' Pankhuri smiled trying to tame the situation. 'Come, sit down.' Pankhuri welcomed me to the seat beside her. I forced a smile and did what she said, eyeing the creepy smile Hardik had on his face as if he wa the 'little baby in the house'.

I'll get this Pandya once they're gone. He may not like me or my appearance but how dare he spread such rumors amongst others..

Rahul was equally stunned by everything happening. 'Uhh...by the way, you know Esh prepared today's dinner all by herself. In fact, me and Harry were about to ruin everything when she stepped up..' Rahul said changing the mood of the livingroom.

'Really?' Krunal exclaimed. 'Wow! You see that, Piku. And she's around 20. Then there's you who can barely prepare a decent dessert by 2 hours.' Krunal teased his wife.

'Woah! So, it was your cheerleaders of Mumbai Indians who surprised you by making you the best Thai food on your birthday?' Pankhuri questioned.

'What? Cheerleaders!' Krunal said with disgust. 'Come on! Anyone can make thaf when you have YouTube. But, when it comes to time..'

'Relax, you two!' Rahul chuckled at the lovely banters. 'Who'd say these two had been married for five years now. Seems like they've just been dating for three months as teenagers.'

I chuckled too. 'You two are so sweet. And don't worry, I'm sure..' I paused thinking a split second... '...didi would prepare a piece of dinner in 15 minutes when it's needed. Or else, there's no rush in making something delicious.' I said with a smile.

Pankhuri smiled at me, on taking her side. 'Aww! You're so sweet, Eshaanvi! Guess I've got someone in my team now.' she teased her husband, who rolled his eyes.

'I hope things turn out the way you said, Eshaanvi. Or else, your didi is the last person I'd trust with unexpected guests in my house.' Krunal retorted.

Pankhuri looked at me ignoring him. 'Ignore him, Eshaanvi. Now, tell me. I heard you'd be serving as the physio of MI, this time?' she asked.

Uhh...I wish I could forget that.

'Uhh...yeah..kind of. There's this agreement between the IPL and KDAH. So...' I shrugged trying not to recall what landed me in this position.

'Beware this time, bro. Now, you know that there's a no way out if you are injured this time.' the devil cracked the awful joke towards his brother.

My fists clenched.

'Harry!' Pankhuri threw him a glare of annoyance. 'She'd be new to this whole environment and that's how you're greeting her!?'

'Greeting! Oh my god!' Hardik did a dramatic prayer making triangle before himself. 'I wasn't even close to greeting her, bhavi. In fact, I only wished..'

'Shut up, Harry!' thankfully Krunal stopped him before I burst over his annoying acts. 'Listen Eshaanvi, I know you are knew and your brother won't be with you either. But, don't worry, I'll be there for you. You are like a little sister to me and I'll try to make things really comfortable for you over there.' Krunal said with a promising demeanor.

A smile formed on my face. His smile and words seemed so genuine.

'Thank you! Thank you, so much. I'd really love that.' I said in a thankful tone.

****

Krunal and Pankhuri seemed so genuine. They were nothing like the the other creepy person I knew from the family.

As the boys talked about teams and points, Pankhuri decided to help me in asserting the dinner.

'It was really not needed, didi. I could have done it myself. It's just the five of us.' I tried the last attempt of not taking help from a guest.

'Well, Eshaanvi, once you're calling me didi and then, you're trying to serve things all by yourself. Not cool at all. If we do it together, we can save time and labor.' Pankhuri said patting my shoulder and walking ahead to get the plates.

I smiled with tight lips, surrendering to her.

'But, I really can't believe you managed to cook so many things in such a short time! I confess, I could have never done that.' Pankhuri chuckled seeing the foot items.

I felt a little embarrassed. 'Oh no..didi. It's just the regular pulao, dal makhani, aloo matar and a cauliflower item I did in South Indian style. I know, this is all veg and I couldn't even manage some fries.'

Pankhuri looked at the dishes examining them.

'ehm...I wanted to do something more with the cheakpeas. But, Rahul and Hardik ...well, they got hold of those before I could and burnt those to waste.' I added in defence.

Pankhuri looked at me and chuckled. '...and I have to give it to you on how you have managed all these things despite the two dorks entering the kitchen.' she carried a bowl up.

'Well, I agree with that.' I said picking up the plates.

'By the way, you know Harry is so fond of cauliflowers.' she said carrying things to the dining table as I followed her with other things. 'He'll love this, for sure.'

'Who? Hardik?' that came abruptly from my mouth, accompanied by a sarcastic look.

'Yeah...and he..' Pankhuri paused as she turned to face my expression. Her own expressions changed. 'You are not too fond of him, it seems.' she said raising her eyebrow.

Oops..she caught me.

'Uh...actually...' I tried changing the topic but Pankhuri spoke faster.

'I know. Harry could be so annoying at times but you know, my brother-in-law has the heart of gold.' she said with a serious smile.

Really? I hate gold now.

I smiled, not wanting to challenge Pankhuri as we went to the kitchen again to carry stuffs.

'You know when me and Krunal were dating and he introduced me to his brother, even I felt to detested. He used to pull my legs and crack awkward jokes at times.' she chuckled. 'But, then Krunal told me that one day you'll know how lucky we are to have him in our lives. And he was so right. May be, one day you'll feel that too.' she said.

That day I'd sleep for whole 24 hours..

'Well...you seem really happy with your family.' I said not wanting to hear about Hardik any more.

'Not actually.' Pankhuri sighed. 'Nothing feels right, when your husband barely takes you out with him when he travels. '..especially during the IPL. In fact, I become so insecure with the number of attention he gets from the girls.'

I chuckled. 'Oh my god! That's great actually. Now, you know your choice is excellent.'

Pankhuri frowned. 'Not at all. You won't understand.' she said picking the spoons.

I smiled placing my hand on her shoulder. 'Don't worry, didi. This time, I'll be traveling with them and I assure you your husband would be all safe.'

Pankhuri smiled. 'Aww! You're so sweet! You know, I trust him a lot but ...' she sighed.

May be it's his brother's company that's making her doubtful of her husband.

'Don't worry didi. I've seen your husband. He's so in love with you. Besides, look at you. Who can ever think of someone else over such a beautiful wife?' I teased.

Pankhuri chuckled lookingat me. 'You're so right, Eshaanvi.'

***

The rest of the time went so well as we dined together. At times, Hardik was definitely there to with his indecencies, like ..'Oops someone hates loud laughs' and '...not as bad as I thought.' '...at least, the spice in this aloo matar is more tolerable than its cook.'

And being the bigger and the more matured parcel, I decided to smile it away.

Some other time, Hardik...

*****