I can not afford the storm.
A laughing mask
Reveal all my real life.

Dholakia family home, Green Park

In this quiet estate in India's affluent neighborhood, New Delhi, all you can hear is the off-tune singing and dancing of a very hyperactive 15-year-old.

She is singing a tune in a foreign language that her housemates don't understand until her older sister, Samiya stomps down the stairs.

"Priya, please calm down. I have a fashion project to complete... please respect the house members..." you rant exasperatedly.

"It's not that loud, Sami, what's your problem...you're again in your most annoying mood!" Priya stood still with her hands on her hips and pouted.

The music is still playing while you glance at her and switch off the boom box.

You look at her sternly and say, "Priya, please..our palaka (parents) gave me the authority to take care of you while they are on a business trip..so please don't be a brat!"

Then Priya switched on the boom box and lowered the volume.
"I don't know how you won Miss India a year ago. I think the judges were drunk, or they owed Mom a favor."

Samiya sighs, "It's because I am very mature and knowledgeable for my age...I don't want to be difficult...but I need to concentrate. Tomorrow we start with the designs. I have to finish today."

Priya smiles, understanding," Sorry, Mōṭhī bahīṇa..come sit down and relax just for an hour with your most charming little Lahāna bahīṇa. (little sister)I'll pour you something to drink. What about your favourite 24 Mantra Organic mango flavoured drink.

Then she pulls you down onto the white sofa and pours you a glass of mango juice.

With a deep frown on your face, you ask her, "Priya, will you please explain to me...why are you listening to songs that you don't even understand...you don't even like listening to Bollywood musicals."

"My dear  Mōṭhī bahīṇa, you live under a massive rock...those songs are known as Kpop songs, and the group that sings them is called BTS...they are the most adorable, handsome, and most talented group in the galaxy," Priya said dramatically.

Taking a sip of your drink, you hold up your hand and say, "Okay, then.".

She pulls her face like an irritated teacher, "No, you need to educate yourself on the finer things in life - this song is called "Fire", the hottest one ever.The boys I am going to introduce to you are seven South Koreans who debut in 2013.".

When you grumbled, "I'll never know who they are without seeing them...names don't mean anything to me......"

Due to everyone's busy schedule, you decided to spend quality time with your young Lahāna bahīṇa (Younger sister). Priya is usually all by herself since your palaka are in their late 50's.

Priya clapped her hands as she said, "Wait a minute...I'm going to connect my laptop to the TV, and then I will teach you about Bangtan Sonyoendan."

You stare at her in shock as she ran up the stairs.
"Bangtan sonna ...what! What in the world has the music scene done to my little lahana bahi a ...she sings in Korean but can't even understand what the lyrics are...teenagers."

Samiya can hear heavy thumps coming down as your sister excitedly open up her laptop and make all the TV connections.

""You're into these boys...," you asked, tying up your unruly curls into a ponytail.

"I've been crazy about them since I was 13... I remember when gran passed away... I was in a dark place, randomly streaming songs on YouTube. I clicked on their MV, and it just spoke to me... I've been a fan ever since."

Then, taken aback, you said, "Y-you've been following a boy group since you were 13. Since 2014... do our palaka know about this new obsession of yours?"

Priya laughs, "Of course they do... who do you think gave me the money to buy their merch... you'll adore them... my bias is Suga, Min Yoongi, that man is so Dēkhaṇā (handsome)" - and my bias wrecker is Jungkook."

Her words leave you stunned. Oh no, your Lahāna bahīṇa sister talked about how good-looking a guy is! If she discovers any unsavory things about these guys, you'll toss out all those CDs... or whatever she has of them...

It takes a while for the video to load. The excitement on Priya's face is priceless. It's hard to believe she's got you watching Kpop music with her.

The intro is cute. Wow, Bighit... music and artists for healing... okay.

As Priya jumps up and down, she says, "Oh, Samiya, you'll adore them... trust me... I'm taking you on a wild ride today!"

You replied with a chuckle, "Let's see what they're about; they better not sing anything crude, curse, or get too provocative."

There's this cute Asian dude with grey hair, and he's got such a baddie attitude in the video... okay.

Priya's all hyped up while you watch her. She's totally thrilled with these guys. If they're putting her in such a good mood, they're definitely worth watching...

Priya excitedly points to each member, "That's Suga, his stage name, real name Min Yoongi, also known as Agust D when he raps, my bias...my Stan, my favorite member, but I love them all equally... he just stands out for me."

The choreography was fire, and the videography and editing were top-notch. The styling caught your eye. That's some designer brand; impressive.

When you point at the guy with green hair, you ask, "Who's that with the green hair... why are their hair colors so crazy?"

Priya chuckles, "Oh, that's Kim Namjoon, Rapmonster...the leader, super smart, high IQ... when they have a comeback or a new concept, their styles change... pretty impressive."

Watching the boys' dance moves and vocal range, you're quite impressed...

-You point at the one with orange hair, "They're all quite good-looking, I must say...wow, Priya...do these guys ever get tired... the one with orange hair has such striking facial features. Korean guys aren't too bad-looking." You're quite taken with their looks.

Priya laughs, "That's V...Kim Taehuyng, the visual and main vocalist of the group. He's always voted as having the best face or being the most handsome."

As you look at all the boys, you nod. Then Jin appears. Blonde hair and cute lips. His lips keep your attention. Oh my gosh! You're gushing over a guy! Your heart races irregularly. You've never seen such a handsome guy before. You're breathless.

You mutter to yourself watching him on the screen. A slight cough, and in a husky voice, you ask, "Um...who's the tall guy in the pink shirt... he must be pretty confident to rock such a girly color." You snicker.

Priya giggles, "He's Mr. Worldwide Handsome, very confident now... he trained as an actor, but Bighit let him debut as a singer... when he started, he didn't know anything about singing or dancing. He's Kim Soekjin, known as Jin... he's hilarious and the eldest member. Main Visual and vocals, like V."

Jin has caught your eye, and you're not quite sure why. Maybe it's his looks that have piqued your interest.

A black-haired dancer with white earrings catches your attention. "He's so cute... love his physique... so athletic."

Priya pauses the video. "He's the youngest, named Jeon Jungkook. He's a high school student... very popular. They call him the golden maknae."

You frown, "What's that?"

Priya smiles, "It means the youngest member of a family or group. Like me, he's multi-talented, artistic, athletic, sings, dances, raps... The one in the orange jersey is Park Jimin, also a dancer and singer... really cute."

You notice the eyeliner on the boys, "So these guys can wear makeup." Different country, huh?

Priya pouts, "Of course... they're Kpop idols... don't judge them, our Bollywood singers overdo in the black eyeliner" almost poking her finger in your eyes.

She replays certain parts to highlight another member, "And Jung Hoseok is the sunshine of the group...Jhope or Hobi is the lead dancer and rapper... he's cool... I love him."

"I'm amazed at how much you know about them... Hmm... I can see they had a big impact on you." You express your astonishment.

In a quiet voice, she says, "When you're lonely and all by yourself, these people become your family and your lifeline - watch this video called 'Dope' where they're dressed in career attire."

The boy's energy is appealing to you. As a doctor, Jin looks hot. His glossy black hair looks great. If he is your doctor, you'll pretend to be sick every day.

It would be best if you tried spending more time with her. Around her, everyone is so busy. She is now also involved in modelling to keep busy.

You and your whole family became famous because you came from a pageantry family. Your mom was Miss India in the 70s, your moms' little lahana bahi your Kākī (aunty), was Miss India and won the Miss World title in 1994. Currently, she is a well-known actress: Aisha, your aunt.

In addition to your national titles, you and your Mōṭhī bahīṇa,  have also become well known in your country. At the age of 18, your Mōṭhī bahīṇa, won the Miss Teen India International pageant.

Priya clapped her hands excitedly, "They also do solo tracks... they're super talented. Who do you wanna listen to?"

"What about that dude with the blonde hair and pink shirt...I think his name's Soekjan," you pretend to ponder.

Priya clicks her tongue, "You gotta know their names if you plan to join the ARMY."

"Huh!" You sit up straight. "Uh... Join the military group?"

"Never mind... I won't bore you with that. Let's check out the solo songs of our handsome Soekjin since 2013..." Priya jokes.

Your breath hitched... he's so irresistible and charming. Your fingers start to tingle, and icy shivers run down your spine, like frostbite. Oh my gosh. Are you feeling unwell?... Suddenly, it feels like the whole house is freezing.

As goosebumps appear on your arms, you rub them. Oh my gosh! Falling sick now is just not an option...

Instantly, the thought strikes you: "Oh man...I've got to finish my design work...sorry sis...we'll catch up on that tomorrow." You brushed off this strange occurrence.

Priya pouts, "Promise... okay, what do you want for dinner?"

You turn around, "Tell our chef that Fish Biryani would be awesome."

You retreat to your room to ponder what happened a few minutes ago. This has never happened to you before. You wonder why it's happening now...

After taking a quick shower, you begin working on your project. A little apprehension arises about what happened to your body...it frightens you. Your phone suddenly rang.

You quickly grab the phone and look at the ID. You smile fondly. It's your lovely friend Alia. At school, all the boys went gaga over her. She was branded as a Tarnished because she is so obsessed with boys.

She's one of the most beautiful heartbreakers. Despite having many offers before 21 years of age, especially when your fame grew, you never really desired to date.

You've even appeared in a music video for a pop star.

Both of you study fashion design at Pearl Academy of Fashion. Aside from her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management, Alia is also a part-time model, but she hates pageants.

With a cheerful voice, Alia said, "Howzit India's Sweetheart, how far are you with your designs? Rajesh and Malia said you are in a group. Did you hire the best textile students?".

"We were assigned to each other. I'm glad they are hard workers...we need a great collection for our finals...I want to be in the top ten this year." You laughed.

"You will be..." Alia giggled, "remember you had to take a break from your studies when you won, Miss India."

Then you sigh, "True, but you've been such a good friend to take the year off as well."

Alia laughs, "How would you cope without me on all those appearances, TV and radio interviews and fashion shows?"

"Yeh...now we have to work even harder to graduate with our freshman class." You scoff.

"I just called to tell you that I have a new boyfriend," Alia exclaimed with excitement.

After gasping in horror, you said, "Really...again. What happened to Rafique and Godath? You only date them for two weeks each. Aunty Maya will force you into an arranged marriage. You abuse your Tarnished status."

Alia protested at the other side, "Not my fault the System branded me that...I'm not 35 yet, so I'll enjoy my single status."

You pout and reply, "I wish I was tarnished...you wouldn't have to worry about Soulbonding...and soulmates."

Alia giggled," You are made to make someone very happy. You love babies, weddings, and all that fairytale stuff. That's why you look so good in all those couture dresses."

Changing the subject, you asked, "What is your new conquest name?".

"Oh...Danesh Ramsammy...he's a software engineer. Fellow Tarnished...but I'll see how far the relationship can go?"

You just shook your head in disbelief. You felt hungry when Priya called you down for dinner. You said goodbye to Alia and walked down to the dining room.

Your chef well fed you and Priya. Your chef and housekeeper are taking good care of you until your parents return.

He made you and Priyas' favourites that would last for the whole weekend among many other dishes. Naan bread and Roti, tandoori, curry and Tikka chicken, Biryani and spicy fritters.

You and Priya watched a Netflix movie together after a delicious dinner before going to sleep for a well-earned rest.

You are excited for tomorrow...

A/N Thank you to all my readers. This is the first chapter of my Seokjin soulmate book. Please enjoy, give the book some love by voting or commenting.