Shalini appeared from the inner room a few moments later, carrying a small steel tray with four steaming glasses of chai and a plate of glucose biscuits.
She had adjusted her ghoonghat slightly higher so her face was more visible now, cheeks still flushed from the ride, lips parted as if she was still catching her breath.
The three girls were still clustered around Arahan, Rukmini asking about school ife, Anjali teasing him about being the village heartthrob, Kavya giggling and stealing glances at his rolled-up sleeves.
Shalini set the tray on the low wooden table with a soft clink.
"Girls," she said quietly but firmly, "enough now. Go to your rooms and focus on your studies. You always use books as an excuse to avoid marriage talks, don't make it a lie."
The change was instant.
Rukmini's smile faded first. She straightened, the playful light in her eyes dimming to quiet obedience.
Anjali huffed softly, crossing her arms, but the defiance was half-hearted.
