Temporary victory

I told them that I had a lot of work and had to host, and if they put haldi on me, my clothes would get dirty. Luckily, one of my aunts intervened and I was saved.

I smiled to myself, relieved that my excuse had worked. In reality, I needed to stay clean to manage the preparations for the evening ceremony.

Just as I was about to turn around and quickly leave, I felt someone hug me from behind. It was an extremely tight bear hug. The person holding me felt much bigger and taller than me. She had hugged me in a way that both of my arms were pinned to my sides, and I couldn't move them.