The expression on her face was priceless. I wanted to laugh but controlled myself.
Her parents were speechless; they immediately joined their hands and fell at my feet. I quickly stopped them and helped them stand.
"Don't do this. I'm going to be your son-in-law," I said firmly.
I told my mom to make the preparations.
In a few minutes, we were sitting near the mandap. She was still in shock, and honestly, she looked so cute. Ahh, I just wanted to kiss those lips.
Okay, control yourself, Akash. Let's focus on this.
The priest's chants echoed in the air. She walked beside me, her lehenga shimmering under the glow of the lamps, her steps delicate yet steady-until they weren't.
It happened so fast. One moment, she was beside me; the next, she stumbled. My heart skipped a beat as I saw her lose her balance. Instinct took over. Before she could fall, I reached out and scooped her into my arms as if she weighed nothing.
The murmurs around us turned to shock, then cheers, but I barely heard them. All I saw was her-her wide, startled eyes meeting mine, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"Don't worry," I murmured with a reassuring smile. "I've got you."
With her cradled in my arms, I resumed the pheras, each circle around the fire cementing promises of a lifetime together. It felt right-like fate had decided to intervene and give us a story no one would forget.
Then came the moment for sindoor. I applied it, but a little fell on her nose.
She looked adorable, like a red tomato. Her face was red from crying, and now the sindoor added to it. Ahh, she looks so beautiful.
My mom looked so happy, standing with her friend beside her.
Soon, the wedding was complete, and we were preparing to leave for my house.
She was crying continuously, clinging to her father and mother. My mom said some soothing words to comfort her and gently made her sit in the car.
I sat beside her. Vivek was in the front seat, and Mom sat next to her.
On the way to the haveli, I noticed she was still crying. I handed her a handkerchief. She hesitated but took it and murmured a soft "thank you."
Ahh, her voice was so sweet. I couldn't help but wonder how it would sound when she said my name when i am inside her.
The car stopped. We had arrived. Now, the drama begins. I couldn't let anyone belittle her.
Avani's POV:
Me: "What does he mean by that?"
My mind: He means he wants to marry you.
Me: But why?
My mind: Because he feels pity for you.
Yes, that must be it. He feels pity for me. And as the sarpanch, he's taking responsibility. Kalyani Aunty and my mom are childhood friends, so he doesn't want his mother to feel sad.
Or maybe he's just acting. He'll show his true colors later. I'm scared of him. Once, I saw him beat someone badly. Ever since then, I've tried to stay away from him. I know he's the sarpanch and has to maintain discipline, but I hate violence.
Everything happened so fast. Suddenly, we were seated at the mandap.
We began the pheras. Step by step, I followed him, my gaze lowered.
Then my foot caught on the edge of the carpet, and before I could steady myself, I stumbled. But before I could hit the ground, strong arms caught me, lifting me effortlessly.
Time seemed to stop. My heart pounded as I realized I was cradled in his arms, my veil brushing against his chest. I looked up, meeting his eyes. They weren't angry or annoyed. Instead, they were calm, reassuring.
"I've got you," he said softly, his voice cutting through my embarrassment.
I was mortified and shy. Everyone was looking at us in awe.
Soon, the ceremony was complete, and it was time to leave. I cried like a child, clinging to my parents. My mom and dad kept thanking him for his kindness.
Kalyani Aunty reassured my parents and gently guided me to the car.
We were heading to the haveli, a place I had never stepped into-only seen from a distance.
He handed me a handkerchief. I realized I was still crying and hesitated before taking it. "Thank you," I said softly.
He smiled, closing his eyes briefly as if imaging something. I couldn't understand why.
The car stopped, and Kalyani Aunty told me to adjust my pallu. She looked at him worriedly. He told her not to worry, saying, "I will take care of it."
I was scared. What would happen now?
He had left the haveli as a bachelor and was now returning as a married man. I'd heard his family was strict. Would they accept me? My hands were shaking.
He noticed and gently held my palm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here for you," he said softly.
Write a comment ...