Esha's POV
Everyone gathered in the garden, awaiting Bhabhi and her family, who were due to arrive shortly. When they finally did, the collective welcome was warm and joyous. Soon after, preparations for the Mehendi ceremony began in earnest. The Mehendi artists were summoned, lunch was ready, and the vibrant decorations were complete.
Following the event's designated color code, everyone planned to wear green and headed off to get ready. I slipped into my green dress, accented with a stylish shrug.
Once dressed, I checked on Bhai, who was also preparing in a classic green kurta. My next stop was Bhabhi; she was already in her stunning lehenga, with the makeup artist putting the finishing touches on her look. With everyone set, the ceremony was moments from beginning.
"Mein kaisa lag raha hu?" He asked the most innocent question.
("How am I looking?")
"You are looking cute bacche." I planted a kiss on his cheek, assuring him. "You also look so pretty, Bua." He graciously returned the compliment. I murmured my thanks, and together we stepped out to survey the growing crowd of arriving guests.
About an hour later, Bhai and Bhabhi made their grand entrance, walking hand-in-hand. The air was filled with hoots and cheers for the perfect-looking couple. Bhai settled Bhabhi in the centre, and the ceremony officially commenced. Four skilled artists—two for her hands and two for her legs—began applying intricate Mehendi designs, while other artists catered to the waiting family and friends.
After my own Mehendi was finished, I headed to the food section for a quick check; everything was perfectly prepared. Once the Mehendi was dry, the music started, and everyone began to sway to the lyrics. While dancing, I suddenly felt the distinct sensation of being watched. My gaze traveled across the crowd, settling on the corner where Bhai and the other boys were sitting. My eyes met his, but the intense moment was broken when Shreeja Bhabhi playfully pulled me back into the heart of the dance floor.
Aakash's POV
I was in my room, getting ready for Jeet's Mehendi ceremony. My eyes subconsciously drifted to my hand, where the residual turmeric paste from the Haldi ceremony was still visible from the day before. I couldn't help but smile, recalling the moment. They say the first touch of Haldi should always be for the bride and groom. I still couldn't tell if that moment had been a simple accident or a twist of fate.
We started our drive and arrived at the hotel within the hour. Getting out of the car, we went inside. Maa greeted Aunty, and as soon as I entered, I spotted Jeet and headed straight for him. I settled down with him and, before long, the Mehendi ceremony began. Jeet and his friends sat in a corner, taking in the lively program.
My attention was drawn to her as I spoke with someone. She looked utterly beautiful. I hadn't realized how long I'd been staring until she was called up to dance. She paused, then suddenly looked right at me. Our eyes locked, and I felt a palpable surge, an electric current building between us. A relative soon encouraged her and pushed her back toward the dancers.
"Aakash, waha aa ek baar." Then I heard Maa calling for me from a distance. She was standing with a man I didn't recognize. I walked over to them. I was slightly taken aback when Maa introduced him.
("Aakash, come here once.")
"Inse mil, yeh Esha ke Papa hain." She knew him. Putting the question aside, I offered a respectful namaste. The three of us chatted for a while, covering mostly business matters and a few random topics.
("Meet him, he is Esha's father.")
While they spoke, I learned that Maa and the uncle had known each other since childhood. His sister and my Maa had been close friends in school, attending the same one and being the best of friends.
"Mein bas thodi der mein ata hu. Food ka intezam dekhne jana hain." Uncle excused himself.
("I'll be back in a little while. I have to go check on the food arrangements.")
"Theek hain, Bhai sahab," Maa replied. We were then alone.
"Aap Esha ke Papa ko kabse janti hain?" I impulsively asked a question, one that I knew was probably unnecessary.
("How long have you known Esha's father?")
"Mein toh unhe 4 standard se janti hu. Woh 9th mein thee tab. Woh aksar apni behen ko lekar mere ghar aya karte thee. Hum khoob sare board games khelte the. Bada maza ata tha un din. Khair ab ke dino mein woh baat nahi." Maa reminisced, opening a floodgate of nostalgic memories. In today's world, where every child is glued to a phone, they don't realize what they're truly missing.
("I've known him since 4th grade. He was in 9th grade then. He would often come to my house with his sister. We would play a lot of board games. We had a lot of fun back then. However, it's not like that these days.")
Esha's POV
It was evening, and we went to one of the rooms to change for the Sangeet. I was so excited for this event. I got ready and went downstairs.
The garden was still relatively empty as most people were still getting dressed. When I arrived, only a few members were present. Unfortunately, Bhai hadn't even started getting ready; he was still busy overseeing the preparations. I sighed and walked over to him.
"Bhai, ab aapka sangeet chura hone wala hain aur aap decorations mein kyu lage ho?" I gently pulled him toward the hotel entrance.
("Brother, your sangeet is going to start within some time, and why are you looking after decorations?")
"Yeh hone hi wala hain. Mein thodi der baad chala jaunga?" He pleaded.
("It's about to finish. I'll leave in a bit?")
"Aap jaakar ready ho jayiye, mein yeh sare kaam sambhal lungi." He tried to protest, but I shushed him, and he finally left to prepare. I then focused on the decorations. I was directing the workers on where to place the purple flowers when I saw Aakash descending the stairs. He looked incredibly handsome in his traditional wear.
I'd seen him in formal, traditional, and casual clothes, and he carries every style with effortless charm. He looked at me, and our eyes met. Every time this happens, I feel an internal tension building. I don't know if he feels the same way. I quickly looked away and resumed checking the decorations.
("You go and get ready, I will take care of all this work.")
"Need any help?" I heard his voice from behind me. I turned, and our eyes met once again. God! He was influencing me. Sometimes I even think I enjoy whatever he is making me feel.
"Nahi, sab ho chuka hain. Flower arrangements hi bacha hua hain." I answered, avoiding direct eye contact. He merely hummed in response. We stood in silence for a while, both unable to form a coherent word.
("No, everything is done. Only flower arrangements are left.")
The dance floor was ready, and the lighting was perfectly arranged. A few people were testing the sound system. There was a pre-event chaos: some were taking pictures, others were chatting. A few minutes passed, and everyone started to arrive one by one. The crowd suddenly hushed. The lights focused on a single direction: Bhai and Bhabhi were descending the stairs. They came and sat down in the center.
Soon, the performances began. The bride's and groom's teams took turns captivating the audience. After a few routines from Bhabhi's side, Bhai and Bhabhi stepped onto the stage for their couples' performance, which was absolutely brilliant. Everyone cheered loudly for them. All the planned performances concluded, and the guests then moved on to dinner.
Later, guests began to leave. I was near the gate, saying goodbye to some relatives. I spotted Meera Aunty and walked over to her. She was standing at the entrance, likely waiting for him to bring the car.
"Man na padega Aunty, aapka, Bua ka aur sare ladies ka performance badiya tha." I said. All the women from the groom's side had performed a medley of famous 90s Bollywood tracks.
("Must say Aunty, the performance of all the ladies were good.")
"Woh toh hoga hi, tumne itna accha dance sikhaya hain na." We both giggled at our conversation. As we were chatting about the functions and the upcoming wedding, a car horn sounded. We looked over. He had brought the car from the parking lot.
("That was obvious, you taught me so well.")
"Theek hain beta, kal shaadi mein milenge." she said, heading toward the car.
("Ok, let's meet at the wedding.")
"Kal subah jaldi aayiyega, hum wait karenge." I replied. She smiled and got into the car. I gave a small smile in his direction. He started the car and drove off. I went inside. The guests were gone, we finished wrapping up everything, and prepared to leave. We were heading to Bua's home. The journey was short, and within twenty minutes, we were there, changing into comfortable clothes. We all prepared for a well-deserved sleep—tomorrow was going to be a big day.
("Come quickly tomorrow, we will wait for you.")
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Hey Folks!!
Yayy! Good to know that they both affect each other. What will happen next? For that, stay tuned!!
Hope you like this chapter. If yes, please like the chapter and comment on your favourite part.
Also, comment on the theories you think would happen next. Would love to read them.
Thanks for reading ❤️...