Chapter - 25
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Vihaan ~
The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the garden where Shivanya and others were getting their mehendi done.
She was sitting on a swing decorated with marigolds and jasmine. Her lehenga, made her look nothing short of magical. Her hair was braided with tiny flowers tucked into the strands, and her hands were stretched out as the mehendi artist worked on them. She was smiling, that shy smile that always left me breathless.
"Vihaan what are you doing here? Go and sit next to her. Come." Nisha came to stand next to me with her hands already done.
"Yes Raichand, you need to get Shivanya's name written on your palm." Yash joined his wife.
I blinked, breaking out of my trance, and turned to them and nodded once.
I made my way over to Shivanya, my heart racing a little faster with every step I took towards her. She looked up at me when I reached her, her eyes bright, and that smile of hers made everything else fade into the background.
"Hi," I said softly, my voice almost a whisper.
"Hey," she replied, her tone gentle and warm, though I could sense a slight nervousness in it. I didn't miss the way her gaze flickered to the artist working on her hands before settling back on me.
I carefully sat beside her on the swing, making sure not to disturb the mehendi artist who was still working on her hands and once again, could not stop myself from looking at her.
"You're staring again, Mr. Raichand," She said after perhaps a minute or ten, I could hardly tell when I was around her.
I chuckled lightly, my heart swelling at the sound of her voice. "Can you blame me?" I asked, my gaze never leaving her.
"You're flirting with me?" There was a tone of surprise in her voice as she turned head head a little to look at me with her eyes a little wider than usual.
Her words caught me off guard for a moment. There was something so endearing about her confusion, the way she looked at me, as if trying to figure out what was happening between us.
"I have been flirting with you for a while now Shivanya and you know it. Why the tone of surprise?" I asked her.
She quickly looked away, her gaze dropping to her hands and faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly she could make my heart race with just a simple shift in her expression.
"Vihaan beta, thodi besharmi kam kar lo aur hato Chalo door meri bahu se." I felt her hit my head lightly before grabbing my ear and pulling me away from Shivanya while I heard a couple of laughters around.
(TRANSLATION - Vihaan beta, tone down the shamelessness a bit and move away from my daughter-in-law.)
Even Shivanya did not hesitate to laugh this once, which was what was the highlight for me.
"Maa." Was all I said for her to leave my ear and it was dad's chance to step in.
"Sangeeta, why don't you come and dance with me? Your mehendi is already done and dried." He wrapped his arm around Maa's shoulders before taking her away, not before winking at me.
"Waise Jiju, aap toh meri Didi se chipak hi gaye ho. Abhi shaadi hui nahi hai toh zyada free hone ki bilkul zaroorat nahi hai aapko meri Di ke saath." Radhika stormed towards me and sat next to Shivanya as they both started talking about something.
(TRANSLATION - By the way, Jiju, you're already glued to my sister. The wedding hasn't even happened yet, so there's absolutely no need for you to get too comfortable with my sister.)
"Tum kyun jal rahi ho Radhika. Meri hone waali biwi hai woh." I replied to her and she rolled her eyes.
(TRANSLATION - Why are you so jealous, Radhika? She's my soon-to-be wife.)
"Yeh ho chuki behen na kaafi acche se didi ke hone waale pati ki band baja sakti hai jiju. Zyada oversmart mat bano. India ke topmost lawyer hoge aap apne ghar mein." She threatened me and I couldn't help but laugh at her.
(TRANSLATION - Careful Jiju, you're her to be husband and I'm her already existing sister and I bloody well know how to handle you.)
Sameer uncle, Taran and Yash were looking after some other guests which Maa had invited as I looked around.
"Accha accha ho gaya bas ab. Radhika." Shivanya stepped in and looked at Radhika first and then at me.
(TRANSLATION - Okay, okay, enough now Radhika.)
"Sir aap kyun usse behes kar rahe hain? Woh bacchi hai abhi, aap bhi bacche ban rahe hain iske saath?" She asked looking between her and me.
(TRANSLATION - Sir, why are you arguing with her? She's just a kid, and you're acting like one with her.)
"Bacchi nahi, naani hai hum sabki yeh." I couldn't help but counter and Shivanya sighed, giving up.
(TRANSLATION - Not a kid, she's our grandma)
She looked beautiful.
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The night had settled in, Sameer uncle had stolen one chance I had to make Shivanya eat by my own hands and I stood near the window of my hotel room, looking at her name on my palm.
I watched Shivanya from the glass partition of my balcony. She stood on her there, gazing at the snow with an expression I couldn't quite place. But it looked a lot like peaceful but distant.
I leaned closer to the glass door and tapped it lightly. She turned her head, her eyes finding mine, a hint of surprise in them. I raised my hand and motioned for her to come down.
She frowned a little, shaking her head in a subtle but firm "no."
I grinned and gestured again, more insistent this time. She hesitated, biting her lip, and for a moment, I thought she'd refuse again. But then, with a soft sigh, she nodded.
I made my way to the garden, the snow crunching softly under my shoes.
I turned just as she stepped out, her shawl pulled tightly around her.
"Happy now?" she asked, the hint of a smile on her lips.
"Not yet," I replied, taking a step closer. "Dance with me, Shivanya."
Her eyes widened. "Here? In the snow?"
I shrugged, smirking. "Do you see anyone else around? It's just us. Nothing could be better."
She folded her arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "You are so dramatic, Mr. Raichand."
"And you're stalling, Sunshine," I countered, holding out my hand.
She hesitated, like she always did when I got too close. Her lip caught between her teeth for a brief second before she sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. But if I step on your feet, it's totally your fault."
"I'll take my chances," I said, pulling her gently toward me.
Her hand fit perfectly in mine, like it did the last time she agreed to dance with me. I placed my other hand lightly on her waist, and she stiffened for a moment. But as we started swaying to the rhythm of nothing but the night around us, I felt her relax, just a little.
Her movements were hesitant at first, her eyes darting everywhere but mine. I didn't mind. Just having her this close was enough to make my pulse race. I led her in small steps, nothing too complicated, just a slow, gentle sway.
Then I spun her.
It was a small twirl, her shawl swirling in the air and she laughed.
"Vihaan!" she said, surprising herself.
For a moment, everything went still. My heart skipped a beat. At first, I refused to believe it but I knew that my mind rarely played tricks when it came to her.
Hearing her say my name like that, it felt so different. It sounded so soft, so real, and it made my chest tighten for her, god she was divine.
I froze, looking at her. "Did you just call me Vihaan?" I asked, my voice quieter than usual.
She looked flustered, her cheeks growing even redder. "No," she said quickly, shaking her head before looking away but the light falling upon her face made me want to step closer to her, take her in my arms and press her to myself. But I did not, not yet.
I couldn't stop smiling. "Say it again, Shivanya, please." I begged, almost whispering.
She hesitated for a second but finally she said it, said my name again, "Vihaan."
The way she said it made my heart race. It was like she was trying to let herself be a little more open with me and I couldn't be happier.
I stepped a little closer, my heart pounding. "Say it one more time," I asked, slightly more demanding but I could hardly help myself.
She laughed nervously, then said it again, quieter this time. "Vihaan."
I couldn't help but smile wider. "Do you have any idea how conveniently you have got me wrapped around your little finger? ," I whispered, gently pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
I leaned in a little closer, my face just inches away from hers. My heart was beating faster, and I could feel her breath on me, I could almost hear her racing heart while all she did was look at me with those big addicting eyes.
I wanted to kiss her, but I did not want to rush her. So, I looked at her, silently asking if it was okay, raising an eyebrow.
She didn't say anything at first. Her eyes dropped to my lips for a second, then back to my eyes.
Then, she slowly nodded, but it was enough to make my heart skip a beat.
I closed the distance between us, but only by a fraction. I could feel the warmth of her skin so close to mine. I leaned in just a little more, my lips almost touching her cheek, but I paused, giving her one last chance to pull away, to change her mind, to stop me, to deny me what I so desperately wished for.
But she didn't.
Then, very lightly, I brushed my lips against her right cheek. It was barely a kiss, but it felt like I would cross a line with her if I imposed even slightly more, which I was completely unwilling to do. It was soft, delicate, and I lingered there for just a second longer.
When I pulled back, I couldn't help but smile, my heart full. Her cheeks were flushed, but for the first time, she didn't look away like she always did. Instead, she met my gaze, her lips curving into a shy smile of her own.
I didn't need words. The look in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. This was real.
This was all real.
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Shivanya ~
As soon as his lips brushed my cheek, a warmth spread through me, one I couldn't explain. My heart felt like it might burst from how fast it was beating. I couldn't meet his eyes after that. It was too much. The closeness, the way he looked at me, like I was his entire world.
I took a step back, my hand nervously gripping the edge of my shawl. "I... I should go," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped back immediately, giving me space, but his gaze stayed on me, soft and steady. "Goodnight, Sunshine,"
I nodded quickly, not trusting myself to say anything more, and turned away. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked back toward the hotel.
I closed the door to my room and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. My heart was still racing, thudding so loudly that I was sure anyone passing by could hear it.
The snow outside looked so peaceful, but inside me, everything was a storm. I touched my cheek, the one he kissed, and it felt warm, even though the rest of me was cold. I couldn't stop the way my lips curved into a smile.
I called him Vihaan. Not Mr. Raichand, not sir—just Vihaan. The name felt strange but... nice. It was the first time I'd said it out loud.
I walked to the bed and sat down. I couldn't believe I'd called him Vihaan. Not once, but three times.
I leaned back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.
Him holding my hand, lifting me up, spinning me in the snow and looking at me like the way he does kept playing in my mind like a movie. I closed my eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but instead, I felt his voice echoing in my head.
"Say it again."
I smiled, covering my face with my hands. What had gotten into me!?
"Shivanya, tum paagal ho rahi ho." I muttered to myself.
(TRANSLATION - Shivanya, you're going crazy.)
I got up from the bed and walked to the window, pulling the curtains aside. The snow was still falling softly
I touched my cheek again, my lips curving into another smile. He hadn't rushed me, hadn't made me feel pressured. Even when he leaned in, he'd waited, asking if he could.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Why does he make me feel this way? It was a question I couldn't answer.
I stepped back from the window and crawled into bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin. My heart was still fluttering, and as much as I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about him. About Vihaan.
Eventually, sleep found me.
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I woke up early the next morning, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains. My heart felt light, but my mind was a mess. I sat up slowly, brushing my hair out of my face, trying to push away the memories that refused to leave.
Today was the wedding day. My wedding day.
As I stepped out of bed, my thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Di, wake up! There's so much to do!" Radhika burst in before I could respond, carrying two cups of coffee with a Taran hanging next to her.
"Good morning," I greeted her, my voice soft.
"Good morning? It's almost time for you to start getting ready!" She placed the cups on the table and walked over to me, pulling me into a tight hug. "My Di is going to look like the most beautiful bride today."
I laughed lightly, hugging her back.
"If you let her breathe, maybe she'll have time to actually get ready." Taran responded, earning a glare from Radhika.
Radhika rolled her eyes at Taran. "Do you have no work?"
Taran smirked, leaning against the doorframe. "Just trying to help. After all, you've been bossing everyone around all morning."
"Because someone has to!" she shot back, hands on her hips.
I shook my head, bickering indeed was their love language.
"Alright, Mr. Know-it-all. Go check if the flowers have been arranged properly. I'll handle my sister."
Taran raised his hands in surrender. "I'm going, boss." He grinned, kissed her forehead lightly, and left the room.
As soon as he was out, Radhika turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Di, today is the day. You're going to make Jiju forget how to breathe."
I felt my cheeks warm at her words. "Radhika, stop teasing me."
She grabbed my hands and pushed me in the washroom after we were done with our coffee. "I'm not teasing; I'm being serious. Take a bath while I set things out for you here.
I stepped into the washroom, my thoughts swirling like the steam rising from the warm water.
Vihaan and I had spent some time together both at work and outside, but it was hard to say that I truly knew him. He was kind, patient, and understanding, but he also felt like a stranger in many ways. Could I be the wife he deserved? Could I live up to his family's expectations?
The questions wouldn't stop running through my mind as I dried off and stepped out.
Radhika was busy setting out my jewellery. When she saw me, she smiled brightly. "Finally! I thought you were never coming out."
I managed a weak smile and sat down in front of the mirror.
"Why do you look so nervous?" she asked, brushing through my damp hair. "It's your big day, Di. You should be glowing with excitement!"
"I don't know, Radhika" I admitted softly, looking at my reflection. "I'm just... worried. What if I mess this up? What if..."
"Stop right there," Radhika interrupted, placing her hands on my shoulders. "You're overthinking. Vihaan Jiju is crazy about you. And you're going to do just fine. Trust me."
I nodded, though her words didn't completely ease the knots in my stomach.
"No go and change into this blouse and put on a jeans or something. The make up people will be here in ten minutes." She said, patting my shoulder before stepping out of the room, leaving me to change.
As I was done, she stepped back, with a velvet box in her hands this time and I could recognise this box anywhere.
It was Mumma's.
"Radhika, how'd you get it. It was in the...." I started but she stopped me.
"Bank locker. I know. Taran and I went there next week to withdraw it. What did you think? That I'd let you get married in anything else other than what mumma wore for her wedding?" She asked, placing the box on the vanity and we both smiled at each other, remembering her.
I reached out to touch the velvet box, my fingers lightly brushing over its soft surface. My chest tightened as I opened it, revealing the jewellery she had worn on her wedding day. The gold necklace, bangles, and earrings sparkled softly under the light.
Radhika sat down beside me, her eyes warm and filled with emotion. "Di, you look so much like Mumma. She and Papa would have been so proud and happy for you today and they're watching over you, and they'll be by your side through it all."
I nodded slowly, taking in her words. My heart felt a little steadier, but the emotions still swirled inside me.
"Let's put this on," she said softly, picking up the necklace and moving behind me. Her hands were gentle as she fastened it around my neck.
"You already look like a bride," Radhika said with a small smile, reaching up to wipe a tear from my cheek.
I smiled faintly back at her, my heart feeling both heavy and light at the same time.
The make up people were here and Radhika was getting ready by my side too, but she was done before me. Once they were done, she finished adjusting my dupatta, her hands steady while mine felt like they wouldn't stop shaking.
"Stop fidgeting, Di," Radhika said gently with a smile. "You'll smudge everything the make up people just did."
I nodded and I glanced at the mirror. The girl staring back at me didn't look like the same person who had woken up this morning, unsure and scared.
She looked like a bride.
"Oh, and don't trip on your lehenga while walking. It's heavy, but you've got to look graceful, okay?" She teased me.
"Radhika!" I scolded lightly, but her playful laugh made me smile.
"I can't help it Di, you are clumsy when you wear jeans, how am I supposed to trust you in this!?" She shrugged before leaving me sitting there, going to fulfil her sister duties of welcoming.
I sat in silence for a few moments when a soft knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. It was Vidhi aunty.
"Shivi." She said, all dressed up in a beautiful green saree and came to stand right in front of me.
"Kisi ki buri nazar na lage meri bacchi ko." She said, putting nazar ka teeka behind my ear.
(TRANSLATION - May no evil eye fall on my child.)
"Beta, everyone is ready downstairs. It's time." she said.
I nodded, my voice caught in my throat, and slowly stood up. My hands instinctively went to adjust my dupatta one last time.
It was time, wasn't it?
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