Later that evening, the extended family gathered for dinner at Raghav's house. There was a palpable sense of excitement, but every glance they exchanged, every smile they gave him felt off.
It was as if they all knew something he didnâtâor rather, something he hadnât yet come to terms with.
As he stepped into the living room, Urmi and Sumitra approached him, their faces lit with joy.
âRaghav,â Urmi said warmly, her tone carrying a mix of understanding and excitement, âI know this must feel overwhelming, but trust me, this is a good thing. My little muffin is a wonderful girl, and you both will make this work.â
His mother placed a reassuring hand on his arm. âYouâve always been thoughtful, even in the hardest of times. This is a big step, but I have faith in you, Raghav. And Iâm sure Siya is excited too.â
Their words, though meant to comfort, felt like another weight on Raghavâs shoulders. He forced a tight smile, nodding faintly as his uncle chimed in.
âThe wedding! Itâs about time, isnât it?â his uncle said with a chuckle. âRaghav, youâve kept this quiet long enough. But now that itâs official, weâre all behind you.â
Their voices blended into a whirlpool of congratulations and good wishes, but all Raghav could think about was how to exclude himself from this mess. His eyes darted around the room, searching for Vasu.
âVasu bhaiya, can we talk?â Raghav said, his voice firmer than heâd intended.
Raghav sat across from Vasu in the study, the door closed to buzz down the noise of the family outside. His heart pounded in his chest, the heaviness of situation bearing down on him. He opened his mouth to explain, but Vasu spoke first.
âRaghav,â Vasu began, leaning forward, âI get it. This is all happening faster than you expected, but youâre just nervous, thatâs all. Marriage is a big step, but itâs not the end of the world.â
Raghavâs widened, taken aback. âNo, thatâs notââ
But Vasu cut him off, his tone firm but not unkind. âLook, Iâve seen this before. Guys like youâindependent, used to doing things your wayâthey get cold feet when it comes to commitment. And thatâs okay. But you need to get past it.â
Raghav clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He couldnât even tell his own brother about the blunder. What could he say? That this entire situation stemmed from a misinterpreted message?
Vasuâs gaze softened slightly, though his words didnât. âDadâs pushing you hard, I know. But you canât let fear rule your decisions. Siyaâs a good match for you, and honestly, if not now, when? Five years down the line? Ten? Itâs not like youâre being asked to marry a stranger.â
âI donât even know if this is what she wants,â Raghav muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Vasu shook his head. âRaghav, youâre overthinking this. Siya agreed, didnât she? That should tell you something. Youâve both got time to figure things out, but backing out now? Itâll only make things worse for everyone. Dad wonât let it go, and neither will her family.â
Raghav stared at the floor, the weight of his brotherâs words settling over him like a suffocating blanket. He wanted to scream the truthâto tell Vasu this wasnât cold feet, it was a catastrophe. But the words wouldnât come.
Instead, he muttered, âI just⦠I never thought it would happen this way.â
Vasu sighed, leaning back in his chair. âNo one ever does. But sometimes, you just have to take the leap and trust that itâll work out. Youâve got a good head on your shoulders, Raghav. Youâll be fine.â
As the conversation ended, Raghav returned to the living room, his mind a storm of unresolved thoughts. Urmi caught his arm, her expression soft.
âRaghav,â she said gently, âI know youâre worried. But this is a beginning, not an end. Youâll seeâitâll all fall into place.â
He nodded absently, her words barely registering. All he could think about now was Siya. He needed to talk to herâalone. To understand her thoughts, her feelings. To find some clarity in this chaos.
âI need to talk to Siya,â he murmured to himself, determination hardening his resolve.