"Oh, look who's already caught up in her lover's fantasy," my cousin teased, her mischievous grin made my cheeks burn.
Three days had passed since the engagement, and thanks to Di, everyone now was teasing me with Raghav's name. Just because Urmi Di and Vasu Bhai called out to us at the same time, people seemed to think there was something between us. Adults are something I can never understand.
But it wasn't their teasing that confused me-it was the question he asked me.
"Emm, if you don't mind, would you tell me about the bracelet?"
If he doesn't remember the bracelet, does he even remember me? I wanted to believe that he'd see me and everything would fall into place. But maybe I've been clinging to a memory he's long forgotten.
The realization hit me harder than I expected. I sat down, staring at the dolphin bracelet that had meant so much to me. "I was so sure he'd recognize me, if not by my face, then by this bracelet".
But he didn't. Maybe I had taken everything too much for granted.
The mehendi ceremony arrived, bringing with it vibrant energy, music, and laughter. We all danced our heart out, played silly games, and cheered Urmi Di as she glowed in the spotlight.
But even amidst the celebration, I couldn't stop thinking about him. Raghav lingered in my thoughts like a melody, one couldn't forget.
Tomorrow was the wedding. Urmi Di would become a Desai. I had cried earlier too, because the thought of her leaving felt unbearable. She wasn't just my sister-she was my anchor, my confidante, my human diary.
I was lost in my thoughts when Di's voice jolted me back to reality. "Then why don't you marry Raghav? We could be Desai daughter-in-laws together, rocking the world!"
I blinked at her, startled. "Di! When did you get here? Shouldn't you be sleeping for your big day tomorrow?"
Her laughter faded, and suddenly, her face crumpled. Tears streamed down her cheeks, "I'm scared, Siya". Urmi's hands trembled as she reached for me. ''I'm leaving everything behind-my home, my family, you. What if... what if I'm not ready?"
I froze. I had never seen Urmi Di cry like this. "Di, what's wrong?" I asked, wrapping my arms around her.
She held my hands tightly and looked into my eyes. "Siya, why won't you tell me what happened three years ago?"
Her words cut through me like a blade. My knees buckled, and I sank to the floor. "Di... please don't ask me that." My voice cracked.
"I won't judge you," she said softly. "Even if it's something terrible... even if it's murder. Just tell me, Siya."
Her words were unintentional daggers. I shook my head furiously, tears streaming down my face. "If you ever loved me, Di, you'll never ask me about it again. Not because I don't want to tell you... but because I *can't*. Please."
Her expression shifted from desperation to regret. She hugged me tightly, murmuring apologies. I knew she wasn't trying to hurt me. She just wanted to understand. But the truth was, I couldn't recount that night. Not to her. Not to anyone.
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Raghav
"You look perfect. I knew it would look good on you!" Vasu Bhai said, pulling me into a bear hug.
"Thanks, Bhai," I mumbled, adjusting my sherwani.
Vasu's sharp gaze lingered on me, as if he could sense something was wrong. "Raghav," he said gently, "If you need to talk about something, just tell me. I'll always have time for you."
His words broke through my defenses. I hesitated but finally whispered, "There's someone I love."
Vasu's face lit up, and before I knew it, he pulled me into another hug. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I had a hunch, but now I'm just so happy!"
His enthusiasm was contagious, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a glimmer of hope. Vasu gripped my shoulders firmly. "Raghav, I'm here for you, but you know how Papa is. It won't be easy, but I'll stand by you. Just... be ready for anything, okay?"
Relief washed over me. My brother's support meant everything. I pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling as I typed:
"Noorie, you won't believe this! I finally talked to Vasu Bhai about us, and guess what? He said he'll talk to Papa after the ceremony. We're finally going to make it, Noorie. This time, I kept my promise. Reply as soon as you can".
I hit send and waited. Ten minutes later, my phone beeped.
"Good for you, Raghav. I hope this works out this time"
Noorie's message felt cold. Her words were practical, almost transactional. He stared at the screen, the words blurring together. Did she even care anymore?
He wanted to believe she did. He needed to believe it. Her reply was curt. No warmth. No "I love you" in return. My stomach churned as doubt crept in. "Does she even love me anymore?"
I stared at the screen, the words blurring together. Memories of our time together flooded back-the way we'd reconnected after summer school, the laughter, the love. But in the last two years, everything has changed. Her obsession with marriage had turned our relationship into a battlefield.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on Vasu's promise. "It'll all work out," I muttered, as if saying it aloud would make it true.
The Venue
Siya was adjusting her dupatta in the corner of the crowded room when her eyes met Raghav's across the hall. He looked away quickly, but the moment lingered, an invisible thread pulling them closer.
Neither of them noticed, Urmi and Vasu exchanging knowing smiles in the background.