chapter 18

Finally, the much-anticipated wedding day dawned. The morning promised the vibrancy of the Haldi function, followed by the solemnity of the marriage ceremony in the evening.During the Haldi function, joy filled the air as the celebration transformed into a lively Haldi Holi affair. Laughter echoed as everyone enthusiastically smeared haldi on each other's faces and clothes, turning the occasion into a colorful, full of energy and excitement celebration.Except for Aru, everyone adorned themselves in yellow attire, while Arti stood out in a white chicken lehenga, radiating grace and beauty.Post the spirited Haldi function, everyone retreated to their rooms, refreshed, and took a well-deserved rest. The next task on the agenda was to prepare for the evening wedding festivities.---------------************---------------After taking some rest, Shubhra went to the terrace. She was thinking about something in her own world of thoughts, when Rahul came there with coffee.Rahul: Hi, May I join you?Shubhra: Yes, sure.Rahul: It's very cold today. Have some coffee.Shubhra: Thanks for the coffee. Really needed this in this weather.Rahul: What are you doing here?Shubhra: Nothing special, just enjoying the weather.Rahul: Can I ask you something? It's something personal.Shubhra: Yes, why not. You can ask anything.Rahul: I want to ask about you and your life in the past.Shubhra: Past... means?Rahul: Do you know anything about Sanjana, Arti's friend?Shubhra: Why are you asking me about her? She was your sister's friend.Rahul: Exactly, that's what I want to know. She was my sister's friend, so why are you looking for something related to her? Do you happen to know her?Shubhra: (nervously, with a few drops of sweat on her forehead) No, no... I don't know her. Why are you asking about your sister's friend? Is there some connection I should know about?Rahul: What if I tell you the truth? Will you also tell me YOUR truth?Shubhra: What do you mean by MY truth?Rahul: You better know about that, the fact that you all are trying to hide.Shubhra: (avoiding eye contact with Rahul) No, I am not hiding anything. I have to go now. You should also leave; you also have to get ready.Rahul: (running his fingers through his hair) Okay, for now, I'm allowing you to go, but after Aru's marriage, I'm going to talk to you about this matter and will also explain how Sanjana is connected to me.---------------***********--------------Shubhra, feeling upset and nervous, went back to her room. Her face lost its usual color, turning pale. Seeing this, her grandma, concerned, asked her what was bothering her, wanting to understand the reason behind Shubhra's unease.Grandma: What happened, dear? Why did your face lose color and glow?Shubhra: Nothing, Grandma.Grandma: You are trying to lie to me. You know I can sense all your thoughts. Now, speak up.Shubhra: Grandma, you know about Rahul and my feelings for him.Grandma: Yes, then what?Shubhra: He was asking about the relation between me and Sanjana. Do I know Sanjana?Grandma: Then go and tell him the truth.Shubhra: Grandma, you know I can't do that. Firstly, I want to know about that mysterious person.Grandma: You have feelings for that mysterious person or for Rahul?Shubhra: Obviously, Rahul. But then also there are some strange feelings for that person.Grandma: Those strange feelings are due to gratitude towards him, nothing else, dear?Shubhra: What if he likes me? As Naksh said, he knows us.Grandma: So, you want to say that if he likes you, you will marry him even if you don't like him.Shubhra: (all confused) Maybe?Grandma: No, dear! You don't get into any relationship without feelings. You will ruin three lives by this. Ok, tell me one thing. Naksh likes you but still you reject him, why?Shubhra: Grandma, this is different from that. I had no feelings for Naksh, but for him, at least I have feelings of gratitude.Grandma: That's what I am saying, you have only feelings of gratitude, not love. You can thank him whenever you meet him in the future. There is no need to get confused by mixing your feelings. After marriage, clear everything with Rahul and also tell him the whole truth. OK?Shubhra: Ok, grandma. (and she hugs her) Now she was calmed, and all her dilemmas were solved. Now she knew what she had to do.She meticulously selected her outfit, adding a touch of elegance to every detail. The glow on her face reflected a mix of anticipation and joy, driven by the desire to captivate Rahul's heart. Standing before the mirror, she couldn't help but blush, realizing the significance of the moment and the love she held for him. Today was more than just a day – it was a celebration of emotions and the beginning of a beautiful journey.