25. The wedding

Anika

My wedding day had finally arrived, and despite the joy of marrying Jai, nervousness lingered within me. I couldn't decipher whether it was fear or just butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

In my leggings and top, I settled into the nearest chair for my makeup session. I had organized my accessories the night before, alleviating any last-minute stress.

As the makeup artist worked, a realization struck me – the foundation shade was too light for my skin tone.

"The shade—it's lighter than my skin tone," I pointed out.

"Ma'am, but—" she began, only to be interrupted by my mom.

"I told her," Mom confessed.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Because you need to look beautiful, beta," she declared. Seriously? I thought. It took me years to embrace my own skin, and I wasn't about to compromise now.

"I feel beautiful in my own skin, Mom," I replied firmly.

"I don't need everyone to like me; I just want Jai to like me. All of them can shove it, for all I care." I added.

Before she could respond "I'll be back in a few minutes. And let the foundation be my shade." I instructed the makeup artist, and with a nod, she agreed.

Stepping outside with my phone, I found solace away from the bustling presence of my mom. Thankfully, Nisha and Diya were absent; otherwise, they would have scolded my mom mercilessly.

Varsha greeted me with concern as I stepped out. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing, I'll come back in a few minutes," I reassured her and walked away.

In the beautiful hotel adjacent to the wedding venue, I searched for a secluded spot, craving a few moments of privacy, especially away from my mom. I discovered an empty room with an excellent view, allowing me to temporarily escape the whirlwind of emotions.

I texted the only person who made my mind calm.

Anika: Hey.

Jai: Hello, princess. What's wrong?

Anika: Why do you think something is wrong?

Jai: You didn't use any emojis or add four y's at the end.

Anika: Hahaha. You really know me, Mr. Singhania.

Jai: winking emoji

Anika: I miss you sad emoji

Amidst the wedding preparations, I yearned for some alone time with Jai. He, as always, sensed my emotions.

Jai: Just a few more hours, and I'll glue myself to you.

Anika: Please do.

Jai: Nice diversion, but really, what's wrong?

I didn't want to appear overly dependent on him, fearing he might find me clingy.

Anika: Nothing, just a little nervous.

Jai: You should only be nervous when I'm about to kiss you, baby.

Feeling a little better, I returned to the preparations.

I got ready and it was time for me to enter the mandap.

"Come beta," Mom called. "I'm really sorry for what happened."

"It's okay, Mom."

"Okay, let's get you married," we chuckled together.

Led by Mom, Varsha, and Diya, I entered the venue.

Despite the absence of Nisha, the sight that greeted me was enchanting – the decorations were nothing short of magical.

Jai, already fixing his gaze on me, who looked stunning in a white kurta matching my lehenga's hue. His smile made my heart flutter.

Seated beside him, Jai kissed my temple and uttered, "You look heavenly, princess."

"Thank you. And you're looking no less," I responded.

The rituals began, each moment a blur as we followed the pandit's instructions.

During kanya dan, my father handed me over to Jai, whispering, "Treat my princess properly, okay?"

"I'll treat her like a queen. My queen," Jai replied, bringing tears to my eyes.

Completing the pheras and other rituals, Jai added a playful proposal during the pheras.

When my lehenga made it difficult to walk, he suggested, "If I pick you up bridal style and complete this, will it count?" to which I definitely declined.

During the vidaai, I hugged my father, who whispered, "I'm going to miss you, bacha. Come to meet us regularly, okay?"

"I'll miss you too, Papa." I'm going to miss him the most.

"I love you, beta" mom said.

"I love you too mom. Don't miss me too much" I teased.

Jai, wiping my tears away, hugged me close, promising, "You won't shed a single tear from now on, princess."

The next few hours and the reception the next day whizzed by in a blur. Everything unfolded too rapidly.

..........

The following day rolled around, and our fam had this grand plan for a day out. A picnic vibe, which felt a bit weird post-adulthood, but if Jai was part of the deal, I was all in.

Plus, we were going to move into our new apartment toady. Finally, it would be just me and him, no-one else.

Jai came to pick me up in the morning, and we drove to our destination. It was a peaceful ride because there wasn't much traffic.

We planned to play some games like cricket, volleyball, and throwball, turning our day into a mini sports event. I had some sports experience from college, but today, I was worried I might embarrass myself.

When we reached the place, it was all green with grass everywhere, and there were courts and a ground.

Our parents, in-laws, and a few of papa's and dad's colleagues were there because they had recently partnered in business. It made sense for them to get to know each other.

Then I see Aarav approaching with someone – and I know it's him because of his height and that broad personality. Aarav easily stands at 6 feet, and he's got all the looks.

As he comes closer, I realize the woman beside him is none other than Nisha.

Diya left in the morning, mentioning she had to get back to work. When I asked Nisha to accompany me this morning, she said she had an important online meeting to attend. Huh.

And then she shows up with 'her childhood friend'.

"Hello fam!" Aarav said, smiling.

"Hiii," everyone replied.

"Hmm," I gave a look to Nisha; she was my best friend.

"Hey, stop eyeing my girlfriend like that!" Aarav said.

Trust me when I say this, everyone – me, Jai, mom, and dad had the same shocked expression. Never in the years I've known Aarav did he introduce us to a girl as his girlfriend. Now out of nowhere, he has a girlfriend?

"Really?" mom asked. Both her sons were now committed.

"So, here's my girlfriend – Nisha Chopra," he introduced.

"No way! You're not joking, right?" I hugged them.

My best friends were in a relationship, and I was so happy for them. They deserved each other, for real. When everyone offered their congratulations, we began the games.

Thankfully, even fate wanted me and Jai to be on the same team because the chits said so.

It was me, Jai, Varsha, Papa, and Dad in our team, along with a few of dad's colleagues. The other team had Mom, Maa, Aarav, Nisha, and papa's colleagues.

And the winners were obvious. It was going to be us. I was overconfident, but rightfully so.

The first game was cricket. It was fun playing after a long time. We were all dressed in matching sports attire, so it felt like a real match.

Watching Jai play was a dream.He looked so hot with sweat forming on his forehead, and his shoulders made me hot all of a sudden. We won, obviously, because of none other than – Jai Singhania.

The next one was volleyball, and we lost the game because our dads got tricked by our moms and gave away a few points. I call them lovesick, you know.

Then the next game was throwball. It was the deciding game.

We had 7 players each on the court, and the set score was tied. They needed one point to win.The other team got the previous point, so it was their serve. I was all ready to play.

So, when Aarav served the ball, it came in my direction, but I had to go a little sideways. Me being me when I was taking a step, I slipped.

I closed my eyes, waiting for me to hit the ground when two hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me towards the source - his chest. Jai was holding me - movie style.

I looked into his eyes, and he was staring at me with the same intensity.

"Careful, princess" is all he said.

"Drooling!" Varsha shouted, bringing me back to the present.

"Stop ruining the moment Varsha," Aarav replied.

"True true!" said Nisha.

"Oh, now suddenly you're team Aarav?" Varsha complained.

"Obviously," she wrapped her arms around Aarav's biceps, who was looking at her with all heart eyes.

They bickered for some time, and we headed towards the house to take a shower. I needed to change my dress desperately; it was all sticky.

So when I headed to the bathroom to take a shower, I heard someone knock.

"Busy, come in 20 minutes later," I said.

"Even for me?" Jai said.

"Ahmm," I replied. I had no words.

"Okay, because it'll take so much more time if I come in," he said and left. That asshole.

I came out dressed in a pair of jeans and a plain top. After a few minutes of talking, teasing, and laughing, we bid goodbyes and headed to our apartment.

It was mine and Jai's first time together alone in a house. I didn't know what was going to happen.The butterflies in my stomach aren't leaving anytime soon.

..........................................................................

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