Final part & conclusion

A few days after Vikram's family finally gave their blessing for the marriage, Suhasini received a call from Radha. There was an excited, almost playful tone in Radha's voice as she began, "Suhasini! I still can't believe it! You're going to be my sister-in-law soon. I am so happy for you. I knew you were special the moment I met you, but now I feel even prouder of the way you've embraced your true self."

Suhasini felt her cheeks warm with a shy smile. "Thank you, Radha. Your support means everything to me. I just... I never imagined things would turn out like this. It feels like a dream."

Radha giggled on the other end. "A dream, huh? Well, then, wake up, Mrs. Vikram!" She teased. "You're soon going to be married into our family. You'll be the one serving morning coffee, helping Amma with pooja, and cooking for us."

Suhasini laughed, a little bashfully. "I'll be glad to do all of that... anything to make everyone happy. Besides, it's your Amma's favorite kind of coffee I need to learn first."

"Oh, don't you worry, I'll teach you all her secrets!" Radha replied with a wink in her tone. "And don't think I'm not going to be around to keep an eye on you. If my brother's going to have you as his wife, I need to make sure you're pampered and happy!"

Suhasini felt her heart warm. "You're too kind, Radha. I'll be lucky to have such a caring sister-in-law."

Radha laughed, sounding a bit mischievous. "You know, Suhasini, I never imagined my brother would fall for such a shy little girl. But look at you now! You're a part of us already, and I couldn't be prouder of how you faced everything."

There was a pause as both shared a warm moment, and Radha added, "Now don't wait for marriage to start treating me like your sister. I'll expect all those little things only a sister-in-law can enjoy. And you can count on me to tease you about my brother endlessly!"

Suhasini smiled, blushing deeply. "Oh, Radha! You'll definitely be my sister. I'll need all the advice and help for my married life."

Radha sighed happily. "And I'll be here for you, Suhasini. Now, go and dream about Vikram, because I know you've been doing that anyway! But make sure you're ready, because we're not just gaining a daughter-in-law; we're gaining another daughter, and I can't wait to spoil you as one."

The call ended with both girls laughing, feeling like sisters already. As Suhasini sat there, reflecting on how much her life had changed, her heart filled with gratitude and joy. The marriage date was set, and with everyone around her, from her loving family to Vikram's supportive family and, of course, her dear friends, she felt like her life was finally complete. Happiness was no longer just a distant dream-it was her reality.

With the wedding day fast approaching, Suhasini's home was a lively blend of voices, laughter, and endless discussions about preparations. Every corner of the house echoed with excitement as family members and friends joined hands to make her wedding day perfect.

Her mother, who had finally accepted Suhasini wholeheartedly as her daughter, took a leading role in the preparations. "We have to get everything just right!" she would say with a sparkle in her eye. She was constantly bustling around, overseeing the arrangements for the ceremony, from decorations to finalizing the menu. Her joy was evident in the way she carefully chose every detail, beaming with pride at her daughter's upcoming marriage.

Suhasini's aunt, equally excited, was deep in conversation with her mother over the specifics of the sarees and jewelry. "For the muhurtam, she should wear the traditional red and gold saree," her aunt suggested, holding up a beautiful kanjeevaram saree. "It'll make her look like a queen." Her mother nodded enthusiastically.

"Of course," her mother agreed, looking lovingly at Suhasini. "And for the reception, we should go for something grand but soft in color. Maybe a pastel pink or lavender, with pearls and sequins."

Suhasini watched them discuss each piece with love and attention, her heart swelling with gratitude. She couldn't help but feel like a princess with everyone working together for her special day. Even her cousins, Shalini and Meena, were thrilled, eagerly suggesting hairstyles and jewelry combinations.

"Suhasini Akka, we're going to make sure you're the most beautiful bride ever!" Meena said excitedly, holding up a set of intricate gold bangles. "I can't wait to see you in the wedding saree!"

"And your bridal makeup should be classic, just like in all those wedding magazines," Shalini added, showing Suhasini a picture of a traditional South Indian bride with elegant, understated makeup.

Suhasini blushed at the attention and tried to keep up with everyone's suggestions, feeling a mix of excitement and a bit of shyness. Aditi and Shruthi, her closest friends, noticed her expression and pulled her aside.

"You're going to be stunning, Suhasini!" Aditi grinned, taking her hands. "And don't worry, we're here to make sure you look and feel amazing every step of the way."

Shruthi nodded. "Absolutely! We'll handle the bridal beauty treatments. Your skin will be glowing, and we'll make sure you're comfortable with everything. This day is about you."

They all laughed as Aditi handed Suhasini a list of things to prepare mentally, from the mehendi designs for her hands to the floral jewelry she would wear for the haldi ceremony.

"Alright, now for the bangle ceremony," her aunt announced one afternoon, holding a tray of colorful glass bangles. Each bangle shimmered in shades of green, red, and gold. Her aunt gently slid them onto Suhasini's wrists, adding a jingling melody that filled the room. "These bangles symbolize your new beginning," she explained softly.

Suhasini felt her heart skip as she looked at her hands, now adorned with the delicate bangles that seemed to sing of her upcoming journey. The sound of the bangles jingling brought a new, profound sense of reality to her marriage, and she felt every bit a bride.

In the background, Aditi and Shruthi teased her gently. "Look at you, Suhasini!" Aditi said with a grin. "Soon you'll be managing an entire household! Can you imagine yourself giving Vikram his tea every morning?"

Suhasini laughed shyly. "You both are too much!"

Her mother walked over, joining in with a smile. "They're not wrong, Suhasini. You'll have responsibilities, but you'll have so much love around you as well."

As the days flew by, each ritual brought a new memory. The mehendi night was filled with music, laughter, and endless teasing from her cousins as they applied intricate designs on her hands and feet. "This mehendi will bring you so much happiness in your married life," Shalini whispered with a smile.

The haldi ceremony was equally memorable, with the women of the family taking turns applying turmeric paste on her cheeks, arms, and feet. Her cousins, Aditi, and Shruthi joined in the fun, dabbing extra haldi on her nose and laughing as she blushed.

The final few days before the wedding, Suhasini felt the love and joy of everyone around her as they worked tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect. Her mother's gentle touch on her cheek, her aunt's proud smile, her cousins' endless chatter, and her friends' unwavering support-all these moments made her feel more connected to her family and friends than ever.

Finally, as the wedding day arrived, Suhasini felt a profound sense of peace and happiness. She was surrounded by those who loved her, stepping forward into a future she had once only dreamed of.

The morning of Suhasini's wedding day felt surreal. She woke with a flutter in her heart, her room bathed in a soft, golden glow, casting a magical warmth over everything. As her mother entered with a radiant smile and the ceremonial red and gold saree draped over her arm, Suhasini felt a deep emotion welling up inside. This was the day she had dreamed of, the day she would step fully into her life with Vikram, the man who had accepted her completely.

Her mother gently helped her dress, guiding her through each step with a mixture of pride and tenderness. The saree felt luxurious against her skin, every fold and pleat falling into place as if it belonged there. Aditi and Shruthi were by her side, delicately placing jewelry on her one piece at a time-a heavy gold necklace, shimmering bangles in shades of red and green, and intricate earrings that framed her face. They added flowers to her hair, weaving jasmine garlands through her braid, the fragrance enveloping her with a sense of tradition and beauty.

Each piece, every adornment, felt like a blessing. The bangles felt warm against her wrists, their gentle clinking making her feel truly like a bride. When her mother finished arranging the pallu across her shoulder, she whispered, "My daughter... you are radiant." Suhasini's heart swelled with gratitude, her eyes welling with tears as she looked in the mirror. She was no longer the shy, uncertain person she had once been; she was a bride, a woman filled with love and strength, ready to embrace her future.

Aditi gently squeezed her shoulder. "You're beautiful, Suhasini. Ready to make him wait at the mandap?"

Suhasini blushed, her heart racing. "I feel... like this is a dream. I never thought I'd feel this complete."

"Then let's make sure it's a dream you'll never wake up from," Shruthi added, grinning as she adjusted the final bindi on Suhasini's forehead.

With her friends beside her, Suhasini walked to the mandap, her family following closely, their love and pride carrying her forward. She could see Vikram waiting, his gaze intense, a warm smile crossing his face the moment their eyes met. He was dressed in traditional attire, his calm yet strong demeanor making her feel safe and cherished. She could feel her nerves melting away as she neared him, every step a reminder that this was the man she was choosing, just as he had chosen her.

The wedding ceremony began, the air filled with the sacred chants of the priests as Suhasini and Vikram performed the rituals together. Their hands joined as they circled the fire, each step a vow, each ritual binding them closer. Suhasini felt each of these actions deeply, not as mere customs but as promises she was making with her whole heart.

When Vikram took the mangalsutra and placed it around her neck, she felt a profound sense of belonging. This simple piece of jewelry was a powerful symbol of their union, and it rested against her heart, warm and reassuring. He carefully applied the sindoor on her forehead, his touch tender yet confident, and Suhasini felt tears streaming down her cheeks. She was now his wife, and he, her husband.

As the ceremony came to an end, her family gathered around them, blessing them with laughter, tears, and heartfelt words. Her mother and father hugged her tightly, their initial doubts replaced by unconditional love and pride. Her aunt and cousins circled around her, adjusting her saree, teasing Vikram about taking good care of his "precious bride." Her cousins, Shalini and Meena, giggled and hugged her, seeing not just a cousin but a sister.

The day continued in celebration-music, food, laughter, and love echoing through every room. Her parents beamed with pride as relatives shared stories, admiring how Suhasini had blossomed into such a graceful woman. As the evening softened, Vikram and Suhasini shared a quiet moment away from the crowd, sitting together under the stars.

Vikram took her hand, his fingers gently entwining with hers. "I have waited for this day for so long," he whispered. "To know that we're together, no longer just a dream, but a reality... I feel like the luckiest man alive."

Suhasini looked up, her eyes filled with love. "I feel the same. I have found not only myself but a love that accepts me completely, and with you... it's like everything finally makes sense."

In that moment, she felt a profound peace, a deep fulfillment that filled every corner of her heart. This journey had not been easy. She had faced doubts, fears, and the challenge of revealing her truth. Yet, surrounded by love, and with Vikram by her side, she knew that every step had led her to this very moment.

With a soft smile, she leaned into him, feeling the strength of his embrace as the stars watched over them.

Reflecting on her journey, Suhasini thought, "I've learned that true happiness comes from living your truth and embracing who you are. And when you do, the world opens its arms in acceptance."

Her heart full, she silently vowed to cherish this love, this life she had chosen, and to live each day with gratitude. The life she had built was a testament to courage, friendship, and the unbreakable bond of love. She was ready to face the future, knowing that she was truly, fully home.

With a heart filled with gratitude, she whispered to herself, "This is my truth, my love, and my life. And I am ready to live it fully, proudly, and joyfully

End of this story.

Thank you all for reading.