Inside the room Shruti was admiring herself in the mirror when she heard a gentle knock on the door. She turned her head, and her face lit up with a warm smile as she saw her mother, Sumitra, standing in the doorway. Sumitra's eyes sparkled with pride and love as she gazed at her daughter.
"Oh my... how pretty you are looking," Sumitra gasped, her voice filled with emotion. She walked towards Shruti, her eyes welling up with tears. As she reached her daughter, she wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. "You are looking so gorgeous," Sumitra whispered, her voice trembling with happiness and a hint of sadness.
Shruti felt a lump form in her throat as she sensed her mother's emotions. "What happened, Mom?" she asked, concern etched on her face. Sumitra pulled back slightly, her eyes shining with tears. "Nothing... I just got emotional," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shruti's expression softened, and she hugged her mother tight. "Aww, Mom," she whispered, holding her close. The two shared a tender moment, the love and affection between them palpable. As they hugged, Shruti felt grateful for her mother's love and support, and Sumitra felt a sense of nostalgia, knowing that her little girl was growing up and starting a new chapter in her life.
Isha, who had been watching the tender moment between Shruti and her mother, couldn't help but feel emotional too. She discreetly wiped a tear from her cheek, trying to compose herself. As she regained her composure, she said, "We should head downstairs. The guests have arrived."
Sumitra pulled away from Shruti, her eyes still shining with tears, and nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, let's go," she said, her voice a little more composed. With a final check of Shruti's attire and a gentle smile, Sumitra led the way out of the room.
As they made their way downstairs, the atmosphere became more formal, and the excitement was palpable. All eyes turned towards Shruti as she walked down the large staircase, her lavender lehenga flowing elegantly behind her. The guests couldn't help but gasp in admiration at her beauty, and the sound of cameras clicking filled the air. Shruti smiled graciously, feeling like a princess, as she descended the stairs, her mother by her side. The spotlight was on her, and she was ready to shine.
As Shruti descended the stairs, her eyes scanned the crowded room, taking in the who's who of celebrities, politicians, and royal guests. The room was abuzz with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of music. Amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, Shruti's eyes locked onto a familiar face, Aryan.
Her face lit up with a bright grin as she spotted him standing amidst the crowd. Aryan's eyes sparkled with happiness as he caught her eye, and he raised his glass of champagne in a toast. He nodded enthusiastically, his smile stretching from ear to ear, as he took in Shruti's stunning appearance. "You look amazing!" his expression said, and Shruti's heart swelled with gratitude for her friend's love and support.
Shruti's eyes then wandered to Aryan's side, where Roohi was standing, looking absolutely stunning in a peach-colored lehenga. The vibrant color complemented Roohi's radiant complexion, and her bright smile lit up the entire room. Roohi waved at her excitedly, her hand fluttering in the air.
Shruti couldn't help but smile at Roohi's enthusiasm, and she waved back, her own hand moving in a gentle gesture.
Then her eyes finally landed on the one she was searching for eagerly, Siddharth. He stood tall and handsome, his chiseled features illuminated by the soft light. His tailored attire accentuated his broad shoulders, and his eyes sparkled with warmth. Shruti's heartbeat quickened as she took in his stunning appearance, her pulse racing with excitement.
As their eyes met, Siddharth's gaze fell on Shruti, and he couldn't help but admire her. Her beauty took his breath away, and he felt a rush of love and adoration. He gazed at her, taking in the intricate details of her attire and the radiant glow on her face. For a moment, time stood still, and all that existed was the two of them, lost in each other's eyes. The air was charged with an undeniable chemistry.
Roohi was in awe, witnessing the beautiful moment unfolding before her eyes. She was captivated by the tender exchange between Shruti and Siddharth. As she stood there, frozen in the moment, she felt a gentle touch on her waist. Her body tensed slightly. "Who-" she was about to turn around when she heard Aryan's soft whisper in her ear.
"Shh," he whispered, his breath caressing her skin, sending shivers down her spine. His hand wrapped around her waist, holding her gently but firmly in place. "Don't say anything. You'll catch everyone's attention," he cautioned, his voice low and husky.
Roohi's heartbeat quickened, and a warm blush rose to her cheeks. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her skin tingled with awareness. Aryan's touch was like a spark, igniting a fire within her. She stood still, her eyes fixed on the scene before her, but her entire being was attuned to the gentle pressure of Aryan's hand on her waist.
"What are you doing?! Somebody will notice," Roohi whispered hurriedly, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of conversation and music. She tried to squirm away, but Aryan's grip on her waist remained gentle yet firm.
"Nobody will notice," Aryan replied, his voice low and reassuring. "Everyone's attention is on the bride and groom." His words were spoken softly, his breath whispering against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Roohi stood there, frozen in place, her mind racing with thoughts. "This guy! Taking advantage of the fact that everyone is busy with the ceremony," she murmured to herself, a mixture of surprise and frustration warring for dominance on her face. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest, her heart beating just a little bit faster at the gentle touch.
Just then, a voice pierced through the air, calling out Aryan's name. It was his mother, her tone warm and familiar. Roohi's eyes widened in surprise, and she got startled, hurriedly pushing Aryan away from her. She stepped aside, trying to compose herself, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Aryan's grip on her waist reluctantly loosened, and he turned to face his mother. "Oh, mom!" he said hesitantly, a hint of surprise and slight awkwardness in his voice. He smiled, trying to play it cool, but Roohi could sense a tinge of guilt in his tone. He took a step forward, his eyes meeting his mother's, and Roohi couldn't help but notice the subtle change in his demeanor, from intimate to innocent.
His mother's attention turned towards Roohi, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Oh, Roohi! I was so looking forward to meeting you," she said, her eyes shining with interest and affection. Roohi's face lit up with a polite smile as she greeted her, "Hello, aunty."
Aryan's mother didn't waste any time, launching into a playful scolding of her son. "I told Aryan so many times to arrange a meeting with you. But this boy just doesn't listen to me," she said, her voice laced with mock exasperation. As she spoke, she reached out and playfully pulled Aryan's ear, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Aryan's face contorted in mock pain as he protested, "Ow, mom! It's hurting!" He tried to wriggle free, but his mother's grip remained firm, her playful scolding a testament to their warm and loving relationship. Roohi couldn't help but laugh at the exchange, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity with Aryan's family.
After a while, the moment arrived - the ring exchange ceremony. The atmosphere in the hall was electric, and the guests leaned in, their eyes fixed on the couple. With tender hands, Shruti and Siddharth exchanged rings, their fingers touching as they slipped the symbol of their commitment onto each other's fingers.
As the ring slid into place, the hall erupted in a joyous cacophony of cheers, applause, and whistles. The guests surged forward, congratulating the newly engaged couple with warm smiles and hearty handshakes. The air was filled with the sound of camera shutters clicking, capturing the precious moment forever. Shruti and Siddharth beamed with happiness, their eyes locked on each other, as they basked in the love and support of their friends and family. The moment was pure magic, a memory they would cherish for a lifetime.
After the ceremony, the guests were mingling with each other, enjoying the lively party atmosphere. The music was playing, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air. Amidst the celebration, Roohi suddenly grabbed Shruti's arm and pulled her inside a room near the hall. The sudden movement caught Shruti off guard, and she let out a startled gasp.
"Gosh! You scared me!" Shruti exclaimed, her heart racing slightly from the surprise. Roohi didn't say a word, instead, a mischievous smile spread across her face. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, leaving Shruti wondering what was going on.
"What happened?" Shruti asked, her curiosity piqued. Roohi didn't respond, instead, she grabbed Shruti's wrist and gently pulled her towards the bed. She made Shruti sit down, saying "You'll know in a minute." With that, Roohi turned around and swiftly left the room, leaving Shruti looking puzzled.
"But-" Shruti was about to protest, but Roohi was already gone, disappearing into the hallway. The room was suddenly quiet, and Shruti was left sitting alone, wondering what Roohi had planned.
"God, this girl and her surprises," Shruti murmured to herself, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in her voice. She stood up from the bed and walked over to the mirror, smoothing out her attire and fixing her hair. As she gazed at her reflection, she noticed a figure behind her. Her eyes locked onto the mirror, and she saw Siddharth standing there, his eyes fixed on her.
A spark of realization dawned on her, and she turned around to face him. "Now I understand why Roohi pulled me here," Shruti teased, a playful smile spreading across her face. Her eyes sparkled with knowing, and she raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with amusement. Siddharth's presence in the room suddenly made sense, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the thought of being alone with him.
Siddharth walked towards her, his eyes locked onto hers, and gently wrapped his hands around her waist. "I couldn't take my eyes off of you the whole time," he said, his voice low and husky. "You are looking so beautiful." His words sent shivers down Shruti's spine, and her heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath on her skin.
Shruti's face flushed with a soft blush, and she whispered, "Did you call me here just to tell me this?" Her voice was barely audible, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and delight.
Siddharth's smile grew, and he replied, "No, there's more." As he spoke, his other hand began to explore her shoulder, tracing a gentle path down to her palm. He wrapped his fingers around her hand, holding it tenderly. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through Shruti's body, and she felt a deep connection with him. The intimacy of the moment was palpable, and Shruti's heart fluttered in her chest.
"What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Siddharth's eyes sparkled with excitement as he gently pulled her towards the bed, and she sat down, her heart racing with anticipation. He sat down on the floor in front of her.
She looked at him expectantly, Siddharth reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. He opened the lid, revealing the most exquisite anklets Shruti had ever laid eyes on. The delicate silver and intricate designs sparkled in the dim light of the room, and Shruti's eyes widened in wonder. She felt a surge of emotion, and her heart swelled with love and appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. The anklets seemed to gleam with a special significance, as if they were more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry.
"Siddharth, this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Siddharth's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled tenderly. "This is a wedding gift for my wife," he said, his voice filled with love and adoration. As he spoke, he gently pulled out the anklets from the box.
Shruti's heartbeat quickened as Siddharth reached for her foot, his hands wrapping around it with care. He placed her foot on his knee, and Shruti felt a rush of emotions as he fastened the anklet around her ankle. The delicate sound of the anklet's tiny bells filled the air, and Shruti watched him with eyes filled with love and affection.
As she gazed at him, her emotions overwhelmed her, and her eyes began to well up with tears. Siddharth noticed the change in her expression and immediately sat beside her, concern etched on his face. "What happened?" he asked softly, his voice full of empathy.
Shruti looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears. "How can you love me so much?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion. Siddharth smiled gently, his eyes filled with adoration, and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. "Because my baby deserves all the love of this whole world," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. As he held her close, Shruti felt her heart swell with love, and she knew she was cherished beyond measure.
They were lost in the intimacy of the moment, their hearts beating as one, when they were suddenly interrupted by a discreet cough. "Ahem!" They looked up, and their eyes met Roohi's mischievous gaze. She stood in the doorway, a sly smile spreading across her face.
Siddharth and Shruti quickly pulled away from each other, their faces flushing with surprise and embarrassment. Roohi's eyes sparkled with amusement, she walked towards them and put a hand on Siddharth's shoulder as she teased, "I'm very sorry, but you both have to wait a little more for this." Her words hung in the air, filled with playful innuendo.
Siddharth tried to catch Roohi, his hands reaching out to grab her, but she was too quick. She slipped away and hid behind Shruti, giggling uncontrollably. "You!" Siddharth playfully growled, but Roohi just chuckled and wrapped her arms around Shruti.
"Let's go, bhabhi, everyone is waiting," Roohi said, her voice filled with excitement. She gently pulled Shruti outside, leaving Siddharth looking on with a mix of frustration and amusement. As they left the room, Roohi turned back to Siddharth and winked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
In the evening, Shruti sat in front of the mirror, getting ready for her wedding. She was adorned in a stunning red lehenga, intricately designed with delicate patterns of golden thread and subtle embroidery. The lehenga's fabric was a luxurious silk, its smooth texture catching the light as she moved. The garment itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with layers of sheer fabric creating a dramatic flair around her feet.
The lehenga's design was a beautiful blend of traditional and modern elements, with intricate floral motifs and delicate vines woven throughout. The golden thread added a touch of opulence, shimmering in the light as Shruti moved. The lehenga's color was a deep, rich red, evoking the vibrant hues of Indian culture.
Isha was meticulously doing Shruti's makeup, carefully crafting each detail to perfection. Just as they were finishing up, a soft knock at the door interrupted the moment. As they turned to see who it was, Roohi burst into the room, her excitement radiating like a warm glow. She was a vision in a stunning pink lehenga, the delicate fabric hugging her curves in all the right places.
The lehenga's intricate embroidery sparkled in the light, adding a touch of whimsy to Roohi's overall look. As she entered, her eyes widened in admiration as she took in Shruti's breathtaking appearance. "You are looking so gorgeous!" Roohi exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Shruti smiled warmly, returning the compliment. "You too, Roohi, how pretty you are looking in this lehenga," she said, reaching out to touch the fabric. The soft pink hue brought out the glow in Roohi's complexion, and the intricate patterns added a touch of elegance to her overall look.
Roohi took the makeup brush from Isha's hand, saying "Let me help," as she expertly began to enhance Shruti's features. Isha nodded softly and shifted her attention to Shruti's hair, skillfully styling it into an elegant updo. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter.
Just as they were getting into a rhythm, Roohi's phone suddenly tinged with a notification. She glanced down at the screen, and her eyes landed on Aryan's message: "Where are you? I've something for you." A soft blush crept onto Roohi's cheeks, and she couldn't help but smile.
Shruti, being the keen observer that she was, caught the telltale sign of Roohi's blush and peeked over to see who was responsible for it. Her eyes landed on Aryan's name on the screen, and she couldn't resist teasing her. "Ohh my, someone is getting all lovey-dovey," Shruti said with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Roohi's blush deepened, and she looked up, her eyes meeting Shruti's with a mix of embarrassment and happiness.
"I...I'll be back!" Roohi exclaimed, quickly getting up from her spot and making a hasty exit, her embarrassment evident on her face. As she walked out, she was distracted by her phone, scrolling through her messages with Aryan. Her eyes were fixed on the screen, and she didn't notice the person standing in front of her. Suddenly, she bumped into someone, and the impact sent her stumbling backward. "Ah!" she cried out, her hands flailing wildly as she tried to regain her balance.
Just as she was about to fall, two strong arms caught her, holding her steady. "Are you okay?!" a deep, familiar voice asked, concern etched in its tone. Roohi's eyes snapped up to meet Aryan's, and she felt her heart skip a beat. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she hadn't expected to run into him.
