The Bride Wasn't Me

Chapter 1:The Beginning Before Everything Changed

I wasn't supposed to be the bride that day.

In fact... I wasn't even supposed to sit in the mandap.

But life doesn't ask for permission before changing everything.

One moment, I was just another guest at a wedding—
and the next...

I was the one walking toward the fire, dressed as a bride.

Even now, months later, I still wonder how everything happened so fast.

How a single decision—made in chaos—tied me to someone I had known for years...

Just not like this.

It all started that day...

The day I went to a wedding as a guest.
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I was excited to go to my cousin's wedding.

Out of all my cousins, he was always my favorite. We grew up together—playing, fighting, laughing over the smallest things.

But somewhere along the way, things changed.

Maybe it was when I became a teenager... or when he left for college, then work.

We weren't the same anymore.

Still, that didn't change how close our families were. Especially my aunt—she was like my second mother. I had practically grown up around her house since I was a baby.

I still remember how much fun I had at my elder cousin's wedding... even though I had to leave in the middle because of my semester exams.

But this time?

This time, I was determined to enjoy everything.

It was my third year in MBBS, and thankfully, the schedule wasn't as hectic. I could finally attend all the functions without worrying about running back halfway.

I was packing my bags in a rush, throwing in clothes without thinking twice.

Oh—

I should probably introduce myself first.

Hi.
I'm Aadhya.

23 years old.
Third-year medical student at Delhi University.

I have a younger sister—she's 19 and currently preparing for civil services. The smart one in the family, clearly.

And right now, I'm heading to Hyderabad—my birthplace.

Yes, I'm South Indian. Proper, pakka South Indian.

My train was at 5 p.m.

And at 3 p.m., I was still not done packing.

Classic me.

I threw in a few comfortable clothes, along with two dresses I had bought from local markets, and a ridiculous amount of jewelry from Sarojini Nagar.

The best part?

This trip was a surprise.

I had told my parents I wouldn't be able to come for another four days because of ticket issues.

But somehow, I managed.

I quickly called my friend Arjun to drop me at the station, rushed out of the hostel, and just like that... I was on my way.

The weather felt like it was on my side.

It had started raining.

Sitting by the train window, holding a cup of hot chai in my hands...

I couldn't help but smile.

Because honestly—

there's nothing better than chai and rain.

And for the first time in a long while...

I had a feeling this trip was going to be unforgettable.