SIYA'S POV
Tensed and pacing around the room, I found myself grappling with the dilemma of how to approach everyone about joining Arjun's evening travel plan. "Why can't he say it himself?" I murmured to myself in frustration. As I pondered my next move, an idea struck me, and I decided to call Ananya.
"Hi, babhi," answered Aatharv when he picked up the phone. "Is Ananya near you?" I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness. He replied, "No, babhi. She's in mami's room. Should I call her?" I hesitated for a moment, then got an idea. "No," I responded, "Aatharv, I need help from you."
He inquired, "What happened, babhi? Have you changed your mind? Don't want to marry this kadoos? Should I help you to escape the wedding?" Aatharv's playful banter momentarily lightened my mood. I smiled and clarified, "No, Aatharv. It's not about that. Did you tell Arjun that I called him kadoos?"
Aatharv hesitated a bit before responding, "Woh, babhi, actually, I just told him that our ideologies match, and we think the same about him." Aatharv said "Leave about it. Did he say something to you? Tell me, and I'll talk to him," He urged. I told no he didn't scold me he just gave me a punishment.
Aatharv questioned, "Punishment? What is he, a school teacher? What did he give? I'll help you." I proceeded to narrate the whole conversation, and Aatharv exclaimed, "That's it, babhi! It's very simple. Consider it done. I'll talk to mami; she will never say no to me." The assurance in his voice eased my worries, and I felt grateful for Aatharv's willingness to help navigate through the familial intricacies.
Later, I came downstairs to find everyone engrossed in discussions about tomorrow's plans. Amma noticed me and said, "Laddu, it's good you came. We have informed Ishu's and Poorna's parents; Your Aunt and uncle (trisha's parents) will come to the airport directly with Gautam. Make sure you get up early, okay? These four days, don't be lazy." Dev bhai, always ready with his playful banter, chimed in, "Amma, her golden days are going to get completed. At least let her sleep these four days. Arjun is a health freak; he gets up early in the morning. He won't let her sleep; he will take her along with him for a run." Smiles spread across everyone's faces.
As the discussions continued, Amma added, "Laddu, pack your essentials. After the wedding, you will go to the Malhotra mansion directly. Although you will come back for further rituals, make sure you pack everything accordingly." Suddenly, it dawned on me that today was the last day I would be sleeping in my house as Siya though I would return after marriage, it would be as a guest, and I couldn't stay for long. No more late-night special Maggi sessions with Appa, no more fights with Dev bhai. My life was about to change.
Overwhelmed with emotions, I couldn't contain them, and suddenly tears welled up in my eyes. The realization that I was on the brink of a significant life transition hit me, and the tears were an expression of the mix of joy, nostalgia, and the anticipation of what lay ahead.
My father observed, "See, seeing you cry, Dhruv kept a dull face. He looks as if he is about to cry." I hugged Dhruv, feeling his little form in my arms, and said, "I can't go, Appa. I don't want to leave from here, please." Holding Dhruv in my lap, I hugged my father tightly. Dev bhai, always the one to lighten the mood, said, "Laddu, don't cry. Come, let's all have an ice cream."The mention of ice cream triggered memories of our late-night ice cream hangouts with cousins, and I couldn't help but say, "Who will take me for midnight ice creams? Everything is going to change. You all will be enjoying without me." The weight of impending change and the fear of missing out overwhelmed me, and I couldn't help but cry more, my tears a reflection of the deep bonds and cherished moments that were about to undergo a transformation.
My grandmother, always wise and comforting, added, "There is still a long time before your vidaii. Cheer up, Laddu. Enjoy the wedding preparations." Her words resonated, reminding me to cherish the present moment and the joyous occasions that were unfolding. With a deep breath, I wiped away my tears and embraced the support and love surrounding me.
My father intervened, saying, "Go, Laddu, go wash your face. Your face is totally red. Go, your Amma and Peri Amma prepared your favorite dishes. If Dev eats everything, don't complain to me, okay?" His attempt at humor brought a faint smile to my face. I left for my room to wash away the evidence of tears.
I knew everyone was trying to be strong in front of me, so I wouldn't cry. After washing my face, I came downstairs and witnessed an unusual sight at our dining table. Everyone was sitting with somber expressions. Our dinner times were usually filled with fights, talks, arguments, and jokes, but now, seeing them so subdued made me cry again.
As soon as they noticed me, my father called, "Come, Laddu, let me feed you today." With tender care, he started mixing rice with my favorite items and began feeding me. My Amma, looking at me with tear-filled eyes, added a layer of emotion to the otherwise ordinary act of a family dinner. The moment captured the essence of love and unity, as each member of the family silently expressed their emotions through this simple yet heartfelt gesture.
While my father was feeding me, a sudden surge of questions overwhelmed me, and I turned to my Paati (grandma). "Why does only the girl have to leave the family after marriage? Why can't she stay with her parents lifelong? Why did society design it this way? Do girls have no right to stay with their parents after marriage? Why should she leave them?" I questioned, grappling with the societal norms that were causing my distress.
My father, offering a response filled with empathy and a hint of sorrow, said, "Maybe whoever created this rule didn't have a daughter in the house, Laddu. If he had, he would never have let it start." The weight of unspoken emotions became apparent as my father, who had been trying to stay strong for my sake, finally allowed his tears to flow. In that moment, I hugged my father, and our shared tears became a poignant acknowledgment of the complexities and challenges embedded in societal expectations.
In the midst of our emotional state, Amma received a call. She answered it and said, "Yes, Babhi. Oh, okay, this idea is also good. Okay, Babhi, I'll be informing them. Sure, bye." She hung up the call and shared the news with us.
Amma explained, "Arjun will be free after 4 in the evening, so Babhi is proposing that all the elders will go early, and the children will come after Arjun gets free so that they can enjoy, right?" The plan involved Krishna, Trisha along with Dhruv, Shiv and Ishu, Gautam and Poorna, Aditya and Muskaan, Kishore and Priya, Ananya, Dev, Sambhav and his sister Soni, along with Laddu and Arjun, all coming together after Arjun's availability.
Dev, excited about the idea, exclaimed, "That's a wonderful idea. We can have rest as we already applied for leave. Laddu, you can sleep; no need to wake up early," teasing me with a playful grin. The prospect of a well-thought-out plan brought a spark of joy and anticipation to the atmosphere, momentarily shifting our focus from the earlier emotional conversations.
Relieved that the plan had succeeded, I received a message from an unknown number saying, "Babhi, it's done." Recognizing it as Atharva's number, I messaged him, "Thank you so much, Atharva." He replied, "Anything for you, Babhi. Just order, and your devar will be ready to do anything for you." His enthusiastic response brought a smile to my face, and I sent him a salute emoji, appreciating his support and willingness to help.
I smiled at his response and said, "I wish if it happens like that, but society doesn't run like that. If you come here and stay, people will talk rubbish, and I don't like it."
Arjun, with a determined tone, said, "Forget the society, Jaan. Your happiness is important to me." I smiled and replied, " I am happy that you said it. Won't you bring me home whenever I wanted to visit here?"Arjun responded, "If that's your problem, we can divide it in a week - three days in Malhotra Mansion and three days in Sharma House."
I smiled and said, "Achaa, then the remaining one day, Mr. Malhotra?" He replied, "That day is solely for me. I won't even allow you to get up from bed. That one day is our private time without anyone around." His words added a playful and intimate touch to the conversation, bringing a smile to my face as I envisioned the future he painted for us.
As we were talking, Arjun asked me, "I wanted to ask you something, Jaan." I looked at him and inquired, "You are talking like me. What is it?" Arjun said, "After marriage, where do you want to go for a honeymoon? If you share your preferences, I'll make arrangements accordingly."
I blushed and replied, "I have no idea, Arjun. Any place is okay with me. I don't have specifications. You know, we'll make preparations accordingly." The idea of planning a honeymoon brought a sweet and exciting anticipation for the future, and the casual conversation about it added a touch of romance to our discussions.
Arjun said, "Jaan, I will be a little busy with one ongoing project, so I can't afford a long vacation. I can take a maximum of 4 days off, but I promise you I will take you on a long vacation once I complete the project." I smiled and reassured him, "Arjun, don't worry about taking me on vacation. I am happy anywhere when you are by my side. That's enough for me." The exchange reflected a mutual understanding and a focus on the joy of being together rather than the destination.
Later, Arjun asked me, "So, Jaan, don't you wear a lehenga for the wedding?" I looked at him and said, "No, Arjun, it's a saree. You wanted a North culture marriage." Arjun smiled and replied, "I wanted to marry you; that's important for me. Rest, all are procedures, whether it's your tradition or mine, I don't care. You look beautiful even if you wear a lehenga, or a saree, or without anything." I immediately teased him, "Chiiii, Arjun, shut up, pervert." Arjun laughed and said, "Pervert? What's pervert in this? I just stated facts."
While we were talking, Arjun received a call. After speaking, he looked at me and said, "Jaan, I have to go. There is an important urgent meeting." I checked the time and remarked, "Arjun, it's almost 12. When will you sleep?" He just smiled, blew me a flying kiss, and disconnected the call, leaving a lingering sense of affection in the air.
ARJUN'S POV
I disconnected the call and attended the meeting; it was almost 2 when the call had been completed. I remembered Siya asking me a question, "When will you sleep?" How could I tell her that I couldn't afford to sleep more than 1 hour, that my nightmares wouldn't leave, no matter how many tablets I took? I sighed, lay on the bed, and looked at the other side of my bed. Just 4 more days, Jaan, you will be here with me in my arms. Then, I feel no nightmare can disturb me. The anticipation of having Siya by my side provided a glimmer of solace amidst the challenges that haunted my nights.
Next morning, as soon as I completed my morning routine, I saw my family wrapping up the packing of necessary items they needed for the wedding. I looked at my father and said, "Papa, security is clear. I have made necessary arrangements over there. I got an information media is there, be careful; Sharma family can be a little frightened."
He looked at me and reassured, " Arjun, we will take care. You all come safely." I observed the workers loading everything into the vehicles. I had arranged for some additional workers to go along with my family to provide assistance, as we were unsure about the situation over there. The meticulous planning aimed to ensure a smooth journey for Siya's family to our village.
The next jet is for our helpers and the luggage, so you all can be free. Tell Sharma family to keep the luggage in the next jet. My grandfather assured, "We will take care, you don't worry." The organized approach and the allocation of resources aimed to streamline the travel arrangements for everyone involved.
As soon as everyone left, I was monitoring everything. I had seen the media following my family to the airport. Later, the airport visuals were shown in the news, and I continued following the updates from my security chief while sitting in the office.
I received a call from my security personnel who were accompanying Sharma's family, stating, "Sir, they have started." They also informed me, "Sir, I think even Siya madam is in the car along with everyone."
I sighed and said, "Okay," then disconnected the call and immediately called Siya. She didn't answer my call, and I repeatedly called her, but there was no response. Later, I dialed Shiv's number. He answered the call and said, "Yes, Arjun. I informed him about the security following him so no need to worry about the media near the airport and send the family along with security inside so the media won't disturb." He said, "Okay."
Then, I asked Shiv, "Is Siya with you guys? Is she coming with you people?" He responded, "Yeah, Arjun, she is with us. Any problem?" I told him to Once give a call to Siya." He said, "Okay," and passed the phone to Siya.
When Siya answered, I immediately asked her, "Where the hell is your phone, Jaan?" She said, "Oh, I forgot it at home in a hurry." I said, "Okay, listen. Don't get down at the airport. I have arranged security, and they will take care of the arrangements of the family. Don't get down there. There is media all around, and they can mob you, Without security nearby, be careful."
Siya started to say something, but I interrupted, "No more discussions, Siya. Do as I say." She replied, "Okay," and disconnected the call. The concern for Siya's safety and the need for careful handling in the midst of media attention underscored the challenges of their journey.
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