Natasha's POV
As the hairstylist worked on my hair, I found myself lost in thought, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. The anticipation of the Sangeet function filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Memories of the journey leading up to this moment flashed through my mind, from the first time I met Siddharth to the whirlwind of events that brought us here. As I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder about the future that awaited us as a couple.
Shreya entered the room accompanied by workers carrying my Sangeet lehenga, still adorned on the mannequin.
"Yes, yes, keep it here," she directed them, and they followed her instructions obediently.
After the workers left, Shreya approached me and took a seat beside me.
"You're looking so beautiful, as always," she said with a giggle, her happiness evident.
I smiled faintly, not feeling quite as joyful. Sensing something was amiss, Shreya furrowed her brows and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"What's wrong?" she asked, concern lacing her voice. I shook my head, trying to reassure her.
"Nothing," I replied with a smile, but she remained unconvinced.
"Is something bothering you?" she pressed, and I shook my head again, forcing a smile.
"No, nothing. I was just thinking about how I'll look in this dress," I sighed, shifting my gaze to the lehenga draped over the mannequin.
(A/n: i couldn't find any separate picture for the lehnga and sherwani 🥲)
"You will look absolutely gorgeous, like you always do," she said with a warm smile, trying to lift my spirits. I managed a smile in return.
"Well, thank you, Shreya," I replied gratefully.
"Why thank you? I was just stating the truth," she said playfully, chuckling. I couldn't help but chuckle along with her, her light-heartedness bringing a moment of relief.
"Where are the others?" I asked, noticing the absence of the bridesmaids.
"They're downstairs helping with other tasks," Shreya explained. I nodded in understanding.
It was a relief to have fewer people around me. I've never been one for crowds, finding them suffocating and annoying at times.
I quickly slipped into the lehenga, and Shreya helped me adjust it properly. With both of us ready, we were set for the Sangeet.
___________
Meanwhile
Siddharth's POV.
I quickly adjusted my kurta, eagerly anticipating the Sangeet where I would be reunited with my sweetheart. Abhimanyu was with me, along with my cousins and friends, adding to the excitement.
"Mr. Malhotra agar aapka pagalo jaisa hasna hogaya ho toh, chaley?" Abhimanyu teased, eliciting laughter from everyone.
"Mr. Malhotra, if you're done smiling like an idiot, shall we go?"
"Ha,Chalo me ready hu," I replied eagerly.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go,"
"Lagta h ki Aaj bhaiya bohut kush h," Ayush remarked with a wink.
"I guess brother is too happy today,"
"Haa,kuch jyada hee," Rohit added, and we all chuckled.
"Indeed, a little too much,"
"Ofcourse me hu. Ye meri zindagi ka best moment h," I declared proudly, earning more teasing from my friends.
"Of course I am. It's the best moment of my life,"
Just then, my father entered the room, bringing us back to reality.
"Tum sb ka hua ki nahi? Dulhan pahuch giye h function area me. Jaldi karo, chalo ab," he urged.
"Are you all done or not? The bride has reached the function area. Hurry up, come on,"
"Wo pahuch giye?" I asked in surprise.
"Ofcourse wo pahuch giye. Ab chalo jaldi," my father replied, leading me out.
"Of course she did. Now, hurry up,"
However, to my dismay, my sweetheart was nowhere to be seen at the function area. I turned to my dad, puzzled.
"Baith ithar, aa jaegi jaldi hee wo," my father reassured me, motioning for me to take a seat.
"Sit here, she'll arrive soon,"
"Jaldi hee? Kya mtlb?aapke to bola tha ki wo aa chuki h. Kaha h wo?" I asked impatiently.
"Soon? What do you mean? You said she arrived. Where is she?"
"Mene juth bola," my father confessed with a chuckle.
"I lied,"
"Juth?kyu papa,?" I asked, feeling annoyed.
"Lied?why dad?"
"Kyuki tu kuch jyada hee time laga rha tha faltu ki cheezo me," he replied with a grin.
"Because you were taking too much time doing nonsense things,"
"Bhaiya room se bhage toh aise the ki inki flight choot rhi h," Ayush teased, and everyone burst into laughter.
"He ran from the room so fast like he'll miss his flight,"
As the time ticked closer to the start of the function, everyone took their seats, eagerly awaiting the festivities to commence. I found myself growing increasingly impatient, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my sweetheart. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as I scanned the room, eagerly waiting for her presence to grace the occasion.
My face lit up with joy as I caught sight of her gracefully making her way towards me, accompanied by her bridesmaids. My heart raced with excitement, and I was tempted to rush towards her and envelop her in a warm embrace. However, before I could act on my impulse, Rohit and Ayush held me back, bringing me back to my senses.
"Bro, are you going mad?" Rohit exclaimed, while Ayush chimed in, "Yeah, man! Control yourself. It's a public event. She's yours, but have some patience."
Feeling embarrassed, I sheepishly nodded in agreement, realizing my momentary lapse in judgment.
With a charming smile, I extended my hand towards her, silently inviting her to join me. Her radiant smile in response melted my heart, and as she took my hand, I felt a rush of joy surge through me.
Leading her gracefully to our designated couch, we settled down beside each other. Shreya, sitting beside Natasha, was close by, while Abhimanyu occupied the space next to me, albeit not on our couch.
As the performances unfolded, Shreya and her friends, as well as Abhimanyu with my friends, took the stage and showcased their talents. With each act, the energy in the room soared, and I couldn't help but feel the excitement building within me.
When it was my turn to perform, I rose from my seat, leaving Natasha with a puzzled expression. Smiling reassuringly at her, I made my way towards the stage, ready to dazzle everyone with my performance.
As the smoke enveloped the stage, the familiar melody of "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" filled the air. With each beat of the music, I felt a surge of confidence coursing through me. Stepping onto the stage, I was greeted by cheers and applause from the audience, further fueling my determination to give a stellar performance.
As I danced to the rhythm of the song, I couldn't help but notice the surprise on Natasha's face. Grinning with satisfaction, I poured my heart and soul into each step, aiming to captivate her with my performance.
As the song reached its climax, I took a bold step forward, pulling a single rose from behind my back. With a flourish, I dropped to one knee before Natasha, extending the rose towards her as a symbol of my love and devotion.
The music faded into the background as I spoke the words that had been weighing on my heart.
"I love you,"
I declared, my voice filled with sincerity and emotion. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Natasha, awaiting her response.Natasha's eyes widened in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief.
I held my breath, waiting anxiously for her answer, every second feeling like an eternity. For a moment, she glanced at Shreya, seeking reassurance, and I held my breath, my heart pounding in my chest.
Then, with a soft smile, Natasha accepted the rose, her eyes shining with emotion.
A wave of relief washed over me as I rose to my feet, feeling a surge of joy and gratitude. Without hesitation, I enveloped her in a warm embrace, savoring the moment of pure happiness and love shared between us.
The uncle's words landed heavily on my shoulders, "ab tk zindgi bhar gulam bann jaoge. Khudke Ghar me khudki nahi chalegi,"
"Now you will become a slave for life, you won't be able to run your own affairs in your own house."
"Ghar Laxmi lekr Jauga.Zindagi bhar kya saare Janam gulami krne ke liye taiyaar hu. Bohut izzat or pyaar se rkhunga," I retorted defiantly, refusing to let his words dampen my resolve.
"I will go home with Laxmi.I am ready to serve a lifetime of companionship, to honor and cherish her with the utmost respect and love."
Despite my bold declaration, the uncle's laughter cut through the air, a stark reminder of the cynicism that often overshadowed such celebrations.
"Pehele to sb aise he bolte h, tumhari tarah confident hoke" he remarked, his tone tinged with resignation. "Lekin jaise jaise time beet jata h, tb sb change ho jata h,"
"At first, everyone is as confident as you,"
"But as time passes, they change."
I shook my head adamantly, refusing to entertain the notion of succumbing to the disillusionment he described. "I'm a man of my word," I declared firmly, my voice tinged with determination. "I will never do anything to make her unhappy."
The uncle's response was a resigned nod, his expression conveying a mixture of understanding and acceptance. "What can I say now?" he mused with a sigh, recognizing the futility of further argument. "Your path is yours to walk, and I was erely offering my perspective."
As he left me to my thoughts, I resisted the urge to retort further, realizing that engaging in debate would only detract from the joyous atmosphere of the evening. Instead, I turned my focus back to the celebration, determined to savor every moment of happiness with Natasha by my side.
________
So here is the Sangeet part which was suppose to publish before Haldi ceremony but I forgot to add this but here it is now.
I'm really sorry for being inactive these days, actually I was busy with a few work 🙂
Hope you liked this chapter ❤️
Bye bye 🍃
________