"I keep falling for you each second, each minute, each hour and each day of my life"
____
7. Moments Worth Cherishing
NEXT DAY IN the morning Shreya was relieved that finally she could wash her hands. She spent an entire hour bathing and washing off her hands. Wrapping a towel around her body and hair, Shreya walked out of her washroom.
Shuffling through all her clothes, she decided to wear shorts and a crop top. She was drying her hair with the towel when the doorbell rang. She frowned and glanced at the wall clock. It was 9 in the morning. Who could be here at this time?, she thought.
The doorbell buzzed continuously for the next ten minutes. Shreya let out a frustrated growl and threw the towel on her bed. Opening her room door, she walked in the living room and found no one in the living room. Where did everyone disappear in the morning?, she wondered.
She opened the main door and was surprised to see Aanchal standing at their doorstep with Yash in her arms. Shreya stepped aside to welcome Aanchal. Aanchal entered the apartment followed by the driver who was holding a bag in his hand. Shreya closed the door and walked in the living room.
Aanchal asked the driver to place the bag on the table and dismissed him. Shreya was confused and had no idea why Aanchal was here. She poured water in a glass and walked outside the kitchen. Aanchal sat on the couch with Yash on her lap as she observed the apartment.
She couldn't observe the house during the mehendi ritual because it was crowded and with all the dance and music she had totally forgot about it. True to Aarav's words, there weren't any pictures of Shreya on the wall. Aanchal found it extremely strange. Shreya offered Aanchal a glass of water with a smile on her face.
"Uncle Auntie, are not at home?", Aanchal asked as she drank water.
"Umm...yeah! They are gone out I suppose", Shreya said sitting on the couch.
"Okay, no problem anyways I was here to meet you", Aanchal said smiling.
"To meet me?", Shreya asked confused.
"Yes", Aanchal picked up the bag which was placed on the table and handed it to Shreya.
"Its our family tradition so please accept this. The groom's side gifts the bride her sangeet dress which she of course wears for her sangeet"
"Oh.. Thank you Di", Shreya replied with a small smile.
"Shreya, if you don't mind can I ask you something?", Aanchal asked gently.
"Yeah sure"
"You're sure you want to marry Aarav?", Aanchal asked.
Shreya's eyes widened a little. She couldn't believe Aanchal was asking her this a day before her brother's wedding.
"If you're not sure we can cancel the wedding and I promise you no one will tell you anything. I'm a woman too so I understand you and my Aarav will understand too. Marriage is like a rebirth of a girl, Shreya. Once you get married you have so many roles in your life. You become a wife, a daughter-in-law and a sister-in-law. I know you're thinking why am I telling you all this, right?"
Shreya nodded in response.
"Its because I want you to be sure about your decision. Aarav is my brother but I consider you as my sister too. I don't want you to destroy your life or regret marrying my brother. No doubt my brother will keep you happy but are you willing to accept this change with open arms?"
Shreya stared at Aanchal. Aarav's family didn't fail to surprise her. How could they be so understanding and loving?, she thought. On one side were her parents who had forced her into this marriage and on the other side was Aanchal who was willing to support her if she wasn't ready for the marriage.
She had an opportunity to back out but she couldn't bring herself to tell Aanchal the truth. The truth that she wasn't ready to marry her brother. She had seen the pure adoration and love in Shweta, Manish and Neela's eyes for her. She had seen the care in Aarav's eyes for her. She had found a mother's support in Aanchal's words, an elder sister's care in Forum and a teasing brother in Rishabh. She couldn't break their hearts when in the past few days all they did was shower her with so much of love.
The kind of love she wanted from her family but all she got was hatred from her parents and constant reminders from them to stay away from her own siblings. She craved for a family but she was scared to spend her entire life with a man she barely knew. She knew she couldn't ever be able to accept him as her husband because she had too many secrets which were hidden from the world.
Shreya sighed and said, "Di, I want to marry your brother and be a part of your amazing family"
She looked down at Yash who was watching her curiously as she caressed his hair lovingly, "I want to be his mami ( aunt ) and your bhabhi ( sister-in-law)"
She gulped the lump in her throat because the next words from her mouth would be nothing but a bunch of lies, "I want to be Aarav's wife. I want him to become a part of my life as I will become his. I want to give him all the happiness and make him feel like the luckiest man in the world"
"I'm so glad Shreya that you're ready emotionally and mentally for this marriage. You can talk to me if you have any problems, okay?", Aanchal asked caressing Shreya's cheek lovingly.
Shreya nodded with a small smile.
"If you don't mind, can I pick him up?", Shreya asked looking at Yash.
Aanchal smiled before nodding as she handed Yash to Shreya who cradled him in her arms lovingly. She gazed at him with so much love and affection that Aanchal's eyes were filled with tears. She couldn't help but think that her mother had chosen a perfect girl for her brother. Aanchal could feel Shreya wasn't ready for the marriage mentally but instead of telling the truth and calling off the wedding she assured her that she wanted to be a part of the family. She was indeed a different yet loving girl.
"Hey Yash" Shreya cooed "Do you know who I am? I'm your soon to be mami" she said smiling at him.
Though Shreya knew Yash couldn't talk she wanted to converse with him because she felt that though babies couldn't talk they could understand and hear everything. Yash instantly let out a giggle and clapped his hands.
"You're going to be one cute young man when you grow up", she said as her finger tingled his stomach.
"You know Yash starts crying when he is in the arms of a stranger but with you he is giggling and smiling", Aanchal said.
Shreya just looked at him with love as she walked around the room talking with Yash in her arms and soon he fell asleep in her arms. Shreya carefully placed a sleeping Yash on the couch and turned to face Aanchal.
"Should I bring you anything to eat", Shreya asked.
"No I'm good", Aanchal said smiling and her gaze fell on Shreya's henna filled hands.
"Wow! Show me your hands", Aanchal demanded.
Shreya hesitantly forwarded her hands towards Aanchal. The colour of henna was a darker shade which only meant one thing her husband loved her alot. Aanchal's phone rang and she picked it up.
"I have to leave", she said picking Yash in her arms "It was nice spending time with you. See you tonight"
__________
IN THE EVENING, the Shah's had reached the Sangeet venue. Both the families had decided to book a hall for the Sangeet Ceremony. Aarav was eagerly waiting for Shreya as the Chauhan family was yet to arrive. The hall was decorated with red and white balloons and curtains. They had prepared a special decorated seat for the couple. All the arrangements of Sangeet ceremony were done by Aarav and Shreya's siblings. The Sangeet ceremony had a red and white theme.
Aarav's eyes were trained on the door of the hall. He was getting restless as each minute passed by. For the first time in life, he felt that the time was passing by slowly.
"How long will I have to wait God? This is plain torture", Aarav mused loudly.
"Patience! Aarav patience", Forum said giggling.
"Call Shaurya and ask him where they are", Aarav said grumbling.
"I'm here jiju!", Shaurya said spreading his hands in SRK style.
"No one is asking for you, bro! People are going crazy waiting for their bride", Rishabh teased Aarav making everyone laugh.
Aarav glared at Rishabh before whining, "Mom..."
"Do you know Shreya's henna has turned into a dark shade of reddish brown and what does that mean?", Aanchal asked.
"Aarav loves Shreyaaa alotttt"
Aarav heard his siblings and Shaurya yell loudly. He gave them a look of disbelief as they laughed. He couldn't help but think how his siblings craziness was increasing day by day. Today they were just screaming his love for Shreya publicly next thing there will be a hoarding with the statement Aarav loves Shreya right outside their house.
He was about to give them a piece of his mind but stopped as he saw his in laws enter the hall. His mouth went dry as he saw Shreya enter the hall with Saloni by her side. She looked drop dead gorgeous in the red gown he had gifted her. He couldn't get his eyes off her. Everyone in the room was staring at the soon to be bride.
Shreya looked up feeling someone's gaze on her. She relaxed as she saw it was Aarav who was staring at her lovingly. She looked around and noticed that even the guests were staring at her.
"She looks amazing, doesn't she?", Aanchal asked and Aarav just nodded too lost in Shreya's beauty.
Shreya stood besides Aarav feeling all weird sensations. Was it possible to feel all this just standing besides someone?, she thought as she stole few glances at Aarav.
"You both make a perfect couple. May God shower all his blessings on you", Shweta said pecking Shreya and Aarav's forehead lovingly.
Everyone left the couple alone so they would get some time to settle down.
"Mani, look at our son. The love Aarav has for Shreya is so evident in his eyes", Shweta said smiling as she leaned her head on Manish's shoulder.
"Yeah, he really loves her. Shweta, I'm so proud of you today. Shreya is perfect for our Aarav", Manish said looking at his wife with admiration.
"Hello everyone! May I have your attention please! Today is the night before my bhabhi officially becomes a part of the Shah family. I would like you all to give a big round of applaud for the soon to be married couple Mr and Mrs Aarav Shah", Rishabh announced on the mike.
"Please ignore this doofus here because he will talk everything except for the main topic", Saloni said grabbing the mike from Rishabh as everyone laughed.
"So its the night of Sangeet which of course consists of lots of fun, dance and music! It is a way to welcome the bride in the groom's family and make her a part of it! Well enough with all the talks! Sangeet sirf teen wajah se enjoy kar sakte hai. Entertainment, entertainment and entertainment aur hum youngsters entertainment hai! ( Sangeet can be only enjoyed because of three things. Entertainment, entertainment and entertainment. And we youngsters are entertainment! ) So let's cheer for the first dance of tonight performed by none other than the bride's brother", Saloni announced.
The lights were dimmed as the spot light was casted on Shaurya and he stood in the middle with a trumpet. He played the starting tone of Badtameez Dil from YJHD and the crowd went wild cheering for him. As he finished the tone, the DJ played the song. At the end of the song everyone clapped for him as he bowed dramatically.
"Rishi... Do you know who is performing next?", Saloni mused on the mick.
"Yeh badi badi ankhein hai aasuon ki tanki ye chori badi drama queen hai! So let's welcome the drama queen Forum along with her king Samar for the next performance"
This time the spot light was casted on Forum and Samar as they danced on Kyu Aage Peeche Dolte Ho song from Golmaal.
Shreya couldn't help but giggle as Forum danced dramatically like a 80's era actress.
"Woah! That was one hell of a dramatic dance! So any guesses who is our next performer?", Rishabh asked the audience.
"Well its a surprisee!!", Saloni said cheerfully.
The lights were dimmed again as Rishabh and Saloni stood in the middle and The Humma Song started to play.
Aarav glanced at Shreya who was watching the dance with a smile. Atleast she was smiling, Aarav thought before diverting his attention to the dance again.
"Okay guys! Now is the most special performance of the night. So I would like to call none other than my hottest, sexiest, handsome brother Aarav Shah!!", Rishabh announced and the audience erupted in cheers.
Aarav was stunned and was glaring at his evil cousin but one look at Shreya and his eyes softened. He stood up reluctantly and walked towards the centre taking the guitar from Rishabh.
He sat on the stool his gaze fixed on Shreya who was looking at him curiously. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and looked at Shreya lovingly before strumming his guitar.
His husky voice filled the hall making everyone swoon over the song which described his feelings for her.
Dekheya main chaand dekhe aa
Nooran waale sitaare dekhe aa
Par tere jaisa na koyi dekheya main
(I have seen the moon,
I have seen bright stars
But I have not seen anyone like you)
Lagta hai nigaahon mein teri
Bin doobe rehna hi nahin
Mujhe ishq yeh karne se
Ab koyi bhi na rok sakeya
(I feel that I don't wish to live
Without drowning in your eyes
Nobody can stop me from loving now)
O haareya main dil haareya
O haareya main dil haareya
O haareya main dil haareya
Main haara tujh pe
(I lost my heart
I lost my heart to you)
He stood up from his stool and handed the guitar to Rishabh who played it with ease. He forwarded his hand in front of Shreya as she reluctantly placed her palm in his hand as he led her to the centre of the hall for their first dance. Aarav wrapped a hand around Shreya's slim waist and pulled her towards him as he intertwined his one hand with hers while her other hand rested on his shoulder.
Oh haareya main dil haareya
Oh haareya main dil haareya
Oh haareya main dil haareya
Main haara tujh pe
Main haara tujh pe
Khuli aankhon se dekha woh
Haseen khwaab hai tu
Dil mein jo utar jaaye woh
Pyari baat hai tu
(You are a beautiful dream that
I saw with my eyes open
You are lovely words that
Go directly to the heart)
Slowly they started swaying to the song as Aarav stared in her chocolate brown eyes and felt himself drowning in the pool of her brown orbs.
Khuli aankhon se dekha woh
Haseen khwaab hai tu
Dil mein jo utar jaaye woh
Pyari baat hai tu
Tere naam ka nasha
Nasha hai zubaan pe chha gaya
Iss bekhudi mein doobne se
Main khud ko na rok sakeya
(The effect of intoxication of your name
Is on my tongue
I could not stop myself from
Getting lost in this senselessness)
He twirled her in circles before pulling her to the front, hugging her from behind. Shreya stiffened as her back came in touch with his chest. She could feel her anxiety rise and her fear creep in. She found herself taking deep ragged breaths as she controlled herself from pushing him away. As Aarav's husky voice filled her ears, she found her breaths going back to normal. His voice was like a soothing sensation as her fear disappeared and her tensed muscles relaxed as she leaned in his touch.
Dekheya main phool dekheya
Khushboo ke nazare dekheya
Par tere jaisa na koi dekheya main
(I have seen flowers,
I have seen the effect of fragrance
But I have never seen anyone like you)
Lagta hai baahon mein teri
Bikhre bin rehna hi nahi
Mujhe ishq yeh karne se
Ab koi bhi na rok sakeya
(I feel I don't want to live
Without spilling in your arms
Nobody can stop me from
Falling in love now)
He pushed her away and pulled her back again as their eyes locked again. They stayed in the same posture until he finished the song.
Oh hareya main dil hareya
Oh hareya main dil hareya
Oh hareya main dil hareya
Main haara tujh pe
Main haara tujh pe
Main hareya main dil hareya
Ke hareya main dil hareya
Lo hareya main dil hareya
Main haara tujh pe
Main haara tujh pe
In that moment Shreya saw the love and care glowing in Aarav's eyes.
I'm not capable of loving anyone Aarav and I know you won't love me when I reveal my past to you!
__________
So how was the chapter? I hope you guys loved it! Let me know! Excuse me for grammatical errors. Vote and comments. Keep loving Aarya! Happy reading! :)
Love ya,
Hugs and kisses,
See you soon!
-Rhea