30th April was a Sunday. The Vermas decided to reach Mumbai on Saturday night itself so as not to rush about anything at the last minute. It was way too late by the time they reached Parmar house and Shruti had to request Atharva not to come so late. He didn’t like it, and was a bit pissed off.
Shruti sent one of the most beautiful message to her affianced, which brought an affectionate smile on his face and his disappointment vanished into thin air. It read….
To be continued….
‘It’s exciting to think that some of the best moments of our lives haven’t happened yet…. Waiting desperately for tomorrow… it’s our special day… to be cherished forever.’
It was an amazing night with shimmering stars in the dark blue sky; the two beautiful souls gazed at the sky and impatiently waited for the dawn. Both bid each other sweet dreams, insisting each other to get some sleep, to be fresh and glowing on the next day. Each shut the eyes, promising to dream of the wonderful day that would seal their fate for a lifetime.
******30th April, 2006******
The dark night gave way to the golden rays of the dawn. The sun had risen from behind the horizon, chasing away all the negativity and uncertainty from the lives of Atharva and Shruti.
Everyone was up and about. A lot of hustle and bustle was going around in the Shah house as the ceremony was to be held at their residence at 6 p.m. Atharva had a natural glow on his face, reflecting the happiness and contentment of having his dream fulfilled. He couldn’t contain his excitement, and for a change, was even feeling nervous. He fervently prayed in his home temple to bless both of them for their future. He felt as if the clock was crawling as he waited impatiently for the evening.
Three days back, Minish had to literally drag him from the office as he was yet to buy the outfit for the ceremony. They had a super busy schedule owing to the new launch, but it was high time that he got his outfit. As such, Shruti had also repeatedly pestered him to get done with it.
They went to a high end shop in their locality where Atharva tried a couple of outfits. He was confused between two, when Minish advised, “Go for this Atharva. This will suit you better.”
He trusted his brother’s choice and was actually relieved to get over with it.
The decorators had come in to enliven the house with flowers. Atharva had been insistent about using his favourite marigold, rose and mogra for the decorations, varying with the others opinion to use exotic floral decoration.
“This would give an Indian festive look... trust me,” he had proclaimed. Lil Isha was also happy seeing so many people running here and there. Although the dinner was going to be held at Rajdhani restaurant, light snacks and drinks would be served to the guests.
Preksha and Alpaji were hovering in the kitchen, supervising the preparations. Around 50 guests were expected as both the sides had huge families.
The Vermas were relatively at ease as the function was to be held at Shah's place. Shruti was meticulously going through her attire. By afternoon, Nainaa had also dropped in, surprising all.
She gleefully said, “My father in law asked me to come early so that I can be of help. Abhinav will join us directly for the function since he will be accompanying them.”
There was a lot of light hearted banter and teasing going on.
Mrs Parmar and Jyotiji firmly said, “We need to finish our lunch now… or else Shruti will get late for her parlour visit. Nainaa, you accompany her and get your hair set or whatever you want.” Both the girls nodded.
“Ye ladkiyon ko achha hai… kuch bhi ho, sajne sawarne ka mauka mil jaata hai,” quipped their brother.
Shruti said sarcastically, “Mumma… isko ladki banne ka shaukh chaddhaa hai… please accompany us by all means. What will you do, if I may know? Blow dry, make up, facial?”
Rohan made a face and remarked, “You mean your hero getting all this done?! Na baba… I am a normal guy.”
Shruti was losing her temper quickly, “Oh please! Apne jaisa mat samajh sabko… he doesn’t need all that.”
Rohan whistled, “Ohho! Prince Charming…. Woh toh …”
Their mom as usual had to intervene, “Aaj toh baksh do hum sabko please? Get done with the lunch and start moving all of you… we don’t want to be late.”
Shruti and Nainaa went to the salon for getting their hair done. Nainaa suggested her to get her hair ironed straight, as it suited her the best; nothing elaborate as it was going to be a simple, home ceremony. Nainaa herself got soft curls blow dry done.
Shruti had been firm that she doesn’t want to get the professional make up done for gud dhana… she will manage on her own. Nainaa agreed as she knew that though her sister was not an expert, she would look pretty enough. As it is, she had been observing of late, the change in Shruti. Her kiddo sister was growing matured. That internal glow that she had nowadays was all owing to her love, and no artificial enhancement was required to add to her charm. She would surely outshine everyone present with her bewitching smile and exuberance.
Nainaa was happy to see her bloom from a bud to a flower; a breathtaking flower which would forever glorify her surroundings, wherever she goes. She simply prayed to the Almighty to keep her happy with her chosen one.
At 3.45 p.m., Rohan came to pick them both from the salon. Mr Verma, like always, had been calling up since the past half an hour to hurry up. Atharva’s dad had called him up for a casual chat, and reminded them to be on time. Mr Verma, who had already been pestering his wife since a while, got all the more hyper after the call. As soon as his daughters came, he asked them to hurry up, especially Shruti, knowing the extent of time she will take to get ready.
Amidst a lot of giggles and conversation between the two, they were finally ready under the scrutiny of their parents, who kept checking frequently as to how long will they take. Shruti, out of habit, once she was done, checked herself in the mirror from all the angles to ascertain that nothing was amiss.
Her father came in at that very moment and just stood there, looking at her all decked up, staring at his daughter for a full minute. It was now sinking in that she is going to take her step into a new world today. His eyes were stinging with the unshed tears, but he got a hold on himself and called for his wife.
“Jyoti… nazar utaar meri dono bachhi ki…” He kept a hand on Shruti’s head and got all emotional. She then realised her father’s predicament and felt a jolt herself. But before she could get sentimental, he joked, “Shruti… if you get late, Atharva will move heaven and earth… so better hurry up.”
She gave him a weak smile and nodded, unable to utter a word. She was choking back on the sob, knowing very well that her father was just trying to divert her mind.
At last, the Vermas and the Parmars started towards the Shah Residence at 5.10 p.m. She asked her mom with uncertainty, “Mumma… Nothing is amiss na… am feeling nervous.”
Her mom very lovingly held her cold hands and calmed her down. “Don’t worry…. You are looking breathtakingly beautiful today.” She smiled but still felt nervous.
Rohan too had felt a pang in his heart, but tried to change the mood. “Poor Atharva… tried my best to save him from this disaster… but alas! Honi ko kaun taal sakta hai…” Everyone laughed at it and in a while, reached the Shah residence.
Shruti was the first one to get in the lift while others stood in front of her. The door to the residence was beautifully decorated with flowers. There was a huge floral rangoli adorning the entrance, which made for a lovely welcome. The Shahs had gathered to greet the Verma family. Atharva took blessings of the elders who had just come, but his eyes were thirsty to get a glimpse of his would be. She was standing at the back, and he couldn’t have a clear view. His impatience was clearly written all over his face. Her father noticed it with a smirk and called Shruti.
She felt extremely conscious; with her head lowered down she stepped in the front, not having guts to look up and see in the eyes of her love. The moment he laid his eyes on her, everything else around him faded. He stopped breathing for a moment, waiting for her to look up. At last she did, and what transpired between them was ethereal. She captured his soul with her gaze, all reservations vanishing into thin air. She saw him probe deep into her soul and felt weak in her knees.
Nothing and absolutely nothing could keep them from being one now. Although they didn’t get more than a minute of tranquility to ogle at each other, it was like an eternity; as if the two souls had been lifted up to be united in a never ending bond of love, commitment and togetherness.
They came out of their reverie when Minish came near Atharva and whispered softly...
To be continued….
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