And the day has finally arrived,tomorrow is our engagement,remembering what happened last time. I wanted to keep it as low as it can be. Half of the family will be here for the wedding so only some friends and distant relatives plus neighbors will be attending the engagement.

After the coffee day , I have not texted or met Akshara. Just because I was self doubting, I was miserably comparing Shanaya and Akshara. Then Akshara has her own flaws , I like her. Liking too early isn't a good thing but she's different. Quiet and reserved that I feel so me with her.

The wedding is next month , yeah so soon. Actually Dev's marriage was already fixed so we're conducting ours too. Things are being rushed into I hope everything falls in its place.

I reached the Venue earlier with Dev. We both were alloted a room. The blue suit by Bhabhi is so awesome. Plus we have an extra unwanted piece with us “Rudra ” the youngest and maddest Malhotra. He's a free spirited man.

“ Ajju bhai, bhabhi looks so hot in peach , I bet Dev bhai is going to get an attack.“ Rudra said making me laugh and Dev grit his teeth. Let me tell you Rudra has no filter in his mouth.

“And how's Akshara? Did you meet her ? ” Dev asked Rudra,giving me a wink . “ Na , I didn't see her. Oh god I didn't meet my choti bhabhi. Guys I'll be back till then miss me ” he said dashing out. 

Dev and I looked at each other and shook our heads.

Dev was taken into the dias for exchanging rings and I was standing next to him. I looked around for Akshara and she was nowhere to be found. And thanks to my luck Rudy ( Rudra) saw me and bump his shoulder against mine and winked at me. I raised my eyebrows at him asking what. He whispered into my ear “ Akshu bhabhi is looking amazing and bilkul a flower from the garden and a blueberry. Wait you hate blueberries,  right. You gonna freaking love blueberries from now .”
He winks mann.

I was startled at his words. I shake my head to take out the blueberries images from my head. Dev went down on his knees and made bhabhi wear her rings . So romantic. Should I do this as well? No so awkward.

I congratulated Dev and bhabhi. Both were looking so in love and happy. Wait the only one with no smile is Akshara's father. He had a frown on his face. Not so happy I guess.

Rudra patted my back and I looked at him to see him looking at the entrance. There was she, walking with her head hung down. I can feel her trembling. Rudra elbowed me and I was taken back into the reality. She still had her head hung down.

She gave me princess vibes. I smiled at my own thought. She forwarded her trembling hands to me and I held her wrist with one hand. The next moment i held her hand she looked at me shocked. Her kohl filled eyes looked so warm and I forgot to breath. A loud applause and congratulations broke my reverie.

We were sitting and I was looking at her hands. Shivering, trembling and whatnot. I was going to put my hand on her hand then suddenly Athira Bhabhi held her hands and was whispering something into her ears.

At the dining too she was quiet and nervous. She had a little food. The program continued for a while with all of us dancing and singing like mad people. When I danced with her,  she even didn't look at me. Rudra was dancing with her too. And the annoying fact was that she was smiling at him like a kid.

After it fell like ages we winded up the program and returned home. I had been looking at her pictures that was sent to me by Arya. She looked ethereal and beyond beautiful. I have no words. She looked someone else. Today after 3 years I slept without thinking about Shanaya.

Imagining our marriage,  I dozed off.

“I never thought bhaiya that you will marry off Akshara this soon. She's still a kid , just a kid , itna bhi kya jaldi hai use suli pe chadhane ki (what is the hurry to crucify her) .” Maya Bua said disappointed at my Papa.

Well Bua is the only one in the family to stand against Papa. Exactly 20 years ago Bua eloped from home when she was forced to marry someone.  She eloped to complete her studies and got scholarship from foreign university. She is a professor at Cambridge University.

“ She's my daughter and I know what I should do. You're no one to interfere.“ With that Papa walked away. Bua shook her head disappointed. ” Maya di , he's right. Marriages should happen early . Considering how Akshara is, I am glad someone want to marry her.”My chachi said venomously. Bhagwan aisi chachi kisiko na de.( God, no one deserves such a paternal aunt ) I prayed in my heart.

“ Kya matalb hai apka( what do you mean) , Shardha bhabhi ji ? ” Bua asked her mockingly. “ Akshara is quiet , no one would like her” Chachi spatted. My mom stood listening. She never took stand for me. I expect her not now too. I can see Di getting hyper so I held hand and gave her a wink and smile. She shook her head .

“ Haa yes, jiska soch itna neeche hai woh upar kaise dekhenge ( Whose thinking is so low, how will she look up) . And about Akshara,  you better hold your mouth . I hope you remember what I did last time or do you need a reminder,  bhabhi ji ?” Bua said sarcasm dripping off her tongue. I looked at di to see her muffling her laugh and my mom almost puzzled.

Last time they had an ugly fight which ended with Chachi having a black eye. I don't know why did they fight, it was my dad's 50th birthday.

Chachi walked off huffing and puffing . Bua came to me and hugged me.  “ Akshu , never ever let anyone say anything.  This whole family is mad. We're Varma's,  show some daring.” She said and I nodded. 

She said right we are Varma's but Papa never let us be a one.

The clock struck 4 and I am anxious too much. Di and I were alloted a room . My dress is too much heavy than I wanted it to be. Amma must have done it.

Someone barged into the room and hugged me . I was startled and shocked. Before I could push him , di said shaking him off me

“ Rudra , you'll suffocat her. Move off . Akshu, are you okay?” I nodded and looked at the man. He gave me a genuine smile and introduced himself “ I'm the hottest Malhotra aka Rudra. You can call me Rudy.” I nodded to that as well. So he's Dev Jiju's brother.

He stood by my side and told me alot about him. I liked his company. So warm and genuine. I talked to him too. He called me 'Akshu baby' I made face to it and he pinched my cheeks too hard.

So after a while my cousins came and took my di with them. Apparently I don't share any good bonding with them.

I walked to the window to see Jiju kneeling down and making Di wear the ring. I smiled and looked at Arjun. He looked so happy.

After sometime,Arya di came to take me to the dias. My heart was thumping too loud. I looked down in nervousness.

Arjun held my hand and to be honest when I looked at him I forgot to breath. I made him wear the ring too. I sat next to him praying , the least I expect is to faint seeing the crowd.

Di held my hand and whispered to look at Papa and I swear when I looked at him, my nervousness was replaced with fear. He didn't like me looking down so I looked around with a smile plastered on.

The food was amazing but it was Biryani and I don't like it. I looked at Arjun and saw him eating and talking with Rudy. He looked so calm exactly opposite of what I was .

And we were taken to the stage to dance. Arjun held my hands and danced. Him so close to me mad my mind go missing. I looked down the entire time. I was freaking nervous. After a while , Rudy danced with me ,cracking jokes and making fun of everyone. I, for the first time in my entire life,  laughed whole heartedly. He's a gem.

Me and di shared a room because of the guests. Di was very happy and me too.

Sleep was very far. I have my exams starting tomorrow. I resumed my studies. Once the exams are over,  I'll be tutored for becoming a good daughter in law and wife.

Yeah everything happens for a reason.

Signing off
Ashwani

Athira

Dev

Akshara

Arjun

Imagine them wearing these dresses