The days leading up to the wedding were a mix of excitement and stress for Aarohi. Juggling her college assignments with the whirlwind of wedding preparations had her feeling like she was running on fumes. But despite the chaos, there was a sense of joy that seemed to linger around her. Her family was buzzing with energy, and even Vihaan, who wasnât known for his interest in anything âtraditional,â was slowly becoming more involved.
---
Aarohi sat at the library, her head buried in books as she tried to focus on her assignments. The upcoming exams were consuming her thoughts, but today, her mind kept drifting to the wedding. Every time her phone buzzed, her heart skippedâanother message from Vihaan. "Hey, howâs it going? Need help with the studying?"
She couldnât help but smile at the thought of him. "I think I need more than help with studying. I need a break!"
His reply was swift, "Youâve got this, Aarohi. Just take it one step at a time."
She let out a small laugh, feeling the stress of the day ease slightly. But even though his words comforted her, there was still a looming sense of pressureâboth from her family and from herself.
---
Later that evening, Aarohi was once again thrown into the whirlwind of wedding preparations. Today, it was all about the invitations. She and Vihaan stood side by side, flipping through a stack of designs. The room was buzzing with activity, her family and friends running around, making sure everything was just perfect.
Vihaan, who had initially seemed indifferent to every wedding detail, now seemed surprisingly invested. He was arguing with her about the color scheme for the wedding invites. âGold is too flashy. Canât we go with something more subtle?â
Aarohi shot him a playful glare. âYouâre the last person I would ask about wedding colors, Vihaan.â
He smirked. âWell, Iâm making my opinion known now.â
She rolled her eyes. âFine. You want subtle? Letâs go for a soft peach then.â
âBetter,â he said, satisfied.
Aarohi couldnât help but laugh. âYouâre impossible sometimes.â
He raised an eyebrow. âYet you keep coming back for more.â
---
Meanwhile, Karan and Tanya were having their own playful moments. As usual, Karan was finding ways to make things more interesting. Tanya, however, was all about the details. She was coordinating the dance rehearsals for the sangeet ceremony, ensuring that everything was perfect.
As Tanya adjusted the choreography, Karan, standing nearby, leaned in with a mischievous grin. âYou know, I could teach you a thing or two about dancing. Youâve got the moves, but they could be sharper.â
Tanya shot him a withering look. âOh, really? You can teach me? Maybe I should just hire you as my personal dance instructor.â
Karan chuckled. âWhy hire someone else when you have me, right?â
âBecause I prefer not to risk looking like a complete idiot on stage,â Tanya replied, deadpan.
Karan smirked. âYou wonât look like an idiot. Maybe a little less graceful than usual, but definitely not an idiot.â
Tanya shook her head, smiling despite herself. âI shouldâve known better than to listen to you.â
They both burst out laughing, and for a moment, the tension of the wedding preparations seemed to disappear. There was a certain ease between them, one that couldnât be ignored.
---
Later that evening, after everyone had retired to their rooms, Aarohi found herself once again with Vihaan. They had taken a break from the chaos to sit on the porch, away from the noise and the busy chatter of her family. The cool breeze brushed through her hair as they sat in comfortable silence, the weight of the day slowly lifting.
Vihaan, always the one to keep his emotions hidden, surprised her when he reached out to take her hand in his. âI know itâs a lot right now, but weâll get through it together,â he said, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
Aarohi turned to look at him, her heart racing at the closeness between them. âI donât know how to manage everything, Vihaan. The wedding, college, everything... It feels like itâs all happening too fast.â
He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes locking with hers. âWeâve got time. Weâll take it one day at a time. You donât have to carry all of this on your own.â
Aarohi felt a sense of relief wash over her, something she hadnât realized sheâd been needing. âYou make everything seem so much easier.â
Vihaan smiled, his usual teasing demeanor returning. âThatâs because Iâm always right.â
She laughed, a genuine, carefree sound. âI donât know about that.â
---
Back inside the house, her family was still bustling about, making last-minute adjustments to the wedding plans. Aarohiâs uncles were arguing over the details of the menu, while her aunts debated which flowers should be used for the ceremony. Despite the stress, there was an undeniable sense of love and excitement in the air.
Vihaan, who had been standing off to the side, now found himself actively participating. He was talking to her cousins, making jokes, and even helping with some of the decorations. Aarohi couldnât help but smile at the sight of him, as he slowly became a part of her world.
She approached him, laughing at something her cousin had just said. âYouâre blending in quite well, Mr. Malhotra.â
Vihaan glanced over at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. âI told you Iâm capable of more than you think.â
She raised an eyebrow. âYouâre not as bad as I thought.â
Vihaan chuckled. âIâm full of surprises.â
---
As the night wore on, Karan and Tanya found themselves together again, this time helping with some of the last-minute decorations. The playful banter had been replaced by something a little more comfortable. There was a quiet understanding between them, something that had grown over the past few weeks.
Karan leaned against the wall, watching Tanya arrange flowers. âYou know, I never really took the time to notice how much you do for everyone,â he said, his voice softer than usual.
Tanya looked up, surprised by the sincerity in his words. âItâs just what friends do.â
âIâm glad youâre here, Tanya,â Karan said, stepping closer. âYou make everything more fun, even if you drive me crazy sometimes.â
She gave him a half-smile. âMaybe Iâll take that as a compliment.â
---
As the night grew late, Aarohi and Vihaan found themselves sitting on the roof, the world below them quiet and peaceful. The stars twinkled above, and for a moment, everything felt right.
Vihaan turned to her, his expression serious. âWeâll figure this out, Aarohi. Weâll do it together, no matter what.â
Aarohi smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. âI believe you.â
And in that moment, Aarohi realized that no matter how complicated things got, she was no longer alone. She had Vihaan by her side, and for the first time in a long while, the future didnât seem as intimidating.