Chapter 15

As the dhol played loudly and the sun shined in Niharika's room. She was fast asleep when the sun rays woke her up. Stretching, she got up and saw the single bed next to her—Rahil sleeping comfortably on it.

She felt glad, yesterday, that she got to share a room with Rahil again. They used to do it in school and ever since she left for university, it had become impossible.

The duo spoke for almost 2 hours yesterday before sleeping. They spoke about her marriage, her loneliness after it. Rahil was the only one she was able to open up to—apart from Siya and Samar.

She got up, and walked to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, she stepped in to take a warm shower. Today was Haldi and the Sangeet.

So, she came out wearing a yellow sharara.

It was like a lehenga skirt, but it wasn't. It was a pant. Her kurta came till her thigh. Her yellow duppata flower delicately over her. She did her makeup—adorning the kajal and mascara on her eyes. Then, she got her subtle pink lipstick, giving her a natural look. She applied her bindi and her hair was left open. Her waves rested gently till under her chest. She felt nice.

By then, Rahil got up and went to take a shower. Soon, he was dressed in a yellow kurta as well.

Her eyes were staring at the sindoor she had on the table. She had unpacked it yesterday as she needed to find something. In doing so, her sindoor had come out. Now, her eyes were glued on it. I can't wear it, she thought.

"Didi? Ready?" Rahil's voice came.

She looked at him and nodded, "Yes. Let's go."

The siblings made their way to the main garden where the Haldi was taking place. Niharika was in awe by the decorations. The theme of yellow and white was oozing around.

Flowers, music, dancing—the whole atmosphere looked festive. And she loved it.

"Niharika? Rahil?" She heard her mother's voice from behind. Turning, they smiled at their mom, who continued, "You look so good, Nihu."

"Thank you, Aai." She said, "But why are we here? I mean, don't you find all this strange? It isn't a wedding in our family and she isn't even our friend for us to attend, and we—"

"Beta," Abhijeet stopped his daughter, "You are aware of the reality."

"I am. But explain one thing to me, Baba. If this marriage was going to stay hidden, then why are we here? Mayank and his family could have gone along for the wedding? Why did we need to be there? Why do they need to come to Indore?"

Abhijeet looked at his daughter. He knew she was right. There was no need for them to join if the marriage was hidden. There's no relation.

"Beta," Yangeeta said, "We thought that, we will eventually make it official—so you should at least meet your in-laws. Same with Mayank."

"Aai," Niharika complained, "How is that even logical? Mayank and I don't even—" She stopped mid sentence. She didn't want to reveal the reality of their marriage to them.

"Don't even what?" Abhijeet asked.

"We don't need this. We both are mature enough to handle ourselves and mingle with others when needed. Even if you reveal the wedding today, we will be fine in adjusting to each other's in-laws." She lied.

Truth is, she didn't expect Mayank to even look at her in-laws.

"Nihu," Yangeeta said, "Look. These are your in-laws. Even if the marriage is hidden, it is only a matter of time before we tell them. So you should be an ideal daughter-in-law. At least try."

By now, Niharika was annoyed. Her mother was going on another tangent entirely. She sighed, realizing this isn't the time and place to have this conversation. "Okay Aai." She walked away.

Rahil, who now knew the secret of her marriage life, felt bad for his sister. He knew the pressure she was facing from everyone. And he didn't know how to fix it. Should he talk to Mayank? But maybe he wouldn't like that she told him. He felt lost.

Meanwhile, Mayank walked down the halls. He had been up early—ready for his sister's Haldi function. Dressed in a dashing yellow kurta, with sunglasses on his eyes, he sat by his sister as all her friends came slowly to apply Haldi onto her.

"I want to dance!" Arundita exclaimed.

Mayank chuckled, "Chill Meri Maa! Just put a little Haldi on, then go."

"By the way," Arundita asked, "Have you seen Niharika today? I want her to put Haldi too."

Mayank had the same question. He hadn't seen Niharika since last night. And it was now almost 3 hours into the function. Where was she?

His eyes landed on Rahil, who was sitting with Arundita's school friends. "I'll be back." Mayank told Arundita as he walked down to Rahil.

Approaching him, he called him, "Rahil! Hello!"

Rahil looked up at the call of his name. Then gave his brother-in-law a smile, "Hi Ji—" he froze for a bit before continuing, "Hi Bhaiya. You look good. How are you?"

Mayank chuckled at the cover up. He stepped closer to Rahil, "I was just asking where you all were. Haven't seen you guys since yesterday. Come, you all also put Haldi."

"Isn't it only a girl's thing?" Rahil asked.

"Nah. I did it. You all come. Her friends are going to do it too." Mayank said, as Arundita's friends made their way to the stage.

Rahil felt a little awkward being around Mayank.

Especially since he found out how he was with his sister. He didn't entirely hate him—he did understand that a forced marriage doesn't feel good. But it was forced for his sister too. And she was trying. He expected Mayank to try as well.

"Umm, I'll also go find Aai Baba." Rahil said, trying to leave the scene. "You go ahead Bhai."

Mayank noticed Rahil's odd behavior. He kept a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay, Rahil?"

"Huh? Yeah. I'm fine. Why?" Rahil replied.

"No, just—you seemed a bit uncomfortable."

"No. I'm okay." Rahil said, "I'll see you."

He was about to leave when Mayank stopped him, "Rahil. Have you seen Niharika?"

Rahil's face was surprised but had a small tug of a smile. This is what he wanted. He wanted him to show some effort towards Niharika. "Yeah. She was there," he pointed at front, "a while back. I don't know where she might have gone."

"Okay." Mayank said, starting to head there.

But he was stopped by Rahil's voice. "Dada. If you don't find her there—Go by the pool. If you can't find her anywhere, you'll find her by the water."

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