Chapter 21

The sound of the ceremony gradually quieted down as people began to gather their things and say their goodbyes. Niharika was still busy with her relatives, thanking everyone and ensuring they were all set to leave. Mayank walked outside with a cup of chai in his hand, hoping to catch a moment of calm. As he stood on the porch, he watched her move around, her smile never faltering as she spoke with each guest, greeting them warmly. The sight of her, still so dedicated and caught up in the whirlwind of the event, made him feel a mix of admiration and something deeper, but before he could approach, her cousins called out to him.

"Oi, don't sit there alone. Come, join us!" Her cousin Krishna's voice rang out, full of energy, and Mayank couldn't help but smile.

He nodded, surprised by the warmth with which they welcomed him and made his way over. "Thanks," he said, sitting beside Krishna and the others. The cousins were gathered in a circle, planning the evening party, their voices filled with excitement.

"We're not leaving today," Krishna explained. "Many of the families are staying the night. We'll hang out here in the hall before heading home. We were thinking of having a dance party."

Mayank raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A dance party, huh? That sounds fun."

Krishna grinned. "Yeah, we'll play some Bollywood hits. Are you in?"

"Why not?" Mayank chuckled, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. "I'll join."

"So what about Niharika?" he asked after a moment, glancing towards her.

Krishna waved a hand dismissively. "She's been running around all day, talking to people. I'll make sure she comes. Don't worry."

Mayank smiled, amused by Krishna's determination.

~•~

That night, Mayank found himself dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants. He descended the stairs, the beat of the music already vibrating through the walls of the hall. As he walked in, he spotted Krishna, who was adjusting the music with the DJ. They exchanged a quick nod, and soon, the music picked up tempo, the crowd swaying to the rhythm. Mayank joined the others on the dance floor, initially hesitant, but slowly letting himself go with the flow of the music.

Then, as if the universe had aligned, Mayank saw Niharika walking into the hall. She wore a pastel pink kurta paired with jeans, and her jhumkas swayed gently with each step she took. Her hair was styled in a low, messy bun, giving her an effortless yet elegant look. She walked in with such grace that it took his breath away.

The moment she spotted him on the dance floor, a smile spread across her face. Mayank noticed how easily she seemed to blend into the lively atmosphere. The room was filled with loud music, but between the beats, their eyes met, and they both walked towards each other through the crowd.

Mayank chuckled, leaning in slightly to speak over the noise. "These guys forced me to join," he said with a teasing grin.

Niharika didn't hear him at first, the music too loud for a proper conversation. He leaned closer, whispering softly in her ear, "I didn't want to, but they wouldn't let me off the hook."

The moment his lips brushed against her ear, a shiver ran down both of their spines. They felt the warmth of the moment linger between them, a silent connection that was undeniable.

Niharika smiled, clearly enjoying the lightheartedness of the situation. "I can't believe you! Who doesn't want to dance?" she whispered back, feeling the tingles from his proximity.

They both found themselves caught in the moment, the world around them fading away as they began to move together, synchronizing their steps to the music. The lively rhythm of Bollywood songs filled the air, and they danced, carefree and in sync, enjoying each other's presence.

~•~

Later, as the dance floor began to slow down, the crowd trickled out to sit and rest. Mayank sat down with the cousins, talking and laughing about the evening's events. He felt comfortable with them, like he had known them for much longer than just a day. But, as the night went on, he noticed Niharika sitting across from him, her eyes growing heavier with each passing minute. Her conversation slowed, and she finally leaned her head back, closing her eyes.

Mayank was in mid-conversation when he felt something soft rest against his shoulder. He turned his head, startled to find Niharika had fallen asleep beside him. Her gentle breath brushed against his neck, her head nestled comfortably against his shoulder. Without thinking, he shifted slightly, adjusting his position so she could sleep more soundly.

His cousins noticed the change in position and exchanged a knowing glance. The sight of Niharika sleeping so peacefully on Mayank's shoulder brought smiles to their faces. They didn't say anything, but the warmth of the moment wasn't lost on them.

Meanwhile, the parents of both Mayank and Niharika were sitting nearby, watching the scene unfold. They observed how Mayank had seamlessly integrated into the family dynamic, laughing and joking with Niharika's cousins. They also noticed how Niharika had fallen asleep so comfortably on his shoulder.

Maya, Mayank's mother, turned to her husband, a small smile on her lips. "You see, don't you?" she whispered, her voice full of understanding. "He's hiding it from us, but there's something there."

Her husband nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, he's not ready to admit it yet, but it's clear. He's getting closer to accepting what's in front of him."

Maya's eyes softened as she watched the couple. "I only wish he could see how lucky he is. Niharika is everything he could ever want and more."

"I know," Maya said with a sigh. "But sometimes, he needs a little push."

As the evening wound down, Mayank found himself still sitting next to Niharika. The noise of the party faded into the background, and he could hear her soft breathing as she slept soundly. He stayed awake for a little longer, just watching her, lost in thought. There was something about her, something that made him feel like this was more than just an event—it was the start of something significant.

Later that night, after everyone had returned to Niharika's house in Indore, the atmosphere was quieter. Niharika adjusted the house, making sure everything was in place. Mayank, who had followed her inside, stood in the doorway, watching her work. It was clear to him that she was someone who always took care of the little details, someone who made sure everyone around her was comfortable.

As they both settled down for the night, Mayank found himself unable to sleep right away. His mind kept returning to the moments he had shared with Niharika—how easy it had been to talk to her, to laugh with her, to dance with her.

A little while later, he heard his mother stirring. Maya stood up and walked over to him, gently shaking him from his thoughts. "Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" she asked, her tone soft but knowing.

Mayank nodded, still lost in his own thoughts. "It was... nice. It feels different here."

Maya smiled, taking his hand and leading him toward a room. "Come with me," she said. "I want to show you something."

She opened the door to where Niharika was sleeping, her figure curled up on the bed. Mayank stood at the edge, watching her for a moment. His mother sat beside Niharika, brushing a few strands of hair from her face, her expression filled with fondness.

"Look at her, Mayank," Maya said quietly. "She's the one. You're refusing to see it, but you're lucky. You don't even realize it yet."

Mayank didn't respond immediately, unsure of what to say. But as he looked at Niharika, something inside him shifted. His gaze fell to her hand resting on the pillow, and he noticed the wedding ring she wore—the symbol of their bond, whether he had fully accepted it or not.

Maya leaned back, chuckling softly. "Her smile never dies down—even now. And she's fun, she's kind, and she's everything you need. And you're hiding her away. She's a blessing, Mayank. It pains me to not flaunt my daughter-in-law—and your wife."

He stood there, pondering for a while before quietly making his way back to his room with his mother.

~•~

The next morning, the sun was just beginning to rise when Mayank woke up. He quickly took a shower, feeling refreshed, and stepped outside, where he saw Niharika making chai for everyone. She was busy in the kitchen, arranging everything for breakfast.

As she brought him a cup of chai, their fingers brushed for a split second, sending a jolt through him. "Good morning," she said softly, her smile warm and inviting.

"Good morning," he replied, still feeling the effects of the night before.

They sat down together with the others, while Niharika dispersed inside, planning a road trip for the next few days. Yangeeta suggested a few places nearby to Indore—Pachmarhi, Mandu, and Ujjain—for a peaceful staycation.

Mayank, glancing over at Niharika, couldn't help but ask, "What about Krishna and the others? Can we invite them to join us?"

Yangeeta's face lit up at the suggestion. "Of course! That would be amazing! Niharika can message them."

Mayank smiled, feeling a bit more at ease in this new environment, and made his way over to Niharika, who had just stepped out of the shower. Her hair was still damp, and she wore a simple kurta and pants, looking effortlessly beautiful.

She was sitting by the devghar, her head tilted in prayer, her lips moving in silent prayer as she spoke softly to God.

Mayank stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her with a quiet awe. There was something so calming about her presence, so serene. Her eyes were closed in deep concentration, her hands folded in prayer.

Without a word, he leaned against the doorframe, his heart quieting as he watched her. It wasn't just that she was beautiful—it was the way she carried herself, her deep sense of peace that seemed to settle everything around her.

Mayank had never felt this kind of quiet before, and for once, he allowed himself to simply be.

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