5. CHAINED BY DESTINY

Author's pov

"Kahani, beta, get up. It's your engagement today" her mom said softly as she nudged her awake. Kahani blinked her eyes open, trying to shake off the sleep.

"Already, Maa?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Her mom smiled gently. "Haan, beta. The day has finally come. Now get up quickly; there's so much to do."

Kahani sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "I don't know if I'm ready for all this," she whispered to herself, but her mother overheard.

"Everything will be fine, beta," her mom reassured her. "This is a big step, but you've always been strong."

With a soft nod, Kahani sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her mom had already left the room to check on the preparations.

She brushed her fingers through her hair, her thoughts racing. The engagement. The expectations. The changes that would follow.

A soft knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. It was her best friend, Meera, peeking in with a smile. "Hey, bride-to-be! How are feeling?"

Kahani forced a small smile. "Honestly, I don't know if it's a good one or a bad one."

Meera walked in, sitting beside her. "Cold feet already? Come on, you've been waiting for this, haven't you?"

Kahani shrugged. "Yeah, but now that it's here, it feels... overwhelming. Am I really ready?"

Meera squeezed her hand. "You're more ready than you think. And hey, you've got all of us by your side. Plus, Randhir adores you. He's going to be the happiest guy in the world today."

Kahani smiled a little more at that. The thought of Randhir did calm her nerves a bit. "I hope I can live up to all of this."

"You will," Meera reassured her. "Now, let's get you ready. There's no way I'm letting you look anything less than perfect today!"

Kahani laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing as Meera's positivity rubbed off on her. "Okay, okay. Let's do this."

As they started picking out the clothes and accessories, Kahani felt her nerves slowly melt into a quiet excitement.

Meera helped Kahani drape her engagement saree.

"Waah," Meera said, stepping back to admire her. "Randhir will be awestruck looking at you today."

Kahani blushed slightly, smoothing out the saree. "Sach mein?"

(Really)

"Yes" Meera winked, handing her a jewelry box. "Randhir mom gave this. She told me that you should wear this today."

Kahani carefully opened the box to reveal a stunning traditional necklace.

"Randhir mom always been good towards me" Kahani said softly. "Lekin ab bhi lagta hai jaise unke baare mein bohot kuch hai jo mujhe nahi pata."

(But I still think that there is alot that I don't know about them)

Meera started to fasten the necklace around Kahani's neck."This is normal. You are part of their family now. Slowly slowly you will understand everything. I know how they look at you."

Kahani stared at her reflection in the mirror. "For Randhir his family is more important)

Just then, they heard a knock at the door. Kahani's mom entered with a smile. "Kahani, beta, tum toh bohot sundar lag rahi ho! Mehmaan aane shuru ho gaye hain; time ho gaya hai."

(Kahani dear you are looking so beautiful. The guests are coming and thr time is running)

Kahani's heart raced. "Already?"

Her mom smiled warmly. "Haan, but you don't worry everything will go perfect."

Meera nudged her gently. "Chalo, ab chalte hain, sabke hosh udaane."

(Come on let's go, let's blow off everyone)

Kahani took a deep breath, straightening her saree one last time. As she walked out of the room, the reality of the moment sunk in. She was about to start a new chapter, with Randhir, and though she felt nervous, excitement was bubbling up too.

With Meera by her side and her family waiting downstairs, Kahani walked toward the staircase, ready to meet Randhir.

As they started walking down, Kahani's eyes scanned the room. It was filled with guests, all eyes on her, but her gaze searched for just one person.

And then she saw him.

Randhir stood near the stage, dressed in a traditional sherwani, looking as handsome as ever. The moment their eyes met, he smiled-a smile that instantly melted away all of Kahani's nervousness.

"Looking at Randhir face it feels like nothing is better than you in this world." Meera whispered making kahani blush.

Randhir walked toward her, and as he approached, he extended his hand. "Kahani," he said softly, "You are really looking beautiful."

Kahani took his hand, her heart racing again, but this time from excitement. "Aur aap...," she paused, smiling "you look perfect all the time."

The ceremony was about to begin, and as they stood together, hand in hand.

As Kahani and Randhir stood together on the stage, the pandit began the rituals, chanting mantras.

Randhir gently squeezed Kahani's hand, his thumb lightly brushing over her fingers. "Tum theek ho?" he asked quietly, glancing at her.

(Are you alright?)

Kahani smiled, nodding slightly. "Now I am with you, everything seems fine"

Randhir's face lit up with a smile, and he leaned in, whispering, "Main hamesha tumhare saath rahunga."

(I will always stay with you)

As it's time for rings, younger cousin handed him the ring, winking playfully. Randhir took it, holding it gently between his fingers, and looked at Kahani with a softness in his eyes.

Kahani's eyes shimmered with emotion as he slid the ring onto her finger. She picked up Randhir's ring, her hands slightly trembling.

Then she gently slid the ring onto his finger. They smiled at each other, the ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, the guests began to mingle and enjoy the refreshments laid out. Kahani and Randhir stood together, receiving congratulations and wishes from their friends and family.

Meera came over with a bright smile, holding a tray of sweets. "Today's sweets are a must."

Kahani accepted the sweet, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Meera."

■

As the evening progressed, Kahani found herself in a quiet corner of the garden, away from everyone. Randhir joined her. "How are you feeling about everything today?" Randhir asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Kahani smiled, looking up at him. "With you everything feels so easy. You are with me, and I don't have to fear for anything."

Randhir kissed her forehead gently. "And I will be with forever, every second."

Just then randhir's PA came saying. "Sir, Ranvijay sir is still not answering the calls."

Randhir's face tightened with concern. "What? Not till now?"

"Yes sir, I am trying again and again but he is not answering calls." The PA said.

Kahani glanced at Randhir, noticing the worry in his eyes. "Ranvijay is your younger brother rights? Is everything alright?"

Randhir sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He doesn't like social situations so he stays away from them and he keeps his phone off more often. I am worried but I guess he is in some important work. He switch offs his phone more often so that he can stay away from everything. I got habituated for it. I don't know when this guy changes. He said he will never look after family business so I took them. Whatever he doesn't likes I take them but I don't know when this guy changes".

■

An hour later she noticed Randhir approaching her with a glass of juice and handed it to her.

"Are yoh okay?" Randhir asked, his voice soft and soothing.

Kahani turned to him, her face lighting up with a smile. "Yes, I just needed some break."

Randhir led her to a nearby bench, where they both sat down, still holding hands.

Randhir looked at kahani who closed her eyes and leaned on his shoulder. "Kahani, how about we both go shopping for our wedding tomorrow?"

She lifted her head and nodded.

To be continued

Padliya first chapter? Acha laga? Toh jao jaldhi star button dabao. 🙃 Hitting star button helps you score more marks in exams too. (Votes mangne ka tarika thoda kezual yeh. Malum)