15. Stress busters

Anika

Varsha and I headed back to her college hostel, where she lived during the week.

We changed into our normal clothes. I had to tie my hair in such a way that my temporary hair colour wasn't visible.

My only thought was 'mummy ne dekh liya toh kam khatam'. Yes I was a grown woman but mom is a little scary sometimes.

They had a rule that all students should stay in the college hostel itself, so she'd go home on weekends and return on Mondays.

When we reached my parents' house, I felt so nervous.

I knew they had bonded well. I watched them throughout and the way the smiled the whole time made me happy.

Also the fact that Jai was there with me the whole time.

I like when people actually show up. When people make promises, and complete those promises.

But I had no idea what they had decided. We entered the house, I greeted my dad who was sitting on the sofa with a smile.

"Hey, Papa," I said.

"Hi, beta," he replied.

"So, how did the meeting go?" I asked him.

"It wasn't exactly a meeting, but it went well," he replied sounding happy. Obviously he is.

"So, what have you guys decided?" I inquired eagerly.

"Let your mom join us," he said.

My stress levels were soaring at this point. Mom arrived from the kitchen, and we all sat down on the sofa.

"So, what's the verdict?" I couldn't help but ask.

"We've decided that you'll get engaged on the 15th and married on the 22nd." Mom replied casually.

"Of?" I asked casually.  I was pretty sure I had a few months before my life changed.

"This month beta." Dad replied.

"But that's just a week from now!" I exclaimed, shocked.

"Yeah, we know. It might seem a bit sudden," they replied.

A bit sudden? I thought I had a few more months before getting engaged.

"A bit sudden? I am not ready to get married yet mom. Can't we take things slow?" I asked them.

"Bas yehi ache din hai Anika. The next few months aren't good for marriage"

Just great!

Jai and I had known each other for a long time, but this new connection felt different. I trusted him, yes, but the idea of marriage so soon was daunting.

I quickly bid my goodbyes and left for my apartment.

I needed some time and space to think, or maybe just to vent, I wasn't sure which.

I decided to take a cab, even though it cost me a bit more than public transport. I craved peace, and public transportation wasn't going to provide that.

During the cab ride, my mind was racing with thoughts and worries.

People get married daily, it wasn't a big deal. But my romantic heart couldn't bear if things changed after marriage.

The way Jai looks at me now is so different than the past few years.

My little crush on him when I saw him for the first day turned so much bigger right now. I know I'm falling for him. That's the major reason this scared the shit out of me.

I plugged in my earphones to divert mind a little.

Taylor swift's songs can make anyone forget things for a little while.

Upon reaching my apartment, just as I was about to enter, I heard Aarav's voice calling out to me.

"Hey, wait!" Aarav shouted from near the elevator.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked in surprise.

"I just got the news, so I came here," he replied.

"Thanks chotu" I hugged him.

I genuinely liked Jai, but marriage had a way of changing people. What if...? A million questions swirled in my mind.

I invited Aarav inside, and we sat down on the sofa.

"So, what's going on in that brain of yours?" he asked, as if he could read my thoughts.

"The usual stuff," I replied. I couldn't possibly express my fears about his brother.

"You know I'm on your team here, right?" he said, and I couldn't help but break down.

Aarav always knew the right things to say; he was the brother I never had. He hugged me to his chest, holding me until I felt like myself again.

"What are you scared of, Ani?" he asked me softly.

"So many things, Aarav. Life changes after marriage. Jai will become the CEO, and he won't be home as much. People change, Aarav. People change after marriage, and they fight. I'm stressed; I need to shop, and I've saved money for the wedding so Mom and Dad don't have to bear the burden. What about the venue? Oh my God, where are we going to live? I think we might be staying separately. The decorations and everything else... there's so much to do, and so little time." I didn't even mention some of the other concerns.

I didn't want to sound like I was overreacting. Jai wasn't like those other guys, but people changed, right? What if I fall in love with him, and he'll never feel the same? My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

"If he changes or does anything that upsets you, I'll fight for you, don't worry," Aarav replied, smiling.

I wouldn't run to anyone even if things went south, but Aarav had a way of drawing out my feelings like he could read me.

"I love you, chotu, you know that, right?" I said.

He was barely a month younger than me, but I enjoyed teasing him.

"Yes, Bhabhi" he replied playfully, and I couldn't help but blush, instantly.

"Blushing, hmm? That's an improvement," he said, making me laugh.

Right at that moment, someone rang the doorbell. I opened it to find Jai standing there.

The brothers were really surprising me today.

"Heyyy," I greeted him, a smile forming on my face. No matter how stressed or anxious I was, looking at him always made everything better.

I knew my eyes were puffy from all the crying, and I could literally see it from the concern on his face.

"Hii," he replied and hugged me.

I bury my face in his chest and stay there for idk how much time.

When I was with him, I didn't have to pretend or be anyone. The tough girl act, the responsible one in the group no matter what were gone when he was with me.

"So, both of you trying to surprise me?" I teased him.

"That idiot left me when I was on a call," Jai said.

We went inside, and Aarav promptly announced that he had to leave for some reason.

I had a feeling he wanted Jai and me to have some time alone to talk. Aarav left, and Jai and I settled down on the sofa

"Jai?" I said, noticing him lost in thought.

"Yeah," he replied, his attention returning to the conversation.

"It's just too soon, Jai," I said, my worry evident.

"They have their reasons. We're going to get married sooner or later, right?" he replied in a calm tone.

"Yeah, but..." I started but stopped when I looked at his face.

I couldn't quite read his expression, but he seemed somewhat sad.

"Heyy...I want to marry you, okay?" I told him, reaching out to hold his hand.

"I thought I was the desperate one" he replied smirking. Such an asshole. I would have laughed if I was not stressed.

"It's just that there's so much to do, Jai. Wedding planning, finding a house, shopping, invitations, and so much more." I expressed my concerns.

"I've already shortlisted a few houses for us to check out, and shopping can be done in just a couple of days. Dad and Uncle said they'd take care of the wedding planning," he said, clearly having everything figured out.

"But I've saved for my wedding, and the company isn't doing so well either," I confessed.

"Don't worry about it, okay?" he reassured me, pulling me into a hug.

I shamelessly breathed in his scent, a mix of expensive cologne and his unique aroma that I couldn't quite put into words.

Then, he pressed a kiss to my forehead, and I practically melted into his embrace.

"Why did you pick my outfit for today?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Simply," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Want to try that again?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I just wanted to see you dressed differently, okay? You're always in your suits or a tee and jeans. I wanted you to try something more fashionable," I confessed with a smile.

"Hmm, and what's the deal with the hair?" he inquired, nodding at my handiwork.

"You usually style it backward, but I thought the messy look suited you better," I replied, still smiling.

"I liked the look, though. It's something I've never tried before. Maybe you can be my stylist from now on," he suggested with a chuckle.

His attempt to lighten the mood was working, and I didn't mind one bit. He teased me for a few more minutes.

We talked about anything and everything.

"Wanna stay and watch something?" I asked him.

"Sure," he agreed, making himself comfortable.

We settled in to watch a Comedy movie.

Romantic movies were reserved for my solo binges; watching them with Jai only heightened the feelings I had for him, which seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. We laughed and kept teasing each other.

Between the movie, I made us a simple, healthy sandwiches. As we ate and finished the film, my head ended up resting on his left shoulder, with his arm wrapped around me.

My mind and heart were so relaxed, this felt so right.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but as I yawned and slowly closed my eyes, I drifted off to sleep right there, in his comforting embrace.

His arms felt like HOME.

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❀₊˚⊹♡

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