chapter 6

Aman, left standing alone in that moment, is caught off guard by Aditi’s spontaneous kiss. For a brief second, he’s frozen, unable to fully process what just happened. But as the realization sinks in, a warm, affectionate smile spreads across his face. He turns his gaze toward the changing room where Aditi has just disappeared, his eyes filled with love and adoration.She’s the only girl he’s ever loved, the one who has been his rock, his inspiration, his everything for the past five years. She is the reason he’s endured so much, the source of his strength and determination. She’s his guiding star, his life, his lifeline, and soon, she’ll be his wife.Still smiling like a fool in love, Aman turns away and joins his father-in-law, helping him with the bags. They walk together to the billing counter, chatting and laughing as they go. A few minutes later, the door to the changing room swings open, and Aditi steps out, holding the lehenga delicately in her hands. As she makes her way toward the billing counter, she spots her family and pauses for a moment, taking in the scene before her.Her father is engaged in a cheerful conversation with Aman, both of them smiling and laughing. Her mother, meanwhile, is busy checking the list of purchased items, making sure everything is accounted for. The three of them, together in one place, relaxed and happy—it’s a sight Aditi has longed to see for so many years.The overwhelming emotions swell within her, threatening to spill over. Tears well up in her eyes, but she quickly blinks them away, replacing them with a tender smile. “I’ve waited five long years to see this,” she thinks, her heart swelling with gratitude. “To see all of them together, happy and united... it feels like a dream come true.”She wipes the tears from her eyes, taking one last, lingering look at her family. A broad smile spreads across her face, radiating the peaceful satisfaction she feels deep inside. With a heart full of love and contentment, she walks toward them, ready to embrace the beautiful future that lies ahead. Aditi walks toward her family with a renewed sense of joy and fulfillment. As she nears them, Aman looks up and catches her eye, his face lighting up with the same goofy smile she fell in love with years ago. "Hey, there’s my gorgeous bride," Aman calls out playfully, reaching out to take her hand as she approaches.Her father glances over, beaming with pride, while her mother smiles warmly, eyes glistening with unshed tears. They both step aside to let Aditi join them at the counter, their hearts full of acceptance and love.As the cashier rings up their purchases, Aman leans in and whispers, "You know, Adu, I’ve been dreaming about this day for so long. Seeing you, our families, together and happy... it’s everything I ever wanted."Aditi squeezes his hand, her heart swelling with emotion. "Me too, Aman. I never imagined we’d get here, but now that we have, I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world."They finish paying for the lehenga, and as they step outside into the warm evening air, Aman wraps his arm around Aditi’s shoulders, pulling her close. "Ready to go home, Mrs. Soon-to-be-Aman?" he teases, kissing the top of her head."More than ready, Mr. Ca n’t-Wait-to-Be-Married," she replies with a laugh.As they walk to the car, Aditi’s parents trail just behind, exchanging a look of shared happiness and relief. They may have been slow to accept their daughter’s choice, but now, seeing the love between Aditi and Aman, they know they made the right decision.With a final glance back at the store, where their journey toward this day began, Aditi feels an overwhelming sense of peace. She’s surrounded by the people she loves most, the ones who have stood by her through every trial and triumph. As they drive home together, the car is filled with laughter and joy, Aditi knows that this is just the beginning of a new chapter. One filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a future built on the strength of their bond.And as they pull up to the house, Aman turns to her with a grin, "By the way, about that kiss you promised me..."Aditi laughs, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips. "That was just the start," she whispers. "We’ve got a lifetime of kisses ahead of us."With that, they step out of the car, hand in hand, ready to embark on their next adventure together—happy, in love, and finally, home.