Second Wife, Second Love.

22. Beautiful Engagement.

***Ramya's POV.***

We get back to the hotel and start getting ready. Arlo's talent and his quick hands fixed on every problem just in time for me to get ready. Mum helps me with the saree and asks me to put my hair in a girly high ponytail instead of a womanly bun.

"You look beautiful. Reyansh was right. This saree is so you." Arlo says as he fixes my pallu a little.

"Yes. Now let's put on some black goggles and enter with a swag." Aisha says.

"But first thing first." Kate says and takes my baliye, "Nazar na lage mera yaar nu kisi di. Thu thu thu." (my friend doesn't catch any evil eye)

"Your Hindi is so much better than mine." Aisha says.

"I learned from the best." Kate says, winking at me.

"I love you guys." I say and take each of their hands in mine.

"Well, we love you too." Kate says.

"Yes. The most." Arlo says.

"Same here, dear." Aisha says with a cough.

"Okay, now we are making Aisha uncomfortable. So let's get going." Kate says.

"Yes. Reyansh is dying to see her." Arlo says.

We walk down the stairs and photographers and videographers line up to record my entrance. We gathered in the enormous hall and everybody praised me for my look. Reyansh is waiting for me at the stage, so I join him. There are two more men standing beside him.

"Ramya, these are my best friends. Zain." He says pointing at a very fair-looking man who looks cute too then he points at another guy, "And Jai." A rough handsome man who looks scary at face but his smile looks kind.

"Nice to meet you." I say with a smile.

"Same here. I must say Bhabhi Jaan, you look beautiful. How come you fell for a strict guy like him?" Zain says.

"Because she is into smart ones." Jai says.

"Meet my friends." I say and introduce them to his friends.

After I sit down on a chair, Kavya Aunty does my aarti and then drapes a red dupatta over my head. Every other married woman in their family does that and gives me blessings. Then my Mum gives Reyansh a coconut and silver coin.

Then the ring ceremony begins. But Mum looks confused, as she can't find the ring we chose for Reyansh.

"What happened, Mum?" I ask.

"I can't find the ring. It was right here." Mum says and looks around the plate to find it.

"It must have fallen. I will find it." Reyansh says and looks stressed about it. Is he that much concerned for his ring?

"I will help too." I say.

"No need for that. Here it is." Mayra says as she comes on the stage with Veer in tow.

"Where did you find it?" Mum asks, as she takes the ring from Mayra.

"Guess who took it?" Mayra asks and looks at Veer with narrow eyes.

"Mine. mine." Veer says as he jumps beside her.

"It is Reyansh chachu's ring, dear. And your little fingers can't hold it." Mayra says.

I smile and bend down to his level and say, "And by the way you should wear a ring that your future wife buys for you. Go ask Piya for that."

"Ramya!" Mayra says.

"What? Parth told me that." I say.

"Parth!" Mayra exclaims.

"Parth is leaving the chat." Parth says and sneaks away.

"Gorges." Veer says.

"He means gorgeous." Mayra says, "which you look today."

"Where did you learn to compliment like that?" I ask and kiss his cheek.

"Dadda." He says and kisses my cheek back.

"A son is the reflection of his father. Give me some tips to flirt, Veer, as my brother is not helping me." Parth says, coming out of nowhere.

"You are back again." Mayra says.

"Missing to make fun of my family. That's not in my dictionary." Parth says and picks up Veer.

Reyansh gives me his hand and I take it to stand up. Pandit Ji does pooja of the rings, then asks us to exchange it. I go first and make Reyansh wear his and everybody claps. It is a simple band of platinium. Then Reyansh takes the ring from his Mom and makes me wear it. It is a beautiful platinum ring crowned with round shaped solitaire diamond and small diamonds beside each side‌.

Then the party gets started. Reyansh and I are asked to do the first dance, and he obliges. As we twirl around the dance floor, I feel him go tense again. Something is wrong. I hope he tells me soon.

After that, my friends ambush me and we dance together till the party ends and I forget my every worry with them.

Next day, I woke up and went to the washroom, not disturbing Kate and Aisha, who were still asleep. I hit the shower as I have to visit a temple, then go shopping. Just as I fix my hair, my eyes go to my ring. I am an engaged woman now.

"Didn't imagine I would have a ring on this finger." I say and take a deep breath, "Just three more days then I will be someone's wife. What would my life become then?"

Whatever it is, I hope it will be good.