The God's plan

Chapter 16 - The Wedding

   After giving them the invitation, they had taken their leave and bid goodbye to their hosts.
    As they were walking back, Maya nudged Bella and giggled.
  
    " Can't wait for tomorrow?huh?"

    " And who told you that? "

   " It's all on your face - you are blushing. Eww so gross."
       Maya said making a face causing Bella to smack her lightly.

      Maya recalled the reaction of uncle and aunt.
Uncle Jay couldn't believe it while Aunt Jay had tears in her eyes. She had exclaimed -

    " Oh! How our little Bella has grown up enough to marry!"

     Brian had threatened to beat up Edward if he ever hurt Bella. Also, both sisters had gotten closer to their sister - in - law, Jane.
Jane is a very fun person. She is bubbly and energetic. It was hard to believe she was almost 7 years older than Maya. She behaved like someone of a similar age.

      When Maya got to know that Jane worked at the palace , she was a bit taken aback. How can someone with such a happy- go- lucky personality be able to work in such a tense environment?
Then again, Jane worked at the ladies chambers. They must really need Jane's positive energy around. However, currently Jane was on a leave due to the pregnancy.

      After taking a short tour of the town , they headed home and managed to reach home in time before nightfall.
On coming back, they saw their parents hurrying back and forth busy checking the preparations for tomorrow. Maya was so exhausted that she went to sleep right after supper. Everyone slept early as tomorrow was an important day for the Collins family.

     The sun shone brightly the next day and with it began a day of sheer importance. The bride and her family had gotten up early to prepare.
Maya was ready and gotten dressed in her best gown. It was a crimson red with gold linings. She had tied her hair up and wore her prettiest earrings.
She was bored to death waiting for Bella who was still getting dressed.
After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open to reveal a brilliantly dressed Bella .

      There was no doubt she was a very pretty girl. But the white gown  enhanced her beauty making her look like a goddess. As soon as she came out, all the relatives surrounded her and complimented her.
When Maya saw the blushing bride Bella, she was somehow taken back in time to all the times she had spent with her sister. Had they already reached the point where they'll be separated? Maya was a bit sad thinking that but nevertheless decided to take part in her sister's happiness.

     The wedding was attended by their family and close friends. All of them gave genuine blessings to the newlywed couple. The bride and groom were beaming with joy throughout the rituals. After all the rituals ended and the wedding successfully took place , only then we're people able to relax.
Soon after the lunch, everyone started to go home.

      When all guests had gone home, it was evening. Bella's in laws took her stuff with them to their mansion while Edward stayed here until Bella said goodbye to her family. Edward was actually really rich and from a good family but the fact that he didn't accept any proposal from rich suitresses  but only chose Bella revealed how much he loved her.
         Even Maya was forced to approve of him because of this. 

      It was time to say goodbye finally. But before she could speak those words,her mother had engulfed her in a tight hug. Both the mother daughter cried their heart out. Even her father had tears in his eyes. When Maya saw this scene from afar she ran back crying into the house.
Maya ran straight to Bella's room. She didn't want Bella to know that she cried. Afterall she was the stronger sister between them.

      All the moments that she had spent with her sister came flashing to her mind. She didn't really understand the value of her sister until now. She remembered how they would fight in childhood over silly topics, how they would argue on their favourite dresses, all the games they had played together, all the times they had laughed together. She didn't want to cry ........ but the tears just wouldn't stop.

    She sat on the bed to calm down when she noticed Bella's locket. It was the one that Maya had gifted her but had accidentally broken it .it had already been more than 8 years. Was she still keeping it? Maya slowly picked it up and her eyes started to well up again. Suddenly a knock is heard on the door.
Maya quickly wiped her tears and sat upright.

     "Maya!"
            Bella whispered.

    " What?"
           Maya responded in a snappy tone.

      Bella laughed and sat down beside Maya as elegantly as ever.

       " Why are you here?"
Maya questioned her sister.

      " More like why are you in my room , dear sister?"
      Bella smirked and questioned her back.

      " Hahahaa, sis, after you're gone , this whole room be mine anyways, so isn't this mine from now? "
       Maya retorted nonchalantly.

    " Oh ! Is that so? Then why is MY locket in your hands? "
        Bella asked feigning curiosity.

    " This? Hahahaa, i was just wondering why you are keeping an old broken accessory like this? Isn't this lame? Shouldn't i just throw it away this garbage?"
     Maya asked swinging the locket .

   " No! Never! This is not an accessory!"
     Bella replied snatching the locket from Maya's hands.

   " This not a broken piece , it is a heartfelt gift from a certain someone. They had really worked hard to get this for me . But accidentally broken it and didn't give it to me. Luckily i found it hidden away with the card. Can you imagine how miserable that person must have felt?
You can never call this garbage ! This is my treasure."
       Bella continued speaking . When she looked up , she saw her sister looking at her with glossy eyes.

   " Maya!?"

   Maya didn't reply but instead hugged her sister.
   " You knew?"

    " Of course, you were so down for so many days after that?!"
      Bella giggled .

    Maya could not control her tears anymore and started sobbing .
Bella lightly patted her back. 

     " Never thought I'd say something like this  but .......... I ...will miss..you!"
      May said between the sobs.

   Bella broke the hug and suddenly grabbed the locket . She glanced at Maya then split the heart locket into two. Maya was shocked.

    " What -"

    " Maya, this is for you"
            Bella said handing her a half of the locket.

    " Whenever you miss me , look at this locket and just know that i miss you too, kay?"
      Bella said patting Maya's head.

  Maya wiped her tears and nodded.

     " Ya sure, my ........ elderly sister"
             Maya burst out laughing.

Bella was taken aback and smacked Maya's back while Maya giggled.
       The two sisters then shared a loving hug.

       Their mother and father, Elma and Adam watched their daughters smiling at the bond their children shared.

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A.N - Guys, i didn't want to limit this story to one nationality that is why the wedding rituals are vague as you are free to imagine a historical ritual of wedding as it is in your country. Plus if someone thinks the crying separation part is unnecessary then it maybe but the thing is that i am an Indian and thus the Bidai ceremony is usually like this so I may have been influenced by that and some that may be evident in the story. So I apologise.
And what i said at the very start is true.
  And on another note i have made some changes in previous chapters so please make sure you do read it and vote this story. Please share the link to someone who may be interested in reading.
Lots of love