Tender Storm

Chapter 19

Breathe in, breathe out..

Sakshi took a deep breath and yet couldn't feel any less nervous. The more she thought about the big day, the more she felt like a nervous wreck.

All her close family members had already arrived and so did few of her friends since her parents had insisted on a simple engagement.

"Too many guests means a lot of headache" Ranjit had said and she couldn't help but wonder if it was the guests he was worried about or the money spent on them. Nevertheless she was glad there weren't many people as she herself was shy around people.

"Sakshi?" Soumya knocked on the door and her eyes brightened the moment she laid eyes on her daughter "oh my God!"she exclaimed "you look so beautiful in saree".

Sakshi blushed slightly "you're exaggerating" she chided "it's not that great really".

"Yeah...you'll feel happy only when Amit compliments you" Soumya teased her daughter "wait till they see you..."

Sakshi didn't reply but checked herself in the mirror "mama?"she said softly "I'm so scared...I don't even know this guy, I don't know what to say or what to do..."

"Relax" Soumya patted her shoulders "you're not getting married right away. There's still time where you can get to know each other". Sakshi rolled her eyes "right..with parents like ours, I really doubt it".

"I'm sure he isn't like your father..." Soumya consoled her "he seems to be a nice and sweet guy...I know you'll be happy with him".

Sakshi wished the same although she couldn't shake the jittery feeling in her stomach. Her cousins had surrounded her by then and she erased the restless thoughts off her mind.

After her makeup was done and she was almost ready, her father walked in, wanting to talk to her alone.

Her friends and cousins excused themselves and walked out leaving her alone. She knew what he would say as he approached her with a stern frown "they're here" he announced.

She didn't know what to reply to that and simply nodded. He leaned closer and whispered "I want you to behave your best and not give any chance to complain".

"I wont..." she began but he cut her off "talk only when necessary and not in a harsh tone. Keep smiling and nod at everything they say".

She nodded again, not wanting to contradict him; he should know better.

It wasnt bad, she thought as she met her future in laws. Amit's mother was a nice woman and she felt at ease after speaking to the older woman.

Amit's elder sister Amrita was friendly although Sakshi felt she wasnt as sweet as her mother.

After all the formalities were done, it was time for the ring ceremony. Sakshi sat next to Amit who gave a warm smile at her which melted her heart. Maybe arranged marriage wasn't bad after all.

After exchanging rings, she met his gaze and he winked at her. She felt her whole body warm at that and quickly bent her head down. When she again caught his gaze for a brief moment, he was still staring at her.

Soon, the guests had thinned down and only the close relatives remained.

Amit looked at his father and then at hers "can I talk to Sakshi if you all don't mind?"he asked politely.

Shekhar exchanged a quick look at Ranjit who smiled brightly "of course beta...why would we mind? You're getting married in few months" he beamed at his daughter "Sakshi? Why don't you take him to the balcony?"