His Rooh

07 | Her Dilemma

Aruhi

The evening unfolded with a soft, golden glow, casting an enchanting ambience over our home. As the Shekhawat family mingled with ours, the air buzzed with anticipation and unspoken sentiments. 

As I reflect on the conversation that unfolded between Vikram and me, I find myself grappling with a myriad of emotions—uncertainty, apprehension, and a lingering sense of resignation. From the moment our families had gathered to discuss the proposal, I had braced myself for the inevitable conversation that would shape the trajectory of my future.

Yet, as Vikram and I sat across from each other, the weight of the impending decision looming over us, I couldn't shake the feeling of detachment that pervaded the air. Try as I might, I couldn't conjure the spark of chemistry that often accompanies such unions. Instead, our conversation flowed with a sense of familiarity—a quiet understanding that belied the passion and intensity that I had envisioned.

"Uhm everyone is calling you both inside." Kiara's voice cut through our silence.

We exchanged a glance, an unspoken understanding passing between us. As we made our way back inside, the lively chatter and laughter of the family welcomed us, but a hushed anticipation lingered in the air.

As we stepped into the room, all eyes turned toward us. Rishiraj bhaiya, with an affectionate smile, addressed the room. "Well, here they are, with an important decision to share."

The room fell into a curious hush, and with a silent nod, I confirmed the unspoken affirmation. The room erupted into joyous celebration. The elders expressed their happiness, and the younger members couldn't contain their excitement.

In that instant, surrounded by happy cheers and warm hugs, I couldn't shake a hint of sadness. It was like a quick ache for the intense love and excitement I used to dream of, when I thought of getting married.

Amidst the flurry of congratulations, I found myself stealing glances at Rudraksh, only to find him conspicuously absent from the revelry. A knot of anxiety tightened in my chest as I searched the room, my heart sinking with each passing moment.

As the evening wore on and the Shekhawat began to bid their farewells, Rudraksh remained elusive, his absence a silent testament to the chasm that had grown between us. With each step I took towards the door, a sense of foreboding weighed heavily on my heart, a whisper of doubt that echoed in the recesses of my mind.

~~~~~~~~~~

As days turned into weeks, the engagement day was here.

Today is supposed to be an important day. It's my engagement day, a day that many girls dream about since childhood. But as I stand here in front of the mirror, adorned in the finest attire, with my hair elegantly styled and makeup expertly applied, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness gnawing at my heart.

The makeup artist and the hair stylist left a while back, their work leaving me looking stunning by conventional standards. Yet, as I gaze at my reflection, I can't shake off the feeling that something is missing. There's a void within me, a hollowness that I can't explain.

I should be feeling excited, thrilled even, at the prospect of starting a new chapter of my life with Vikram. He's a good man, and our families are overjoyed at our union. But despite the smiles and congratulations that surround me, I can't help but wonder if this is truly what I want.

There's a nagging doubt in the back of my mind, a voice whispering that this isn't right, that I'm not meant to be here. I push aside the doubts, the uncertainties, and force a smile onto my face, trying to mask the turmoil raging within me.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Ria bhabhi came to call me. She took one look at my face and immediately sensed my unease. "Don't be nervous, Aruhi," she said softly, her reassuring smile easing some of the tension coiling within me. "It's something every girl feels on her wedding functions."

I offered her a weak smile in return, grateful for her understanding even though she couldn't possibly comprehend the depth of my apprehension.

As I descended the stairs, I couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. The atmosphere was tense, the usually jovial mood of our household replaced by an undercurrent of discomfort.

Ria bhabhi and I exchanged a confused glance as we reached the bottom of the stairs. The tension in the air was palpable, casting a shadow over what should have been a day filled with joy and celebration.

Before I could make sense of the situation, my to-be mother-in-law stepped forward, her expression wrought with guilt. "Aruhi," she began, her voice tinged with remorse, She took a deep breath, her gaze meeting mine with a mixture of regret and shame. "I'm so sorry bacha," she continued, her words heavy with emotion.

I blinked in surprise, taken aback by her unexpected confession. "I-I don't understand," I stammered, my confusion growing.

Glancing towards my family, I saw looks of concern and apprehension etched on their faces. Their expressions mirrored my own inner turmoil, reflecting the uncertainty of the situation.

Turning my gaze to Vikram's family, I was met with a scene that sent a shiver down my spine. Their faces were a canvas of shame and regret, their eyes downcast as if unable to meet my gaze.

But amidst the sea of sombre faces, one stood out—Rudraksh. His expression was one of quiet satisfaction, a hint of triumph gleaming in his eyes. It was a stark contrast to the tension that gripped the room, leaving me even more bewildered than before. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I searched for answers in the depths of Rudraksh's gaze.

As my gaze shifted once more, it landed on Vikram. 

But he was not alone.

Beside him walked a girl, her head bowed and her expression obscured, her hand clasped tightly in his. A wave of surprise rippled through me, watching the scene in front of me.

Vikram's face betrayed no emotion as he led the girl forward, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him. The girl remained silent, her features hidden from view as she followed Vikram's lead, her posture rigid and her steps faltering.

A gasp left my mouth when I saw her hairline filled with vermillion and a mangalsutra clasped on her neck.

As the realization dawned upon me, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed my senses - betrayal, disbelief, and somehow relief.