Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 28

Amandeep Singh Aulakh

Looking back, it still felt unreal that my brother had managed to convince Prabh to marry me. She was someone with strong values, a person who had plenty of choices when it came to a life partner. And yet, somehow, he had made her believe that I was the right one for her. He must have seen something in us—something I had never dared to dream of myself. Because of him, she had agreed, and today was the day of our Rokha.

But something felt off.

The house, usually full of life and chatter during celebrations, was eerily quiet. I walked down the hallway, my eyes scanning the faces of my family members. Their smiles were there, but they didn't quite reach their eyes. My mother moved about, making sure everything was perfect, but even she seemed distant. My father, usually the loudest voice in the house, barely said a word. It was as if everyone was pretending to be happy, hiding something behind forced cheerfulness.

I frowned. Was this about Prabh? Did they not approve of her? No, that couldn't be it. They had always been supportive of my choice, at least to my face. So then what was wrong?

I decided not to dwell on it too much. Maybe I was imagining things. Maybe they were just tired from all the preparations. After all, today was a big day.

We arrived at the Brar/Deol residence, and I let out a slow breath as I looked at the grand house in front of us. A group of people stood waiting at the gate, their eyes filled with anticipation. Among them was Simran, our host, a warm smile on her face as she welcomed us. She carefully poured a few drops of fragrant oil at the entrance—an old tradition, symbolizing an invitation into their home.

I stepped inside, and my eyes immediately landed on Guru Saab, seated in the center of the room. Taking a deep breath, I lowered my head and performed the Matha Taek, bowing in respect and silently asking for blessings. The atmosphere was peaceful, filled with a sense of unity and tradition.

Then, I saw her.

Prabh was walking towards me, her sisters, Asees and Supreet, guiding her forward. She looked beautiful, draped in a deep maroon outfit with gold embroidery. But there was something in her expression that made my heart clench. She wasn't smiling. Her eyes, though lined with kohl and glittering under the lights, seemed distant.

As she reached me, she bowed her head, performing Matha Taek just like I had, before settling down beside me. I turned to her, offering a small smile. "Wow, you look absolutely stunning today."

She didn't respond.

At first, I thought she hadn't heard me. But when I glanced at her again, I saw how she kept her gaze averted, as if avoiding me on purpose. My smile faltered slightly. Was she nervous? Or... did she not want to be here?

The ceremony moved forward, with both families exchanging pleasantries and showering blessings upon us. I tried my best to focus, to engage with the people around me, but I couldn't shake off the heavy feeling in my chest. Prabh sat beside me, but she felt miles away. Every time I glanced at her, hoping for even the smallest sign of warmth, I was met with the same distant expression.

Finally, it was time for the ring exchange. My sister-in-law handed me the ring I was supposed to place on Prabh's finger. I took it carefully, my fingers tightening around the small band. This was it. This moment would seal our engagement.

I turned to Prabh, my heart pounding. As I reached for her hand, I noticed the slightest hesitation. Her fingers were cold, her grip weak. She wasn't trembling, but I could feel the uncertainty in her touch.

I paused, my eyes searching hers. "Are you okay?" I asked in a low voice, just for her to hear.

She blinked, as if startled by my question, but still didn't answer. Instead, she glanced towards her brothers, who stood nearby, watching closely. When their eyes met, they gave her the smallest of nods—silent reassurance, silent approval.

And then, after what felt like an eternity, she turned back to me and took a deep breath.

Slowly, she lifted her hand and allowed me to slide the ring onto her finger.

My chest tightened as I studied her face. Did she really want this? Was she happy?

Before I could dwell on it further, her sister-in-law handed her the ring meant for me. Prabh held it in her hands for a brief moment, staring at it as if weighing something in her mind.

Then, in a single smooth motion, she reached for my hand and slipped the ring onto my finger.

A soft murmur passed through the room, a sign of approval from our families. This was it—she had accepted our engagement. I exhaled, feeling a strange mix of relief and uncertainty.

"Prabh," I whispered, keeping my voice gentle, "if something's wrong, you can tell me."

She looked at me then, really looked at me, and for the first time since we arrived, I saw something in her eyes. It wasn't happiness, nor was it sadness. It was something in between. A quiet acceptance. A silent choice.

"I know," she murmured, barely audible.

It wasn't a confession of love. It wasn't a promise of forever. But it was something. A start.

And for now, that had to be enough.

Later that evening, as the guests began to leave, I found myself standing on the balcony, staring out into the night sky. The cool breeze brushed against my face as I took a deep breath, letting the events of the day sink in.

Just then, I heard soft footsteps behind me. I turned to see Prabh standing there, her hands clasped together, her expression unreadable.

"Aman..." she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

I stepped closer, my heart pounding. "Yes?"

She hesitated for a moment before looking into my eyes. "Are you happy with this? With us?"

I reached for her hand, holding it gently. "I am. More than anything."

She exhaled softly, as if letting go of a weight she had been carrying. "I'll never love you..."