To Be Yours ✔

part 1 Haldi and Mehendi

ANJALI POV:

As we sipped our coffee in the cozy cafe, Karuna's eyes widened in disbelief. "Bro, your boss is your soon-to-be brother-in-law? And you had no idea?" she asked, her voice laced with shock.

I nodded, still trying to wrap my head around the revelation. "Yeah, I was just as surprised. But apparently, he knew about me already. Maybe he'd seen my picture or something."

Karuna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "That's wild! So, how did you find out about this... interesting connection?" she asked, her tone dripping with curiosity.

I took a sip of my coffee before launching into the story. "It happened on the roka day. I was shocked to see him, but he just smiled and said, 'Hi, Ms. Kashyap!' like it was no big deal."

Karuna burst out laughing. "Oh my god, that's hilarious! "

"I mean, it's not weird during office hours, but at home, it's gonna be a little awkward, right?" I said, munching on my burger.

Karuna chuckled. "Don't worry, at the office, he's Ayansh sir, but at home, he's just Ayansh. You'll get used to it!"

She then switched to a teasing tone. "By the way, how's the bride-to-be feeling? Tomorrow's the haldi and mehendi, and then you'll be Mrs. Anjali Mehra in just two days!" Karuna asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I laughed at her dramatic expression. "Honestly, I'm all over the place. I'm excited for this new chapter, but I'm also sad to leave my family behind. How will I survive without Papa, Bhai, Bhabhi, and Vivan?" I said, my smile tinged with sadness.

Karuna's expression turned supportive. "I know it's tough, but it's a part of a woman's journey. Just go with the flow, and everything will fall into place. You'll make new memories with your new family, and we'll always be here for you." She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

I smiled, feeling a bit better, and we got up to pay the bill, ready to take on the next chapter of my life.

HALDI DAY:

As I sit in my room, adorned in the vibrant yellow lehenga and exquisite floral jewelry, I can't help but feel like a vision of beauty.

The haldi ceremony is about to begin, and I'm filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. My heart races at the thought of soon becoming a married woman. The intricate embroidery on my lehenga shimmers in the light, and the delicate flowers in my jewelry seem to dance around my neck and ears.

I feel like a princess, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life. The aroma of turmeric and sandalwood wafts through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Just then, Meera Bhabhi swept into my room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Time to get you downstairs , bride-to-be!" she said, deftly applying a swipe of black kohl under my ears.

Together, we descended into the vibrant chaos of the haldi ceremony, where a sea of smiling faces and yellow-stained hands awaited me.

Laughter and chatter filled the air as they smeared the golden paste on my skin, bathing me in its warm, sun-kissed glow.

After the festivities, I retreated to my room, eager to wash off the turmeric and indulge in a relaxing bath. The warm water soothed my skin, rinsing away the remnants of the haldi.

Now, as I lounge on my bed, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building. In just three hours, the mehendi ceremony will begin, and my journey as a bride will truly commence.

Mehendi's dress:

As the vibrant festivities unfolded before my eyes, I sat serene, my hands adorned with intricate henna patterns. The melodic rhythms and joyful laughter filled the air, entrancing me.

"Bhai, could you please fetch me some water? I'm feeling so thirsty!" I called out to my brother, who responded with a warm smile.

He soon returned with a refreshing glass, gently helping me take a sip.

With a tender gesture, he wiped my mouth with a soft handkerchief, his eyes shining with affection. "Do you need anything else?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I shook my head, feeling grateful, and he lovingly patted my cheeks before departing, leaving me to bask in the happiness surrounding me.

My gaze met my father's, and my heart swelled with love. His smile was a mix of joy and nostalgia, his eyes brimming with unshed tears that seemed to hold a thousand emotions.

I offered him a reassuring smile, a silent understanding passing between us. In that moment, I knew he was struggling to hold back the floodgates of sentimentality, his heart overflowing with pride, happiness, and a tinge of sadness as he watched his little girl prepare to leave the nest.

My smile was a gentle reminder that I'd always be his little girl, no matter where life took me. The unspoken connection between us was palpable, a love so strong that it transcended words.