I Found You

9.

After a long highway of wedding planning, the D-day has finally arrived today. A life altering moment in the lives of two people. The day, two souls will be united for the rest of their lives.

Excitement, joy, fear, crankiness with fair share of anxiety and nervousness. This is what Adhira had been feeling from the last night.

Today is the day she is going to leave her everything behind, her father, her brother, her family, starting a new life with new people.

She knew she has to leave one day, but didn't anticipated that the day will arrive this soon.

"Papa main aapko chodh kar kahin nahi jaungi."

"Dekho na papa, bhaiya keh rahe hain ki yeh tera ghar nahi hai, tu toh paraya dhan hai."

"Aisa nahi hai na papa."

"Main toh humesha aap dono ke sath hi rahungi, mujhe nahi jaana koi sasural vasural."

She reminisced her words from the past. It seemed like it was only yesterday that she was a school going girl and today she was dolled up as a bride.

Clad in a rich wine coloured lehenga, she kept still as the heavy veil draped over her head. Her hair swept into an elegant bridal braid with delicate flowers that matched her attire.

Layers of ornate jewellery framed her long neck, each piece adding to the regality she carried. In that moment, she looked nothing sort of breathtaking.

Her gaze drifting to the door as it creaked open. Her heart softened at the sight of her brother, Advait stepping in, dressed in a lilac sherwani shimmering with sequin embroidery.

"You look so beautiful," He said as he walked toward her, his eyes holding both joy and a quiet sadness.

"I still can't believe you're getting married Gudiya," He continued, his words catching slightly in his throat.

"I am so happy for you," He took her hands gently in his, giving them a squeeze. "And proud of the woman you have become."

It was his way of saying, you'll be okay.

Adhira offered a small smile, holding her tears at bay. He didn't say much but she had seen him sneak away to swipe his eyes more than once during the pre wedding ceremonies.

"Remember, your brother's always got your back, I'm just a phone call away." He said softly. "No matter how old you get, you were, are and always be our Gudiya."

She nodded, her throat tight, eyes glistening with unshed tears. His words wrapped around like a comforting hug.

A soft contented smile played on Advait's lips as he leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead. Then still holding her hand, he led her toward the door.

In the hallway, her cousins, Manas and Shashank joined them, holding up the phoolon ki chadar, above her head, symbolizing the love and protection under she had been grown up by her family.

[Canopy made of flowers]

She took a deep breath, steadying herself, pushing away the flutter of nerves rising in her chest.

Soft music floated through the air, and with her brothers by her side, she began walking down the aisle, toward a new life, a new family and the man waiting to become her husband.

The hall was decked in hues of red velvety drapes cascading from the ceiling and fresh flowers. The decors were simply pretty and eye catching.

As she entered, all eyes turned to her. But her eyes searched only for one person.