Look Into My Eyes 10

Chapter 22

That's how she became my slow poison.... chapter 5 End.

Present.

He puts the dairy in the locker, then lays down and drifts into a deep, peaceful sleep.

★★★

Next day morning

At 9 in the morning, nature unfolds its beauty with a gentle sunrise. The sky blushes with hues of pink and orange, casting a warm glow on everything below. Dewdrops glisten like tiny diamonds on leaves, and the world awakens to the sweet symphony of birdsong.

Guest cars arrive one after another, and Rajiv, Devdatt, Ajas and Eshwar warmly welcome each arrival. Kiran I.A.S., (who holds a special place in his heart for Meghana) steps out of the car. He walks towards Eshwar, giving him a hug while casually adjusting his shirt, and in an audible tone, expresses, "Oh! Finally, you are successful."

Eshwar responds with a smile, introducing Kiran to his father and the rest of the gathering. Kiran is acknowledged as a friend and treated like an elder brother.

In the midst of this, Aditya arrives, wearing a bright smile. Surprised, he exclaims, "Oh! Kiran, you're here!" and warmly hugs him. Kiran respectfully seeks Aditya's blessings, adding a touch of respect to their reunion.

Aditya warmly invites Kiran, saying, "Come with me, Kiran, I have a lot to say." Devdatt interjects, teasingly, "Arey, where are you taking him? He's from the groom's side."

Aditya grins, countering, "No, he's actually from my bride's side."

Both Devdatt and Aditya turn their gaze towards Kiran, awaiting an explanation. Kiran chuckles and explains, "Well, I do agree that I'm Eshwar's elder brother, making me a jiju to the bride. However, she's like my daughter, so for now, I'm on the bride's side. But don't worry, for the evening ritual, I'll be joining you as part of the groom's side.

Aditya smirks, feeling like he just won a playful round of banter.

Meanwhile, Nitin arrives with his family, and Vishnuvardhan, accompanied by his wife and a troop of students, joins the gathering. Eshwar warmly shakes hands with Nitin, and Aditya extends a heartfelt welcome to the entire group. After a few exchanges, Eshwar takes a moment to talk with them.

Aditya, suggests, "Ajas, take all of them to our guest house on the side. Make sure they have everything they need."

Ajas swiftly organizes the logistics, instructing everyone to follow his car. A procession forms behind Ajas, with all the guests except Kiran trailing behind. And Kiran has went in Aditya's car, while having conversation.

Devdatt playfully exclaims, "Arey, everyone is heading to the bride's side!"

Eshwar chuckles at the observation. Arpita, joining the conversation, affectionately hugs Devdatt's hand and remarks, "Let them, Dad. In the end, Bhai will have them wrapped around his little finger. When the groom speaks, the entire 'Kuruvansh' (both Pandavas and Kauravas combined) bows down. My brother alone is enough to handle them all."

Devdatt, attempting a serious demeanor, folds his hands and asks, "Then, tell me, whose side are you on?"

Arpita responds with a bright smile, "I am always on your side, Dad,"

Eshwar, did you have breakfast?" Arpita asks.

He nods, and noticing Arpita's headshake, he affectionately says to her, "What is this, Arpi? You can't deny it. Go inside; Mom made something special for you. Don't forget, you're pregnant."

With a playful sigh, she agrees and heads inside, muttering, "Uff! Mom! Again with the diet."

★★★

Aditya and Kiran enter Mahitha's room, where she's engrossed in writing. Laila and Majnu, her vibrant companions, flutter around, singing joyfully. Aditya knocks on the door, and Mahitha looks up in surprise, her face lighting up at the sight of Kiran.

"Namaste, Kiran! When did you come?" she asks, a bright smile on her face.

Returning the smile, Kiran replies, "Just an hour before."

Mahitha warmly invites them to sit, assuring she'll fetch some snacks and juice. A parrot, joining the scene, amusingly repeats her words, eliciting smiles from everyone.

Politely, Mahitha insists, "You both be seated; I'll bring snacks and juice for you."

However, Kiran, being considerate, interjects, "You sit, Mahitha. I'm already full. In fact, I have something for you." Her father signals her to take a seat.

Mahitha takes a seat on the couch, and Kiran presents her with a beautiful silk yellow saree, adorned with an orange border, accompanied by a matching jewelry set. He mentions, "This is from my side and your sister Meghana's side."

She touches the saree, emotions well up, but she composes herself with a smile, saying, "Yellow and orange - Meghana Di's favorite color combination. Just like my dad always goes for green, she always gravitates towards these colors."

Kiran smiles, suggesting, "Will you wear this for tonight's ritual?"

Mahitha happily responds, "Of course,"

Kiran playfully teases with a smile, "I am going to meet Eshwar Anirudh. If you want to send any message, I am happy to help you. Your dad won't say anything."

Mahitha returns the smile, appreciating the light-hearted banter. Aditya chimes in, suggesting, "Ammu, you go and meet your guruji Vishnuvardhan. Nitin and his family are also here." After conveying this, Aditya and Kiran exit the room, leaving Mahitha to attend to guests.

★★

The lawn transforms into a magical wonderland adorned with twinkling lights that mimic fallen stars. Delicate butterfly-shaped lights flutter around, casting an enchanting glow over the entire scene. The night air becomes a canvas painted with the soft illumination of the carefully placed lights.

Dinner tables are elegantly set, adorned with flickering candle lights, adding a touch of intimacy to the atmosphere. The combination of ambient lighting and the gentle glow from the candles creates a captivating ambiance, turning the evening into a truly enchanting and visually stunning experience.

Relatives from the bride's side, including her brothers and Mahitha's closest friends, arrive at the venue. The atmosphere becomes vibrant with excitement as children eagerly join in, their enthusiasm turning the adorned lawn into what seems like a magical fairy garden. The enchanting lights add a sprinkle of magic to their play, making the entire evening feel like a whimsical adventure for the little ones.

Laughter and joy fill the air as the children explore the mystical ambiance, their playful energy adding an extra layer of warmth to the celebration.

Eshwar arrives, and Kranti, with a friendly gesture, informs him, "Everyone is waiting for you." As they walk together, Kranti adds, "Everyone is so mesmerized with the decoration."

Eshwar, glancing around, mutters, "The one who should see and memorize is not here," indirectly referring to someone.

Kranti chuckles and playfully responds, "This is too much! Rules are rules, my dear brother-in-law, for i can't bring my sister here.

Ignore mistakes

Keep smiling

Chandanakshi