TARA
The evening had set in, marking the end of the engagement festivities. The sky was a breathtaking canvas of pinks and purples as the sun gracefully vanished beyond the horizon, casting a magical aura over the palace grounds.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparations for the upcoming mehndi and sangeet ceremonies, the atmosphere was alive with excitement. Laughter and music filled the courtyard, where ladies gathered to play dholkies and sing joyful songs.
As I observed the workers and decoration staff busy with their tasks, a wave of emotion washed over me. In just three days, my Ishu would be married.
Despite my own feelings, I couldn't afford to let my emotions show, especially in front of her. It was her special moment, and I wanted to be her pillar of strength. She is the one leaving behind her family to start a new chapter of her life, and I want to be the support and strong presence she needs.
Ishu called me and informed me that everyone was meeting at our secret spot, backside of the palace for something important and by everyone I meant her, Parth, Kritika, Shilpa, Manav and Jatin.
I slipped into my comfy black joggers and paired them with a matching sleeveless crop top, pulling my hair up into a high ponytail. Just as I was tying my shoelaces, there was a knock on my door.
"Tara, how much longer are you gonna be? Ishani's waiting, and she sounded pretty serious," Kritika called out from the other side, her voice carrying through the door as she knocked.
I opened the door and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Kritika. I think I have an idea of what the important discussion is about," I said, gently patting her shoulders to reassure her.
"Honey and Kritika, finally you are here," Ishani exclaimed, shooting us a mock glare as she approached. "We've been waiting here forever."
"Ishani didi, now that everyone is here, lets start the meeting and not waste time." Jatin chimed in, all serious.
"Whoa, hold up! I didn't realise we were here for a meeting?"" Parth piped up from the couch, his eyes glued to his phone.
"I swear, Parth, sometimes I wonder if your brain's on airplane mode," Ishani snapped, shooting daggers at him, but he just shrugged nonchalantly.
"Manav, Parth, seriously, snap out of it! We're talking about something important here," Shilpa interjected, hands on hips, giving them both a stern look. "Our reputation's on the line, for crying out loud!"
"Alright, cool down." I declared, throwing my hands up in the air before settling onto the couch. Everyone followed suit, except for Ishani, who remained standing.
"So, guys, you all know why we're here," Ishani began, but before she could continue, Manav interrupted. "Wait, why are we here?" he questioned.
"Seriously, Manav? You're asking now? Jatin told you last night!" Ishu shot him a glare.
"Okay, okay, guys," I interjected. "Ishani, let me handle this." With a nod from Ishani, I stood up and stood in front.
"Alright, everyone! Listen up! We're here to practice for the sangeet competition, ladkiwale versus ladkewale!" I announced, facing everyone.
(girls' team against boys' team!)
"Yeah, we can't afford to lose this," Shilpa chimed in.
"Absolutely not! I've already challenged Anirudh. We're winning this, no questions asked!" Ishani exclaimed with determination.
YOU ARE READING
The Sun & the Stars Aligned
RomantikBook 1 in Starry Romance Series Aditya X Tara He is ruthless and arrogant. She is gentle and modest. He doesn't believe in love. She craves for the love she never received. He was different than anything she expected. She was everything he never...