The Sun & the Stars Aligned

10: The Apology

ADITYA

The wedding rituals were coming to an end, and it was time for bidai. All the family members gathered, shedding tears and giving their farewells, but my eyes were fixed on only one person - her. 

Ishani hugged her tightly, pouring out her emotions, "Honey, I'm gonna miss you so much." she hugged her back, wiping away her tears, her own eyes brimming.

"I love you, Ishu. And I'll miss you so much. Just remember that I have got your back, always. And Anirudh, if you ever mess with my sister even a little bit, you'll have to deal with me." She threatened him. God, even in tears, she's adorable. 

When will these fucking ceremonies will end? 

She's been avoiding me all day, but this time, she's not slipping away.

"Anirudh beta, please take care of my Ishani. If she makes any mistakes, forgive her. She's still a child, don't take her words to heart," Ishani's mother said tearfully.

"No, maa, what are you even saying? Ishani is not just your daughter anymore, she's my wife too. No matter what happens, we'll face everything together," Anirudh reassured her.

"Don't worry, Behnji, bahu nahi beti lekar jaa rhe hai apne saath. Palkon pe bithan ke rkhenge." Mami said, holding Ishani's mother's hands and comforting her.

***

Now was the perfect time to talk to her. With Anirudh's family off to Delhi along with Ishani and most of the guests gone, we'd be leaving in the morning. I found her sitting at a table, quietly sipping water with tears in her eyes. She seemed lost in her thoughts, unaware of my approach.

I cleared my throat to get her attention, and her gaze met mine. Those beautiful almond-brown eyes were red from crying. Setting her glass down, she stood up, ready to walk away. But I wasn't going to let her slip away this time.

"Tara, just give me a few minutes," I pleaded, blocking her path.

"Aditya, not now, please," she responded, attempting to leave. But I caught hold of her hand, refusing to let her go.

As she looked down at our intertwined hands, then back at me, I could see the conflict in her eyes. "I'm not in the mood for a fight, please let go of my hand," she requested, trying to pull away.

"Alright, I've been quite the gentleman, time to switch back. No matter how hard you resist, I'm not letting you slip away now," I declared, lifting her onto my shoulder with one swift motion.

"Aditya, what are you doing? Put me down this instant. What if someone sees us?" Her voice was filled with shock and surprise.

"Put me down right now," she attempted to threaten, hitting my shoulders. 

No sweetheart, I am not letting you go.

"Aditya, seriously, if anyone sees us like this, we'll be in trouble," she pleaded. 

"I'm already into trouble." I declared.

I carried her to a secluded spot where nobody was around. Once satisfied that we were alone, I carefully set her down on a table, easing her off my shoulders. She gazed at me in astonishment, as if struggling to believe what just happened.

"What were you even thinking? And why did you lift me up? You could have hurt your shoulder," she said with a cute pout, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Sweetheart, you're as light as a feather, and even if you weren't, I wouldn't care. And I lifted you up because you refused to talk when I asked nicely, so I had no option left," I explained, leaning in closer and resting my hands beside her on the table, closing the distance between us. Her cheeks flushed pink at my words, and she glanced away, unable to meet my gaze.