Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

31 ~ The Confession

"True love does not come from finding the perfect person; true love's comes from learning to see an imperfect person as perfect."

Ruhanika

The morning dragged on, each minute stretching painfully slow. I found myself silently pleading for time to move faster. My nerves were electrified, a constant reminder of the anticipation I'd carried for what felt like ages. Today was the day I had dreamed of, a day that seemed unreachable but was now finally here.

I was feeling everything, all at once. The whirlwind of emotions left me feeling insomnious, ecstatic, and overwhelmingly joyful. This mix was almost too much to bear, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was ready to run to him, to close the distance that had kept us apart.

I had given myself extra time to get ready. My bath was long, deliberate; I paid attention to every inch of my skin, giving myself the most thorough cleanse I could. My hair received the gentlest treatment as I massaged the shampoo through it, letting the soothing scent settle around me. I slipped into an ivory-white lehenga and blouse set, stunning and graceful. The fabric was a masterpiece, adorned with intricate embroidery, tiny sequins, and delicate threads of abla and zari, catching the light with every movement. The blouse's flattering scoop neckline added a touch of femininity, while the dori at the back lent a grace that felt both elegant and traditional.

I chose my jewelry carefully—a headpiece, gold bangles, and jhumkas that swayed with my every step. A touch of kajal lined my eyes, bringing out their brightness, and the dried rose petal powder gave my cheeks a soft glow. I added a tiny bindi on my forehead, completing the look with the anklets he had gifted me, their faint chime a reminder of his presence. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly radiant, truly alive. Happiness and warmth radiated from me, a light I thought had been extinguished when I lost my family. I’d tried to rekindle it with my friends, but it had never felt whole. There had always been a void, an emptiness I couldn’t fill.

But today was different. Today, I felt complete, knowing I had someone who wanted to be mine, who was willing to wait for me, even if I wasn’t ready. He was my family, my true family. How long this would last, I didn’t know. But for now, I chose to hold on to this happiness, to cherish this bright moment.

As joyful as I felt, there was an undeniable weight on my shoulders—a mix of excitement, nervousness, and wonder. How would I respond when I saw him? Would he expect a kiss? Was I ready for that? Did I even want that? In my heart, I already knew the answer. Yes, I wanted to kiss him. But did he even know about such things? What if he didn’t? He had Kamasutra, of course, so he must know about it, but… I had been the one accusing him of being a pervert. And yet here I was, blushing at my own thoughts. I just hoped he couldn’t read my mind.

I made my way to the kitchen to wish Maya and Janki Amma a good morning. I touched their feet, and they hugged me, blessing me wholeheartedly. Maya was more than a friend; she was like an elder sister, nurturing and caring like a mother. I noticed Arjun Bhaisa standing nearby, but I ignored him for now. I’d deal with him later—I didn’t want anything to spoil my mood today.

In the kitchen, they refrained from painting me with colors, and Maya promised she’d do it once they finished their work. Secretly, I was relieved; I wanted him to be the first to color me, to be the one who left his mark on me. I helped with the preparations, my excitement building to an almost unbearable level. Every fiber of my being was on edge, the tension intoxicating.

I couldn’t wait any longer. Should I go see him now? Was he waiting for me? Or was I reading too much into things? Stop overthinking, Ruhanika, I scolded myself. I needed to see him—staying here any longer would drive me mad.