DAKSHIKA

2|Dakshika Re-Uniting

HER POV

"Your in-laws want to do your roka ceremony today and engagement tomorrow. Everyone was discussing about that." She replied and my heart raced like a wild stallion.

That means I had no chance for second thoughts.

"They are calling you downstairs." She said and I had tears in my eyes.

"I don't want to go," I said crying a little.

Sunaina hugged me immediately and patted my shoulders to calm me down.

"Hey! Don't worry we all are here. They're just discussing it. If you don't want to no one is going to force you." She said softly and patted my back. She pulled back and asked gently.

"You want to come along or take some time?"

I shook my head and said, "I'm coming"

I wiped my tears, put my heels on and headed downstairs.

As we were about to head into the living room my pulse raced knowing my future family would be there inside, he would be there inside. What if I don't like him? Would I be able to convince everyone against this marriage? What if Dadi's judgement was right?

As I pondered over these thoughts suddenly my steps haltered and I took a few deep breaths. Sunaina looked back at me. She held my hand and nodded assuringly. I also gave an affirmative nod.

As we entered the living room, everyone grew silent and looked at us. I noticed my whole family was present there, and some of his family members were also there. I lowered my gaze and sat on the empty couch with Sunaina.

Sunaina came close to my ear and said "He's not here," barely above a whisper.

I was surprised upon hearing that and a little more than that. I sighed inaudibly and my body muscles relaxed instantly.

God! I can't believe I was intimidated by him even when he was not here.

Soon their conversation drifted into my ears and I could no longer feel the heaviness in my heart.

"Our daughter-in-law indeed is very beautiful." A lady said.

And that heaviness that had lifted a minute ago, came back in quick steps.

"And so is our son-in-law" Sunaina whispered to me.

"Shut up," I mumbled softly.

"I wish Damad Ji was here with us today, both of them would have had the opportunity to chat before the engagement" I heard my mother saying.

"I agree but due to some unavoidable business meeting, he stayed back. But I assure you he will be here with us tomorrow morning." A middle-aged man, who I was guessing was his father said.

"That's fine. Work comes first." My father said smilingly.

Gunita came in and placed the tray of Thandai on the table.

"How about we do the roka ceremony first and then enjoy the drinks comfortably?" The lady, I guess his mother, proposed.

"Yes. Why not" my father said.

And my heart sank deeper only if it could.

My brother looked at me for some clue, if I was sure or not. But, what could I tell him when even I wasn't sure?

"Itni jaldi kis baat ki hai? Ab hamara daur nahi hai yeh. Hamare hisab se kal tak ka sabar rakhna chahiye. Ladka-Ladki ka milna bhi zaroori." My dadi-sa said. Don't know why but that gave me some confidence and relief.