LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 8 - Confessions and a New Beginning

Ishqi, adorned in a shimmering red silk saree, sat nervously on a plush velvet cushion. Her head was bowed in a pretence of shyness, but her heart hammered against her ribs. The room buzzed with excited chatter. Savitri, radiant in a vibrant blue saree, fussed over Ishqi's veil, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. 

Sa: jaanti hu thoda nervous ho.. bas thodi der ha.. uske baad tum free ho jaogi.. sab boht excited ho rahe hai meri bahu se milne ke liye.. she whispered, her voice laced with warmth..

Taking a deep breath, Ishqi nodded. A shy smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Despite the initial awkwardness, Savitri's welcoming presence had calmed her nerves. Her eyes searched the room, finally landing on Ahaan. He was watching her intently, a flicker of something similar to pride dancing in his eyes. His gaze lingered on her for a bit too long, sending a shiver down her spine..

The ceremony began as gifts were exchanged, blessings showered, and laughter filled the air. Throughout it all, Ishqi couldn't help but steal glances at Ahaan. He seemed different.. his usual stoicism replaced by a warmth that reached her heart.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Ahaan approached Ishqi, a silver thali filled with rice and a red chunri in his hand. He knelt before her and his eyes met hers. A blush crept up Ishqi's cheeks as she realized this was the moment when the veil would be lifted, revealing her face for the first time to his entire family.

Taking a deep breath, Ahaan placed the chunri on her head, his fingers brushing against her cheek, sending a jolt of electricity through her. He then gently lifted the veil, revealing her face. A collective gasp filled the room as everyone got their first glimpse of the beautiful bride. But it was Ahaan's reaction that truly made Ishqi's heart skip a beat. His gaze locked with hers, a raw emotion swirling within them – a mix of surprise, relief, and a dawning realization.

In that silent moment, under the watchful eyes of their families, a new chapter in their story began. The muh dikhayi rasm, meant to be a mere formality, had become an unspoken promise, a silent vow to explore the connection that had begun to blossom between them. 

As the muh dikhayi rasm came to an end Savitri approached Ishqi..

Sa: Ishqi.. beta jao.. jaake thoda rest kar lo.. shaam ko reception bhi toh hai..

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The reception shimmered with the joyous chaos of a new union. Fairy lights, strung across the lawns. Ishqi, adorned in a breathtaking lehenga moved through the crowd, a picture of radiant beauty. Yet, beneath the smile gracing her lips, a question lingered in her heart – the unspoken truth between her and Ahaan.

Earlier that day, during the muh dikhayi rasm, the way his gaze had lingered on hers as he had lifted her veil – it all hinted at something deeper, something more than just the duty of a newly-wed husband. But the shadow of the misunderstanding about Rhea still loomed, casting a doubt on his intentions.

As the night wore on, fatigue started to set in. The constant stream of greetings, endless rounds of dancing with relatives, and the relentless barrage of teasing questions about their married life – it all took its toll. Ishqi excused herself from a group of giggling aunties, seeking some solace & moved out to the garden.. The cool night breeze washed over her as she closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind..

A: reception se bore ho gayi ho..?

Ishqi turned around, a smile blooming on her face as she saw Ahaan standing a few feet away. He looked as handsome as ever in a black sherwani, his dark hair gleaming under the soft glow of the fairy lights.