Yuvisha

Chapter 8

Their engagement was done. All of their close family members were there to witness one of the most beautiful couples, exchanging rings. Everything felt even more solid now. It was hitting Taani now more than ever that she would be married in a few days, gone to live somewhere else, she will have a whole new family to look after, a set of responsibilities and she could no longer afford waking up late or throwing tantrums if she didn't like something, she'll have to adjust now.

Day after tomorrow was her haldi and tomorrow they were going for their haldi photoshoot. She should be excited for it but no matter what, she couldn't get Yuvi's words out of her mind. But she still happily took part in the festivities, danced with her family and cousins and never let the sadness appear on her face. Only when she was safe in the confines of her room did she let it all out. It was easier to ignore her thoughts when she was busy but as soon as she would enter her room all those thoughts seem to suffocate her.

She walked out in the garden to calm her mind, most of the guests were staying in a hotel so it was comparatively quiet out here. "Not feeling sleepy?" She turned around to look at her brother, who put a hand around her shoulder bringing her close to him then started walking alongside her.

She took a deep breath and replied quietly. "Not really." He just ruffled her hair playfully.

Yuvi and Rishi, who came to deliver a few things given by Divya, to her house were passing by the garden when they saw Avi and Taani out there. They thought of going there and greeting them but as they neared them they heard him ask if she was happy and Yuvi wanted to listen to what she had to say, so he clutched Rishi's hand and hid behind a tree instead.

"Tu khush to hai na?" (𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖?) Her brother was well aware of her dreams and how soft hearted she really was. He knew she was a romantic at heart who wanted to marry for love and definitely not because of family obligations but she was also a dutiful daughter who would go to any lengths for her family.

"Of course bhaiya why won't I be?" She gave him a huge smile. She was actually getting tired of playing pretend and wanted this sham of a wedding to be over quickly.

"Don't insult me by thinking I would fall for that pathetic fake smile. I have never seen you put in so much effort to look happy. Taani there's still time, just tell me once that you're not happy with this marriage and I will call off this entire thing. I don't give a damn about family reputation. Nothing is more important than your smile and happiness." Yuvi looked at Taani and realised how he had not tried to get to know her at all, he would have totally fallen for that smile of hers, which was apparently fake as per her brother. Then his heartbeat picked up for an entirely different reason. What if she told him to do exactly that? Would this marriage be over just like that? For some reason he didn't like that thought at all.

Taani's eyes filled with tears when she heard her brother. Of course he would see right through her act. "Of course I'm unhappy bhaiya, but not for the reasons you think. I'll be leaving my home in 3 days, I am fucking miserable. I grew up here, how can I be expected to just leave it all behind in a matter of days? I wasn't even given time to comprehend it. I will miss you guys. Who would handle my tantrums? Who would take care of me? Who would protect and love me the way you do?" Taani couldn't stop her tears from falling anymore. Tired of trying to keep them at bay the whole day, she finally broke down in the arms of her brother.

Yuvraj felt like his heart was breaking when he heard her cry, in fact he almost went to console her himself but Rishi clutched his shirt, warning him not to move from his place. Yuvi had not even bothered to consider how hard must it be for Taani to leave her family and adjust to a new one. He then promised himself that love or not, he would take care of her and pamper her just as she was in her home. Even Rishi started crying silently seeing Taani in this state, and he swore to treat her with utmost respect and to never let her cry or miss her home.