The Sun & the Stars Aligned

21: His promise

TARA

"Taru, I'm so happy that you're getting married. I always knew you and him would be endgame," Ishani exclaimed joyfully, wrapping her arms around me as I sat before the mirror, after getting ready.

I returned her smile, squeezing her hand resting on my shoulder. I had never imagined my wedding would unfold like this, especially in the very household that had stripped me of everything. To marry the man who had used my brother to coerce me into marriage—it was beyond surreal.

"Endgame, huh? Who knows what game is being played here," I muttered, earning a quizzical look from Ishani. "What do you mean?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Nothing, just thinking out loud. I never imagined my wedding would take place under such circumstances," I replied, masking the ache in my heart with a forced smile.

"By the way, your groom is waiting eagerly outside for his bride," Ishani teased, placing a black tikka behind my ear. "You look more beautiful than ever as a bride."

"You know, it's always been my dream for us to get married in the same household, and now that it's about to come true, I can hardly believe it," tears welled up in her eyes, and I stood up to embrace her.

As we pulled away, we noticed Nanu and Nani standing at the doorway, tears glistening in their eyes.

"Nanu, Nani, why are you standing outside? Come in," I beckoned them, gesturing them to join us. They approached me, Nanu affectionately patting my head while Nani broke into tears.

"Nani, Nanu, if you cry, then what will happen to me? I won't leave you and go anywhere," despite my efforts to hold back, tears escaped my eyes.

"No, beta, these are tears of joy and they won't stop today. You're going to get married in such respectable and loving family, your nanu and I have no worries. And always remember, you're not leaving us, you're just starting a new chapter in your life." Nani wiped my tears and I held her hand.

"Dekhiye na , yeh Betiyan kitni jaldi badi ho jati hain," tears streamed down her face, "It feels like just yesterday when her tiny feet stepped into our home, and today she's leaving this house," Nani choked up and Nanu embraced her.

"Without you, our home will feel empty beta, but don't worry about us. Just be happy there, and if ever you feel sad, just let me know, I'll come to get you," Nanu hugged me, "If there's ever any trouble or pain, always remember, the doors of this house will always be open for our daughter."

"Seeing you all like this, I feel like crying, it feels like she's being forcibly taken away from you all," Kritika commented as she entered the room, her eyes glistening with tears as she enveloped me in a tight hug. Laughter echoed through the room as everyone shared in the emotional moment.

"Tara, where is Arjun? I can't see him." Parth inquired. 

"I'm so angry at him right now. Once he shows up in front of me, I'll give him a piece of my mind. He's disappeared right before his sister's wedding," Ishani vented, her frustration palpable.

If only they knew where Arjun bhaiya was, things would be so different. Even though I wish I could tell them, I can't reveal anything. Once this wedding is over and Arjun is safe, that's all I need. And as for this relationship, I'm willing to sacrifice my happiness for my family's sake.

"Arjun is in New York for some urgent work. The wedding is happening so quickly that he couldn't make it. Even his phone is unreachable," Nanu informed everyone.

"Tara, I know you and Aditya love each other and want to get married, but everything is happening too fast. We haven't even had a chance to properly celebrate all the pre-wedding functions," Ishani expressed her concerns, echoed by Kritika's nodding agreement. "We had so many plans for your wedding, but nothing seems to be falling into place," Kritika added, disappointment evident in her voice.