Love Struck At The Wedding

28. AVNI/SHAURYA

Shaurya

"Actually, as you all know, we are heading back to Punjab next week, along with Shaurya, because his cousin sister is getting married. We would really appreciate it if you could send Avni with us."

These were the exact words my mother used last week while speaking to my soon-to-be father-in-law. Now, a week later, Avni and I stand at the threshold of my childhood home in Punjab.

My parents have already gone inside, leaving us outside per my mother’s instructions while my cousins carried our bags inside.

As we waited, I could see my cousins smiling at Avni, who wore a small, shy smile in return. She looked stunning in a lavender suit, the fabric flowing elegantly around her.

A delicate dupatta draped over her shoulder, and a small bindi adorned her forehead, complementing her hair that cascaded freely down her back.

I remembered her expressing her nerves about being here, so I gently took her hand, which was hidden under her dupatta. To my surprise, she clutched it tightly, revealing her anxiety. I sighed, realizing just how much pressure she felt facing so many new people.

But as I looked at her face, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her trusting me. Raising an eyebrow, I asked softly, “Are you okay?”

She stiffened slightly at the sound of my voice but quickly met my gaze. “I’m a little nervous,” she murmured. I caressed her hand reassuringly and nodded, hoping to provide her with some comfort.

Just then, my mother arrived, holding a bunch of red chilies. She twirled them in front of Avni and me—a traditional gesture meant to ward off any evil eye, a good omen to welcome her into our family.

After this small ritual, we entered the living room where I embraced my beloved cousins. I then turned to introduce them to Avni.

“Oh my God! Is that Avni?” my elder sister and the soon-to-be bride, Tanya, exclaimed, striding toward Avni and enveloping her in a warm hug.

“Congratulations on your wedding,” Avni said sincerely as they broke the embrace.

Soon enough, Avni was introduced to everyone, and we all settled on the couch. Drinks and snacks were served, and I couldn’t help but focus my attention on her. She seemed to relax as the chatter filled the room, laughter and warmth wrapping around her like a cozy blanket.

A sudden realization struck me: every time my gaze wandered, it invariably sought her out. I found solace in the connection we shared, marveling at how I could feel her presence without looking directly at her.

“Avni, beta, come with me,” my mother called to her, gesturing for her to join. Avni nodded, but before they could leave, I interjected.

“Mummy, may I come with you two?” I asked, feeling a pang of worry.

“Are you Avni?” my mother shot back, and I shook my head, realizing the absurdity of my question. “Then why are you so excited? What will you do among the ladies? Just sit here or go to your room. And don’t you dare enter my room!”

Her bluntness drew laughter from my cousins, while Avni tried to suppress a smile, her cheeks coloring slightly.

As my mother and Avni left the room, I caught the curious eyes of my siblings.

“So, Shaurya, how is Avni bhabhi?” Tanya teased, a mischievous grin on her face. My heart raced at the mention of ‘bhabhi’ attached to Avni’s name, an exhilarating thought.

“Bhai, can we call her bhabhi now?” my brother Manjeet chimed in, grinning.

“I don’t mind, but you should ask Avni if she’s comfortable with it,” I replied, trying to keep my composure.

The teasing began in earnest.

Manjeet waved a spoon in front of me like a microphone. “Bhai, tell us, how’s Avni?”

Karan, my other cousin, dramatically fanned himself. “Avni, oh Avni! The name alone makes our bhai melt!”

Tanya drew hearts in the air with her fingers, singing, “Shaurya’s in loooove!”

Despite their antics, my thoughts drifted toward Avni.

"I wonder what she must be feeling right now."

“Should I check on her?”

“But mummy is with her; she must be fine… right?”

“What if the other female relatives say something to her?”

“But mummy clearly told me not to enter the room.”

Ugh, I was going crazy with worry.

“Tanya, come here!” my chachi, Tanya’s mother, called from the same room Avni had entered with my mother.

Tanya stood up and walked away, leaving me to stew in my thoughts.

Avni

I sat in a chair beside Shaurya's mother, Kiran, as she introduced me to the other relatives in the room. They had been staying here for the past two days, preparing for Tanya’s wedding. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful for how warmly everyone accepted me as Shaurya's fiancée.

One of the aunts spoke up, “Kiran, don’t you think the fiancée should not come to her in-laws’ house before marriage?”

To my surprise, Shaurya's mother replied, “I don’t think we’re here to discuss societal norms. When everything is convenient for everyone, why should we still practice outdated traditions? It’s time to try new things now and then.” I smiled, feeling a newfound admiration for her open-mindedness.

Moments later, Tanya's mother called for her, and in a few minutes, she returned to the room.

“Tanya, take Avni with you to your room. She can change clothes and rest there,” her mother instructed. I stood, grateful for the excuse to escape for a moment.

As we walked down the corridor, I couldn’t help but look around, involuntarily searching for Shaurya. But he was nowhere in sight. Tanya caught my eye, noticing my distraction.

“Looking for something or someone?” she teased, and I shook my head, feeling my cheeks heat up.

She smiled knowingly. “By the way, how are you feeling here?”

“I was really nervous when I arrived, but now I’m fine,” I replied, hoping my smile conveyed my sincerity.

We reached two rooms facing each other. “The room on the left is mine, and the right is Shaurya’s,” Tanya explained, pointing to the doors.

I entered her room and quickly changed into a lighter outfit, grateful for the comfort it provided.

“Will you mind if we call you bhabhi?” Tanya asked as I emerged from the washroom.

“No, I don’t have any problem,” I smiled, feeling a mix of pride and warmth at the title.

“That’s fine then!” she squealed, pulling me into a light hug.

“Do you want to rest, or shall we go sit with everyone outside?” she asked.

“I don’t feel like sleeping; let’s sit with everyone,” I replied, eager to immerse myself in the lively atmosphere again.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meeting new relatives. I barely caught a glimpse of Shaurya, but Tanya assured me he was with his brothers.

At dinner, I saw him briefly but we exchanged only a few glances. The longing to talk with him gnawed at me, a bittersweet ache in my chest.

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