His Rooh

16 | Her Care

Rudraksh

Sitting in my room, dressed in a simple green kurta pajama, I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the engagement last night. Aruhi looked breathtaking, her beauty leaving me almost breathless. Seeing her in that champagne lehenga had been an unforgettable moment. She was my rooh, my soul, and the reality of our engagement was slowly sinking in.

My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. My mother walked in, her eyes slightly moist.

"Rudraksh, you look so handsome," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "You've grown up so quickly. Now you're getting married."

I stood up and walked over to her, concern etched on my face. "Maa sa, don't cry," I said gently but firmly, trying to bring a smile to her face.

She reached up to cup my cheek, her eyes shining with pride and a hint of sadness. "I know, beta. It's just... I remember when you were a little boy, running around these halls. And now look at you, about to start a new chapter in your life."

I pulled her into a hug, feeling the warmth and love of her embrace. "I'm still your son, Maa sa. That will never change."

She smiled and wiped away her tears. "Come on now, everyone is waiting downstairs."

I followed her down the grand staircase, greeting family and friends who had gathered. My eyes scanned the room, searching for Aruhi.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I saw her coming down the stairs with Kiara, Neha and her best friend, Pari. Aruhi was wearing a beautiful green lehenga that perfectly matched my kurta pajama. She looked shy, her gaze fixed on the floor, but her face glowed with a radiance that made my heart skip a beat.

Rishiraj nudged me, pulling me out of my reverie. "Bhai sa, look at your bride," he teased, a mischievous grin on his face.

Kiaan joined in, laughing. "Bhabhi sa looks stunning, doesn't she, Bhai sa?"

I tried to hide my smile but failed miserably. "She always does," I replied, my eyes never leaving Aruhi as she approached. The teasing continued, but I didn't mind. Seeing Aruhi like this, knowing she was soon to be my wife, filled me with a joy I could hardly contain.

Then Aruhi was taken to a beautifully decorated area set up for her mehendi ceremony. The intricate designs of flowers and lights made the place look enchanting. She sat down, and the mehendi artists began their work, carefully applying the henna to her hands.

As I watched her, lost in the artistry of the moment, Dadi sa approached me with a twinkle in her eye. "Rudraksh, you should get your mehendi done too," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

I made a face, not particularly thrilled at the idea. "Dadi sa, mehendi is not really my thing," I protested weakly.

She chuckled, patting my arm. "It's for shagun, beta. It's important. Now, go and get it done."

I sighed, knowing better than to argue with her. "Alright, Dadi sa," I relented, nodding.

As I walked towards Aruhi, I felt a mix of amusement and anticipation. She looked up at me with a curious expression, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Looks like I'm getting mehendi too," I said, sitting down beside her.

She laughed softly, the sound like music to my ears. "I can't wait to see what design they choose for you," she teased, her earlier shyness replaced by a playful glint in her eyes.

"I've got a special request," I replied, leaning in slightly. "I'm getting your name with a little bit of design."

Aruhi's eyes widened in surprise, a blush coloring her cheeks. "Really?" she asked, her voice soft.