OPPOSITES: S.GILL

5

The next day dawned bright and early, with the household already bustling with activity as preparations for the wedding kicked into high gear. The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of laughter and chatter. I woke up feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, ready to dive into the day's tasks.

After a quick breakfast, I headed downstairs to help with the decorations. As I walked into the grand hall, I saw Shubman arranging flowers with an annoyingly self-assured look on his face.

"Good morning, Ilaya," he said, not looking up from his work.

"Morning," I replied curtly, determined to keep things professional.

We worked silently for a while, the only sounds being the rustling of flowers and the distant hum of conversations from the other rooms. I tried to focus on my tasks, but Shubman's presence was a constant irritation.

"You're placing those wrong, you know," Shubman said suddenly, glancing at the flowers I was arranging.

I looked up, ready to snap back. "Excuse me?"

"The flowers. They should be angled differently to catch the light better," he explained as if he were an expert in floral arrangements.

"Thanks for the tip, but I think I can handle it," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Just trying to help," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No need to bite my head off."

I rolled my eyes and continued with my work, but the tension between us was palpable. Shubman and I had never really gotten along, and his know-it-all attitude wasn't helping.

"Ilaya, babe, can you help with the table settings in the garden?" Anushka called from the doorway.

"Of course, Didi," I replied, grateful for an excuse to escape Shubman.

I couldn't help but fume a little as I went to the garden. Shubman always tried to show me up, which was getting on my nerves.

I found Anushka and a few other family members arranging tables and chairs in the garden. The setting was beautiful, with colorful flowers and delicate fairy lights hanging from the trees.

"Here, let me help," I said, joining Anushka.

"Thanks, Ilaya. We need to make sure everything is perfect for tonight," she said, smiling.

As we worked, I felt my mood lighten a bit. Being around Anushka always had that effect on me.

"So, how's it going with Shubman?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eye.

I groaned. "Don't get me started. He's so annoying, always acting like he knows everything."

Anushka laughed. "He does have a bit of an ego, doesn't he? But try to be patient. It's a big day for everyone."

"I know, I know. I'll try," I said, shaking my head.

Just then, Shubman appeared in the garden, carrying a large box of decorations. "Anushka, where do you want these?" he asked.

"Over here, please," she replied, pointing to a table.

As he set the box down, our eyes met briefly, and I quickly looked away, focusing on my task.

Throughout the morning, Shubman and I kept our distance, working in different areas and avoiding unnecessary interaction. But every now and then, I could feel his eyes on me, which was maddening.

During a break, I sat down under a tree, taking a moment to catch my breath. Jihan, who had been happily roaming around the garden, trotted over and settled beside me.

"At least you don't judge me, right, Jihan?" I said, scratching his ears.

Just then, Shubman approached a cup of water in his hand. "Thirsty?" he asked, offering it to me.

I hesitated for a moment before accepting. "Thanks," I mumbled, taking a sip.

He sat down on the grass a few feet away, clearly trying to keep things civil. "You know, you don't have to hate me just because I'm good at cricket."

I looked at him, surprised by his bluntness. "I don't hate you because of cricket. I just find you irritating."

He chuckled. "Fair enough. But maybe we could try not to irritate each other for one day? For the sake of the wedding?"

I sighed. "Alright. Truce for today?"

"Truce," he agreed, giving me a small smile.

As the day progressed, we worked together without too much friction. There were still moments of tension, but we both tried to keep things amicable.

"Arey Shubman! That's not where that goes! Don't be dumb."

By evening, the estate had been transformed into a breathtaking venue. The guests began to arrive, and the excitement in the air was palpable.

I stood back, admiring the scene, when Shubman walked up beside me. "It looks amazing, doesn't it?" he said.

"It does," I agreed, a sense of pride washing over me. "We did a good job."

"Yeah, we did," he said, glancing at me.