Miss Shetty and Mr Gupta

~Chapter 23~

~wedding bells!~

Isha's POV

Today was the day of the wedding, and I was checking myself in the mirror (it's my favourite thing to do). I took a mirror selfie and posted it on my Instagram story. I went down to the hall; my mom, Anandi Aunty, Gautam Uncle, and my dad had already left. It was just Meera, Yuvraj, Rishi, and me now. I rushed outside as Yuvraj was already waiting near the car. I had promised Meera I would be with her in the car because she knew she would have cold feet.

When I came out, I saw Yuvraj about to sit next to Meera in the backseat (trust me, we both love Meera equally). But I grabbed the door handle before him, opened the door, and sat inside. Yuvraj stood outside the door in shock as I stuck my tongue out at him. I heard a chuckle beside me and turned to see who it was, as it didn't sound like Meera at all. It was Rishi. He was looking at me with amusement, trying to control his laughter. He looked so good in that blue outfit that if I wasn't controlling my expression, I would have been drooling.

I snapped out of my thoughts when he spoke up. "Ishuu, are you that desperate to sit next to me?" He wasn't just speaking; he was teasing. His eyes had that mischievous glint as always. I shook my head and tried to divert the topic to save myself from this embarrassing situation. "Where's Meera?" I asked.

He looked at me and replied, "She went with our parents. But wait, are you trying to change the topic? I remember you looking at me like I'm the only food left on the table."

My subconscious screamed, 'Cover blown! Abort mission! Abort mission!' Gathering the last bit of courage and composure, I said, "You think too highly of yourself. I was just wondering why you were in the back seat instead of Meera." I immediately started to open the door when he held my hand and said, "Stay. I'm sure Yuvraj will be more than happy to sit in the front seat."

I nodded and stayed. Being quiet would make me feel more embarrassed, so I took out my phone, even though I had nothing to do on it, and started scrolling. After some time, we reached the venue.

I got out as soon as the car stopped and went inside the venue, even though I heard my brother calling out to me, asking me to wait. Inside, I saw that the guests had just started to arrive. I met Shravani Akka, Meera's best friend, and asked, "Where is Meera?"

She told me that Meera was in the bride's room getting ready. I was about to go when she complimented me, "You look drop-dead gorgeous today, Isha."

I replied with a smile, "Thanks, you too." Then, I went to my mom, who was on the stage and stood there. Shortly after, Akarsh Bro's family arrived at the venue. Anandi Aunty and my mom welcomed them with an aarti. Akarsh then went to the mandap, started the pooja, and followed the priest's instructions.

After a few minutes, the priest announced, "Pelli kuthuru ni theesukoni randi amma." My mom, Anandi Aunty, and I, along with Rishi, some male cousins, uncles, and a few aunties, went to fetch Meera. We brought Meera back in the gampa (as per our tradition), carried by Rishi and some of her male cousins. I took out my phone and started recording a video as they entered the mandap, so she could post it later.

Meera went to the mandap, sat next to Akarsh Bro, and continued with the pooja. After a while, my mom called Rishi and me over and asked us to distribute the akshanthalu (holy grains) to all the guests. We went row by row, distributing the grains until we reached the row where our friends (Viraj, Trisha, Maitri, Daksh, and their parents) were seated. All my friends complimented me, saying I looked good. I thanked them and told them to wait for a while after the wedding so we could take some pictures together.

Then, it was time for the 'mangala sutra dharana' (Note: I honestly don't remember what it's called, feel free to correct me in the comments). Everyone started showering the couple with akshanthalu.