𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨

5

Varudini felt like she was suffocating under the oppressive weight of expectations. The red saree she wore felt tighter than ever, constricting her breath and movements. She had barely slept since the family visit, her mind replaying the surreal scene over and over. She cursed her fate for the thousandth time, wondering how she had ended up in this nightmare of a situation.

The doorbell rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She took a deep breath, smoothed down her saree, and walked out to the living room. Her aunt, Lakshmi, was already bustling around, ensuring everything was perfect for the arrival of Vishruth's family.

"Remember, Varudini," Lakshmi hissed, "be respectful and agreeable. This is your only chance."

Varudini nodded mechanically, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt like a puppet in a play she didn't want to be part of. The door swung open, and Vishruth's family entered the room. Rajesh and Suma, Vishruth's parents, were the first to step in, followed by Ruhi, his sister. Bavish's parents, Rajan and Nandini, entered next, their presence commanding the room. Niran, Bavish's younger brother, and their grandparents trailed behind, chatting quietly.

"Good evening, everyone," Lakshmi greeted them, her voice dripping with false warmth. "Please, have a seat."

Varudini stood by the side, her hands clenched into fists. She hated this farce, but there was nothing she could do about it. She was trapped.

The family settled into the living room, the air thick with anticipation. Rajesh cleared his throat. "We have consulted with our family priest about suitable dates for the engagement and wedding," he began. "There's a date in five days for the engagement, and if we follow that date, the wedding should be two days after. Otherwise, the next suitable date is six months from now."

Vishruth, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I'm okay with the engagement date in five days," he said, his voice firm. "That's final."

A stunned silence fell over the room. Everyone stared at Vishruth in shock, but no one dared to question him. He was, after all, the groom.

"If that's okay with Varudini," Rajesh added, turning to her.

Varudini felt Vishruth's gaze on her, intense and unyielding. She met his eyes, and in them, she saw a challenge, a dare. Without any other way out, she nodded her head.

"It's settled, then," Suma said, relief evident in her voice. "We'll take care of all the expenses."

Lakshmi beamed, but Varudini felt a wave of nausea wash over her. The reality of her situation was sinking in, and she felt powerless to change it.

After some more polite conversation, the families began to leave. Vishruth was the last to go. As he passed Varudini, he leaned in close and whispered, "You made the right choice."

She stared at him, her jaw clenched. She felt like screaming, but she knew it would do no good. Instead, she forced a smile and nodded.

Once they were gone, Varudini collapsed onto the couch, her body shaking with anger and fear. She felt trapped, her every move dictated by the whims of her aunt and the weight of expectations.

"We have no time to waste, Varudini," Lakshmi exclaimed, bustling into the room with an air of urgency. "We need to start preparing immediately."

The next few days were a blur of activity. Lakshmi and the servants were constantly in motion, decorating the house, organizing caterers, and ensuring every detail was perfect for the engagement. Varudini felt like a caged animal, unable to escape the never-ending list of preparations. The constant pressure from her aunt to "look her best" was starting to take its toll.

"Hold still," Lakshmi commanded as she adjusted the drape of Varudini's saree for the hundredth time. "You must look perfect."

On the morning of the engagement, Varudini sat in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She hardly recognized herself. She had been transformed from a carefree young woman into a stranger wearing a traditional red saree and gold jewelry. Her face was painted with bright red lipstick and heavy kajal, her eyes rimmed with dark eyeliner.

The sight made her feel even more disconnected from herself. She touched the cold metal of the jewelry, feeling its weight on her neck and ears. Everything felt heavy—her attire, her makeup, the expectations.

"Are you ready?" Lakshmi asked, entering the room and inspecting Varudini from head to toe.

Varudini nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

"Good," Lakshmi said, her tone brisk. "Remember, you must smile and be polite. This is a big day for you."

Varudini swallowed hard, trying to muster the strength to face the day. She felt like she was walking into a storm, unsure of what lay ahead but knowing she had no choice but to endure it.

As she descended the stairs, she could hear the murmurs of guests arriving, the clinking of glasses, and the faint strains of music. The house was filled with people, all gathered to celebrate her engagement to Vishruth.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. She saw Vishruth standing with his family, looking as composed and disinterested as ever. When their eyes met, he gave her a curt nod, his expression unreadable.

Varudini forced a smile and continued down the stairs, feeling every eye in the room on her. She felt like an actress in a play, performing a role she never auditioned for.

The ceremony proceeded with all its rituals and formalities, each step taking her further away from the life she had known. As the priest chanted the mantras, Varudini's mind wandered back to happier times, before her life had been turned upside down.

When the engagement rings were exchanged, Varudini looked at the sparkling diamond on her finger, feeling a sense of finality. This was her reality now, and there was no turning back.

"Congratulations," Vishruth said, his voice low and formal.

"Thank you," Varudini replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of handshakes, forced smiles, and polite conversation. Varudini felt like she was floating outside her own body, watching everything unfold from a distance.

As the last of the guests departed, Varudini retreated to her room, exhausted and emotionally drained. She sank onto her bed, finally allowing the tears to fall. She had been strong for too long, and now, in the privacy of her room, she could let her guard down.

She lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of her new reality pressing down on her. The engagement was just the beginning. There was still the wedding to face, and beyond that, a lifetime bound to a man she hardly knew.

But amidst her despair, a small spark of determination flickered. She would find a way to navigate this new life. She had to. For herself, and for the memory of the woman she used to be.

And so, as the night deepened and the house fell silent, Varudini made a silent vow to herself: No matter what lay ahead, she would face it with courage and resilience. She would not let her circumstances define her.