Love Struck At The Wedding

46. AVNI

2 months to go

It was a cold January evening, and our house was filled with laughter and chatter. My aunts and uncles were over for dinner, and the dining room buzzed with conversation.

I was wearing a cozy, knitted deep blue sweater paired with black pajama and fuzzy socks. My hair was loosely tied back, and I felt comfortable amidst the warm, familial chaos.

I sat on the dining table talking with my chachi and chacha about the upcoming wedding preparations. My chachi, always full of energy and excitement, was going on about the different ideas she had for the ceremonies.

“You know, Avni, we should have a themed sangeet night,” she suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Imagine everyone dressed in retro Bollywood style!”

I laughed, picturing the scene. “That sounds like a lot of fun, Chachi. I’m sure Shaurya would love that idea too.”

“Speaking of Shaurya, where is he tonight?” my chacha asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, he’s probably at his apartment or with Nakul jiju,” I said nonchalantly.

Soon we all settled for dinner. We were halfway through dinner when the doorbell rang. My father got up to answer it, and moments later, he returned with Shaurya by his side.

My heart skipped a beat seeing him. He looked incredibly handsome in a thick, grey woolen coat over a dark green turtleneck and black pants. His usual confident smile was in place, but there was a softness in his eyes that made my heart flutter.

“Good evening, everyone,” Shaurya greeted, holding two bouquets, one of my favorite flowers and a smaller one. He handed the smaller bouquet to my mother. “These are for you, mummy.”

My mother’s face lit up with a smile. “Thank you, Shaurya. But it wasn't needed beta.”

“It’s fine, mummy.” Shaurya said to my mother with a smile.

Shaurya then turned to me, his eyes softening as he handed me the bouquet. “And these are for you.”

I took the flowers, feeling a warm flush spread across my cheeks. “What’s all this for?”

He smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I was hoping to take you out for a late-night movie date. If that’s okay with your parents, of course.”

A hush fell over the room as everyone turned to look at Shaurya. My aunts exchanged glances and then erupted into playful teasing.

“Oh, a late-night date, how romantic!” one of my aunts exclaimed, winking at Shaurya.

“Taking our Avni out in the middle of the night, huh?” another uncle added, chuckling.

“Is this the first time you’re asking for permission, Shaurya?” another aunt chimed in with a laugh.

Shaurya smiled, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. “Well, I thought it would be polite to ask,” he said.

My father looked a bit taken aback, but my mother seemed more relaxed. “Of course, Shaurya. But make sure you bring her back safely. It’s quite cold outside.” she said with a smile.

My father cleared his throat. “Well, if it’s alright with her mother, then it’s fine with me too. Just be careful, Shaurya.”

“I promise. I’ll take good care of her,” Shaurya replied earnestly.

I looked at my parents, then back at Shaurya. “I’ll go get ready,” I said, excitement bubbling inside me.

As I excused myself to get ready, I heard my aunts continuing their teasing. “Don’t keep her out too late, Shaurya. You know how protective her father is!” one of them said with a wink.