Love And Crosses ~ Short Stories Collection

৻ꪆ 2 ৻ꪆ

The Patel household was a hive of activity, transformed into a vibrant tableau of colors, lights, and floral decorations. The wedding preparations were in full swing, every corner of the grand estate echoing with the sounds of laughter, music, and the hustle and bustle of eager relatives and friends. The air was thick with the heady fragrance of marigolds and roses, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of traditional Indian cuisine being prepared in the kitchen and outside lawn.

The walls of the house were adorned with cascading marigold garlands, their vibrant orange hues contrasting beautifully with the delicate white of jasmine flowers. Strings of fairy lights twinkled like stars, casting a magical glow over the entire venue. The aroma of sandalwood and roses mingled with the mouthwatering scent of the elaborate feast being prepared, creating an atmosphere brimming with celebration.

Inside the mansion, in a room Ishani stood in front of a full-length mirror in her room, clad in a stunning red lehenga. The outfit was a masterpiece of intricate embroidery, with gold threads and sequins catching the light and making her appear like a vision from a royal painting. Her hair was styled in elegant curls, with delicate jasmine flowers woven throughout, and her makeup was understated yet striking, emphasizing her natural beauty.

As the bridal makeup artist applied the finishing touches to her makeup, Ishani’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement, apprehension, and a hint of sadness. This day was supposed to be one of the happiest of her life, yet an underlying sense of uncertainty gnawed at her.

“Almost done, dear,” the makeup artist said, stepping back to admire her work. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Ishani replied, offering a polite smile. She couldn’t help but feel like a beautiful royal princess , while inside, her thoughts were anything but serene.

Despite the resplendence of her appearance, Ishani’s emotions were a tangled mess. As she adjusted the dupatta draped over her shoulder, her gaze was clouded with a mix of apprehension and hope. Her parents, were in high spirits, bustling about with the preparations and ensuring that everything was perfect for their daughter’s big day.

Her mother, Neha, entered the room, her eyes misty with tears of joy. "You look stunning, Ishani," she whispered, adjusting a stray lock of hair that had escaped Ishani's elaborate bridal bun. Her mother dressed in a simple yet elegant saree, had tears of joy in her eyes as she made final adjustments to Ishani’s outfit.

"Thank you, Maa," Ishani replied, her voice trembling slightly. She forced a smile, hoping to mask the uncertainty gnawing at her. Despite the grandeur of the occasion and the happiness surrounding her, a part of her remained apprehensive about marrying Akash, given their brief and somewhat disconcerting initial meeting.

Neha said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “This is a big step, but remember, we are all here to support you. We’ll get through this together.”

“I know , Maa,” Ishani replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I hope everything goes smoothly.”

Her father, was coordinating the final touches with the caterers and the decorators, his face a picture of pride and excitement . As he walked to Ishani 's room , he paused for a moment, taking in his daughter’s appearance with a mixture of pride and a touch of sadness.

“I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.”

“Papa ,” Ishani whispered, her own eyes welling up. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

He hugged her daughter tightly, his embrace filled with warmth and love. “I’m going to miss you too, beta. But you’re going to be so happy. Akash is a good man, and you’ll build a beautiful life together.”