Destiny that planned their life

22. Family Fun with the Newlyweds

Third person's POV:

As soon as Tarun parked the car near her Dada's house, Drishti leaped out, barely aware of the heaviness of her lehenga.

Throughout the ride, she had tried to distract herself by playing with Coco, avoiding eye contact with Tarun, but the awkwardness was unavoidable.

Pooja and Navya arrived shortly after. Drishti handed Coco over to Navya and hurried inside the gate, walked straight to her brother's memorial and sank to her knees. The feelings she had been holding back flooded out as she faced her brother's memorial.

"Anna, I miss you every single day. Why did you have to leave us? You should have been here today. I know you're watching over me and that I have your blessings, but it's just not the same without you. I hate you for not being here." Drishti sobbed, her voice breaking with each hiccup, as she poured out her heart in front of her brother.

Meanwhile, Tarun found Drishti's behavior increasingly puzzling. His assumption that she was spoiled and careless only seemed to grow stronger. He leaned against the car, waiting for her to return.

Pooja noticed his confusion and approached him. "You know, she loved him a lot," she began, her voice gentle but firm.

Tarun turned to her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Pooja said gently, "She probably hasn't told you anything and likely won't unless you ask her directly."

She sighed, gathering her thoughts. "Drishti's cousin brother, Rakesh Anna. He was everything to her. They had a bond that was deeper than most siblings. While we were in college in Mangalore, living at Dada's house, I saw how close they were. She used to share everything with him-every little detail, every secret. He was her protector, her confidant, her best friend."

Just then, Drishti reappeared, tears streaming down her face.

Pooja rushed over to Drishti, her own eyes welling up as she saw the depth of her friend's grief. "Hey, it's okay," Pooja said softly, pulling Drishti into a comforting hug.

Drishti clung to Pooja, her sobs shaking her frame. "I just... I just needed to be here. I needed to tell him how much I miss him."

Pooja stroked her back soothingly. "I know, Chikoo. I know." She glanced back at Tarun, who was watching them with concern. Pooja gave him a brief, apologetic look.

Tarun nodded, now beginning to understand the depth of Drishti's loss and the emotional burden she was carrying. He regretted his earlier judgment.

"It's going to be okay. You're stronger than you think, my baby," Pooja whispered, holding Drishti close.

"It's going to be okay," Drishti murmured, her voice trembling as she took deep breaths to calm herself.

"Chikoo, your husband is waiting for you. You need to get going," Pooja said gently, guiding her towards the car.

Once back in the car, Drishti stared out the window, trying to compose herself. Tarun glanced at her, noticing her tear-streaked face and red eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

Drishti, overwhelmed by the day's events and her own emotional strain, snapped at Tarun. "I don't need your pity right now," she said sharply.

Tarun fell silent, not knowing how to react. He sensed her distress and chose to respect her space. The rest of the drive was quiet, with both of them lost in their own thoughts.

♤♤♤♤

The Malhotra family gathered near the entrance, eagerly awaiting the newlyweds.

Jai, the youngest, joked with Akash, "I bet Tarun bhai* and Drishti bhabhi* skipped the welcome and headed straight for their honeymoon."