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The morning sun filled the Arora mansion as preparations for Siya and Abhimanyu's haldi ceremony were underway. In her room, Siya looked beautiful in a yellow lehenga with floral patterns. Her simple diamond jewelry added a soft sparkle.
As Siya finished applying lipstick, she heard a knock at the door. She opened it to find Abhimanyu holding a copper bowl of haldi.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
Abhimanyu stepped inside, his eyes soft as he looked at her. "Dhruv and Tanya said it's good luck for the groom to apply haldi to his bride first," he explained, sounding a bit innocent.
Siya smiled and shook her head. "Oh, Abhimanyu, when did you get so innocent?" She turned to the mirror. "Dhruv and Tanya were just teasing you. Remember when Tanya said I called you into the changing booth? That was a lie too."
Abhimanyu blushed, realizing they had tricked him. "So there's no such ritual?"
"No," Siya replied, turning to face him. "We're not supposed to see each other before the wedding, but if you really want to apply haldi, you can."
He stepped closer. "I do want to," he said, his voice soft. He dipped his hand into the haldi and paused, wondering where to apply it. Siya stopped his hand before it reached her face. "You can't put it anywhere people can see," she reminded him. "Our families will see."
"Where can I put it then?" he asked, confused. Siya laughed. "Why are you so determined?" He pulled her closer. "Because I'm here now, and I want to."
His hand, covered in cold haldi, found a spot on her back where her blouse and hair would cover it. Siya laughed at the cold feeling. "I want to apply it to you too."
Without hesitation, Abhimanyu took off his shirt, making Siya blush. "How can you just take your shirt off like that?" she asked.
"We'll be doing this a lot after we're married," he teased, making her laugh. He guided her hand, covered in haldi, across his chest and down to his abs. "Can I get a hug?" he asked softly.
Siya smiled and hugged him. The warmth of his body felt familiar. "Something tells me this marriage will work," he whispered. "Let's be friends."
Siya rested her head on his chest. "I already am your friend, someone who'll always be with you." Abhimanyu nodded and pulled away to put his shirt back on. "I should go," he said, giving her a quick smile before leaving the room.
Siya watched him go, her heart racing with thoughts of their future together.
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Siya and Abhimanyu sat facing each other. Siya's yellow lehenga gleamed under the sunlight, and Abhimanyu looked handsome in his simple kurta. The bowls of haldi were placed on a small table between them.
