Together Forever

Chapter 6

Anika's POV

I

t's been a week since that awkward encounter with Uday, and I haven't spoken to or seen him since. Honestly, I'm relieved. It would have been so awkward to face him after everything he said. But now, with the wedding functions starting today, I know I won't be able to avoid him much longer. The thought of seeing him again makes my stomach twist in knots.

I keep telling myself that I'll ignore him as much as possible, but I know that's easier said than done. How do you ignore someone who's suddenly become the center of your thoughts?

As I finished getting ready for the Haldi ceremony, my mind continued to wander back to my parents. If they were here, everything would be different, I thought wistfully.

Their absence cast a shadow over the festivities, making everything feel a little emptier, a little less joyful. The excitement of the wedding seemed muted without them, and I found myself missing them more with each passing moment. If they were here, this would all be so much more fun.

After getting ready, I left my room and saw Piya in the living room.

"Wow, Piya, you're looking so pretty," I complimented her, genuinely impressed by how radiant she looked.

"Not more than you," she replied with a smile.

I returned her smile and said, "Let's go."

"Will we see Uday today?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

I hadn't told her what had happened between Uday and me that day. I just mentioned that I didn't go to meet him, and now she keeps asking why he hasn't contacted me since.

"I don't know, Piya. Let's just go," I said, trying to avoid the subject.

With that, I moved forward and grabbed my car keys. I drove us to Masi's house, which was already bustling with joy and excitement.

As we entered, Masi greeted us warmly. "You both are so late!"

"You know, Masi, girls take much time to get ready," Piya replied with a playful grin.

"You both are looking so pretty. God bless you," Masi said, admiring us.

"When will we start the Haldi function?" I asked, eager to get into the spirit of the day.

"The Haldi will come from Nitya's side, then we'll begin."

"When will it arrive?"

"It should be here any moment now."

"Where is pranav?"

"He is in the room you both go and tell him to get ready fast."

We stepped into the room,Pranav, dressed in a bright yellow kurta, stood out, looking every bit the part of the groom. Piya and I exchanged a knowing glance as he caught sight of us.

"Oh ho, someone is looking handsome," Piya teased.

Pranav smirked, giving us a wink. "I know that," he quipped, his usual charm on full display.

Just then, Masi's voice echoed from outside, pulling us back to the present. "You three, come outside! The Haldi is here!"

We turned and made our way to the courtyard, where the sun bathed everything in a golden glow. The atmosphere was alive with joy, the sounds of laughter and conversation mixing with the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

But as we stepped out, my heart skipped a beat. Standing there, holding the Haldi tray, was Uday. My breath caught in my throat, and for a moment, the world around me faded into the background.