Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 12

{The open-air garden is beautifully decorated with marigold garlands, fairy lights, and vibrant colors. Women sit in groups, chatting and getting their mehendi done, while music plays in the background. Kavya is seated in the center of the event, surrounded by her friends, family, and team members. She's wearing a beautiful teal lehenga, but her nervousness is still evident as the mehendi artist starts drawing intricate patterns on her hands.}

Komal: (excitedly) "Look at you, Kavya! You're glowing. I swear, the wedding vibes are already hitting hard."

Kavya: (smiling politely) "Thanks, Komal Di." (glances around the busy venue, feeling overwhelmed)

{Abhay stands at the far side of the garden, looking somewhat uncomfortable as his cousins tease him relentlessly. He's dressed in a cream-colored sherwani and, despite the playful jibes, his eyes keep drifting to where Kavya is seated.}

Harry: (grinning) "So, Abhay, are you nervous? Ready for the big day?"

Jaddu: (nudging him) "Or are you just scared of the mehendi artist spelling Kavya's name wrong on your hand?"

{Abhay rolls his eyes, managing a half-smile at their jokes but not really engaging. He's thinking about how these days have passed in a blur—he and Kavya have barely had a moment to talk, aside from the few stolen late-night escapes.}

Abhay: (looking across the garden) "I guess... I'm ready."

Shrey: (teasing) "'Guess'? Man, that's not the confidence we expected. You're supposed to be the cool one!"

{Abhay chuckles lightly but doesn't respond. Instead, he watches as Kavya talks to her friends, seeming lost in the middle of everything, just like he is. He catches her looking over at him for a second, and they exchange an awkward but understanding glance.}

{Kavya is halfway through her mehendi, the designs beautifully spiraling up her arms. The artist leans over and asks her about Abhay's name, which is traditionally hidden somewhere in the design.}

Mehendi Artist: "So, how would you like your husband's name written in the design, madam? We can hide it, or write it clearly."

{Kavya looks momentarily startled at the question, not used to the word 'husband' yet. She hesitates for a moment before answering.}

Kavya: (softly) "Let's hide it... I think that's more fun."

Mehendi Artist: "Very well. Don't worry, he'll have a tough time finding it."

{Kavya smiles a little, the thought of Abhay searching for his name giving her a tiny moment of comfort in the middle of the hectic ceremony. Across the garden, Abhay watches as the laughter and excitement continue around her, but he can see the exhaustion on her face, mirroring his own feelings.}

Neha: "So, Kavya, you nervous about the wedding night?" (winks playfully)

Kavya: (blushing and laughing nervously) "Oh my god, stop. We're still trying to get through these ceremonies without passing out."

Tara: (teasing) "Well, you two look cute together. Abhay seems nice, a little shy maybe, but definitely into you."

{Kavya just smiles, unsure of how to respond. The past few days have been a blur, and while they've shared some late-night conversations and a few laughs, she's still trying to figure him out. It's a strange feeling, being thrown into this huge event with someone she barely knows.}