𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒

F I V E

- Unraveling Destinies -

• Author's POV •

"Oh my gosh! Baby, this stain is just not budging," Riya exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern as she saw you desperately trying to hold back tears, knowing it was a precious gift from your dad. "I swear, I'm going to take legal action against that uncle. Riya, we have to find a solution, please," she urged, but Riya sadly shook her head, admitting, "I've exhausted all my remedies, but it's proving to be quite stubborn." You wiped away a tear, turning away in frustration, "I give up! I'm heading home," you announced, and Riya simply nodded in silent agreement.

Krish was deeply engrossed in meticulously reviewing some important files when suddenly, a wave of nostalgia swept over him, prompting a soft chuckle as he reminisced about the time you had that unforgettable angry expression. "I swear, that kid looked like a mini angry bird," he mused with a grin, unable to contain his amusement. "Looks like someone's having a good day today, eh?"

In a classic twist of fate, just as Krish was lost in these fond memories, his dear friend, Aarav Sharma, made his grand entrance into the room. "Hey there, Aarav, do you even know the concept of knocking?" Krish playfully jested, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as Aarav responded with an exaggerated eye roll, clearly used to his friend's teasing antics.

"Yo, bro, I'm practically your sidekick," he proclaimed as he casually plopped down on the chair facing Krish. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Krish responded nonchalantly, his focus drifting back to the contents of the file before him.

"I heard through the grapevine about your impending trip down the aisle; looks like you're finally turning the page on your past," Aarav remarked, stealing a quick glance at Krish. "Come on, Aarav, let's keep it real. This whole charade is all for Kiaan's benefit," Krish explained, prompting Aarav to release a heavy, resigned sigh in response.

Aarav leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I get it, man. Kiaan's been a big part of your life. But hey, don't forget about your own happiness in all of this," Aarav advised, his tone gentle yet firm. Krish paused, a flicker of contemplation passing through his eyes.

"Krish, man, I totally get where you're coming from, but seriously, it might be time to let go of the past," his friend advised, concern etched on his face.

Krish nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the files spread before him.

Just then, his phone vibrated, breaking the silence. Without checking the caller ID, he answered, "Hello."

"Krish, where are you?" a female voice asked urgently. "Remember, we're shopping today, but first, you need to stop by Mr. Nair's place to pick them up."

"Mom, seriously," I exclaimed as my eyes involuntarily rolled in annoyance. "Come on, mom, I can't make it for shopping. I'll ask Mr. Patel to accompany you guys," I stated, trying to placate the situation. Despite knowing my mom was probably muttering curses under her breath, I maintained my stance.

"Fine, don't come then," she retorted before abruptly ending the call, leaving me to release a sigh of relief. As I leaned back in my chair, I couldn't help but chuckle at the predictable yet always amusing drama that unfolded during such conversations with my mom.

"Samaira, get ready, we're off to pick your wedding dress," your mom cheerfully announced. "I'm r...ready," Samaira stuttered slightly, nervousness evident in her voice, before swiftly leaving the room to prepare.

As Samaira hurriedly readied herself, your mom bustled around, gathering various items. "Aren't they coming to pick us up?" you inquired, curious about the change in plans. Your mom shook her head, a hint of concern in her expression, "Mrs. Mehra had some unexpected issue, so she asked us to make our own way there," she explained as you nodded in understanding.

The anticipation and flurry of activity in the house signaled the beginning of a significant journey towards Samaira's big day.

Samaira's nervousness was palpable, her hands slightly trembling as she tried to contain the mix of emotions swirling inside her on this momentous occasion.

As y'all reached the shopping mall and headed towards the gown shop, you noticed the same old lady there. "Huh, isn't she the kid's grandmother? What is she doing here?" you pondered aloud. Finally, your brain started to connect the dots, and you lightly hit your head as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

"So, she wants me to be her daughter-in-law," you mumbled to yourself, the realization dawning on you. Suddenly, your mom playfully hit your stomach with her elbow, bringing you back from your thoughts with a jolt. The mix of surprise and amusement danced in your eyes as you processed the unexpected revelation amidst the bustling mall atmosphere.

"Yeah, why are you daydreaming huh? Go greet her," she nudged you in her direction, and you immediately bowed respectfully in the Indian way.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," you politely greeted as she instantly pulled you into a warm hug. "Not ma'am, my dear, I'm your mama," she said with a smile, embracing you like family. Your cheeks flushed with shyness as you reciprocated the affectionate gesture. "Mrs. Mehra, where's your son?" your mom inquired, a hint of confusion in her voice as she tried to piece together the unexpected familial connections unfolding before her eyes.

As you all strolled towards the shop, the old lady mentioned, "That's the problem, he got some work, that's why he's not here, it's okay." The camaraderie and understanding in her tone softened the absence of her son in that moment.

Hours slipped by unnoticed amidst the array of dresses, each one a tapestry of colors and designs vying for attention. "Try this one," the seller woman's voice carried a tinge of exasperation, a testament to the long search.

"Okay... okay," you responded, acknowledging the weariness in her voice, before disappearing into the trial room. The anticipation and hope intertwined as you readied yourself to don yet another dress, the quest for the ideal attire for the occasion unfolding with each fabric you tried on.

To be continue...