IN THE CITY OF PEARLS✔️

24

With a sense of finality, Krishna took one last look around the home he had shared with his family. He had already packed his belongings into his car, every item is carefully chosen and organised for the new chapter that awaited him. Krithi, sensing the weight of the moment, reassured him.

Krithi : Don't worry anna. I'll get the rest of your things from the house later. You focus on the wedding.

Krishna nodded, grateful for her support. Together with Lakshmi, they made their way to the flat he had worked so hard to purchase. It was a modest place, but it was his sanctuary where he had poured his savings and dreams into. The flat was still fresh from the cleaners he had hired yesterday, ready for them to settle in after the wedding.

As they entered, Krishna took a deep breath, the smell of new paint and fresh cleaning supplies filling the air. It felt like a blank canvas, waiting for the memories they would create together.

Krishna : This will be our home soon. I can't wait to fill it with laughter and love.

Lakshmi looked around, her heart swelling with pride.

Lakshmi :  You've worked so hard for this, Krishna. It's perfect. Just remember, home is wherever you and Vrindha are together.

With their luggage set down in the living room, they quickly checked everything before embarking on the journey to Vrindha's ancestral village. The excitement bubbled inside Krishna as they climbed into the car.

The drive was filled with anticipation and laughter, Krithi chattering away about the wedding preparations while Lakshmi occasionally chimed in with advice. As they left the city behind, the landscape transformed into lush greenery and rolling hills, a beautiful prelude to the day ahead.

Krishna : Are you both ready for this ? It's going to be a whirlwind.

Krithi :  Bring it on ! I've always wanted to see a wedding unfold like this is so spontaneous and full of love.

Lakshmi smiled warmly, her heart full of hope for her son's future.

Lakshmi :  It's not just about the wedding.  it's about the beginning of a new life for you and Vrindha.

Krishna's thoughts drifted to Vrindha, imagining her smile as they stood together in front of their loved ones. He couldn't shake the nervous flutter in his stomach, but it was overshadowed by the excitement of the commitment they were about to make.

As they neared the village, the sun rose higher in the sky, illuminating the path ahead. Krishna felt a renewed sense of purpose. No matter the obstacles they faced, he was ready to embrace their love and all that lay ahead. Today was the start of forever, and he couldn't wait to begin this journey with Vrindha by his side.

...............

On the other side of the village, Vrindha stood in front of the mirror, her heart a mix of excitement and apprehension. Subhadra and Parvathi were bustling around her, carefully arranging her hair and draping the delicate fabric of her saree, transforming her into a vision of beauty for her wedding day. Vrindha opted to wear a white and gold saree for gowri puja and other rituals. For muhurtham ( muhurat ) she decided to wear her grandmother's saree.

Yet, despite the flurry of activity, her mind raced with thoughts of the consequences that lay ahead. She could almost feel the weight of her family's expectations pressing down on her shoulders. The love she felt for Krishna was overwhelming, but so were the doubts that flickered in the corners of her mind.

As she took a deep breath to steady herself, her phone pinged with a message. She glanced down, her heart skipping a beat when she saw it was from Krishna.

Krishna : Just arrived at the village. Can't wait to see you.

A surge of warmth spread through her, dispelling some of her worries. She smiled at the screen, imagining his excited expression and the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about their future together.

Subhadra : You look radiant Vrindhu ! Are you ready ? 

Vrindha : I think so. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming.

Parvathi : It's natural to feel that way. Remember, this is about you and Krishna. Focus on your love for each other.

Vrindha nodded, but her thoughts drifted back to the challenges ahead—the disapproval of Krishna's father, the uncertainty of their families' reactions. But as she thought of Krishna's unwavering support, she felt a flicker of hope.

Vrindha :  We can handle anything together.

With renewed determination, she texted Krishna back, her fingers flying over the screen.

Vrindha : I can't wait either ! Just a little while longer ! You are mine and i am yours my dear brother's bestfriend.

Subhadra and Parvathi continued to fuss over her by pinning flowers in her hair and adjusting her saree, but all Vrindha could think about was the moment she would see Krishna, the love of her life. The anticipation sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach and she felt a rush of excitement.

As the final touches were made, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked confident, determined, and full of love. Today was the day she would stand beside Krishna and promise her heart to him.

With a deep breath, Vrindha whispered to herself, "This is our day." And with that thought, she felt ready to face whatever came next. She took her grandmother's blessings first. Then she took blessings from her parents. Her parents hugged her tightly with tears of happiness. Then she also took blessings of Ramu and Vasudha. Finally she took Arjun and Subhadra's blessings.

Arjun : If at all he annoys you , let me know ! Let's break his bones together. 

Vrindha : Abba ! He is annoying me since decades. Why you never came in my support ? 

Subhadra : Your bro is becoming sentimental.

Vrindha chuckled and hugged arjun. Even arjun have tears in his eyes. 

Arjun : He annoys you ! But never stops loving you and caring you, Vrindha. 

..............

How's the chapter ? 

The next chapter is ' the wedding'. Excited ? 

Where is govind uncle ? Did he wake up or still dreaming in his sleep ?