𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐡

6. a bittersweet goodbye.

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The day flew by in a blur of rituals, music, and laughter. Between helping Priya with last-minute touches and greeting relatives.

I never found Karan again. Not that I was looking for him-okay, maybe a little-but it seemed he had disappeared into the crowd.

My focus had shifted entirely to Priya. After all, today was about her, and the bittersweet moment was fast approaching.

As the sun began to set, the time for the vidaai arrived, the moment when Priya would leave her home and begin her new life with Vikram. The atmosphere grew heavy, the vibrant energy of the wedding simmering down to something quieter, more intimate. Everyone gathered around, family members wiping away tears as they prepared to say goodbye to the girl who had been the heart of this household.

Priya's father stood tall, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. He walked up to Vikram, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm giving you my precious daughter," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Take care of her. She's our world."

Vikram, holding Priya's hand tightly, nodded, his own voice soft but steady. "I promise, uncle. She's my world now too."

Priya's brother, Siddharth, usually the strong one, tried to hold it together. His expression was tight, as if holding back a flood of emotions, but even he couldn't hide the shimmer in his eyes. He pulled Priya into a hug, whispering something that made her smile even through her tears. "Miss you, little rat," he muttered, his voice breaking slightly.

I stood a few steps away, watching the scene unfold, feeling the lump in my throat grow. My chest tightened as I looked at Priya. She wasn't just a bride today; she was my best friend, my sister, the girl who had always been by my side. Seeing her take this next step made my heart ache in the most bittersweet way.

When our eyes met, it was like all the words we hadn't said in years were understood. I rushed forward, wrapping my arms around her tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much," I whispered, tears spilling over. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Priya."

She hugged me back just as fiercely. "I love you, Aaravi. You'll always be my sister, no matter where I go."

As we pulled away, I wiped my tears and tried to smile for her. The car was ready, and it was time for her to leave. One by one, we all watched her take slow steps toward her new life.

It was only when the car finally pulled away that I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The evening air felt cool against my tear-streaked cheeks, and for a moment, it was as if the world stood still. Priya was gone, and while I knew it was a beautiful beginning for her, it felt like the end of something precious too.

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This chapter was soo short sorry guyss 😭😭