Satranga Ishq

i.

Paarul emerged from her room, gracefully adjusting the pleats of her pallu. Her off-white cotton saree, though understated amidst the ceremonial finery, elegantly highlighted her curves, accentuating her feminine charm. The fine fabric subtly hugged her contours, showcasing her poise and beauty.

Today was Paarul's maasi, Aanchal's special day; her wedding. The most anticipated event of the season. The excitement was palpable, not just because of the festivities, but because this was a love marriage, a first in their traditional family.

For generations, arranged marriages had been the norm. The elders, though progressive in many ways -allowing their children to pursue their chosen careers and education– had always reserved the right to choose their life partners. They wanted to ensure their children's happiness and stability.

But Aanchal, had dared to break this tradition. She chose Anirban, a classmate she fell in love with, and the family was thrown into chaos. Despite threats and pressure, Aanchal and Anirban stood firm, and eventually, the family relented.

Now, as the wedding celebrations unfolded, Anirban was welcomed, if not wholeheartedly, then with a sense of acceptance. Paarul, who had rooted for the couple since forever, was over the moon, lost in her own bubble of joy.

During this course of time, usually the bride's room was filled with lots of people, from make-up artists to the guests and to the photographers. Starting from the day of the mehendi function, she hadn't got a single chance to meet her maasi privately.

But now walking by the corridor, Paarul saw that Aanchal's room was empty, with no visitors whatsoever.

She quickly swept into her maasi's room, eyes widening in awe, " Wow, maasi ma! You're breathtaking. Thirty-four and still a stunning bride. Mausa ji will be spellbound. "

Aanchal's gaze met Paarul's, a faint, melancholic smile on her lips, " Am I doing right by our family, Paaro? " she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Paarul's expression turned curious " Why do you ask, maasi ma? "

Aanchal's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper, " I knew love marriages weren't accepted, yet I took this path. The guilt of hurting baba, ma, and your mother weighs on me. My heart isn't at peace. "

" Offo maasi ma, you followed your heart, and that's perfectly fine," Paarul said, her voice soothing, " You loved someone, and now you're marrying him. Don't let doubts spoil your joy. Relax, Mausa ji will arrive with the baraat soon. " Aanchal nodded, mist slowly gathering in her eyes.

Paarul gently caressed Aanchal's face, " I'll miss you. "

" Me too, shona. "

Feeling the tears welling up, Paarul swiftly changed the subject, her expression transforming into a comic scowl, " Oh god, I'm losing my mind! " she exclaimed, slapping her forehead, " How could I forget about the sweets? If mithai wale kaka makes even the slightest mistake na, I'm going to teach him a good lesson. "

Aanchal burst into laughter at Paarul's exaggerated, mock-angry face, "Ja ja, help ma and baba with the preparations. "

Just then they heard Paarul's mother calling her to help with the wedding preparations. Paarul nodded and stepped out of her room, making her way to the food serving area. Her eyes scanned the spread, but her favorite sweets were nowhere to be seen. She let out a frustrated sigh.

Seems like she'd a lot of scolding to do!

The sudden honk of a vehicle interrupted her thoughts. Rushing to the entrance, Parul saw boxes of sweets being unloaded. Her annoyance threatened to boil over, but she composed herself, striding purposefully toward the tall, muscular man shouldering the heavy load.

" Hello, mister. " Paarul said, tapping his shoulder, her voice laced with a hint of authority.

The man turned around, his raised eyebrows locking onto hers. Paarul's words caught in her throat. Clad in an elegant cream-colored kurti, he defied all expectations of a typical halwai wala.

' C'mon Paaro, if a tea-seller can look as handsome as a model, then a sweet-vendor can too. It's natural! '

Her inner monologue was interrupted when the man prompted her to speak up, his eyes expectant, " Yes? "

Paarul snapped back to reality, clearing her throat, " Tum log mein koi responsibility naam ka bostu hain ki nahin? If this order had not arrived on time, toh kya korta hum? This is a massive wedding order, and you're not even taking your work seriously. " her voice stern.

The man's confused frown deepened, "No, it's not like that. I'm not from- "

Paarul cut him off, " Whatever it is, from now on, we won't place any orders from your shop. Ab jao aur taratari inn boxes ko rakho. " she turned to leave, not waiting for his explanation.

As Paarul stormed off, the man's eyes lingered on her retreating figure, a mix of curiosity in his face.

As he stood there, bewildered, his expression transformed into an amused smile, " What was that? " he chuckled to himself, trying to shake off the memory of the extraordinary encounter and continued helping the old delivery man with the unloading.

Unbeknownst to him, the tiny lady had already left an indelible mark on his mind, one that would linger until the end of time.

~•~
So how was it? The first chapter and the encounter? Soon, Paarul will get to know the handsome halwai wala :D
Do share your reviews on this chapter and also do vote and support. Constructive criticism is always welcomed. ☺️❤️