Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

119. Goodbyes Belong to Those Who've Earned Affection

After finishing my preparations, my mom called out for me to fetch Ryan. I headed to my room, only to find him struggling with the pagdi, his brows furrowed in concentration. I tried to resist the urge to help. I took a few hesitant steps closer, but the distance between us was too much to reach him. I took another step closer.

Determined, I tiptoed forward, maintaining a few inches of space between us. I stretched up on my toes and reached for the pagdi, managing to place it correctly atop his head. But just as I was about to step back, my lehenga caught on my foot, and I lost my balance.

In an instant, I tumbled toward him, and before I knew it, I landed in his arms. His left hand wrapped securely around my waist, pulling me closer, while his right hand grasped the edge of the dressing table to steady himself. My heart raced as I felt the warmth of his body against mine.

Realizing the potential awkwardness of the situation, I quickly composed myself, pushing off from his chest and regaining my footing. "Sorry!" I stammered, avoiding his gaze, trying to hide the embarrassment flooding my cheeks. "Maa is looking for you," I added, my voice a bit shaky as I hurriedly escaped the room.

As the marriage ceremony unfolded, all eyes were fixed on the radiant bride and groom, and the flickering flames of the ritual fire that symbolized their union. My father stood proudly, recounting Shriya's accomplishments to anyone who would listen. "She's not just a wonderful daughter; she's a government teacher working tirelessly in a school while pursuing her PhD," he said, his eyes sparkling with pride every time he mentioned her name.

Each accolade he gave her felt like a dagger to my heart. Whenever guests turned to me, he would swiftly redirect the conversation, showering praises upon Ryan instead. In those moments, I felt invisible, as if I didn't exist in his world.

I stood there, forcing a smile. I tried to brush it off, telling myself that it was just a fleeting moment, but deep down, the hurt lingered.

During the bidaai, as tears flowed freely from almost everyone present, Ryan stood quietly by my side, observing the emotional scene. He leaned in and asked with a soft chuckle, "Why aren't you crying?"

I turned to him, a slight smirk playing on my lips. "Why would I cry?" I replied, glancing at Shriya, the bride who was now saying her goodbyes. "I didn't even cry when I was the bride."

He chuckled at my response, shaking his head lightly. "At least you could pretend," he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Keeping a straight face, I replied, "The ones crying are those who lived with her every day, shared moments in the same house. I've already left this house. We only talk over the phone now, and after her marriage, it'll still be the same -- phone calls. So, I can't force myself to cry over that."

I stayed by until Shriya disappeared into the car, everyone waving her off as it slowly pulled away. As the crowd around us started to disperse, I turned to Ryan, still not meeting his gaze. "Want some coffee?" I asked quietly.

He nodded, smiling a bit. "That would be great."

I headed inside, making two cups and returning to the room, only to find my bed fully occupied by sleeping cousins. Frowning, I sought out my mom, feeling a little exasperated.

"Where are we supposed to sleep tonight, Maa?" I asked. "My bed is full of cousins."

She gave me a tired smile. "Adjust, beta. It's late. I can't wake them up now. It's just a few more hours -- 1:30 a.m. already. You'll be back at your place in the morning."

I sighed, resigned to the situation, and returned outside to Ryan, who was still waiting. I handed him his cup of coffee, letting out another deep breath. "I think you're getting tortured here," I said half-jokingly, rubbing my temples.

He looked at me, noticing my tiredness. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Well," I began, "there's no space for you to sleep except the floor. My cousins have taken over the bed, and it looks like your options are either waiting until dawn or... I can set something up for you on the floor." I tried to sound matter-of-fact.

Ryan sighed dramatically, "Really? Look what you're making me do," his tone exasperated but laced with a teasing edge.

I kept my eyes down, feeling a bit guilty. "Sorry," I muttered quietly, not wanting to meet his gaze.

What I didn't notice was my dad standing behind us. He must have overheard the conversation because he suddenly spoke up, his voice warm. "It's good to see you caring for Ryan, Sarah."

He gently placed his hand on my head, and a comforting sense of pride and satisfaction washed over me. It wasn't something I heard from him often, and I cherished that small moment.

Turning to Ryan, Dad put a supportive arm around his shoulder. "Come, son," he said, "you'll sleep in my room tonight."