Head over Heels

Chapter 16 - Khushi (18+)

🎶 Aasa Kooda - Think Indie

Khushi stared at Ji-ji - both drinking in the sight of each other. Khushi closed her hand on her sister's as they sat in front of the mirror while Amma and Bua-ji worked on their Roka outfits.

"Can't believe it's finally happening, Ji-ji," said Amma as Bua-ji shook her head in disbelief.

There was a soft knock on the door - they heard Babu-ji inform them that Mohan-ji had arrived. When the final touches were done - Khushi and Ji-ji rose from their seats and took one last glance in the mirror.

Khushi was adorned in a vibrant half saree, the ensemble a striking play of colors. A diaphanous green georgette dupatta cascaded gracefully over her shoulder atop a red blouse, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue lehenga that swirled around her ankles.

Ji-ji was garbed in the same style but in yellow, red and purple shades. Her nervousness reflected in Khushi as they settled in the car and arrived at Shantivan.

Khushi gasped, her eyes widening at the transformation of Shantivan's living room. The furniture had been cleared away to make room for an expansive dais, draped in a perfect blend of traditional and modern décor. Commercial-grade lighting hung from the ceiling, with remote-controlled spotlights casting their glow across the space. It felt less like a home and more like stepping into a grand, multi-purpose event hall. Soft, melodic music seemed to hum from the very walls, filling the air with a subtle, elegant rhythm.

"Oh my god, you both look so beautiful! Nazar na lage," greeted Anjali-ji, clad in a magnificent lilac saree.

They spent the next hour introducing the brides-to-be to the guests in attendance. Khushi tried to remember their names but soon gave up after the tenth person.

"So what does your father do for a living," Khushi heard a heavily made-up woman ask her sister. Ji-ji quietly recited their father's profession and the family owned business.

"Halwayi?" said the woman, making no attempt to keep the sneer out of her voice. "My, my—your family is truly fortunate to have both daughters marrying into the Raizada family."

Khushi's blood pulsed in her veins, giving a hasty smile to the ladies surrounding her, she cut through them and marched over to her sister. Before she could reach Ji-ji, Mami-ji cut into her path.

"What does your husband do again, Prabha?" said Mami-ji with mock contemplation. "Oh yes, he manufactures security fences, yes? Perhaps that is why your tongue is so prickly? You could do with some of my Samdhi-ji's desserts, it'll sweeten up your barbed perspective."

Prabha-ji scoffed softly with a pained smile. Mami-ji's eyes followed her until the former was out of sight before rounding on Ji-ji. "And you, stand up straighter. You are to be the bahu of the Raizada family - I don't want to see any of this weak kneed silences from you. If this happens again, I want you to hold your own."

A sudden rush of affection coursed through Khushi as she appraised the woman in a new light. Ji-ji smiled at her future mother-in-law, not with nervousness, but with a genuine, heartfelt warmth. Mami-ji waved her hands around imperiously and walked away to get a 'jueece'.

Khushi and Ji-ji exchanged a meaningful glance before she was distracted by the three men descending the stairs. Khushi's lips parted as she took in the sight of her betrothed.

Arnav-ji was dressed in a metal gray dress suit - in the place of a tie, a black satin cravat was tucked artfully into his white shirt. The subtle change managed to enhance the look, making it more celebratory while still holding on to the essence of his signature flair.