Destined to be Together

Chapter 81

The next morning marked the day everyone had been eagerly awaiting—the wedding day. Excitement filled the air as final preparations were underway. A small get-together was planned for close family and friends after the legal ceremony, making the day even more special. Haseena and Santosh had retreated to the quarters as planned, giving space for rest to focus on preparing for Haseena's grand welcome into her new home.

Pushpaji, ever the diligent host, was overseeing the arrangements with meticulous care. She moved around the house, directing decorators with precision, her sharp eyes scanning every detail to ensure everything was perfect. The house was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, the clinking of bangles as Pushpaji's friends hurried around, making last-minute preparations. The air was thick with the fragrance of marigolds, which adorned every corner, and the rich aroma of food being prepared in the kitchen.

The anticipation was palpable, with everyone buzzing with excitement for the day ahead, knowing that soon, Haseena and Karishma would be united in marriage.
Rajveer, on other hand took charge of another important task, had gone out early to get the car decorated for the wedding. He wanted everything to be perfect for the big moment when his sister gets married to love for her life. The car was to be adorned with fresh flowers, ribbons, and all the elegance befitting a bride's arrival.

As Rajveer returned, he looked around for Pushpaji, who was busy instructing the ladies. "Aree Masi, ye sab chhodiye aur aaram se ready ho jaiye, mai sab sambhal lunga," he said, pulling her out of the group.

With a mischievous smile, he added, "Waise bhi, mai chahta hoon meri Masi kayamat dhaaye aaj!" Placing a hand on her shoulder, he teased, "Aapke samne toh chutki aur aapki bahu bhi pheki lagni chaiye!"

"Woh toh mai lagungi hi... Aab kya karu, Shivji ne itna khoobsurat jo banaya hai, haan, par maine kabhi garv nahi kiya," said Pushpaji, smiling shyly and tucking her hair behind her ears.

After being stunned, Rajveer smiled inwardly and replied, "Aree Masi, aap haan toh kariye, abhi line lag jayegi... buzurgon ki." He paused momentarily and, correcting himself, quickly added, "Mera matlab hai, ladkon ki."

"Bhak, kuch bhi bolta hai," Pushpaji said, playfully hitting him on the arm, trying to control her blush. Shifting her focus asked "Waise kaam toh ho gaya na?"

Rajveer nodded and replied, "Haan Masi, car thodi der mein aa jayegi. Maine Umar ko call kiya tha, vo Haseena aur Santosh ko pick kar lega. Priyanshu ko bhi magistrate office thoda jaldi jane bola hai, documents leke, taki koi problem na ho."

"Chalo, bhadiya hai. Main jaake ready ho jaati hoon," Pushpaji said, heading upstairs to prepare. Meanwhile, Rajveer started checking on the last-minute arrangements, ensuring everything was perfect for the day ahead.

Pushpaji, dressed in her royal golden-purple Kanjivaram silk saree, was almost ready when she realized she hadn't checked on Karishma, who was unusually quiet. Normally, her daughter would call for help while getting ready, but today, there had been no word. With a smile, she excused from few of her friends who were helping her with makeup and headed to Karishma's room. As she approached the room, the door was slightly ajar. After a soft knock went unanswered, she gently pushed it open. The room was empty. Karishma's lehenga lay neatly on the bed, and her makeup kit was beside untouched, but there was no sign of her.

A wave of concern washed over Pushpaji as she called out for Karishma, checking the bathroom and the adjoining balcony, but there was no sign of her. The smile on Pushpaji's face faded, replaced by a frown of worry. She quickly scanned the room again, hoping for a clue, anything that might explain her daughter's absence. But there was nothing.

Panic rising, Pushpaji tried calling Karishma, but the call wouldn't connect. With her heart pounding, she hurried downstairs and found Rajveer, who was busy coordinating some last-minute tasks.
"Rajveer, tumne Krishu ko kahi dekha?" Pushpaji asked, trying to keep the alarm out of her voice.