HER SAFE PLACE

Uninvited guests

50+ comments and 200+ votes
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Rocky's POV

As we rolled up to the wedding venue, the excitement in the air was so thick you could cut it with a samosa. Mihir parked the car with a flourish, and we all tumbled out like a bunch of clowns from a tiny car. Adi, ever the instigator, leaned in and asked, "Ready, bhailog?" We all cheered back, “Yes!” But I had to throw in a cautionary note, "Guys, remember, we're here for fun, not to crash the wedding, okay?"

Everyone responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” again, but the way they said it sounded like a mob ready to storm a buffet.

Walking inside, I was blown away by the décor. It was like an English wedding collided with a Bollywood movie set—classy yet festive. Shivangi gasped, “Wow!” as she looked around, her eyes sparkling like she had just discovered a secret stash of chocolate. “It’s honestly really pretty,” she said, and I had to agree; I half-expected a Bollywood couple to burst out from behind a curtain and start dancing.

We made a beeline for the food court, where a glorious spread of Indian snacks awaited us—samosas, pakoras, and everything fried and delicious. Ravi took one bite and declared, “They really did a great job!” I nodded, stuffing my face, “Yeah, actually, this is amazing! It’s like they knew we were coming!”

Just as we were enjoying our starters, I spotted a couple in their late 50s approaching. Ravi, with a flair that would make any drama queen proud, declared, “Hold my plate!” He thrust his plate into Adi’s hands and strutted over to the couple like he was about to deliver an Oscar-winning performance.

“Oh hi! How are you? You’re still as beautiful as you were years ago!” he beamed at the lady. The lady, surprisingly flattered, replied, “You’re also the same, young man!”

The gentleman next to her chimed in, “Stop flirting with my wife!” Without missing a beat, Ravi shot back, “How can I forget you? You look even more handsome than before!” The man laughed so hard I thought he might spill his drink.

After what felt like a mini soap opera, Ravi returned to our group, his chest puffed out like a peacock. “See? This is how it should be done!” he announced, looking like he just conquered a kingdom.

Vani couldn’t hold back, shaking her head and saying, “Such a drama queen he is!” We all erupted into laughter, and Ravi, basking in our amusement, shrugged as if to say, “What can I say? I have a gift.”

Then, just to add to the hilarity, he pointed at a table filled with desserts and said, “If I can charm the old couple, I can definitely charm those pastries!”

I groaned, “Oh no, not another food conquest!” But inside, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Ravi sweet-talking a plate of gulab jamun.

We were all chatting and enjoying the lively atmosphere when I overheard a group of people behind us. They were excitedly saying, “Thank God we crashed this wedding; it’s so nice!” Mihir chuckled, leaning in to hear more. “Looks like we’re not the only uninvited guests here,” he remarked with a grin.

Jenny, ever the instigator, smirked at us. “Just wait and watch!” she declared, striding confidently toward the group. She had a knack for turning any situation into an opportunity for fun.

“Oh hi! Do I know you all? I think I’ve seen you for the first time!” she said, feigning innocence while putting on her best friendly act. The group exchanged confused glances but nervously replied, “Um... we’re from the groom's side.”

Jenny raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Oh, but I never heard Alex mention you guys!” she continued, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

The group’s expressions shifted from confusion to outright panic. “Who’s Alex?” one of them stammered, clearly caught off guard.