Anaya-His heartbeat

CHAPTER 25

ANAYA POV

On the wedding day, as I stood in front of the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at me. The makeup artists had worked their magic, and I was beautifully adorned in a vibrant red lehenga that shimmered with every movement. Yet, all the excitement I had felt earlier began to dissipate, replaced by a profound realization: I was about to leave this home forever for a man I barely knew. Despite the sweet, cute gestures Shivarth had shown me in the past week, the thought of loving someone I had only seen a handful of times felt like an insurmountable challenge. How could I open my heart to him when my mind was filled with uncertainty? But deep down, I knew I was ready to give this wedding a chance. After all, it was a new beginning, a step into the unknown.Sitting on my bed, I tried to steady my racing heart, but the emotions swirled within me like a storm. Just then, Annie burst into the room and engulfed me in a tight hug. "I love you! Don't cry," she said, her voice brightening the atmosphere. "The baraat is here! Bhaiyya is coming! We need to hurry!"The distant sound of dhols filled the air, their beats echoing with a joyous rhythm. But for me, the sound felt bittersweet. I wasn't ready to leave my family behind. The door opened, and I caught sight of Rohan and Sam standing there, their faces a mix of excitement and concern. "I can't do this," I said, tears spilling down my cheeks. "I can't leave you guys."Rohan rushed to my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Hey, hey, it's okay," he said, his voice soothing. "You're not leaving us forever. You'll always be our sister, no matter where you go."Sam chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, think of all the free food you'll get at your in-laws' place! I'm definitely going to visit for that." I couldn't help but chuckle through my tears, the humor easing the weight in my chest. With their support, I felt a little bit of my anxiety subside. Together, they prepared a floral sheet and held it over my head as we walked toward the aisle.As I approached the entrance, I caught a glimpse of my friends Vaani, Mahi, and Chaavi in the crowd. Their eyes were brimming with tears, and I understood why. We had spent countless hours discussing my dream wedding, envisioning a day filled with joy and laughter. Yet here I was, stepping into marriage under such heavy circumstances, and it broke my heart to see their tears.Taking a deep breath, I walked down the aisle, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I reached the stage, Shivarth was standing there, his eyes wide and full of a mixture of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. It felt surreal to be in this moment, and as he stepped forward to help me onto the stage, I noticed how our fingers brushed against each other—his touch was warm and reassuring.In that fleeting moment, I felt a surge of hope. Perhaps this was the start of something new, something beautiful. I stole a glance at my friends, their tears still glistening in the sunlight, and for a brief second, I felt the warmth of love surround me. With a heart full of uncertainty yet ready to embrace this new chapter, I took my place beside Shivarth, preparing to embark on this unexpected journey together.As I stood on the stage, my heart felt like a heavy stone in my chest, each beat echoing the reality I was about to face. The grandeur of the wedding setting blurred into the background as memories flooded my mind—memories of laughter, love, and the warmth of my family that had shaped me into who I was today.I thought back to my childhood, filled with innocent joy and boundless dreams. The mornings when I'd wake up to the smell of my mother's cooking, her voice gently coaxing me out of bed. I remembered the countless times I clung to her, seeking comfort after a bad dream, and how she would stroke my hair and tell me stories of brave princesses who fought for their love. Those moments felt like a lifetime ago, yet they were imprinted in my heart. Suddenly, the reality of my situation hit me like a tidal wave. I was leaving behind the home that had cradled my every happiness and heartache. I was leaving my father, who despite our differences, had always been my rock. How could I walk away from the house filled with echoes of laughter, where every corner held a piece of my soul? The walls of my home had witnessed my first steps, my first words, and the countless moments of joy that defined my childhood. As I glanced at my family in the crowd, tears began to pool in my eyes. Rohan's encouraging smile, Sam's reassuring presence, and Annie's unwavering support filled my heart with a bittersweet ache. They were my anchor, and now I was setting sail into an unknown sea. "Anaya," I heard my father's voice call out from the crowd. His expression was a mix of pride and sorrow, and I could see the struggle behind his eyes. As he stepped closer, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, bringing back memories of him lifting me onto his shoulders to see the fireworks during Diwali, or the way he would throw me in the air, his laughter echoing through the house. "Dad," I managed to choke out, my voice trembling. He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "You'll always be my little girl, mera bacha tu mera sab kuch h " he said, his voice breaking slightly. "No matter where you go, this house will always be your home. You carry our love with youtu ayi to is ghar m lakshmi ayi tu hai tb tak ye ghar hamesha muskurata rha  tu jab chahe aa skti h bchhee."My heart swelled at his words, but the weight of our past arguments loomed over us. I thought about how many times we clashed over my choices, how many times I felt misunderstood. "But it won't be the same," I whispered, the tears spilling over. "I won't be here every day, laughing with you, sharing stories at dinner... I'm afraid I'll forget."His eyes softened, and he reached for my hand. "You won't forget, Anaya. Our love is stronger than distance. You'll make new memories, and when you visit, you'll bring your stories back home."But the truth was, the thought of not coming back to this house every day made my heart ache. "What if I change too much? What if I don't fit in there?" I asked, fear lacing my voice.My father shook his head. "You're not leaving us behind; you're expanding our family. You'll learn and grow, but you'll always be part of us."Overwhelmed by emotion, I stepped forward and hugged him tightly, feeling his familiar warmth envelop me. "I love you, Dad," I whispered through my tears. "I love you too, Anaya. Always," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.As I pulled away, I turned to my mother, who stood nearby, tears streaming down her face. I rushed to her and wrapped my arms around her. "Mom, what will I do without you? Who will wake me up in the morning?"She held me tightly, her heart beating against mine. "You're strong, my love. You'll wake up and carry the lessons we've shared in your heart. Remember, I'm just a phone call away. Whenever you need me, I'll be there."The weight of her words pressed down on me, and I could feel my heart breaking. This was the last time I would be here as a daughter in this house, and the reality of it felt suffocating. "I don't want to leave," I sobbed, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "I know, sweet girl," she said, her voice soothing yet filled with sorrow. "It's okay to be scared. Change is hard, but it's also a part of life. Embrace it, and remember that this love will always be your foundation."As I pulled back, my eyes fell on Rohan, Sam, and Annie, who were now crying openly. Seeing them so emotional made my heart ache further. Rohan stepped forward, his voice thick with emotion. "Anaya, you'll always be my sister. No one can take that away from us. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."I watched as Sam wiped his tears and pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice breaking. "I love you more than anything, Anaya. You're my princess, and I'll always protect you."Annie, too, joined the embrace, her tears mixing with ours. "You're not just leaving us; you're taking a piece of our hearts with you. But we'll be here waiting for you, always."As we stood in that group hug, surrounded by the love that had defined my life, I felt a flicker of hope amidst the heartache. Yes, I was leaving this house, but I was carrying my family's love with me, a beacon of light guiding me through the darkness of uncertainty. With my heart aching yet full, I finally stepped onto the stage beside Shivarth. I looked out at the faces of my family and friends, each one a testament to the love I was leaving behind. With every step I took towards this new life, I vowed to cherish the memories of this home and carry them with me as I embarked on this journey into the unknown.As the wedding ceremony unfolded, I felt a mixture of anticipation and disbelief. I had spent countless nights dreaming about my wedding day, but nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing now. With each passing moment, I tried to wrap my head around the reality of what was happening—how I was about to become Anaya Shivarth Oberoi.The sound of dhols reverberated in the air, mixing with the sweet melodies of traditional wedding songs. As we exchanged garlands, the significance of that moment settled in my heart. Shivarth and I stood facing each other, the world around us fading into a blur. It felt surreal; a celebration of two lives becoming intertwined.When I finally placed the garland around his neck, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. His eyes sparkled with a mix of nervousness and sincerity, and for a brief moment, I saw a glimpse of the man beneath the exterior—the one who had shown me kindness despite our rocky start. My heart fluttered. Could this be the beginning of something beautiful?As we proceeded for the pheras, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. This was it—the sacred seven rounds that would bind us together in a way that transcended mere words. I took a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation and fear. Would I be able to be the wife he deserved? Would I fit into this new role?As we walked around the sacred fire, each step felt monumental. With every round, I recited the vows we were making, the promises that would guide our lives together. I glanced at Shivarth, who maintained a stoic expression, his face a mask of concentration. Despite the coldness in his demeanor, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was our chance to build something special together.Then came the moment that made it all feel real. Shivarth paused in front of me, his hands trembling slightly as he picked up the sindoor. My breath caught in my throat as he gently filled my parting with the vibrant red powder, a symbol of our union and the commitment we were making to one another. In that instant, I realized that I was no longer just Anaya Sharma; I was becoming Anaya Shivarth Oberoi.Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as the reality of my new identity washed over me. I touched the sindoor, feeling its warmth seep into my skin, and a sense of belonging enveloped me. This wasn't just a name; it was a promise of love and partnership. I felt a rush of emotions as he reached for the mangalsutra, the beautiful necklace that would signify my commitment to him.With the mangalsutra now adorning my neck, I marveled at how it felt like an extension of myself—something I had been waiting for all my life, yet something that felt so new and foreign. As Shivarth gently clasped it around my neck, I could see the tension in his features, but I clung to the hope that beneath that cold exterior lay a heart willing to warm up.The silence hung between us, and I longed for a connection, a reassuring smile, anything to bridge the emotional gap. But his expression remained unreadable, a fortress built around his feelings. Still, I chose to focus on the moment. As we stood there, now officially husband and wife, I felt a surge of optimism and excitement. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but I was ready to face them  Together, we could navigate this uncharted territory, creating a life filled with laughter, love, and memories that would last a lifetime.This was more than just a wedding; it was the beginning of a new adventure. I looked out at my family and friends, their faces beaming with joy, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. They had been my rock, and now, as I stepped into this new life, I carried their love with me.

"Let's make this journey unforgettable," I thought to myself, my heart brimming with hope, as I held onto the belief that one day, Shivarth would warm up to me. We were tied together now, forever, and I was ready to embrace whatever came next. 

and after ast hugto all my family members we moved to his car still emotional but trying to face the reality