Unlucky Marriage

Chapter 6

Emma's POV

The day had arrived. The day I had been dreaming about, and yet, here I was, standing at the edge of it all, unsure of my own heart. Today, I was getting married to him. To Noah. But why did it feel like a storm was brewing inside me, a whirlwind of doubt and fear I couldn't shake?

Mom came in early to wake me, her soft knock on the door barely a whisper. "You need to get up, sweetie. The makeup artist will be here in half an hour." I blinked, groggy but immediately aware of the weight of the moment. There was no turning back now. I dragged myself to the shower, the hot water streaming over me as my mind raced in circles. What was I doing? Was this the right choice? But there was no time for second-guessing. The makeup artist had already arrived.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I found her ready and waiting, all her tools set up around me like she was preparing for a masterpiece. I had chosen her not just for her talent, but for the way she made me feel like I could trust her with something as important as my wedding day. "Let's keep it simple," I had told her. "I want to look like myself—just... better." She smiled and nodded. "Minimal, with emphasis on your natural features. You’ll shine, I promise."

As she worked, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. My stomach twisted in knots. This wasn’t just any day. This was the day, and I had no idea what to expect from Noah—or from myself, for that matter. My nerves buzzed, but I kept quiet as she worked her magic. When she was done, I barely recognized myself. The makeup was flawless, delicate—just enough to bring out the best in my features without changing who I was. I stared at my reflection, stunned. Was that really me? The lipstick was the perfect shade, the soft curls in my hair made me feel ethereal.

Then came the saree. A golden silk that shimmered in the light, paired with delicate gold jewelry that made me feel like I was stepping into a fairytale. The bridal bouquet pulled the look altogether. The veil was the finishing touch, and when she placed it on my head, I couldn’t help but feel like a bride—truly, deeply, a bride.

Everyone had gathered, waiting for the big reveal. The makeup artist asked, her voice warm yet professional, “Are you ready for the world to see you?” I nodded, breathing deeply to calm the frantic beating of my heart. “Yes,” I whispered.

When she opened the door, the gasps came immediately. "Wow," someone breathed. I couldn’t even process the rush of people rushing toward me—Ariella, Lakshya, Ananya—all of them enveloping me in tight, congratulatory hugs. But my eyes immediately searched for one person. My mom.

I found her at the back of the room, her eyes full of emotion, her lips trembling. She was looking at me like I was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, and when our gazes met, tears welled in her eyes. She rushed toward me, arms wide, and held me so tightly it almost felt like she didn’t want to let me go.

“You’re so beautiful,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.” I could see it in her eyes—this wasn’t just about me. It was about everything she’d carried alone, about the weight she’d borne all these years, and how seeing me take this step lifted something in her, something I couldn’t quite name.

I had to turn away before I started crying myself. The photographer snapped pictures of the moment, and I was grateful—this was something I would want to remember forever. Soon, it was time to leave. We made our way to the church, and everyone got into their cars. My cousin was driving us, and as we pulled away, Ariella, with her usual grin, dropped the bombshell: “How excited are you to see Noah for the first time, walking down that aisle?”

It hit me like a freight train. I hadn’t thought about it at all. Seeing him as a stranger was okay, but seeing him as my husband? That was a whole new thing. “I don’t know,” I replied, my voice shaky. “I guess... I’m excited.”

Ariella and the others laughed, teasing me, but I wasn’t laughing. I was feeling too many things all at once. We arrived at the church, where Noah’s family was already waiting. His mother kissed my cheek and told me how beautiful I looked, and his father hugged me, his arms warm and strong. His brother and sister took pictures, and it felt surreal, like I was stepping into a life that wasn’t entirely mine yet.

Noah was in his car, waiting. It was a tradition that the groom couldn't see the bride before the ceremony, so he stayed hidden, out of sight. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was feeling, or if he was feeling anything at all. Was he excited? Was he nervous?

The time came, and with one last look at my mom, Ariella, and Uncle, I walked down the aisle. The world seemed to hold its breath as I neared the altar. And there he was. Noah standing in front of the priest with his back facing towards me. Dream man of every girl.