The Unwanted Royal Marriage

17. The Engagement

Meera's pov

As the morning sun peeked through my window, I was blissfully tucked under my blanket, catching a few last moments of sleep before the big day. But, apparently, the rest of the world was already wide awake—and in full-on engagement chaos mode.

"Meera! Are you still sleeping?!"Maa, shouted from the hallway, her voice carrying a tone of exasperation that could wake up the entire neighbourhood. "Do you know what time it is? We have a thousand things to do!"

I groaned, trying to bury myself deeper into my pillow. But a few seconds later, my door burst open, and there she was, hands on her hips, giving me a look that said get-up-now-or-face-the-consequences.

"Maa, just five more minutes," I mumbled, attempting a last, desperate plea.

"Five more minutes?!" she huffed, coming over to yank my blanket away. "Do you know what everyone is doing downstairs? The house is buzzing like a beehive, and here you are, dreaming your day away! You're the bride-to-be, Meera! The bride!"

"Fine, I'm up!" I grumbled, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. "What's the rush? The engagement isn't till later today."

"'What's the rush?' she says!" My mom threw her hands up in exasperation. "The florist called twice about the centrepiece arrangements, the caterer needs confirmation for the snacks, and the makeup artist wants you to be ready by noon! And if that wasn't enough, your Chachi is already in the kitchen, wondering where you are to taste-test the sweets she's making."

I sighed, realizing there was no escaping it. The whole house seemed to be spinning in engagement madness, and my beauty sleep had no place in it.

"And do you even know where your engagement outfit is?" she continued, raising an eyebrow. "You left it lying in the living room after your final fitting. What if it got misplaced?"

I stifled a yawn. "Yes, Maa, I know. I left it there so that I wouldn't forget it."

"And your jewelry! Have you sorted it out?"

"Yes, Maa," I replied, trying not to laugh at her endless list of questions. "It's all ready."

"Good. Now, get up and freshen up! Your Papa, Chahu and Bhai sa and even Saurabh have been running around since dawn. Even your Dadi is up and managing the decorations with the decorators. Everyone is busy, Meera, and we need you to join the team!"

I got out of bed, finally awake enough to see the humour in it all. "Okay, Maa. I'll be ready soon. Just give me a minute."

"One minute, not a second more!" she said, giving me a playful scowl before turning toward the door. "And make sure you come downstairs right after. I'll get you something to eat before your makeup starts."

As she walked out, I stretched and laughed to myself. This was exactly how I imagined my engagement day would start—family running around, the house buzzing with excitement, and my mother scolding me for oversleeping. It was chaotic, but it was our beautiful chaos, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I quickly rushed through my morning routine, splashing water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep. Thoughts of the day ahead filled my mind, a whirlwind of emotions. Today was my engagement to Adhyay, and while I felt excitement, there was also a flutter of nervousness in my stomach. Would everything go smoothly? Would I be the bride everyone expected me to be?

After hastily brushing my teeth and pulling my hair into a messy bun, I threw on a comfy outfit, a simple kurta and jeans, before making my way downstairs. The moment I stepped into the living room, I was greeted by the delightful chaos that was my family.