Together Forever

Chapter 21

Anika's POV

The moment was filled with an air of anticipation as everyone gathered near the mandap, awaiting Nitya's arrival. I looked up as she started to descend the staircase, and the sight took my breath away.

She looked like a vision—her bridal lehenga shimmering under the lights, every step she took radiating elegance. She was like a goddess of beauty, and I wasn't the only one captivated. I glanced over at Pranav and noticed him staring at her with his mouth slightly open, completely mesmerized.

Nitya finally reached the mandap and took her place, looking serene as she waited for the ceremony to begin.

The panditji started making the final preparations.

Just as I was absorbed in the moment, my gaze drifted to Uday, and my heart sank. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, a look I hadn't seen before. I watched, stunned, as a tear slipped down his cheek.

Without a word, he turned and quickly made his way upstairs.

Concern flooded my chest, and I felt the urge to follow him, needing to know what was wrong.

Just as I took a step, my mother caught me by the arm. "Where are you going, Anika?" she asked, her brows knitting in curiosity.

"Uh... the washroom," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Alright, but hurry. The wedding is about to start," she reminded me, her tone gentle but firm.

Nodding, I assured her, "I'll be back in just five minutes." She seemed satisfied and let me go.

As soon as I was out of her sight, I dashed up the stairs, scanning the halls for any sign of Uday.

I finally spotted him in a quiet corner, his back to me, shoulders slightly hunched. Approaching him softly, I noticed his shoulders trembling. My heart ached seeing him like this.

"Uday," I said gently, reaching out to him.

He turned to face me, and the sight of his tear-streaked face took me aback. Without a word, he pulled me into a tight embrace, holding onto me like he needed something solid to cling to.

I wrapped my arms around him instinctively, my concern growing deeper with each passing second.

"What's wrong, Uday? Why are you crying?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I stroked his back, trying to offer whatever comfort I could.

He took a shuddering breath, his head resting against my shoulder. "Anika... she's leaving today," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Nitya... she's going to leave the house."

Understanding dawned on me, and my heart softened as I realized the depth of his feelings. He was hurting over the thought of his sister leaving, the reality of this transition hitting him harder than he'd anticipated.

As I gently moved my fingers through Uday's hair, he seemed to relax a bit, leaning into me as though seeking comfort. "So that's why you're crying," I murmured, my tone soft and soothing. He nuzzled closer, his face resting against my chest, and I could feel the weight of his emotions.

This was a side of Uday I hadn't seen before, and my heart went out to him.

"It's going to be okay, Uday," I whispered, my voice as comforting as I could make it. "Nitya's starting a new chapter in her life, but it's not like she's leaving forever. You'll always be able to see her, whenever you want. Can't you?"

He sighed, the sadness still lingering in his eyes. "But still... I'm going to miss her," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

He held me a little tighter, clinging to the connection in that quiet moment. I didn't say anything, simply letting him hold on, my own heart heavy with empathy.