Be Mine

48. engagement ceremony 🎊💍

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Before that no update till 10th December

A K R I T I

As I sat on the couch in our living room, the warmth of my mother’s hug still lingering, I couldn’t help but glance at the door where Aditya had just disappeared with his family. My heart ached at a sudden distance, but I knew this was necessary. He had to return with his family, and I had to stay back with mine. 

Papa had been adamant about me staying home tonight. “You’ve been through too much, Akriti. You’re not going anywhere,” he had said, his tone leaving no room for argument. And though I wanted to protest, I knew he was right. This house—my home—was where I needed to be now, surrounded by the people who loved me.

But that didn’t mean I wasn’t missing Aditya already. The way he had hesitated before letting go of my hand earlier, the way he kept looking back at me even as his family left—it was enough to make my chest tighten. He didn’t want to leave, and neither did I. 

“Don’t look so glum, sweetheart,” Papa said, ruffling my hair as he sat beside me. “You’ll see him in two days at your engagement. And after that, you’ll have him for a lifetime.” 

I smiled faintly, leaning my head on his shoulder. “I know, Papa. It’s just… after everything, it feels strange to be apart.” 

He chuckled, his voice warm with affection. “That boy is a good one, Akriti. I see how much he loves you. And if he’s anything like his mother, I’m sure he’ll always keep you happy.” 

Hearing that from Papa made me feel lighter. For so long, I had worried about whether my family would accept Aditya, but now, seeing how Papa spoke of him, I knew everything was falling into place. 

A D I T Y A

The ride back to the Rathore house was quieter than I expected. Abhiman was his usual cheerful self, humming some song, while Mom and Dad exchanged words in hushed tones. But I wasn’t listening. My mind was still back at the Shekhawat house, with Akriti. 

Letting go of her hand and walking away had been one of the hardest things I’d done in a while. I knew she needed to stay with her family, and I needed to be here with mine, but it didn’t make the separation any easier. 

“Thinking about her, aren’t you?” Abhiman teased from the driver’s seat, glancing at me with a knowing smirk. 

I rolled my eyes but didn’t deny it. “Of course, I am. She’s been through so much today, and now she’s there, and I’m… not.” 

Mom turned to look at me from the front seat, her expression soft. “Aditya, she’s with her family. Let them have this time with her. You’ll have her forever soon.” 

Dad, surprisingly, chimed in. “Your mother’s right. The engagement is in two days. After that, she’ll be by your side permanently. Let her father and mother have these moments with her.” 

I nodded, though my heart still ached. The thought of her sitting in that house without me, probably just as restless as I was, made me want to turn the car around. But I couldn’t. Not tonight. 

As we pulled into the driveway, Abhiman stretched dramatically and grinned. “Well, that was an eventful day. But I can’t wait for the engagement. Finally, we get to celebrate without all the drama!” 

His excitement was contagious, and I felt a small smile tug at my lips. Two days. That was all. And then, Akriti and I would officially be one step closer to the life we’d dreamed of.