Be Mine

53. haldi ceremony 💛

AUTHOR POV

As the dancer leaned closer, Aditya’s eyes darkened with anger despite the fog in his mind. “I said, move back,” he growled, his tone dangerously low. When she didn’t retreat, his voice thundered, “And don’t even *think* of coming closer to me!” 

The room fell silent at his roar. Heads turned toward the scene unfolding near the bar as Aditya pushed himself up from his seat, glaring at the woman. 

Joravar was the first to rush over, concern etched on his face. “Adi, what’s going on? Are you okay?” 

Aditya stumbled slightly as he pointed toward the dancer, his words slurring but still clear enough. “This… this bitch,” he spat, “tried to flirt with me. Do I look like someone who needs *her* attention?” He sank back into his seat, his hand pressing against his temple. “And my head... it’s spinning.” 

Abhiman, who had just returned from the dance floor, shot the dancers a cold glare. “How the hell are girls even here? I *strictly* said no women were allowed at this party!” He turned to the dancers. “Get out. Now.” 

The women hesitated but quickly left, muttering under their breath as they threw glares toward Pratik, who was desperately trying to blend into the background. 

Joravar crouched down beside Aditya, gripping his shoulder. “Did you drink something weird? Maybe your juice was spiked?” 

Aditya blinked up at him, his usually sharp gaze dulled. “Juice? I—” He paused, realization hitting. “I drank it in one gulp. It burned my throat… something wasn’t right.” 

Joravar nodded firmly. “Okay, let’s call it a night. Abhi, you take care of the rest of these idiots. I’ll get Adi to his room.” 

Abhiman shot a withering glance at Pratik and Pratham before turning to the rest of the group. “Everyone, pack it up. Party’s over.” 

As the others dispersed, Joravar hooked Aditya’s arm around his shoulder and helped him stand. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you to bed.” 

### The Walk to the Room 

As they made their way to the room, Aditya leaned heavily on Joravar, his drunken state making him unusually vulnerable. “What will I do now, Jo?” he muttered, his voice almost childlike. “Aki will kill me if she finds out I’m drunk. She *hates* it when I drink.” 

Joravar chuckled softly, trying to ease his friend’s worry. “Relax, Adi. I’ll tell her it was an accident. She’ll believe me, okay?” 

Aditya’s lips wobbled, his usually composed face crumpling into a pout. “You promise? She’s been so busy, Jo. I didn’t even get to see her these past two weeks. And now…” His voice broke as tears pooled in his eyes. 

Joravar sighed, guiding Aditya into the room and helping him sit on the bed. “Shh, it’s okay, man. You’ll see her tomorrow. And the day after that. And forever, okay? You’re literally marrying her in two days.” 

Aditya leaned his head against Joravar’s shoulder, his words spilling out in a drunken ramble. “You don’t get it, Jo. She’s *everything* to me. Do you know how long I waited for her? How many nights I spent working, thinking this kind of love wasn’t for someone like me?” 

Joravar gently pushed Aditya to lie down, carefully removing his jacket. “I know, Adi. I know how much she means to you.” 

Aditya grabbed his friend’s hand, his grip surprisingly firm despite his intoxication. “But what if… what if this is all a dream? What if I wake up tomorrow and it’s gone? What if I’m back to being just a machine, working day and night without her?”