Be Mine

56. New Journey 🧿

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A D I T Y A

"Vivah sampann hua," the priest’s voice echoed, finalizing what felt like a lifetime of dreams and promises. Those three words rang in my ears, louder than any firecracker outside. It’s done. She’s mine.

I turned to look at Aki sitting beside me, her hands folded delicately in her lap, her face glowing under the soft flicker of the mandap fire. My heart squeezed painfully, overwhelmed by emotions I couldn't quite name. Joy. Relief. Gratitude. Love that ran so deep, it almost hurt. 

I whispered, barely trusting my voice, “Mrs. Rathore, you’re officially mine now.” 

Aki turned to me, mischief flickering in her eyes despite the tears threatening to spill over. “And you, Mr. Rathore, are officially mine,” she teased, her lips curving into a smile that could stop time. 

Her hand rose, soft and sure, wiping away the tears I hadn’t realized had escaped. I leaned into her touch, closing my eyes briefly. It felt like her touch was soothing every scar, every ache I’d carried for years.

“Ab dono bade buzurgon ka aashirvad lein,” the priest announced, breaking the bubble around us. 

I stood up first and turned toward her, offering my hand to help her stand. I noticed the way she struggled against the weight of her lehenga, her movements slow and careful. I bent forward slightly, my voice low and soft. 

“*Be careful,*” I murmured, sliding my hand beneath hers to steady her. 

Her fingers slipped into mine—small, soft, but warm—and something shifted in my chest. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like everything in the world would fall into place as long as I held her hand. 

Together, we turned toward the path leading out of the mandap, but as we reached the edge, a familiar face stood blocking the way. 

There was Mona, standing smugly, holding my footwear in her hands like a prized possession. Her grin stretched wide with unmistakable mischief. 

“Aakhir wo pal aa hi gaya jiska main besabri se intezaar kar rahi thi,” she declared dramatically, lifting my shoes higher as if presenting a trophy. 

Standing beside her, Abhiman gave her an unimpressed look, trying to snatch the shoes from her grip. “Mona, de na yaar. Kya kar rahi ho?” 

But Mona swatted his hand away, smirking. “*Abhiman, tu rehne de. Tera kya kaam hai yahan?*” 

That’s when Abhi turned toward Joravar, who was standing a few steps behind, arms crossed with mild disinterest. “*Joravar bhai, aap try karo. Kya pata aapko de de wo. Aakhir aapka charm toh sab pe chalta hai.*” 

Joravar scoffed, shaking his head firmly. “*Nahi, bhai. Main nahi bolunga. Woh pehle se aadhi paagal hai. Aur mujhe apni jaan pyaari hai.*” 

Abhi burst into laughter, pointing at Mona. “*Sahi kaha bhai!*” 

Mona glared at him. “*Abhi, chup ho ja warna sach mein tujhe maar dungi. Jiju, bol do na usse Warna yeh ladka mujhse pit jaayega.*” 

I smiled, knowing how stubborn Mona could be. I glanced at Aki, who was just as amused. 

“*Abhi,*” I said, my voice firm, tilting my head toward him. 

Abhi straightened up, clearly defeated. “*Bol, Mona. Kya chahiye tujhe apne jiju se?*” 

Mona turned toward Aki, her grin still intact. “Aap Akriti ko le jaa rahe hain, jo anmol hai. Mujhe uske badle sirf ek crore chahiye joote churai ke”