A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

chapter:10

The Mukherjee Haveli was buzzing with people. Aparajita was dressed in a red Banarasi saree, adorned like a new bride again, just as she had been three years ago. Her hair was longer now, her features sharper, but her innocence remained intact. Her wide almond eyes glimmered with excitement, unaware of the gravity of what lay ahead.

By looking at her, Aarish felt a connection. Maybe of puppet of their families expectations.

After all the rituals, it was time for her bidaai.

Her parents stood beside her, their eyes red from tears they tried to hold back. Her mother adjusted the pleats of Aparajita’s saree one last time, whispering, as they were ready to leave for Bishnupur Rajbari."You look like a goddess, my child."

Aparajita, oblivious to the underlying emotions, giggled, "Ma, you told me girls go to their in-law's house one day. Then why are you crying?"

"Na.. na I am not crying. " her mother wiped her tears.

"You can come to meet me and I will also come to meet you, isn't  it baba?"

Her words made her father’s heart clench and he could just nod.

He turned to Aarish, who stood nearby, looking composed yet slightly uneasy. "Take care of her, Aarish," Aparajita’s father said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Aarish nodded. “I will.”

As the car began to leave the haveli, Aparajita leaned out to wave at her family. She smiled, her excitement clear, as if she were heading on an adventure. But Aarish could sense the weight of the moment. Glancing at her leaning against the car window, he felt an unspoken responsibility settle in his chest. He will give her all the happiness.

Some time later, Aparajita dozed off  her head resting lightly on Aarish’s arm. Her hair, smelling faintly of jasmine, brushed against his shoulder.

Aarish looked down at her serene face, her features delicate, her lips slightly parted in her sleep. He was in awkward moment as it was first time a girl was this close to him other than his mother and grandmother.

He thought about her parents' request. He didn’t fully knew what changes and responsibility comes with marriage, but he knew one thing—he had to protect her from the harshness of the world.

When they reached the Bishnupur Rajbari, Aarish gently shook her. "Aparajita, wake up. We’re here," he said softly.

Aparajita blinked awake, momentarily confused. “Where am I?” she murmured, her voice groggy as she woke up in an unfamiliar surrounding.

“You’re at the Rajbari,” Aarish replied, pointing outside.

She straightened up and looked at the grand mansion. Her eyes widened and sleep vanished. “Your house is as big as mine!” she exclaimed, stepping out of the car as Aarish opened the door for her.

Aarish chuckled. “Do you like it?” Though she didn't know him properly but that didn't stopped her from speaking.

Aparajita tilted her head, her brows furrowing. “Let me see from inside first. Then I’ll decide.”

Aarish smirked. “Fair enough”

The family welcomed them with traditional Bengali rituals. Aparajita was led inside for the Bouboron ceremony, her small hands clutching a brass plate filled with rice and turmeric water. The women fussed over her, instructing her to follow the customs. Aarish watched from the corner, his eyes following her as she carefully stepped into her new life.