Megha's POV:
The Pooja was about to begin in sometime, or this is what I figured out with the arrangement of the guests in the Sharma Mansion. The ladies and gents were seated seperately, and across them, there was a beautiful and ecstatic idol of Lord Krishna, garlanded with red flowers.
Next to the idol was another idol of Radha, prettier than ever, her eyes soaked with devotional love just capturing the only image that she ever wanted, i.e., of Lord Krishna.
The Panditji had already arrived and, my eyes glanced across the crowd to see where my parents were. I spotted them sitting exactly behind Charan's parents. I felt a tight knot in my stomach and my heart almost slipped out of my mouth. I felt a slight pat on my right shoulder, I turned to see the most familiar face which expressed reassurance. Charan, if it weren't for him, I would have fainted with the fear.
Veera's mother, who was sitting with Charan's parents signalled us to sit with them. Obediently, we took our places. As the Pooja began, the crowd was elated in the vibes of devotion.
I just had one prayer, if Charan and me coming together resulted in happiness for both our families, then may it happen. Otherwise, may the Lord dawn both of us with courage to stay alive and move on, separately. No one should be hurt because of us, especially because of Charan. He has done a lot for his family and he loves them more than his own life and may be more than me as well. This thought never made me sad because this was one of the main reasons I fell heads over heels with him.
I simply closed my eyes and listened to the life stories of Lord Krishna, the hardships he faced and how the very Lord gave the Bhagavad Gita to the entire world. His compassion and love for all his devotees, inspite of their ignorance and ego, was beyond comprehension. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I totally surrendered myself at His feet.
After an unknown amount of time, I found someone shaking me.
"Megha- Meghaaa...
It's Arati time..."
This was from Chinmayi. She slowly helped me stand up, my legs felt a little Jell-O. The lights we switched off and the hall was lit only with the huge lamp, whose flame smiled with glory and brightness.
The Panditji melodiously sung the Arati, as the Sharamas' took turns to offer their prayers to the Lord. Wow, this was so beautiful to witness.
Following this, the guests also offered their prayers. Veera's mother asked us also to come and perform the Arati. First, Vivek Bhaiya and Diya Bhabhi went, followed by Chinmayi, Anirudh, Akhila and Veera.
"Charan aajao beta.", Veera's mother called.
I found him standing rooted to his spot.
"Charan..."
"Ha-haa.. ha badi-ma aa Raha hoon...."
"Megha... Thum bhi aao..."
"Ji-ji... Auntiji..."
As Charan led the way, I slowly followed his shadow. Just one prayer, that's it... I kept chanting to myself.
After Charan performed the Arati, he turned to give the plate to me, I looked into his eyes and found that they were already looking into mine. He gave a meek smile and I was almost about to melt for that.
"Megha, jaldi karo beta...."
I heard Veera's mother's voice...
The magical jinx broke into reality and I offered my heartfelt prayers to the Lord.
I found Diya Bhabhi distributing sweets to everyone and Vivek Bhai was guiding everyone to go for dinner.
"Megha-"
It was Chinmayi. She looked nervous and her eyes decoded empathy to me.
"Ye-yeah Chinnu tell me..."
"Ma is calling you. She is sitting the full family and Anirudh went to invite your parents as well..."
My heart skipped a beat. Tears swelled up in my eyes.
"O-oh", I choked.
"Don't worry Megha, all will be well.", she meekly smiled at me.
"Wha-what about-"
"Charan? He's already there..."
"Oh-oh"
"How is- "
"Megha!Don't worry, you are panicking; come let's go. Ma raah dekh Rahi hogi."
Chinmayi gave me the biggest and the tightest bear hug possible.
I smiled at her and walked.
Each step slower than the other...
The world seemed to disappear for fate was going to reveal itself in a few minutes.
Love: What do you make me experience?
***

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The Journey from Ms. Sharma to Mrs. Who [✓]
RomanceChinmayi Sharma is a confident, independent young girl, pursuing her final year Engineering. Being one of the youngest children, she has been pampered by her grandparents, uncles and all her cousins. Brought up in a closely knit and culture-enriche...