Desire ✔️

Part 58: To All The Girls I've Loved Before...

6.40pm
Bhalla House

Ishita sat in front of the mirror in Raman's bedroom, her bedroom, her eyes bright with unshed tears as she gazed at her reflection. The woman in the mirror was familiar and yet not, the shimmering pink Punjabi suit, the large jhumkaas and maang tikka, all obscuring her old self, creating a brand new Ishita. Ishita Raman Bhalla.

"No tears" Rinki told her firmly, patting at her face with a tissue. She grinned at Ishita's reflection, turning back to raise her eyebrows at Ruhi, who was sitting on her parents bed, gazing with rapture at her decked up mother.

"Kyun Ruhi? How does Ishima look?"

"Beautiful"Ruhi giggled. "Ab chalo na, dadi aur Simmi bua aur sab ko dikhana hai."
(Come, we have to show daadi and simmi bua and everyone)

"Tum chalo Ruhi, hum aa rahe hai" Rinki stepped back and cast a critical eye at Ishita's attire, before adjusting her dupatta slightly.
(You go Ruhi we are coming)

"Ok now bhabhi" she smiled, as Ruhi ran out of the room, flouncing her red and white ghagra. "Let's go and face the crowds"

"Rinki" Ishita stood up and then hesitated, clutching at Rinki's hand. "Raman ne phir call kiya kya? I mean.."
(Rinki, did Raman call again. I mean..)

""No bhabhi" Rinki replied, patting Ishita's hand reassuringly. "Bhai hasn't called at all since this morning. Sirf Mihir aaya tha, aur sirf Mihir ne call kiya tha, yeh kehne ke liye ki cars yahan 7 pm aajayegi aur hum der na kare."
(No bhabhi. Bhai hasn't called at all since this morning. Only Mihir came and only Mihir called, to say that the cars will be here to pick us up at 7.00)

Ishita had missed Ramans call that morning. She had woken up after her surprisingly deep and long sleep after the mornings festivities only to learn that Raman had gone to the office and had called to say that the reception would not be at the Aakash Ganga Community Hall as she and their families had thought, but at a hotel in the city, that he, Mihir and his events team had arranged everything and all he wanted was for Ishita and the family to relax before joining him at the hotel that evening.

Ishita had been touched by his thoughtfulness, but she was also anxious. The reception had been supposed to be a small family affair, like their wedding, but she knew her Raman, and if he had booked a hotel and involved his events team, then it wouldn't be a small affair by any stretch of the imagination.

Plus, she missed him. She had missed him all day, longing for the sight of his handsome face, the sound of his gravelly voice. She blushed now as she spoke softly to Rinki.

"Yeh kapde Mihir se kyun bheja..khud aa jaate. Rest bhi nahi kiya hoga" (Why did he send these clothes with Mihir. He could've come himself. I bet he hasn't taken any rest either)

Mihir had arrived at midday with a seamstress in tow, bearing gifts from Raman for everyone. A selection of designer outfits from one of the most exclusive boutiques in town, for the ladies to choose from. There were Punjabi suits for all the Bhalla ladies, Mihika and Vandu, saris for Mrs Iyer and Ishita's chitti, ghagras for Ruhi and Ananya. And for Ishita, he had already made the selection - this beautiful pink bridal Punjabi suit and a box of jewellery.

The seamstress had become busy with all the ladies, measuring, adjusting, and making sure that all chosen outfits looked just perfect. And they did. Especially the brides outfit.

It was not her style, something she would never have bought, yet she had to admit that the design enhanced her figure, clinging to her curves and then flaring out in a swirl of luxurious fabric. The soft pink brightened her face, and the heavy silver and diamond jewellery sparkled at her ears and throat, adding a radiance to her glow. She touched the heavy choker tentatively, marvelling anew at her husband's generosity.