© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 37

"Say something," said Radhika. "Usually you talk non-stop," she remarked jokingly.

"I love you." he blurted out.

Radhika looked at him quizzically and then she smiled and then blushed.

"I love you too Krish," she said.

"I don't know why but I feel as if you never really told me about your um.." Krish trailed off awkwardly.

"My last marriage?" she said casually.

Krish was surprised at how relaxed she sounded. Months ago she would have a mental breakdown at the mention of her deceased partner.

"It would be a lie if I said that my last marriage was a hellhole. The truth is that it wasn't and that I lived pretty blissfully."

Krish nodded and waited for her to continue.

"Every partner has their shortcomings and that if you are married, it is your job to complete your partner in the best way and make sure that they are happy," said Radhika. "There is nothing I would change in my previous marriage with Arjun but the one thing I did find after his demise in his closet that I wish he would have told me about."

"What was it?" asked Krish.

"His papers that said he had a brain tumor. Arjun never told me because he knew that I was prone to stress due to my business and that I had a lot on my plate. He thought that his health is just another issue that would make me fret. Hence he never told me and.." Radhika trailed off.

"Are you over your past?" asked Krish.

"Most definitely. I would say that Arjun was a very nice guy and that he would want me to happy even after his death."

Radhika placed her head on his chest and he rested his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes and they swayed slowly since it was a slow dance. Her hands were on his shoulders. She could hear his heartbeat and that was mollifying to her.

Suddenly she took her head off his chest and looked into his eyes. They were looking back at hers, they were gentle and patient. He kissed her forehead and that simple kiss made her feel at home. He pulled her closer to which she gasped and he smiled at her.

•••

Shanaya and Shravan were also dancing and instead of being peaceful like Krish and Radhika, they were engaging in their favorite pastime.

Arguing.

"Why did you not tell me about Nisha's feelings for Krish? I could have solved this predicament earlier," she said while glaring at her husband.

"I didn't exactly get the vibes that she had a crush on Krish. And why does this matter now? Krish and Radhika are getting married tomorrow." he said hissing back at her.

"Because your mom keeps glaring at Radhika every five seconds and every time I look over at Nisha, her face is swollen like a balloon due to crying. I feel guilty." Shanaya said.

"I understand but Shanaya, she's our mom. It just takes a while. Everyone needs their own space and time to deal with things. Plus Krish and mom have a very tight-knit relationship since childhood. The fact that he never disclosed his feelings for Radhika to mom hurt her because he has always told her about the girls he has liked."

"And your mom has approved of every single girl Krish has liked but somehow dislikes Radhika immensely?"

Shravan sighed. "Why don't you ask her yourself if you are having all these doubts about how Radhika is going to be treated post marriage? And have some faith. Radhika knows mom dislikes her yet she still loves Krish enough to walk into this family. I'm sure everyone will figure out some common ground."

"I hope so," Shanaya said as she looked at Radhika and Krish.

"Now if you don't mind, can we not be at each other's throats and just relax?" he asked.

Shanaya laughed and hugged her husband.

•••

"How are you feeling?" asked Akaash.

"I'm feeling really happy. Watching my best friend be happy means a lot to me."

"I can understand. One's happiness can lie in watching their loved ones be happy."

"Definitely. I always thought that Radhika would remain unhappy considering her devastation could reach a point where her mental health would be deteriorating. To watch her smile and laugh again with a guy so amazing, my heart just melted when I saw her getting engaged and that is why I started crying."

"I can understand," said Akaash thoughtfully.

"When are we going to get married Akaash?" asked Nivedita. "You proposed to me so long ago and we still haven't spoken to your mother."

"Actually... I spoke to her but.." Akaash trailed off.

"Let me guess. She said no as well," said Nivedita.

"She didn't outrightly say no but she didn't say yes either. Mom said she would think about it but she never got back to me about her decision. I'll try and bring it up again after Krish and Radhika get married peacefully."

Nivedita nodded her head and pointed towards the dance floor. "Dance?"

"Sure," said Akaash as he stood up and offered his hand out to her.

•••

Nisha's sobs echoed around the hotel room where she had run off too. Shivaay cracked open a water bottle and handed it to her while patting her back.

"Thanks, Shivaay," said Nisha.

"I get it. I'm still not over it yet either," said Shivaay.

"I loved him since childhood. It is painful," she said sniffling.

"I understand Nish. It takes time and effort."

"It is not like I can even talk to someone about it," she said.

"What about me?" asked Shivaay.

Nisha looked at him and nodded her head, "Thank you for being a support system for me."

"Well, I don't know if I have been that much of a help."

"No Shivaay. You have been my savior."

A comfortable silence settled around them until Nisha spoke up.

"Shivaay."

"Yes?"

"I think I..."

"What happened?" she asked Shivaay.