© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 38

The night ended with everyone going back to their hotel rooms. Some in peace, some in stress, and some ended their rivalry for the best.

"Neelima. We are adults. Our kids are supposed to get married tomorrow. Let us put this bitter past behind us."

"Supriya nothing can change the fact that your dad and my dad used to be friends and so did we. But your dad accused my dad of running away with the money after they both were business partners."

"I understand Supriya but how is that my fault? You started having a grudge against me because of something our elders did? You can't take out your anger on me just because of a mistake my parent did." said Supriya.

Neelima looked down at the floor and closed her eyes. She was starting to feel old. She had almost no friends left because they had all moved out of India and now the only companion who was in her life was her husband Ashok.

"I'm sorry Su," whispered Neelima.

Supriya shook her head and embraced her frenemy who was now her friend.

"And don't call me Su. I've hated that nickname since childhood."

They both laughed and walked down the hallway catching up on the old memorabilia of their long-lost friend.

Reunited at last!

•••

"I think it goes the other way around," said Shravan confused as he was trying to wrap Krish's turban.

"Left."

"No, you have to put it on the right."

"Last time I checked you were married." scoffed Akaash. "I'm sure you would have known how to dress or did you forget that as well?"

Shravan punched Akaash on the shoulder and Akaash started fighting with his elder brother until Shivaay had to break both of them apart.

"Whenever I see you guys, you are fighting," complained Shivaay as he walked over to Krish and helped him wrap his turban and his shawl.

"You sound like our mom," said Shravan.

"I think hanging out with Nisha has made him more mature," said Shanaya as she walked over to Krish and smiled and started helping him get ready.

"At least two people in this room care about how I'm going to look on my wedding day," said Krish.

"Where did you just come from?" asked Shravan to his wife.

"Radhika's room."

"Oooo." said everyone in the room. The boys whistled and Shanaya giggled at their actions.

"Krish must have butterflies in his stomach after hearing that."

Krish's heart was mildly pounding. He wasn't jittery or afraid because he didn't regret the decision of marrying Radhika but he felt nervous like anyone would on their wedding day.

"I think that is about it," said Shanaya adjusting Krish's broach. He stood up and turned around as he saw his mom eyeing him with tears in her eyes.

"It is time," she said excitedly.

•••

"Where is the veil?" asked Nivedita.

"I need the necklace," said Supriya.

"The wrong set of bangles!" exclaimed Nisha who was also helping Radhika.

Radhika grabbed Nisha's hand and pulled her towards her. Nisha turned towards Radhika and looked at her inquisitively.

"I'm sorry Nisha."

Nisha's eyes widened and her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Radhika on her wedding day as she was looking at Nisha intently.

"Why Radha?" asked Nisha.

"Because I was so tough on you and I always pushed you around. I shouldn't have treated you so poorly when you worked with me."

"No Radhika. I'm still working for you. Never forget that and please don't apologize. You taught me so much, if you would have gone soft on me then that would have never helped me." Nisha said.

Radhika wrapped her arms around Nisha and hugged her.

"And by the way Radhika," said Nisha.

"Yes?"

"I'm over the moon for you and Krish. Nothing matters more to me than both of you getting married and being happy," said Nisha smiling genuinely.

United at last!

•••

Krish sat at the dais anxiously looking at the entrance as his gaze shifted around the room to everyone settling in their seats. He rubbed his hands together and the priest tapped his shoulder.

"Sir I've been tapping your shoulder for the past couple of minutes. Please pay attention." said the priest. "You have been looking in the direction of the door for the past ten minutes. It won't make the bride come faster."

The family members snickered and shook their heads but then someone called out amongst the crowd.

"The bride is here!"

Everyone's head turned and they looked at the door and the canopy of flowers that was above Radhika's head. Shanaya and Nivedita on either side of Radhika with her mom and Nisha behind them with Radhika's relatives behind them.

Krish's breath hitched as he looked at Radhika. Finally, the moment was here when both of them would tie the knot and be married.

"Are you ready?" he asked as he extended his hand to her.

"Ready as I'll ever be."