It was the wedding day and excitement built within me like a rising tide. My heart swelled with anticipation, knowing that I would soon stand beside my best friend on one of the most important days of her life.
Through all these days, I found myself lost in memories—reminiscing about the laughter, the countless conversations, and the moments that had woven our friendship so tightly together.
I was getting ready, tying my hair up in a ponytail when there was a tiny outburst of a sound, more like a ‘hic’ sound erupting from my throat.
It started as a tiny, barely noticeable hiccup, but then, a second one hit. And then a third. Each hiccup started interrupting my thoughts, my sentences, my peace.
At first, I tried to ignore them, convincing myself they’d pass quickly, like they usually do. But no, today they had other plans. Every few seconds, another hiccup would interrupt whatever I was doing, be it combing my hairs or applying blush over my cheeks.
I tried everything. Holding my breath until I felt like I might burst, drinking water at awkward angles, and even focusing all my energy on staying calm only to be jolted again by another sharp hic that seemed to mock my efforts. My frustration only bubbled up.
And then I realised there’s a playful and sweet old superstition that says you get hiccups when someone is thinking about or missing you.
Each time one strikes, it’s as if the universe is nudging you, saying, "Hey, someone out there is thinking of you!"
I sighed and Navi entered the room and strode to me. “What's up bhabhi?” She asked, standing behind me.
“These hicc-cups! Oh god these are so frustrating!” I cried rubbing the back of my palm below my chin.
“That must be him! Idiot!” She chuckled, referring to Vayu as the reason behind my hiccups. I smiled and took my phone as I dialled his number and kept the phone on speaker.
He picked up after two rings and before he could say anything, I yelled at him, “Stop missing me!”
“What?” He asked from the other end.
“Yes! You're the rea–reason behind my hiccups! Idiot! And it's so frustrating!” I said annoyingly.
He laughed and replied, “Baby I would rather prefer to be the reason for your morning sickness than your hiccups!”
My jaw dropped and I choked at his words while Navi screamed, “Holy fuckkk!”
I immediately turned off the speaker and brought the phone to my ear as I yelled at him, “Kashyapppp!”
“Speaker pe tha phone?” He asked surprisingly from the other end as I gritted my teeth to control my urge to beat him.
“Ab to tu gaya!” I whispered before disconnecting the call and squeezed my eyes in embarrassment.
Navi chuckled hard and hugged me from behind, pecking softly on my cheeks and muttering, “You're so cute, Bhabhi!”
The day passed by as the sun settled in the horizon welcoming the special night through its beautiful sky.
With a sense of quiet joy, I chose my outfit, a plain red saree with heavy embroidered blouse, ensuring each detail was perfect for the occasion. The fabric felt like a second skin, soft and familiar, reflecting the comfort and confidence I wanted to bring to the day.
Once we got ready, as a ritual we clicked lots and lots of selfies and pictures waiting to be added up into our Instagram feed.
Once I was sure about every arrangement for the guests in the garden area, I decided to get ready before someone burdened me with any other work.
I quickly strode towards our room, on the second floor while scrolling through my phone.
As I reached the room, I knocked at the room which swung open within a few seconds. I entered inside, without lifting my gaze.
My sole attention was on the phone when I heard a throat clearing voice. My head lifted up, my eyes stopping at Reya.
When I saw her in that red saree, it was as if the world around me faded for a moment. The way the fabric flowed around her, the deep red enhancing her every movement, made her look like something out of a dream.
I couldn't help but feel captivated by the sight of her and all I could think about was how stunning she looked, as if the saree had been made just for her.
She smiled at me, taking my breaths away as I took slow steps towards her. Cupping her cheeks gently, I leaned forward and whispered, “You look absolutely breathtaking in this red saree and I can't take my eyes off you—you look like a dream.”
She blushed at my compliment and patted my chest while giggling.
“Get ready! I'm waiting for you!” She proposed and I nodded before pecking her cheeks.
“Bhai tum logo ka PDA khatam nahi hoga na?” We heard Navi who came out of the bathroom.
I turned towards her and spoke up, “Jis din tu hume privacy dena seekh jaegi uss din apne aap ho jayega!”
Reya chuckled at my words while Navi narrowed her eyes at me. “Okayy I'm going to see Tanu Di! Bhabhi, come soon!” She said while winking at Reya and left the room.
I locked the door before striding towards Reya and pulling her in my embrace. Brushing the hair strand behind her ears, I leaned forward and captured her lips in a slow kiss. Her hands automatically curled up around my neck pulling me closer to her.
Interlacing our fingers together as I continued to kiss her, the wedding sounds seemed to be muffled up. It was just the two of us, and faded music playing on the ground floor making the atmosphere cinematic.
She patted my chest and I pulled away only to peck her forehead gently. “Come on! Get ready!” She urged again and I quickly went inside the bathroom to take a shower before getting ready.
While she looked as an epitome of elegance in the red saree, I was in a charcoal grey suit, paired with a crisp white shirt, a deep burgundy tie, and polished shoes.
We made our way downstairs to attend the wedding, the air filled with a quiet excitement. As we approached the gathering, the hum of conversation and laughter surrounded us, yet all I could focus on was how radiant my Sunflower looked.
I was busy admiring her flawless beauty when she whispered, “I'm going to see Tanu!” Excitement filled her voice as she walked away.
I was busy with my phone when I felt a firm hold on my shoulder. As I turned I saw Reya's parents, standing in front of me with a big smile of their face.
I immediately bent down to touch their feet to seek blessings. “How are you beta?” Mummy asked me as I shared a warm hug with her.
“I'm good, Maa! How are you guys?” I asked while her father smiled at me.
“We're good too! Kittu kahan hai?” Mr. Sharma asked and I told them that she went to take Tanu.
We were busy gossiping when everyone's attention shifted to the bride who just entered the garden area.
As my gaze swept across the aisle, there she was—my Sunflower, coming along with the Tanu, walking with effortless grace. For a moment, it felt as though time slowed, and all the celebration around faded into the background.
Watching her there, so perfectly in sync with the celebration, I felt a deep, overwhelming sense of love.
As Tanu walked in, looking stunning in her beautiful outfit, everyone fell silent as she made her way down the aisle, the room filled with a gentle, happy buzz. Once she reached the front, the ceremony started, marking the beginning of the wedding celebration.
Reya strode towards us, her face glowing in the fairy lights. She almost jumped over her mother in excitement as she hugged her tightly.
“Aaplog kab aaye?” She asked, pulling away, making us all chuckle at her cuteness.
“Bas abhi thodi der pehle! Bahut sundar lag rahi hai tu!” Mummy complimented her while applying kala tikka behind her eyes.
Reya blushed at her words and we settled ourselves on the chairs as the varmala was about to begin.
As we sat together, my hands naturally found hers, a quiet exchange of affection amidst the joy around us.
As the ceremony progressed, I noticed her fully absorbed in the moment, her eyes glistening as the couple exchanged vows. I nudged her foot slightly under the chair, just enough to get her attention.
When she glanced over at me, I leaned forward and whispered, “Are you okay, sunflower?”
“I can't believe how time flew. You know we were just kids some years ago, and today she's getting married to the man of her dreams.” Her voice felt heavy as tears appeared on the brim of her eyes.
“I see someone is getting the wedding vibes, hmm?” I teased her, making her narrow her eyes at me.
I leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “Tu kahe to hum bhi unke saath hi phere lele?”
Her brows raised in surprise while her cheeks blushed. She cleared her throat and spoke up, “You know what Kashyap, my parents are sitting right beside me!” She warned me, making me chuckle.
“Toh kya hua? Vo konsa mana karenge!” I replied and she rolled her eyes at me.
Everyone stood up to applaud the newlyweds, when Vayu sneaked his arm around my waist, pulling me close for a moment as we both clapped.
He gave my fingers a little squeeze with his free hand, reminding me of his playful side, even in the middle of such a formal occasion. I try to keep my composure, keeping in mind that my parents are right beside me, but the warmth of the moment only made it more special.
The wedding feast started and my parents went to meet Tanu's parents leaving us at the dinner table.
While everyone was busy with the wedding dinner, we quietly slipped away from our table.
We found a secluded corner by the garden, lit by soft fairy lights. “Kashyap koi dekh lega!” I tried to stop him when he hugged me, dipping his face in the crook of my neck.
We shared a quiet moment, away from the chatter and laughter, just enjoying each other's company and the peaceful atmosphere. Just the two of us, away from the crowd, enjoying a private moment together.
“We both will be leaving tomorrow!” He groaned, leaving wet kisses on my neck.
My eyes opened on realisation and I pushed him away as I looked into his eyes. As the wedding night drew to a close, the excitement of the day slowly faded into the realisation that we’d have to part ways the next day.
The thought of returning to our long-distance routine felt like a heavy weight on my heart. I remembered the way we spent our last evening together savouring every moment.
He stepped closer, snaking his arms across my waist, attaching our forehead. “I can’t believe we have to say goodbye already!” I said softly, trying to hold back tears.
“I know!”, he replied, his voice gentle. “It’s been such an amazing time. I wish we didn’t have to leave.”
The laughter and joy of the wedding felt distant now, overshadowed by the reality of our separation.
“We’ll get through this,” I said, my hand squeezing his. “We always do. It’s just hard right now.”
Our moment was interrupted when my phone started ringing and we stepped away, our hands still interlaced.
“Haan Mumma!” I spoke picking up the call.
“Mm…we were just enjoying the sweets!” I said when she asked me where we were. A smirk instantly appeared on Vayu's face as he squeezed my fingers with his.
“Haan bas aa rahe hai!” I replied and started moving towards the hall where everyone was gathered for the rest of the rituals.
“Sweets haan! Yeah it was delicious.” He teased looking at my neck and I shot a mocking glare at him.
“I'll kill you, kashyap!” I said, making him chuckle.
“Oh really? You can't even catch me!” he said with a smirk.
“Then I'll stab your heart in your sleep!” I said playfully while my eyes were fixed on the front. He squeezed my fingers making me look at him.
“Please don't stab my heart! My Sunflower resides here.” he said pointing at the left side of his chest.
My smile faded as soon as his words entered my ears. “She'll get hurt and I can't afford to hurt her even if I'm laying on my deathbed!” he continued with a painful smile.
My steps halted in the middle of the garden, his words pierced through the festive atmosphere of the wedding, leaving me emotional.
“I was just kidding Vayu!” I said cupping his cheeks, my voice filled with guilt.
“But I was not!” He replied, hiding his pain behind the smile.
I lunged forward, curling my arms around his torso as I held him tightly. His chest pressed against mine, his breaths audible.
“Koi dekh lega Sunflower!” He spoke up, rubbing my back.
“I don't care!” I murmured and tightened my grip.
He chuckled and kissed my hair. “I'm sorry Vayu! I really didn't mean to…” I was cut off by him as he said, “Do you want me to kiss you right here?”
I pulled away to look at him who was smirking.
Asshole!
We started moving again as our little battle continued.
As we reached the hall, I was pulled by Navi who took me to Tanu. As we approached her, I leaned down at Tanu's level.
“Ye romance tum log baad mein bhi kar sakte ho! Now stay beside me!” She mocked me, making me flustered and I patted her back.
We were gossiping when Tanu's mother came and asked her to do the kaleere ceremony. As the kaleere ceremony began, all the unmarried girls gathered in anticipation. Tanu pushed me to make me sit down as a participant despite my numerous denials.
Tanu, adorned with kaleere, started shaking the chimes over all the girls. As she came behind me in a twist of fate, a piece fell on me and in that fleeting moment, my eyes met Vayu's filling the air with a sense of shared excitement.
My cheeks flushed in coyness as I hid my face on my knees. Everyone hooted in that moment making it more joyful.
Before Tanu could move to the next girl, we heard Vayu's voice as he spoke, “Ab to kainaat bhi yahi ishara kar rahi hai ki hum dono ko shaadi kar leni chaiye. Ye ladki hi nahi maan rahi bas!”
I facepalmed myself and stood up as I ran behind him.
“Ruk jaa tu! Bahut bolne laga hai aajkal!” I called him running after him who was literally far away from me.
“I wasn't lying though!” He said while grinning standing behind the chair as I approached him.
I was about to catch him when he started running again, “Ruk jaa naa!” I shouted but he continued to move while I went behind me.
A minute passed as I continued to catch him but my efforts were going vain. My breathing become shallow as I stopped near a chair keeping my hands over it for support.
“Kya hua Sunflower?” He asked and laughed hard.
I gritted my teeth and suddenly an idea struck my mind. I smirked and called out, “Oh no, my leg! Ahh! I’ve sprained my leg so badly!” as I settled on the chair holding my leg.
His steps halted as he looked at me, half-concerned and half-amused, and rushed towards me. “What happened? Are you okay?”
I gave him a mischievous smile and replied, “I'm absolutely fine baby!” and immediately twisted his ear, “Bahut bol raha tha na udhar!”
“Ouchhh!” He yelled, “Yeah cheating hai, ese kon karta hai?” His voice was low.
“Main!” I replied, twisting his ear harder.
“Acha meri maa! Maaf karde majaak kar raha tha-ahh!” he said holding my wrist.
I left his ear and he rubbed it, “You're bad!” He said, making me laugh.
“How can I be bad when I'm your favourite troublemaker?” I winked at him.
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