SHIVAYE’S POV
The hall was decorated with flowers and lights every where. The happiness and joy was visible in the places as women gushed about how pretty the bride and groom would look, men talked about business and kids played around. The music in the background confirmed that the bride was on her way and once again silence took the place.
Anika came there as she gracefully made her way through the stairs in her red lehanga with her hair flowing till her waist. She has touched her face with make up and for the effort she looked even more attractive that I felt like my hands will have tough job keeping them to myself. She lifted her chocolate brown eyes and met mine. For a moment it was only her and I in the world and the rest of them have disappeared into the air. She blushed deep red before whispering into the ears of the wedding girl.
I was genuinely happy for Tia. Today was marked as her wedding day where she and Robin will be declared as wife and husband to share their joy and sorry together for the rest of the life. I was glad that I met Anika because if it wouldn’t have been her then I would be stuck in a marriage with the girl who was not interested in me.
When I heard that she was playing with me and was engaged to me for the sake of her parents I was shocked and angry. If anything I didn’t like the people who betrayed their close ones. I have never felt physical attraction towards her other than friendly gestures and I thought after marriage everything will work out. I realized that she was helpless and she didn’t have a option. We talked together and ended things in good terms.
It was surprise that out of all people she chose Robin, the one and only brother of Rohit; ex-fiance of Anika. But Anika made me realize just because his brother is a jerk and players I didn’t have the right to judge him too. And like always she was right, he was so humble and kind. His relationship with Tia had lot of bumps and thrones but despite everything they are going to one soul today.
“Please keep your eyes down for a moment bhaiya, I’m scared that Anika di will burn from your gaze.” Rudra said and I groaned. He wouldn’t even let me peacefully check out Anika. If anything the next mission was to get a girl for him. But it was obvious there was chemistry between him and the chubby girl,Soumya.
They have started hanging our together and also have exchanged numbers with each other. The whole college as Priyanku mentioned is gossiping about them being a couple. I just hope they confront their feelings as soon as possible.
“Shivaye, It’s a pleasure to meet you again.” Mr.Patol said with a warm smile on his face. He was a cilent that I worked months ago but we both had a good time together. He was in his early fifties but still perfectly healthy.
“It’s nice to you meet you too, never expected to bump you here out of all place.” I said as I shook his large hand. He smiled and patted my back.
“I worked with Robin in a project and that’s how I’m invited here.” He said and shoved his hands into the pocket of his pant. “How are you?”
“I’m good, Mr.Patol.” I answered and flickered my eyes to Anika who was playing with her shawl absent mindedly.
“Good to know, son. For my part, I’m enjoying growing old. When are you planning to get married or single forever?” He casually asked and I smiled.
“I’m engaged with Anika Bansal.” I beamed with happiness and I hope it was not so obvious.
“Congratulations, young man.” He said and continued “True love, I see from the way your cheeks betrayed you. It’s a beautiful thing and only a few people get the chance to experience it. Have a great future ahead and treat the beauty as a queen, Mr.Oberio.” He chuckled and said “And there my true love is standing and I can’t let her be alone, bye.” He said before giving me a small side hug and going to his wife.
I never believed in true love before but I knew it existed when I heard my grandparents story. Poles apart but together at the end, it their love that helped them survive it. It is surprising how Anika’s happiness matters to me more than mine and how much she is important to me. It is hard to even think a world without her beside me and how much my life revolves around her. Just one smile is enough to brighten my mood and she means everything to me.
“I’m exhausted and I wish to get done with this marriage right now. This dress is too heavy for my body to hold.” A whining Anika came and kept her head on my shoulder. She looked gorgeous in it but even with a plain top with jeans Anika could pull the look.
“But you doesn’t look bad yourself.” I said even though I couldn’t keep my eyes off her for a second.
“Sure and I believe you didn’t spare even a single glance in my direction.” She rolled her eyes and I broke into fits of laughter. She was so cute when she was angry.
“So, where is everyone?” I asked and she dragged me to a hall where everyone was sitting happily and chatting away. Whatever they were talking they stopped it when they saw our presence.
“You will live long for hundred years, bro. We were just talking about you.” Rudra said sitting beside a dolled up Soumya. I sat opposite to them with Anika next to me.
“I’m not going to leave you alone and for crying out loud I’m sure you will mess something up if I’m not around.” I joked and he frowned. “But what were you talking about?” I asked as curiosity killed the cat.
“We were talking about your honeymoon destination.” Rudra said casually as if it was no big deal. Anika choked from drinking water and I patted her back quickly. “Are you alright?” He asked innocently like he don’t know the reason why she is having trouble now.
“I’m fine.” Anika mumbled slowly and before the situation can get awkward someone popped their head in the room.
“Hey guys, I was searching everywhere for you. The ceremony and rituals will start now. Thank you so much for coming.” Tia said excitedly and full of energy.
“Congratulations, Tia. Best wishes for you and Robin.” I said as I hugged her. She smiled showing her set of shining white teeth. She has always been consious about how she look and she worked out as well. And her effort showed off in her body but Anika was different. She didn’t give a damn about how she look and also she was naturally beautiful and oblivious to the eyes following her.
Anika was simple and just like how I did people will never find that she is the heir of billionaire. She liked her shell but yet enjoyed and found happiness and joy in everything. She liked to be called Anika and wants to make her own identity. If I was the man I was back then I wouldn’t be happy with her decisions because I believed that hard earned money should be used to live luxurious life. But everything changed, I changed and Anika changed me.
“Thank you, Shivaye baby.” She said and everyone burst into fits of laughter. Another I was happy that things didn’t work out for us because I didn’t need to hear her calling me ‘baby’ every now and then. But Anika calling me like that makes a difference.
“I’m sorry for whatever intention I had. But I’m happy things came to this where I got Robin and you met Anika.” She genuinely said and I nodded my head. “Come on, we are getting late and Robin would think that I escaped in the last minute.” She joked and ran for the door with my family following her heels.
The rituals were done. Mantra were recited and pheras taken. Happiness filled in the whole place and everyone’s had a wide smile as they saw the new couple, Mr and Mrs. Robin Sharma.
I can’t lie that even for a single second I didn’t wonder how it would be if I and Anika was instead of married couple. How we would agree to the vows, together take the rounds, I would tie the necklace stating her as mine around her neck, I would fill her forehead with sindoor and everything.
I have million times thought about a occasion where we could talk about our future but then the death of her father happened and it shook her badly. I wanted to give her time until she was good but I don’t know when is the right time. And I’m waiting for it.
“I will take the other car with Rudra. You drive with Anika bhabhi.” Om said after the ceremony was completely over. Everyone dined and now it was time for bride and groom to sneak for their honeymoon. She said that she decided Kerala, Southern state of India as their destination. It was quiet a surprise because I expected her to go for Paris or Rome because she was hopeless romantic girl.
“I have seen the pictures of the place and it’s breathtaking. I love nature so much and it’s filled with the colour green. I suggest you should take Anika there once and I will update you all with my pictures.” She winked and after bidding good byes we left. Before that Om quickly went to a girl dressed in a white lehanga and whispered something to her. They exchanged numbers and after saying something which I assume is ‘bye’ he came over and Rudra punched his arm later.
“You better tell us everything.” I said after shooting him a glare and following Anika to my car.
The moment she was inside she strected her hands and yawned a sleep. Within a moment she was in a deep slumber. It’s crazy how I can stare at her face where her mouth is slightly opened and her eyes closed peacefully. I just loved every little about this women sitting beside me and I’m so lucky to have her. She is the true love for me.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Pinch me, will you? Because I honestly can’t believe there is only one chapter remaining and it will be the end of this book. For a time, I thought this book won’t forever even reach 29 chapters but I completed that one. I learnt a lesson that nothing is impossible. Early on April when I started writing I thought it will be a lonely book but see where it is now. I’m so happy and happiest person right now. Thank you so much and cupcakes all the way to you. It means a lot to me and keep supporting. Love you all ?