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As we take our seats in front of the holy fire, I zone out.
My anticipation is hitting the ceiling. I have so many questions.Would this marriage last? Can we make this marriage work? What kind of a relationship will we have? Will he be able to live up to what he has promised? Can a person change so completely as to leave his lifestyle and habits?My mind is churning out all kinds of worries and fears.
Ranveer clears his throat, making me come back to earth. He then places his warm hand on my cold one, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You look stunning.”
Heat rushes to my face at his comment. Nodding my head, I mutter, “Thanks.”
I then jerk my gaze back to the priest. I then begin to follow the instructions on autopilot, whereas one part of my mind is constantly preoccupied with thoughts of how completely my life is about to change from here on. The ceremony and rituals have almost come to an end. Ranveer takes the wedding chain from my mom and makes me wear it and then fills the vermilion in the parting of my head. I meet his dark gaze, which is so intense that it makes my body tingle. He looks at me long enough for me to see resignation in his gaze. I stare down at the wedding chain around my neck. I’m married. It is something I always dreamt of when I was a child. But I never imagined that it would happen in this way. I know I’m signing away a life I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl, one that revolved around marrying my true love.
The crowd cheers and claps their hands as we rise to our feet with him holding my hand. I spot my parents and Rewa with teary eyes.
Ranveer guides me to my parents and his grandpa to take their blessings. My parents are trying their best to keep a hold on themselves, but it’s my father who breaks down. Tears spill on my cheeks and I hug him tightly, not willing to let go of the safe cocoon. My mom hugs me too, patting my back and murmuring soothing words. I somehow gain composure when I feel Ranveer’s hand on my shoulder. For a moment, I let myself believe that he is assuring me of his presence and support hereafter. Soon, the wedding planners ask us to step on the dance floor. Heading to the dance floor, he wraps his arms around my waist and I put my arms around his neck as we both begin to dance.
I focus on theslow-paced song. My hips move in time with his, and our eyes cling together as though no one else in the room existed. The way Ranveer is looking at me makes me feel like I am the only woman in the world he would ever lay his eyes on. And yet, despite the perfection of the moment, my memory brings up instances that it shouldn’t and scratches at my doubts. I am not able to decipher if this marriage is where my happiness lies. My smile dwindles and Ranveer is quick to notice it. He gestures with his chin, asking what is the matter, to which I shake my head, shunning the unwanted thoughts. I want to live in this moment. And what surprises me is all my sad memories begin to disappear and I am in my own world. Lies, hurt, Siddh, shame, marriage — everything begins to sink at the back of my head and a small hesitant smile comes up on my face. At this moment, all I feel is love, hope, and peace.
“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” Ranveer lowers his head to my ear and murmurs. His voice and the breath fanning on my nape pull me out of my trance.
I was so caught up in theuncertainty of the situationthat only a bit had managed to penetrate my fogged brain. I just shake my head. “Nothing, was just thinking.”
“About?” He asks as his hands find my back, pulling me closer to him as we continue to sway to the music.
I blink down at our closeness as our feet move in perfect synchronisation. His nearness and enticing charm are creating havoc in my mind. Even in my befuddled state, I can gauge that this means nothing but trouble. “Till when do we have to continue this?”
“For as long as we live.”
My cheeks flush. “I meant, till when do we have to dance?”
“You don’t like it?”
“You talking about us dancing together? Or about our married life?” I raise my eyebrows at him questioningly, which only brings a smile to his lips.
“How about both?”
I stare at him blankly for a few seconds. I have no answer.
“You can’t brush me off with your silence,” he again murmurs in my ear.
What’s with my heart? It keeps beating faster and faster. Never in my life have I been so attracted to a man — so totally out of control in his presence. I need to control my own mind, but the fog is too thick to let any reasoning penetrate.
To divert my mind, I scan the crowd, and observe how a few glances are zeroed on us while several others are laughing and talking and having a great time in general. The crowd is overwhelming me, as every single invitee is dressed to their T. The men are dressed in their designer suits, shrieking money, while the sparkling pieces of jewellery and the outfits that the females are adorning are competing to outshine each other. My gaze then picks his granddad who is laughing, his eyes shining, and his cheeks red as he talks to my parents. “Your granddad looks happy,” I say, hoping this change of subject will shut him up. His gaze follows mine before turning back to me.
“That’s a good try at changing the topic, but let me warn you that you won’t be able to put me off forever.” His mouth curves slightly at the edge, giving me a mocking smile.
I swallow hard and nod, struggling to control the strange sense of desire bubbling uncontrolled within me. My eyes water, and involuntarily, I squeeze him harder. The nightmares of the past few weeks seem to fade away while I am in his arms. I am too afraid to think about what kind of life we might possibly have, but I find myself wondering how it would feel to make this marriage a real one.
After dancing for some more time, we move to take our seats on the stage.
His granddad approaches us first. “Son, today you have made me really happy by marrying Alisha. I can now live in peace that you have a wonderful wife like Alisha. Keep her happy, Son, she is now your responsibility.” My eyes water at his words.
“I promise I will, Grandpa,” Ranveer nods.
Next, Mom walks up as she turns to Ranveer. “Please take care of our daughter, Son, she is our world.” He nods his head with a smile. Mom then turns to me, kisses my cheek, and hugs me tightly as she whispers, “My little girl is married now.” I clutch her, trying hard to keep my emotions at bay. After giving me a pat on my back, she then lets go of me.
Dad is next in line. He keeps his expression neutral. “It is because of my daughter that you are a part of our family. And that power stays to resound in our lives till you keep her happy. One tear in her eyes and all bets are off. I won’t hesitate to snatch her from you,” he says in a warning tone, masking his face with a fake smile. I stiffen at his words.
“Rishi, you can’t talk to our son-in-law like this,” Mom tugs at his arm with a slight raise in her voice.
“I very well can, if it’s regarding my daughter’s happiness.” He replies without letting his mask slip.
