Samyukta's POV

Today is my brother and Shree's wedding. I'm feeling really emotional right now. I'm sure our families, especially our mothers, are too. Shree has been my best friend for ages, and seeing her become my sister-in-law is a joy I can't put into words. My brother, whom I greatly admire, is marrying the love of his life. I always wished for him to find a wonderful partner, and my wish is coming true.

My brother has always supported me in every decision I've made, whether it was to study medicine in Delhi or anything else. He has never left my side. Both Shree and he understand me like nobody else, and watching them unite brings tears of happiness and peace to my eyes, knowing they're safe with each other.

Now, we're getting ready for the haldi ceremony. My friends and my brother's friends have planned to splash turmeric water on both of them from behind. It sounds like a fun idea, so I gave in. I've asked one of the photographers to capture their candid reactions. We'll execute our plan from my room, and right now, we're preparing two buckets of turmeric water.

After all the preparations were done, we got ready and left to celebrate the haldi ceremony.

Author's POV

The palace lawn was decorated in yellows, pinks, blues and greens. 

Everyone dressed in shades of yellow, perfectly matching the theme of the ceremony.

Our bride looked stunning in a mustard-colored chiffon saree adorned with flower jewelry in shades of white and pink. The groom opted for a simple white kurta, completing the elegant look.

The ceremony kicked off with the elders, Devendra Singh Chauhan and Shakuntala Devendra Chauhan, applying haldi to the couple first, followed by Uday Singh Rathore and Vasundhara Uday Rathore. Next, the couple's parents performed the same ritual, and then the rest of the uncles and aunties joined in. Finally, it was the younger generation's turn.

The younger ones had a blast, playfully attacking the bride and groom with heaps of haldi paste. Samrat's hairstyle was ruined, and his friends even tore off his white shirt, leaving his upper body entirely yellow. On the other hand, Samyukta and her friends went all out, applying so much haldi on Shree's face that bits of it entered her mouth. They were a complete mess.

Abhimanyu didn't join in the playful antics. He stood on the side, watching their fun tactics. Samyukta's laughter and cuteness mesmerized him. She acted like a baby, rubbing Shree's face vigorously with haldi. Though he knew about their water attack plan, he chose not to participate because, to him, it all seemed a bit childish. He enjoyed observing the playful moments but didn't want to be a part of them.

ABHISHREE X SAMRAT

 As the other guests took their turns applying haldi to the couple, the gang quietly set the stage for their mission. Carefully placing the buckets of turmeric water they had prepared earlier behind the bride and groom without letting them know, they signaled the photographer to be ready. Taking their positions, they counted down, "one... two... three... and ATTACK!"

The couple got drenched in water, and they were in shock for a while. Everyone else had a good laugh, seeing their conditions. The gang congratulated themselves on successfully carrying out their task, satisfied with the result. Shree was furious as her friends had ruined her entire look. She took a handful of haldi paste in both palms and ran towards Samyukta, ruining her hair by applying all the paste she had in her hands. Then, she returned the victory smirk that Samyukta had shown a while ago after executing the mission. She huffed in annoyance, but when the photographer showed them the results, Abhishree was gleaming with happiness. The photo did look fantastic, and both the gang and the photographer did a fantastic job.

After all the running around and playing, everyone got tired. 

At noon, everyone went to have lunch. Everyone was sitted at a long reactangular table.

"To Samyukta, tu kiske team me hai?" Naina asked.

( "Samyukta, which team are you in?")

"Obviously apne bhai k team me." Samyukta replied.

(Obviously in my brother's team.)

"Oh! Mujhe laga Abhi k team me hogi..." Ananya said.

(Oh! I thought you would be in Abhi's team...)

"Bhool gaye? Evil nanad?!"

(Did you forget? The evilsister-in-law?!)

They chuckled at her statement. 

After lunch, they headed to their rooms for a quick nap. Unfortunately, the bride couldn't take any rest as she had to do her makeup. After lunch, she went to her room, where the makeup artists were already present.

The muhurat  for the wedding was scheduled for eight o'clock in the evening.

As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon and the lights illuminated the lawn, the place exuded a vibe reminiscent of ancient times. The candles, flowers and vibrant curtains contributed to the aesthetics of the wedding. The word 'royal' was practically shouted by the grandeur of the palace.

IN SAMRAT'S ROOM

Samrat was getting ready with the help of his designer and his assistants. His friends were also present to help him look his best.

Samyukta entered his room and complimented him. "Ache lag rhe ho aap, Bhaiyaa."

(You are looking good, brother.)

"Thanks, Sammu. Abhi ready hogyi hai?"

(Thanks, Sammu. Is Abhi ready?)

"Kyu? Betaab ho rhe ho aap?" Samyukta teased him. His friends laughed at her comment.

(Why? Are you getting impatient to see her?)

"Keh sakti hai tu aisa..." He replied smiling shyly.

(You can say that...)

"Haha. Mujhe malum hai..." She chuchkled.

(Haha. I know...)

"Kaisi dikh rhi hai wo?"

(How's she looking?)

"Bhaiyaa, abhi to puri zindagi baaki hai. Jitna chahe use dekhlena. Thori der or sabra karo or socho kya kya vachan leni hai aapko."

(Bhaiyaa, there's a whole life ahead. Take your time, see her as much as you want. Wait a bit longer and think about the promises you want to make today.)

"Haan haan. Bahut gyaan jharne lagi hai tu..." 

(Yes, yes. You've started sharing a lot of wisdom...)

"Aapse hi to seekhi hai maine."

(I've learned it from you only.)

"Chal chal. Baate mat bana."

(Okay okay, don't make stories.)

They shared a laughter and Samyukta checked her brother's look fixing his dupatta and safa before placing a brooch on his kurta.

"Ye tune kharida hai?" Samrat asked.

(Did you buy this?)

"Haan, aapke liye." She replied.

(Yes, for you.)

"Kyu bekar ki kharcha karti hai?"

(Why do you spend on useless things?)

"Aap itna bhi bekar nhi ho."

(You're not that useless.)

He smiled at her and hugged her.

"Acha hai..."

(This's good...)

"Pata hai mujhe. Mera taste hai hi itna accha." Samyukta said dramatically.

(I know. My taste is that good.)

"Utna bhi acha nhi hai, haan." Samrat said, side-eyeing her.

(It's not that great, okay.)

She rolled her eyes at his reaction and then looked at him with affection.

"Chal chal. Rulayegi kya abhi mujhe?"

(Oh come on. Are you going to make me cry now?)

"Nahi nahi. Acha joota churai ke bare me kya socha aap sab ne?" Samyukta asked Samrat's friends.

(No, no. By the way, what do you all think about the joota chupai ceremony?)

"Aapki friends to chupane ka plan bana rhi hain." Rishabh said.

(Your friends are planning to steal them.)

"Hmm...lekin hum unhe chupane nhi denge. Bhai jab joota kholenge tab hi mai leke bhag jaungi aap sab unhe rok lijiye gaa."

(Hmm... but we won't let them steal. When my brother takes off the shoe I'll snatch it and run away. You all please stop them.)

"Thik hai. Dhyaan se haan." Amrit said.

(Okay. Be careful.)

"Hmm ekdam careful rehena hoga lekin wo leke bhaag jayenge." Vidyut added.

(Hmm, we'll have to be very careful, but they might still manage to run away with it.)

"Nahi nahi. Chalo mai jaati hoon. Shree ko bhi check karni hai mujhe."

(No, no. Okay, I'll leave now. I also need to check with Shree.)

She left his room and headed towards Abhishree's room.

IN ABHISHREE'S ROOM

"Sam, my hands and legs are shaking."

"Babe, chill. You're gonna be fine."

"Do I look fine? Is my hair looking good? Is the bindi placed in the right place? How's the eye makeup?"

"Bro, you look like a queen. Bhaiyaa will stunned."

Samyukta helped Abhishree relax. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soon, the groom was called to the mandap to begin the wedding rituals. Samrat carried his beige-colored sherwani effortlessly. He adorned a emerald necklace, a precious heirloom of the Chauhan's passed down to him by his grandparents. The brooch gifted by Samyukta enhanced his look. 

When Samrat was walking to the mandap, the groom's team surrounded him to protect his jootas. 

The bride's team was heading towards them. 

"Guys! Enemies approaching us." Vikram alerted his team.

"Be careful!" Vidyut added.

"I'll try to distract the girls." Shruti added.

"Hi jiju!" Naina waved at Samrat trying to come towards him but was stopped by the groom's team. 

"Aap sab bahut sundar lag rhi hain." Shruti said to the girls.

(You all look very beautiful.)

"Oww thank you. Aap sab bhi." Naina said.

(Aww, thank you. You all too.)

"Kya hum jiju se mil nhi sakte hain?" Ananya asked innocently.

(Can't we meet our brother-in-law?)

"Aap milengi lekin thik time par." Amrit said.

(You'll meet, but at the right time.)

"Matlab?" Anshika asked.

(Means?)

"Matlab ye ki hum apne dulhe ko shikaar nhi banne denge." Amrit explained.

(Means we won't let our groom get hunted like prey.)

"Acha ji." Anshika responded.

(Oh!)

"Haanji." Amrit responded with a playful and flirtatious gaze directed at Anshika.

(Yes!)

As soon as Samrat opened his shoes to step inside the mandap, Samyukta grabbed the pair in her hands and dashed toward the palace, while the men guarded the bride's team, preventing them from following her.

She sprinted through the corridor, drawing all eyes from the lawn—some filled with anticipation, others amused by her playful antics.

"Shit yaar!" Ananya exclaimed.

(Shit guys!)

"Kaha chupa sakti hai ye?" Anshika asked.

(Where can she hide them?)

"Jahan aap sab kabhi soch bhi nhi sakti hain." Vidyut replied.

(Somewhere you all can never even think of.)

The girls glared at him and sighed in response to his statement. They walked away to put their plan B into action—finding the groom's shoes.

Soon, it was time for Abhishree to enter the venue. 

  IN ABHISHREE'S ROOM

"Chal Shree." Abhimanyu said to Shree form the entrance of her room who was lost in her own world.

(Let's go, Shree)

"Bhaiyaa..." Shree called her brother.

(Brother...)

"Kya hua Shree?" Abhimanyu asked.

(What happened, Shree?)

"I'll miss you."

"Mai bhi miss karunga tujhe lekin Samrat hain na tera khayal rakhne ke liye. Wo tujhe hume miss nhi karne dega. Waise bhi paanch minute ke doori pe to tu rahegi, jab chahe aajana. Ghar to tera hi haina."

(I'll miss you too, but Samrat is there to take care of you. He won't let you miss us. Besides, you'll be just five minutes away, come whenever you want. After all, it's your own home.)

"Bhai Samrat apne jagah pe thik hai. Kya aapka jagah mere zindagi me koi le sakta hai?"

(Brother, Samrat is absolutely fine in his place. Can anyone take your place in my life?)

"Itna emo mat ho tu. Ansu tapkenge to tera makeup bigad jayega."

(Don't get so emotional. If you cry, your makeup will be ruined.)

"Waterproof hai...bhaiyaa..." Shree ranted.

Abhimanyu chuckled.

"Bhaiyaa, aap khush hain na?"

(Brother, you're happy right?)

"Shree, mai khush hoon ki tu Chauhan ki bahu ban rhi hai. Mai kisi or ko tera responsibility de nhi sakta kabhi."

(Shree, I am happy that you are becoming Chauhan's daughter-in-law. I can never entrust your responsibility to anyone else.)

"Bahut khush hoon. Tera saadi ache ghar me ho rha hai mujhe or kya chahiye?"

(I am very happy. Your marriage is happening in a good family, what more do I need?)

"Lekin mujhe chahiye. Mujhe bhabhi chahiye." 

(But I want something. I want a sister- in- law.)

"Arey aaj tu apna shaadi kar le phir mere bare me sochna. Tera pati tera wait kar rha hai re. Kitna satayi use or?"

(Come on, get married today, then think about me. Your husband is waiting for you. How much more are you going to torture him?)

"Nhi bhaiyaa. I'm serious. Maa ne mujhe bataya hai aap dono ke bich jo kuch bhi baat hui hai. Aapko Samyukta pasand hai?"

(No, brother. I'm serious. Mom has told me everything about what discussion happened between you two. Do you like Samyukta?)

"Dekh Shree, mera life utna normal nhi hai jitne tujhe lagta hai. Mai kisi or k..."

(Look Shree, my life is not as normal as you think. How am I supposed to...)

"Normal life nahi papa ka tha nahi dada sa ka tha. Lekin unhone apna family banaya na?" Shree cut him in between."

(Normal life niether did father have nor grandfather. But didn't they create their own families?)

"Hmm..."

"Aap seriously is baare me sochiye. Samyukta bahut hi achi ladki hai. Wo aapka life samjhegi or aapka saath bhi degi. aap chahe to mai khud usse baat kar sakti hoon."

(You seriously think about it. Samyukta is a very nice girl. She will understand your life and support you. If you want, I can talk to her myself.)

"Acha thik hai mai sochunga."

(Okay, fine. I will think about it.)

"Haan please."

"Ok. Chal. Tujhe abhi jana hai mandap pe."

(Okay. Let's go. You have to go to the mandap now.)

"Ok. Chaliye." 

(Ok. Let's go)

The bridal entry took place with Ranjha song playing in the background.

(AUTHOR'S REQUEST: Please listen to the song while reading the the next paragraph.)

As the soft melody of the wedding song filled the air the bridal entry took place with her brother, Abhimanyu by her side. Both mothers, Nandini and Sarla standing on the left side of the aisle, couldn't hold back tears, expressing pride and joy. Samyukta was overwhelmed and shed tears of happiness. She back-hugged both the women and watched as Abhishree took graceful steps towards the mandap. Samrat, eagerly awaiting her, felt a lump in his throat as he saw his bride approach. His friends by his side shared silent smile with each other. The atmosphere was charged with the promise of everlasting love and the acknowledgment of new beginnings. The poignant moment resonated with the beauty of love and the union of two families. The emotional bridal entry left an indelible mark on the hearts of all present.

Abhishree looked ethereal and timeless, a true queen with that majestic presence.

After some time, Abhishree settled into her place and called for Samyukta. Abhimanyu stood beside her the entire time. Samyukta went to attend to her friend, brushing off her happy tears.

"Mai mangalsutra lana bhool gayi!" Abhishree exclaimed.

(I forgot to bring the mangalsutra!)

"Bhaiii!!! Seriously!?" Samukta whishper yelled.

(Bro!!! Seriously!?)

"Please laa de. Mere room pe hi hai." Abhishree pleaded.

(Please bring it. It's in my room.)

Samyukta gave her an annoyed look and went to fetch the nuptial chain.

"Oh shit! Mai to use batana hi bhool gayi maine magalsutra kaha rakha hai." Shree exclaimed.

(Oh shit! I forgot to tell where I kept the mangalsutra.)

"Tu nhi sudhregi." abhimanyu stated.

(You won't change.)

'Bhaiyaa please jake kahedo use ki mere Dior ka white tote bag me hai."

(Brother, please go and tell her that it's in my Dior white tote bag.)

This time, Abhimanyu also left, giving her an annoyed look.

Abhimanyu's POV

Shree is so unmindful.. How can someone forget something important like mangalsutra that too at their own wedding? Only my sister can do that.

I went to her room and saw Samyukta searching every corner of her room. 

"She said its in her white Dior tote bag." I said to her.

She turned to look at me, absorbed the information and nodded. 

"But where is her tote bag?" She asked.

'I guess we have to find that." I replied.

"Your sister is crazy!" She stated in a low voice. 

"I know." I replied. She lightly chuckled.

We searched for her bag together. I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She looked absolutely stunning in that orange lehenga. Oh my god! I don't think I can stop myself anymore. I really like her. How can she always look this great? Is she some kind of goddess?

Her open hair cascaded down, enhancing her look even more. The lehenga gracefully embraced her curvy body, accentuating her beauty with every step she took.  I found myself captivated by her presence. 

She graceful stroll around the room holding the front of her lehenga with both hands. Everything she did made me utterly enamored with her.

SAMYUKTA'S LOOK (WITHOUT THE VEIL AND THE NOSE RING)

Suddenly she cried out. "I found it!"

What did she find? Oh yes, Shree's mangalsutra.

I was so lost in her presence that I forgot my reason for being there.

"Great! Let's go." I replied.

"Yes." She started leaving. I locked Shree's room and went behind her. 

While descending the stairs, she almost tripped because of her long, heavy lehenga. I saved her by pulling her right arm. As soon as I touched her, a wave of current flowed through my body, increasing my heart rate. Her skin felt so soft, like cotton. She thanked me, glancing at the floor and fixing her locks. As we continued down, I held onto the edge of her heavy lehenga to prevent any further tripping. Upon reaching the mandap, she handed the box of the mangalsutra to Shree and thanked me for helping her during the descent.

The wedding rituals began. Soon, my father started doing the kanyadaan. I noticed a silent tear trickling down my mother's eyes. She quickly wiped it off and smiled at Shree. 

I'm sad too. It feels like just yesterday my little sister was running around in our mansion, and today she's getting married. Time passes in a snap. I'm overwhelmed. If I stand here any longer, I might break down too. So, I headed towards the sitting area to calm myself.

Samyukta's POV

Shree forgot her nuptial chain in her room. Even though I'm annoyed at her absentmindedness, I understand that she's nervous. I went to her room to search for it, and then I remembered that I didn't ask her where she kept it. I mentally facepalmed myself. Suddenly, Abhimanyu came to the room and said that she kept it in her white Dior tote bag. We started searching for the tote bag together. I found it in her wardrobe, took the red velvet box in my hand, and left for the mandap. Abhimanyu followed me after locking the door. While descending the stairs, I almost fell by stumbling on my heavy lehenga, but Abhimanyu saved me by pulling me by my right arm. As soon as I felt his touch, I felt electricity run through me. His rough hands had a strong grip on my arm as he prevented me from falling. I stabilized myself on the steps, thanked him for saving me, and continued walking down, but he did something that surprised me. He held onto the edge of my lehenga to prevent further tripping. He's such a gentleman.

When we reached the mandap, I handed over the box to Abhishree. I once again thanked him for his actions and left from there. He looked so handsome in his golden kurta set. My god! Every other woman present there is ogling at him. I feel a tint of jealousy; I don't know why! Ughh!!! What's up with me?

After all the rituals were completed successfully Shree and bhiyaa were annouched married. They look so happy. They moved form the mandap to a sititng area specialliy made for them. The guests went to them one my one to congratulate them. 

My girlfriends were busy searching for my brother's shoes. Haha!!! They would never find them. I kept them in Abhishree's room under her bed. They would never get a hint that I hid them in the bride's room. Moreover, Abhimanyu has her room's key, which they don't know. That means they don't have any way to find out.

After some time, Shree wanted to go to the washroom, so I took her to her room.

After coming back, we settled on the couches around the bride and groom, along with our friends.

"Seems like the bride's side lost," Rishabh said mischievously.

"Oh! I feel bad for them," Vikram added a pinch of salt to the wound of the bride's team.

"Fine, we lost! But where the heck did you hide them, Samyukta?" Ananya asked.

"I hid them somewhere before, but right now, you won't believe where I placed them."

"Where did you?" Naina asked.

"You'll come to know shortly when the owner of the place decides to come forward and say," I explained.

"Now who the heck is the 'owner of that place'? What do you mean?" Anshika asked frustratedly.

"Have patience, dear," I replied.

They all looked at me curiously. Even the boys didn't have any clue where I kept them. I couldn't stand their gazes anymore, so I thought to reveal my stunt to them.

"Okay. Owner of the place, please show us where the shoes are," I said dramatically.

All eyes were wandering around us to find out who the 'owner of the place' was.

Suddenly, Abhishree started explaining. "Sorry, guys, but this seemed fun." She confessed as she lifted the skirt of her lehenga to reveal the shoes she was wearing. I made her wear them when I took her to the washroom in her room. At first, she denied, saying that our friends would kill her for hiding them, but somehow I persuaded her by explaining how fun it would be to play with them. Then she finally agreed.

"Dhokha! Sarasar dhokha!" Ananya shouted.

(Cheating! Sheer cheating!)

"Tu rukjaa aaj tera shaadi hai isiliye hum kuch nhi kahenge." Anshika threatened her.

(You wait, today is your wedding so we will not say anything.)

"Guys, Samyukta k shaadi me hum ise team me nhi lenge ok!" naina exclaimed.

(Guys, we won't have this in the team at the joint wedding okay)

Everyone laughed at Naina's staement.

"Ekdam thik kaha tune, Naina." Ananya said.

(You are absolutely right, Naina.)

"Kya yaar tum log!?!?" Abhishree sighed.

(What are you guys!?!?)

"Tu to shaadi karte na karte hi team badal dali!" Abhimanyu said. This is the first time he got himself involved into our banter. 

(You changed the team even before you got married!)

"Bhaiyaa aap to mujhe mat danto or!" Shree replied cutely.

(Bhaiyaa, at least you don't scold me!)

"Samyukta you did the best job, yaar!!!" Vikram said. 

"Haa, aapne hume jitaya hai or wo bhi itne ache tarike se. We'll treat you ok!" Vidyut said.

(Yes, you have made us win and that too in such a good way. We'll treat you okay!)

I chuckled and said, "Ok! We'll celebrate."

We celebrated our victory, more like teased the bride's team while they were busy giving deadly looks to Shree.

"Ab to mera joota dedo?" Bhaiyaa said.

(Now give me my shoe?)

"Aise thorina bhaiyaa! Paise nikalo aap. Phir milenge joote." I said. He gave a shocked expression.

(So easy bhaiyaa! Take out money. Then you'll get your shoes.)

"Mujhe laga tu mere paise bachane ke liye itni mehnat ki hai." He stated. 

(I thought you worked so hard to save my money.)

I chuckled and said, "Haan bachaya to paisa. Wo log teen lakh mangte or mai sirf do lakh mang rhi hoon." He gasped at my statement and his friends burst out in laughter.

(Yes, saved money. They asked for three lakhs and I am asking only two and a half lakhs.)

"Aap to humari patni hain. Aap to humare support me kuch kahiye!"Bhaiyaa requested Shree.

(You are my wife. Please say something in my support!)

"Isme koi support ki baat nhi hai, patidev. After all party hum sab karne wale hain."

(There is no need for support in this, husband. We are all going to have an after all party.)

"Oh acha tum sab ne milkar mujhe bakra banaya hai. yehi tha tumhara plan. Ab samjha mai. Mujhe laga meri behen mere bare me kitna sochti hain." My brother ranted. 

(Oh well, you all have together made a fool of me. This was your plan! Now I can understand. I felt weird how much my sister thinks so much about me.)

He finally gave us the cash and we cheered together. Shree returned him his shoes along with a sheepish smile while he fake glared her.

"Waise ise joota kab pehenaya tune?" Bhaiyaa asked.

(By the way, when did you make her wear shoes?)

"Abhi jab ise washroom leke gyi thi." I said.

(Just now, when I took her to the washroom.)

We left the couple and went to the snacks counter. I took a plate of papdi chaat and went to sit at an empty table. After sometimes Nadini maa joined me. 

"Decoration bahut acha hua hai." She said.

(The decoration looks really nice.)

"Thank you." I replied while offering her a seat.

"Kal hi kitni choti thee Shree aaj dekh shaadi hogya uska. Kab bache bade ho jate hain pata hi nhi lagta." She said.

(Just yesterday, Shree was so small, and now, look, she's married. You don't even realize when children grow up.)

"Hmm...mujhe bhi nhi laga ki itni jaldi uska shaadi ho jayega."

(Hmm... I also didn't think her marriage would happen so soon.)

"Haan. Lekin thik hi hai. Abhi uska shaadi ho gya wo bhi Samrat jaise ladke se, mai bahut khush hoon Samyukta."

(Yes. But that's okay. Now that she's married, and to a guy like Samrat, I am very happy, Samyukta.)

"Hmmm..." I smiled.

"Tu kab shaadi karegi?" Nandini ma asked me. Me!

(When will you get married?)

"Koi milta hi nhi to mujhe..." I said with a sad face.

(No one comes into my life...)

"Tu kisi ke saath nhi hai?"

(Are you not with someone?)

"Nhi nhi." I confirmed.

(No no.)

"Acha mai ek baat puchu? Seriously lena." She asked

(Sure, can I ask you something? Take it seriously.)

"Haan pucho."

(Yes ask.)

"Abhimanyu tujhe kaisa lagta hai?" My heart skipped a bit. But why?

(How do you feel about Abhimanyu?)

"Nandini ma, aap kya soch rhi ho?" I'm hella nervous.

(Nandini ma, what are you thinking?)

"Wohi jo tujhe lag raha hai." Mahadev!

(Whatever you're guessing.)

I nodded my head at her answer.

"Samyukta beta, tu mujhe badi pasand hai. Mera mann hai tujhe apni bahu banane ki. Iisiliye tujhe puch rhi hoon, kaisa lagta hai Abhimanyu tujhe?" My heart will come in my mouth. I can feel butterflies in my stomach. I can feel the heat on my cheeks.

(Samyukta beta, I really like you. I wish to make you my daughter-in-law. That's why I am asking you, how do you feel about Abhimanyu?)

"Nandini ma, humne kabhi jyada baat nhi ki hai. Lekin jitna bhi humne interact kiya hai usse to pata lagta hai ki wo ache hi hain. Lekin aise achanak shaadi?" He never really talked to me. I thought he become all that rude and cold president. But today's gesture said something else. Is he bipolar?

(Nandini ma, we haven't talked much, but from whatever interactions we've had, it seems he is a good person. But suddenly marriage?)

"Dekh Samyukta, tu meri beti jaisi hai. Mai tere khushiyon ko kabhi cheenungi nhi. Mujhe apne bete par bharosa hai ki wo tujhe khush rakh sakta hai. Isiliye tu soch k mujhe batana. Mai intezaar karungi." She explained. Nandini maa kuch zyada hi serious hain...unhone Abhimanyu se pucha hain?

(Look, Samyukta, you are like my daughter. I will never snatch away your happiness. I trust my son to keep you happy. That's why, take your time, think about it, and let me know. I will wait.)

(Nandini ma seems a bit too serious... Has she asked Abhimanyu yet?)

"Aap maa- papa se baat kar lijiye na ekbaar." I requested. Meri maa- pitaji jahan mera rishta taiyar karenge wahin main shaadi karungi. Mujhe unpe bharosa hai...

(Can you please talk to Mom and Dad once?)

(I will marry wherever my parents arrange my alliance. I trust them.)

"Kyu? Pehle tu consent de tab mai baat age badhaungi na..."

(Why? First, give your consent, then I'll proceed with the proposal.)

"Nhi Nandini ma. Maa- papa jahan meri rishta karwayenge wahin mai shaadi karungi."

(No, Nandini ma. I will get married wherever Mom and Dad arrange my alliance.)

"Acha to phir mai Sarla bhabhi se baat karti hoon?"

(Okay, then shall I talk to Sarla bhabhi?)

"Thik hai. Lekin aapne Abhimanyu ji se baat ki hai?" What did he say?

(Alright. But have you talked to Abhimanyu ji?)

"Haan. Usne kaha ki wo soch kar batayega." Soch kar!!! Will he observe me, my behaviour and all an then take a decision?

(Yes. He said he would let me know after thinking about it.)

(Think and say!!!)

"Oh...tab aap thori der ruk jayiye. Agar wo haan kahenge tabhi aap rishte ki baat humare parivaar se kijiyega." I don't want any unncessary hope. Why? Coz you think he'll hurt your heart? Wait, I don't like him. I mean I don't like him that way. Oh what the fuck is happening to me!!!

(Oh...then you please wait for a while. If they agree, only then discuss the proposal with our family.)

"Jaisa tu bolegi." She replied while patting my head and left from there.

(As you say.)

Abhimanyu? OMG!!!

Well, well, he didn't give any heads-up! So I shouldn't have much hope.

What will he say? He doesn't even talk properly with me...

Author's POV

After talking to Samyukta, Nandini went to talk to her son.

"Tune kuch khaya hai?" She began the conversation.

(Have you eaten anything?)

"Haan maa. Apne khaya hai? Papa ne khana khaya?" Abhimanyu asked.

(Yes, Mom. Have you eaten? Did Dad have his meal?)

"Haan haan sabne khaya hai. Acha mere saath thora chal kahi or."

(Yes, yes, everyone has eaten. Okay, come with me somewhere else for a bit.)

"Kaha jana hai aapko?"

(Where do you want to go?)

"Chal tere room me chalte hain."

(Let's go to your room.)

"Chaliye."

(Let's go.)

They went to Abhimanyu's room.

Abhimanyu's POV

As soon as we entered our room, mother locked the door. She signaled me to sit on the couch and herself came and sat beside me.

"Tune kuch socha hai?"

(Have you thought about it?)

I understood what she's talking about.

"Haan maa..."

(Yes maa...)

"Kya?"

(What?)

"Aap baat age bada sakti hain..." 

(You can proceed with sending the marriage proposal.)

She gave me a wide smile and hugged me.

"Thank you beta."

"Aap keliye sab kuch."

(Everything for you.)

I've seriously considered this. Mom genuinely likes Samyukta, and she effortlessly connects with everyone in my family. Moreover, she's a genuinely good person without any ill intentions. And, I've started to like her. Despite my efforts to resist, she lingers in my thoughts. With my mother urging me to consider marrying her, I believe it's worth giving it a chance. Perhaps, we can meet and have a conversation to understand each other's thoughts. Only then can we decide if we're willing to spend the rest of our lives together.

After breaking the hug, she said, "Thik hai. Mai Abhishree k shaadi ka sara khatam hone k baad Sarla bhabhi se baat karungi."

(Alright. After all the preparations for Abhishree's wedding are over, I will talk to Sarla bhabhi.)

"Maa..."

(Mother...)

"Haan beta?"

(Yes, son?)

"Papa ko pata hai?"

(Does dad know?)

"Haan. Papa, dada sa, dadi sa sabko pata hai. Tumhare dadi sa ne hi iss baat ko cheda hai."

(Yes. Papa, dada sa, dadi sa all know. Your grandma was the one who initiated this.)

"Acha...to aap sab bada plan bana rhe the?!"

(Oh... so you all were making a big plan?!)

"Kuch aisa hi." Maa said while grining. I shook my head at their antics.

(Something like that.)

After a while, we left my room and went to the lawn to have dinner.

I spotted Samyukta with her friends, giggling all the while. The chaos she created in the joota chuphai ceremony was amusing.She's very witty. The stunt she pulled by making Shree wear the shoes was incredible. She had a good presence of mind. She likes having fun so much. Even though she is adult by her age still she is a child in heart.Under the shield of her family's protection, she has been spared from many of the world's harsh realities. Hence, her innocence still lingers within her.

I will protect you from anything and everything.