AUTHOR'S POV

The next morning, the sun was barely peeking through the curtains when Akanksha woke up. Even though she didn't have to head to school, her internal clock was buzzing with excitement.

She moved through her apartment with her usual grace, but today, she was extra careful. She checked every corner—making sure the gas was switched off, the windows were tightly locked, and every single electrical switch was turned down. She didn't want a single worry following her to the wedding. Once satisfied, she grabbed her heavy suitcases and locked her front door with a final, satisfying click and went to her parents house,as they were going altogethe.

She met her parents and her brother, Aryan, downstairs. Her father was already busy loading the trunk of their car, while her mother was double-checking the bag of travel snacks because no Indian road trip is complete without homemade snacks!

"Didi, move over! I’m taking the window seat," Aryan teased, trying to nudge her aside.

"In your dreams, Aryan! I’m the one who did all the packing," Akanksha laughed, successfully claiming her spot.

As they pulled out of the driveway and headed toward the highway, the mood in the car was electric. Her father, the usually serious Senior Manager, was humming along to old Bollywood classics on the radio. Her mother was already planning which relative they would meet first.

The journey was full of "Masti" and laughter. Aryan kept trying to play his loud college hits, while Akanksha and her dad fought for the classic melodies. Stopping at a roadside dhaba for steaming hot chai and parathas, feeling the fresh wind on their faces.Akanksha and Aryan spent half the trip teasing each other about who would dance better at the Sangeet.

As the green fields blurred past the window, Akanksha leaned her head against the cool glass. She felt a sense of freedom. For the next four days, there were no lesson plans, no school bells, and no toddlers to chase.

But for some reason, as she watched the milestones go by, She wondered if Kaira had reached school safely today. She was not aware that kaira will also not join the school for 4 days. Abhimanyu has already informed to the heads directly.

"Stop daydreaming, di!" Aryan nudged her. "We’re almost there!"

As the car came to a stop, the sound of dhol and laughter greeted them. Akanksha stepped out, feeling the warm breeze of the new city. She took a deep breath, the scent of expensive perfume and traditional sweets filling the air.

"Wow," Aryan whispered, finally silent for a second as he looked at the massive crystal chandeliers hanging in the lobby. "Bua really went all out for this wedding!"

Their relatives rushed toward them immediately. There were hugs, loud greetings, and the chaotic joy that only an Indian family reunion can bring.

Akanksha’s mother was instantly pulled away by her sisters, discussing the gold jewelry and the evening's schedule.Her father and Aryan were busy coordinating with the bellboys to get their many suitcases up to their rooms. Akanksha stood in the center of the lobby, looking around. She saw cousins she hadn't seen in years, aunts comparing silk sarees, and children running around the marble pillars.

"Akanksha! You’ve grown so beautiful!" an elder aunt exclaimed, pinching her cheeks. "Working as a teacher has given you such a calm grace. We need to find a groom for you next!"

Akanksha laughed it off, blushing slightly. She checked into her room—a beautiful suite overlooking the pool—and started unpacking her carefully selected outfits. As she hung up the maroon gown she had bought at the mall.

Akansha began getting ready for the evening tea break. She chose an exquisite maroon-colored suit with delicate golden embroidery that complemented her complexion perfectly. She adorned her wrists with matching bangles that let out a soft clinking sound with every movement. Heavy earrings shimmered near her face, and as she stepped into her sandals, the silver Payal (anklets) around her feet began their rhythmic melody.

As she walked down the corridor toward the stairs, the gentle chan-chan of her anklets echoed softly through the hall. She looked like a vision—simple yet incredibly graceful.

Once downstairs, she stood in a quiet corner of the courtyard, enjoying a warm cup of evening tea. She took in the beautiful decorations and the festive atmosphere, thinking about how wonderful the next four days were going to be. Since she was inside the private resort among family

As Akanksha stood there looking like a dream in her maroon suit, Aryan walked up to her, casually grabbing a biscuit from a nearby tray. He looked her up and down, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oho, didi! Itna taiyaar-vayaar?" Aryan teased, nudging her shoulder. "Waise maanna padega... tu bachpan se hi thodi zyada sundar dikhti hai."

Akanksha raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden compliment. "Wow, Aryan. Did the sun rise from the west today? You’re actually praising me?"

Aryan grinned, leaning against a pillar. "Arre, main toh sach bol raha hoon. After all, look at your brother! It runs in the family. Agar main itna 'Handsome' hoon, toh meri behen thodi toh 'Sundar' hogi hi na?"

Akanksha laughed, shaking her head. "I knew there was a catch! You just wanted to praise yourself."

"But seriously, Didi," Aryan added, his tone softening just a bit so the elders wouldn't hear. "You look great. Ma'am kam, aur heroine zyada lag rahi hai aaj. Just don't blame me if all the aunties start bringing their sons' biodatas to Mom tonight!"

Akanksha jokingly swiped at him with her dupatta. "Shut up, Aryan! Go find Mom before she starts looking for you, mere payareee bhai."

"Whatever, pehel aap jao mehendi lgwalo, bhua bhi mehendi ke liye bol rai thi" Aryan said.

"Haan haan jarai hu" Akansha said and went to one of the artist who was going to put mehendi on her hands.

After the mehendi ceremony was down everyone was settled down for dinner. Talking randomly. Few of the cousins of Akansha and Aryan were also present there , chatting about there work, damal for the snageet night, masti during haldi. Akansha was not aware who the groom is. Neha her cousin who is about to get married sat in the corner of the dining table. her mind was not present in there conversation .

The laughter of the welcome dinner finally faded as Akansha made her way back to her room. It had been a long, beautiful day filled with travel, tea, and endless teasing from Aryan.

Once inside, she locked the door and let out a long, tired sigh. She carefully removed her heavy maroon suit, hanging it up so the embroidery wouldn't get ruined. She took off her jhumkas and placed her bangles on the side table, their soft clinking sound echoing in the quiet room. After a quick change into her comfortable nightwear, she spent a few minutes organizing her bags for the next day's ceremony—making sure her jewelry and outfits were all set.

After admiring her mehendi for a few moments. Finally, she switched off the main lights and lay down on the large, soft bed.

At first, her mind was full of the day's happy memories. She smiled, thinking about the Masti with her cousins and how Aryan had looked so proud while calling her "beautiful since childhood." It felt good to be just "Akansha" for a while, away from the responsibilities of the classroom.

Akansha’s mother walked into her room, the soft light catching the concern etched on her face. She sat beside her and gently asked how she was feeling. But her mind was clearly elsewhere. After a moment, she sighed and brought up Neha.

"Akansha," she whispered, her voice heavy with doubt, "Maine Neha ko dekha... usse dekh kar lag hi nahi raha ki woh bride hai. She looks so incredibly sad, beta. There's no glow, no happiness—just this heavy silence."

Akansha reached out to comfort her mother, trying to brush away the gloom. "Mummy, she’s probably just exhausted. There’s so much work, so many rituals... it takes a toll. Aap itna mat socho, sab achha hi hoga."

She paused, trying to reassure herself as much as her mom. "Bhua must have chosen a great guy for Neha. They wouldn't settle for anything less." Then, a spark of curiosity lit up her eyes as she added, "Anyway, Aryan bata raha tha ki woh bahut ameer hain or usse bhut payar bhi krta h."

Her mother didn't reply she don't want to stress her with this answer. So she changed the topic. Started talking about the guests

They talked for a little longer, the familiar comfort of their bond filling the room. Finally, her mother stood up, leaned down to give Akansha a tender kiss on her forehead, and whispered, "Goodnight, beta."

But as the door clicked shut, the silence felt heavy. Despite her own reassuring words, a knot of unease tightened in Akansha's chest. she was still restless, haunted by a feeling she couldn't quite name.

After tossing and turning finally sleep pulled her in. Unaware of the strom brewing outside.

________________________________

Thanks for reading

Follow for more

Wattpad id minedelulu31

BYIEE BYIEE

________________________________