Maya's Pov:

I looked for him and saw him standing beside his best friend. But he seemed to be lost somewhere. I was perplexed when he asked me whether I was happy with this marriage or not. He was ready to leave me for my happiness when he knew his happiness lies in me. If I say no, what will he say to the family?

Mind: Stop thinking about the family every time. Just say no; you won't get this chance again.

Heart: Don't listen to her stupid ideas.

Mind: If I'm stupid, then you are dumb. Don't listen to her; she will come up with her dumb ideas and you will have to sacrifice again.

Heart: Okay, don't sacrifice, but tell me frankly, can you imagine someone in his place?

Me: No.

Mind: Hey! Don't come into her words. She is just manipulating you.

Heart: I'm not manipulating her. I'm telling the truth. Tell me one thing: why did you reject that moron's proposal years ago?

Mind: Hey! Why are you talking about that idiot now?

Heart: Okay, let's not talk about him now, but why did you reject the first proposal you got? He was from a good family, well-settled, and good-looking. But why did you reject him too with the lame excuse that he smokes? Okay! That's not a lame one. But you could have changed that habit of his. But when Avi's proposal came, why did you accept it immediately? Don't say he's a member of your family. Then that guy is also a distant relative, and your father knew him well. So, don't try to fool yourself. You know you love him. You have been in love with him all these years, but you are afraid of your family. Why are you sulking now when your marriage is fixed with him?

Me: I'm afraid of the responsibilities. What if something goes wrong? I'm not prepared for all this now.

Heart: Of course, there will be responsibilities. With time, you will get used to everything. If anything goes wrong, you will have him beside you. Don't you have trust in him?

Me: Of course, I trust him more than I trust myself.

Heart: Then, if not today, you have to get married one day. So why not now?

Oh God! Why can't life be simple? I agree that life isn't simple, but it's not too complicated either. We are the ones who are making it more complicated. Sometimes it's us, or sometimes it's the people around us, or sometimes it's just the situations that make things more complicated.

I looked around; everyone was beaming with joy. But in those everyone, my grandparents are not there. I wish they were with me right now. I'm missing them badly right now. But I know they are watching me from above and giving their blessings to their doll. Why did you guys leave me so early? You know right, Nanamma, your doll's day starts with you and ends with you. Yet you have left that little kid.

I was lost in my thoughts when I felt a hand encircling me from the back as if providing me with silent support. I know, it's him.

"They are always with you, in your heart, bunny. And they definitely don't like their little doll crying," he said, consoling me.

How can he read me so well? I know he will keep me happy, but will I be able to do the same? I'm a girl with many fears and insecurities, whereas he is full of life. But will I be able to live without him? Also, I can't imagine anyone in his place.

Argh, I don't know when these traitor tears started falling. I just couldn't control my emotions, so I turned back and hugged him tightly, as if he would also vanish into the air. Soon, he also hugged me back, coming out of shock. After a long time, I'm feeling secure and at home, as if I belong there.

But suddenly, he detached himself from me. I looked at him, confused. Looking into my eyes, he asked me, "What have you thought, bunny?"

Me: Oh, no! I totally forgot about that.

Heart: Just tell him your answer.

Me: I know, okay?

Heart: Yeah! (Rolling its eyes)

"What do you think?" I asked him, playing with his kurta's buttons.

When did I become this comfortable around him? Though it's not the first time I've hugged him. We hugged many times as kids. In fact, I used to stick to him like chewing gum. But as I grew up, I started maintaining a distance from him.

"Argh, tell me straight, bunny," he said, frustrated.

I looked straight into his eyes, and all I could see in them was love for me.

I held out my hand and asked him, "Will you hold my hand forever? Answer me."

"Are you sure? Because there is no backing out," he asked me, looking straight into my eyes.

"I'm 100 percent sure," I said, looking into those dark brown orbs that make me melt every time.

He hugged me tightly and said, "You don't know how happy I'm."

I just snuggled into him more, inhaling his scent, seeking his warmth. Suddenly, a thought occurred to me: what if he decides to leave me one day?

"I won't leave you, bunny. You are tied to me forever. You have to bear me all your life, and you don't have any other option", he answered me, as if replying to my unasked questions.

He placed a kiss on my forehead, and I closed my eyes in bliss, feeling the moment.

"You really won't leave me, right?" I asked, raising my head and looking directly into his eyes.

"Nope," he said.

I can hear the sincerity in his voice.

I need this assurance badly. He is my peace. He joined his forehead with mine.

We heard a click and looked to see Yash Bava capturing our moment with his camera.

"This is perfect. You will find this in your room, but only after your wedding, along with the others. Enjoy your time," he said and walked away, winking at us.

We smiled at his words. I wish time could stop here.

***************************

Author's Pov:

"Aww, look at them, how cute they are looking together," Taara said, admiring Avi and Maya.

"Yeah!" Veeru mumbled, looking at them.

"You know I was worried for her. I mean, when I went to bring her down, she looked dull," said Taara.

"Hmm," mumbled Veeru.

"What happened? Everything is fine, right?" Taara asked, looking at him.

"Yeah! I'm just tensed about them, that's all," said Veeru.

"I hope everything goes well," said Taara.

"Don't worry; with time, everything will be fine. You could have asked him to come," Veeru assured her.

"You know how stubborn he is, right? I requested that boy until last night, but he didn't agree. Okay, leave that. You didn't tell me how I'm looking today," she asked, pouting.

Making a poker face, he said, "Okay, okay."

"I've worn the saree on my own for the first time for you, as you like to see me in sarees. I've made this much effort for you, and you are saying, "Okay, okay." She said, mimicking him. "This is not fair. Go, I won't talk with you", Taara said, glaring at him.

"God! You are so cute, Taara," Veeru said, pulling her nose.

"Don't butter me now," Taara said, pouting.

"You look like an angel in this saree. For me, my girl is always beautiful both inside and out. If you have any doubt, just look into my eyes. Now let me see my girl properly," Veeru said, looking at her from top to bottom.

(Taara's attire)

"Stop staring at me like that. I'm getting butterflies in my stomach and feeling weak on my knees," she said, tucking her hair strands behind her ear.

"Is that so? But that's not my problem," he mumbled and took her lips in a soulful kiss, making her numb for a moment with the sudden kiss.

Coming out of the shock, she also responded with the same intensity. They broke the kiss and joined their foreheads.

"I love you, Veer," Taara said, pecking his cheeks.

"I love you too, my Estela. Thank you for not giving up on us," Veeru said, looking into her eyes.

Keep smiling and take care ❤️