Kaira's POV:

Memories box.

I smile down at the medium sized wooden box that contained memories from my childhood. Scribbled artistic drawings behind the notebook that I kept, the school photos, house badges, ID cards, secret letters, everything holding more than one memory was locked in here.

"Kaira, do you want to take this one?" Shreya's voice interrupted my travel down the memory lane.

Looking up I see her holding an Anarkali in her hand as she stood by my wardrobe and nodded. She shrugs keeping it on the bed going back to dig in the wardrobe.

We were packing my clothes and the things I'll take with my tomorrow, we've been at it since evening and it's almost past 10:30 pm.

Tomorrow.

This word has been giving me chills since morning. I'll be gone to my new home tomorrow, I won't be living here troubling everyone from tomorrow. I swear I didn't want to think about all this but everyone around was going on making me emotional.

I was thinking about the brighter side too, Sidharth and his family, my new family. I couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Keeping my memories box in a suitcase, I start folding my dresses that Shreya pulled out. It wasn't just Shreya and me here, digging out and packing everything, Swarali, Deepika, and Mrunali Di were also there.

"Kaira di, where do I keep your paints?" Deepika asks from other side of the room. I grinned at the compartment she was emptying and told her to fill it in a portable bag that we'll put in suitcase later.

Just like that, my mind was running between memories and task at hand for hours. After 2 hours and fully packed bags later we were finally done.

Shreya helped me push them all to the wall and ruffled my hair playfully "Now go to sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long tiring day."

I smiled waving them good night as they went to their rooms. I slide into my beauty sleep instantly with a smile on my face only to get woken up with noise louder than destruction.

Rubbing my eyes lazily I look at my door thrown open with my best friends shouting at me to wake up. Guess what? Their shouts were nothing in front of the ones coming from downstairs.

What has gotten up in their ass this morning?

"Bunny! Get up! You can't laze around today!" Milkshake snapped pulling off my blanket harshly.

"Kiri your haldi is in an hour and you are still sleeping!" I heard Ritz scolding from behind milkshake, a moment later a pair of clothes landed on my lap "Wear it, freshen up and come down, everyone is waiting!"

I look down at the white sleeveless short kurta and a loose patiyala bottom on my lap as they are off closing the door behind them and yawned.

Geez, what just happened?

Shrugging I got out of bed getting ready for my haldi. My eyes wide open I admire the living room that was decorated in yellow for this function.

Just like always everyone was running around doing their work as I stand by the stairs. Shreya notices me and comes over to drag me to the setting made for me.

"Now you sit here, your haldi is coming in 5 mins, you'll be attended soon." She orders me before running off. I grinned to myself  getting comfortable on the seat.

"Badi ma! Haldi has come!" Milkshake's shout cuts off everyone for a moment 10 mins later, before they start hurrying towards the door.

Another min later I see my mother walking in beside Sidharth's mother carrying the haldi bowl with everyone surrounding and following them in. I sit up straight as they come directly over to me.

Both the moms smile down at me as they start the ritual in another 5 mins. My mother steps forward with a sweet smile on her face.

I won't lie, it did something to my heart.

Picking up the small grass bunch she dips it in the haldi before brushing it to my feet, back of the palm, upper arms, cheeks then forehead. It was slightly cold against my skin but felt good enough.

The next in line was Sidharth's mother as she did the same. My aunties came in line for their turn to rub haldi to me followed by my uncles.

I heard laughter coming from behind my mama's shoulder as he finishes his turn, looking up I see my best friends laughing with my friends and cousins.

Arav bhai came in front of me for his turn and I grinned at him. He dips his fingers in haldi bowl and runs the yellow mixture across my hands and cheeks. Shreya was next as she covered me more in haldi.

Just like that it started, cousins after cousins came over to paint me yellow with their hands. We laughed everytime anyone joked about how I looked and my cheeks warm as they start teasing how they are colouring us (Sidharth and I) in one color.

Milkshake was next as he smirked evily at me before dipping his whole palms in the bowl and rubbing it all over my face, laughter bursts around us. I couldn't help but laugh and enjoy myself as I sit there for hours getting painted in haldi. 

After I don't know how long, Shreya comes over to help me to my room to take a bath. She as well as many people around us were yellow and I couldn't help but be glad.

Standing in front of the mirror I hardly recognize myself. I smiled imagining Sidharth covered in haldi like me.

For the moment I forget the place I'm at as I slip into my imagination. Sidharth was in front of me looking at me intently as he came closer, extending an hand he touched my yellow cheek softly, his fingers lingering for a moment longer before sliding down my neck and towards my shoulders before sliding down my arms. His sensual touch sending shivers down my spine and goosebumps across my skin.

"Kaira! Will you be okay on your own or want me to help you?" I heard Shreya's voice from my room outside and snap out of my imagination.

"I'll be good." I called out before stripping as I get to work. Vaguely I heard her telling something like she has kept out my outfit that I've to wear.

Getting ready in the yellow lehenga, I once again find myself in the living room where everyone was looking fresh and again running around for the next ritual.

I was made to sit on the throne once again as the ladies start with the ritual of giving me gifts and rice along with coconut in my Pallu, one by one.

Everytime my Pallu fills, I'm asked to empty it in the container beside me and the ritual continues.

Geez, what do I even do with all that rice?

After hours this ritual finally gets over, by that time, it was past lunch and I was eager to have something in my empty stomach.

I heard my phone ringing and smiled as I recognized the ringtone, but my happiness was short lived as milkshake very cruelly had to snatch it out of my hands and picking it up himself.

"Uh huh, you can't talk to each other for the day, Sid. Talk how much ever you want with bunny tonight." He smirked at me as he talked.

I fling a cushion at him and snapped "Its about not seeing milkshake! Talking is fine!"

"There's no way I'm letting this part go like that, bunny. Let me enjoy the time without you both flirting each moment." He told me as he keeps my phone with himself, going off to do some work as Arav bhai calls for him.

Huffing I concentrate on my lunch, promising myself to get back at him some other time. I was too busy for today.

If I had though that the rituals were over for the time being, I was proved wrong the moment I slumped down on the couch at far end in the living room.

Mom was sitting with aunties and my bhabhis around her in the setting my brother's gang made in the middle of living room, calling for me. Sighing I make my way over to them and sit down in the empty space left for me.

This ritual was the one where they make me wear the bridal bangles which I ain't supposed to remove for at least 2 weeks. I shrugged thinking it's no big deal until I saw how many they were and groaned mentally.

Shreya was right, this is a hell long of a day.

But somewhere down I was happy and was enjoying too. So what I was surrounded with aunties for hours? So what they were making me do various things in name of rituals? So what?

I was amusing myself by looking at the uncles ordering around my brothers and best friends to carry the things here and there. I wondered what were they doing, so I asked Shreya and her answer made me only chuckle.

Time was flying fast though even after sitting and listening to lectures from aunties and everyone for hours. Sun was setting down letting the evening draw.

Everyone was rushing to get to the wedding hall. I was getting mixed feelings as I sit in the backseat of milkshake's car with Shreya beside me. The boys were being our drivers tonight.

Looking out I watch the passing city, people outside were with their friends and family enjoying the day, celebrating the end of a beautiful year, wishing good lucks for the next day that's going to bring a new year, a new start.

A new life.

Smiling at the thought, I snapped back to reality when we reached the hotel and was left in awe at the scene in front of me. It was so beautiful. The decorations, the lightings, the excitement in the air.

I followed Shreya to the room allocated for me where 3 girls were waiting for us, they introduced themselves as the makeup artists who have come to help me tonight. I just had my sling purse with me while Shreya has the bag which has everything to be worn by my for today.

Once I've put on my wedding lehenga, Shreya gives me a smile before taking away my previous clothes.

I was made to sit on the chair in front of the mirror and the make up artists get to work. As they start working on my nails, I wonder what torture I've to bear sitting here.

Not to worry much, I had my entertainment in 10 mins. My friends came in all their excitement and beauty. They were dressed in beautiful lehengas and with all their makeup done.

"Kiri, you are looking gorgeous!" Niki exclaims as she stands behind me.

I chuckled "I'm just wearing the lehenga, Niki."

"Exactly! Imagine how would you look when you are ready. The most beautiful bride!" Sam supports from her place on the bed.

"Where is Sree? Hasn't she come yet?" I asked missing the fourth wheel.

"She'll be here in sometime. Abhi's Dadi met her downstairs and made her to recite her life stories." Niki answers.

I smirk inwardly knowing its Dadi's trick to keep her in front of milkshake.

"Hey kiri, Sree was in your school right? Did she know Abhi and Ritik as well?" Sam asked cautiously.

"Of course Sami, how else do you think she knows Abhi's Dadi?" Niki answered for me.

I chuckled "Yes, we 4 used to be together most of the times."

The artists start their work on my hair as my friends get in a conversation of their own.

"Why do you think Sree doesn't talk to Abhi? I remember the trip and I guess they didn't even say hi for 2 whole days. Sree talks with Ritik though, how much ever less may it be. What do you think has happened?" Sam asked once again after their analysis on the topic.

I winced as the girl pulled on my hair before I answer "I know right, I've been pondering both of them for so long. They don't have an answer it seemed."

"Does she like him?" Niki squealed in horror. Sam laughs as she explains her why Sree can't like milkshake.

I vaguely hear them arguing over their opinions as I look at myself being transformed from sweet and simple Kaira Shetty to a beautiful bride.

My hair was done in a very complex but beautiful bun I've ever seen as the girl holds a mirror to show me its backside. I just smile in appreciation and they get to work on my make up.

The knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts and interrupted their arguments. Shreya along with my sisters walked in with big smiles on their faces.

My bhabhi stands behind me looking at the mirror in awe as she squeezes my shoulders "You look so beautiful, Kaira. Your husband is going to be flat."

I just grinned imagining Sidharth's jaw drop. She then asks Swarali who sat on the bed with my friends to get the bag of jewelleries and pulls out one after the other helping me wear them.

Layers of jewellery later, I was ready in the eyes of everyone present except for Shreya who puts a Kajal dot behind my ear and I chuckle. They look at me in awe, speechless before they shower me with compliments.

Mom enters the room interrupting everyone. Her eyes soften when they scan me from head to toe as I stand in front of the mirror. She comes over and smiles at me melting my heart once again this day as she compliments me.

"Shreya beta, why haven't you made her wear the chunni yet?" Mom asks as she picks up the red chunni from the bed.

Shreya smiles at her sweetly "Waiting for you mom."

Mom's smile was contagious as she spreads it carefully on my head, the makeup artists who were helping us with jewellery until now, fixed it properly.

Now I'm ready.

The noises we could hear from the window were too loud now and my mother took my excited cousins and friends with her downstairs to welcome The Barat.

My heart skips a beat as the noise slows down, indicating my groom was here. My makeup artists ask me to sit down to give some last min touch ups before I'm called downstairs.

The time is clicking too fast. We are getting married tonight. In sometime I'll be called to start the final rituals which will tie Sidharth and I into this holy bond of marriage.

Oh my God.

It still feels like a dream come true. I'll be married to the love of my life.

Someone knocks to interrupt my thoughts once again. A moment later Krishna pops his head in followed by whole of him.

Having done their work my makeup artists congratulate me before going out, leaving me alone with my brother.

I grinned at him "How do I look, Krishna?"

He smiled though it seemed stressed as he mutters a compliment. I was still looking at the transformed bride Kaira in the mirror.

"Kaira di, I've been seeming to talk to you since morning but Arav bhai kept me busy." Krishna says making me turn to face him.

Now that I look at him, his face was tensed and he looked too stressed and it started worrying me.

"What happened Krishna? Is everything alright?"

He shakes his head. My heart stops.

Is it about Sidharth? Did something happened to him?

No!

I sighed in relief as I see him pulling out a white envelope from his pocket.

It's not about Sidharth! Thank God.

"Kaira di, I was with Anurag uncle when I found this letter. I really think you should see this." He hands it over to me.

My heart skipped a beat when I notice the symbol and read the name it came from. Quickly opening it, my happiness had no level as I read the contents of the letter.

Yes! Finally! The only thing I've been waiting for so long!

It was my internship letter! The company had finally accepted my application for the internship under the professional who I've wanted to work from so long. Who was my idol for all these years. My happiness was short lived though as I read further.

I'll have to go to Indore if I want to work under my idol.

How can I leave my new family? At this moment? So early?

I didn't had much time, it clearly said I'll have to report in a week or it will be terminated.

One week? I wouldn't even be able to settle down in my new house! The post wedding rituals will be going on for a few more days!

Oh my God!

"Krishna this...?" I finally used my voice.

"Yes di. I— I found it in the morning. I understand your dilemma that's why I've been wanting to talk to you." He says in a low voice.

"You said it was with dad?" My mind clicks to his previous statement and he nods in agreement.

Dad kept this away. Hidden from me.

Why?

The answer is simple Kaira, he doesn't want you to get it! That's the only explanation why he would keep my letter with himself.

Why wouldn't he? Can you really convince your new family to let you go away from home in hardly a week after your wedding?

"Kaira di? What do you think? Will jiju and his family allow you to pursue your career?" Krishna asked interrupting my inner argument.

I was tongue tied, my eyes were racking over the words of the letter again and again, looking for an escape.

There must be something to help me!

"Di are you sure? Are you sure you want to marry Jiju?" Krishna said and I froze.

Slowly I meet his eyes, there was fire burning in his eyes, something more than I could understand.

Before I could answer his question the door behind him opens revealing milkshake with a big smile on his face.

"My my bunny, you look a beautiful bride." He tells me then he notices the look on my face "What happened bunny? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Without a word I hand him the letter which he eagerly reads, his expression going from frown to happiness as he reads halfway.

"This is awesome bunny! Isn't this what you've been waiting for?" He asked and I nod animatedly "Then why are you so shocked? Is it the happiness?"

"Last paragraph, I'll have to go to Indore to report in a week milkshake or it will be terminated." I interrupt him and he slowly looks up from the letter.

For a minute we stay like that, in stunned silence. Then milkshake steps towards me, his hands rest on my shoulders looking down at me with a smile "Don't worry bunny, everything will fall into place. Tell your family about it in a few days, I'm sure they'll understand and will support—"

He gets interrupted with his phone ringing, probably he is called for some work, giving me a smile he hands me the letter, along with it there was