Gunjan's POV
Everyone says this is the most important day in a girl's life.They say it makes all the difference- the day a girl finds the woman in her- the day she finds the name she would live with for the rest of life.New dreams and new relations- she becomes a new person-On her wedding day.
Did I feel that?I don't know.I stood in the wedding finery,the likes of which I have rarely seen.The gorgeous Vikram Phandis maroon lehenga perfectly fitting me with a large choker and dangling earrings accessorizing me.I heard all about this but as I looked in the mirror –I could only see my eyes- They were made up in a way I never did- But all the make-up could not hide the fear or doubt in them.
Was I in my right senses?I was getting married to Samrat Mehra in a few hours and then he would become my husband.The thought was unsettling.Where did the last week rush to?How did we run through all the functions so very quickly?
I took a deep breath. I did not know Samrat- I knew he was impulsive and a prankster.I knew he could be kind to people and I knew what a big playboy he was,That was the extent of my knowledge of my fianc.And now I faced the prospect of spending my life with him.
"Its okay – you are doing the right thing.Take a deep breath." said my sister as always reading my face.
I closed my eyes and spoke out my fears for the first time since this ordeal started.
"I am scared."I said
She rubbed my back soothingly.
"Everyone is scared on their wedding day."
"I don't even know Samrat."
She stopped,searching my eyes.
"I guess so but Gunjan 90% of the women in this country have arranged marriages and they don't know their husbands at all.It does not mean that the marriage does not work."
I stared at her,the knot in my heart loosening.Could I still have hope?
"I know Samrat is not the kind of person you visualized you would marry.But he is really nice and he really cares for you.So does his family-"
"Oh my god- look at her.Just look at her- She looks like an angel."exclaimed my mother as she hugged me,crying and laughing at the same time.I hugged her back fighting tears.
She gingerly touched my face.
"When did you grow up so much?You were just a baby in my arms the other day- when did you grow up my sweet little angel-"
"I love you Ma."
She smiled through her tears and nodded.
"I love you too Gunjan."
There was a soft knock and the door opened.
"May we come in?" came a sweet voice.In came Mrs.Sharma closely followed by Diya.
I smiled at them and then looked at my sister.She was staring with wistful smile at Diya.
" Wow Gunjan – you look beautiful."Mrs.Sharma said.
My mother smiled.
"She does,does she not?I mean by god Samrat is going to have a heartattack today-"
"I am going to wait outside- Let you guys some time alone" said Diya as she slowly exited the room.
"I will be back." Said Nupur as she followed her out.
I sat down as she left.Her words echoing through my head- Yes she was right.I should stop having doubts.This is my life now- Samrat was my destiny-He would be my husband and I would make this marriage work – I vowed to myself
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Diya's POV
I stared moodily at the red and white garlands wrapped around the staircase as I cursed my luck.Why on earth did I have to come here?I did not have a choice anyway- Did I?
My mother had scolded me thoroughly over not coming to any of the functions-and then commanded – yes commanded – to come to the wedding.And one does not refuse my mother when she dictates terms like that.But coming here and seeing all happening was horrible.
Gunjan is getting married to Samrat- the person whom I thought was meant for me.It was not easy to digest.But I could through that- everyone has crushes and now I have RV-only if Nupur was by my side.
However it was worse than ever- Speaking to Nupur about this was impossible-and now I could not even speak to her about anything.Everything was so awkward- I was so uncomfortable with my best friend that it hurt.I close my eyes-
Maybe part of it was my fault.
"I should not have thrown the chunri at her."I mumbled.
"You should-"came the soft reply.
I turned around to see Nupur smiling at me wistfully.It was doubt in her eyes- like she was scared of my reaction that hurt me doubly.
I looked away.This was horrible- why was I feeling guilty?She was the one who betrayed me- she was the one who sided with her sister-she was the one who-I was running out of my complaints.
"Why did you come out?"she asked me
"I- Its that its time – I mean you and aunty should be alone with Gunjan now."I said.
"Why?" she said staring at me intently.
"Its family time-" I said feeling the pang of jealousy that I did when I saw Gunjan with Nupur.
There was a beat of silence.
"Diya- You are family too-"
I looked up at her,my throat tight.There was nothing but honestly in her eyes.
"I mean it Diya- You are a very important part of my family."she continued.
I stood still with my head bowed down,staring at my peach sequined saree.Without a moment's notice Nupur came and hugged me.
I was not sure what to feel.I felt a snap of longing coupled with a strange need to cry.I kept my fists tightly curled up at my side.
"Diya please I am losing my one sister – Don't make me lose you too."
The urge of cry strengthened-I stepped back and snapped at her.
"God Nupur are you wearing diamond studs with a red saree-That so middle class.Try something dangling and in gold- I thought you had better taste." I stumbled over the words fighting over the lump in my throat.
"Diya I missed you so much."She said with a small sniff.Then she stopped and backed away,her face surpassing the red of her saree.I looked back and sighed.Standing behind us was Mayank- wearing a black shirt with a beige jacket,looking as if he stepped out of the corporate room.
