| Where I Belong |

Prologue

There was a loud buzz, heavy playing of traditional instruments, and chanting of priests, all typical to a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar wedding. The giggles from her cousins, who darted in and out of the room she was getting ready in was slightly grating on her nerves. As much as Vaishnavi loved them, at that moment she needed some calm, for she was buzzing with incredible joy and extreme excitement, ready to get married to the love of her life.

Srinath.

A smile formed on her red lips, as his name filled her being. How she had fallen in love with him, and the crazy events that had indeed occurred for such a wedding to have happened. In succession, the memories of the past year and a half flitted through her mind, her love and her six best friends prominent in them.

Happiness was being with her two best friends. Tulasi and Indira.

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Why were her parents stressing on marriage, she had wondered. But she had to hand it out to Tulasi, who had not even batted an eyelid when her parents had told her that they had fixed her marriage, though her heart had hurt at it. Tulasi and Hari had been dating for months by then, and were already deeply in love with each other.

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Those who are truly in love find their way to unite forever, thought Vaishnavi happily, as she watched Hari tie the mangalyam around Tulasi's neck, their eyes too busy for anyone but each other.

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"You are getting married, and soon. Do you understand?, threatened Vaishnavi's grandfather, as Vaishnavi looked at him defiantly, her non-acceptance clear.

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Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks when her parents refused to accept her pleas, instead following her grandfather's stubborn decision to get her married.

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"Hi! I am Srinath

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Something about Srinath tugged at Vaishnavi's heartstrings. She had connected to him the second she had met him, and... maybe. Just maybe.

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She knew it! Indira was in love! Her heart did a happy dance, and she had to fight a joyous shriek.

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"I love you, Srinath, my Mihir

"I love you too, Vaishnavi, my Sreshti

"Brideyyy, comeee!

Indira's happy voice brought Vaishnavi to reality, and she mock glared at Indira.

"Aww you cutie, said Indira, not at all cowered by the glare. "You can go into Mihirland later. For now, have the presence of mind to stand up and walk

"Indi, I am getting married today

"That is not going to stop me from bossing you around, Mrs. Srinath. Now come with me

"And me!

Tulasi popped into the room, grinning at her two best friends. Shaking her head, Vaishnavi got up, holding on to the hands of her two best friends, and together, the three of them stepped out of the room, one as the bride, the other two as the pillars of the bride, all three radiant and beautiful.

Srinath was anything other than nervous. His older cousins had joked with him, when they had been informed that he was to get married, that he would be nervous. But all he could feel was a heavy wave of happiness crash into him, simply at the thought of marrying Vaishnavi. She had completed his life with her cheeriness and joy, her ability to bear everything that was thrown at her. In fact, she and her two best friends were the same in that aspect. All three with the powerful ability to bear all that life threw at them, and overcome all obstacles.

His eyes travelled to his own best friends, Hari and Aniket. Hari, who was happily married to Tulasi, even before Srinath had met Vaishnavi. And Aniket, his brother, his best friend. Aniket and he had virtually grown up together, their fathers being twin brothers, their mothers being cousin sisters. They had been together through every step of life. Every step of life except this particular day. But knowing Aniket, it won't be long before he also tied the knot with Indira. They had been through a lot of difficulties, but had simply come out stronger together.

His heart suddenly hammered in his chest, and his eyes turned to the side of the bride's room. His breath caught in his chest when he saw her. Dressed in the traditional Iyengar style nine yard, she shone like a radiant Sun. Her eyes met his, and he knew nothing other than her, he could know nothing more than her. His thoughts rested on her, as she was brought toward him, and a permanent smile was etched on his face, love the most prominent.

This was true happiness, he reflected, as he and Vaishnavi were now seated next to one another, both with radiant smiles, reflecting each other's joy.