I Found You

Vikram felt a sense of helplessness wash over him. He was at a loss for what to do as he witnessed her tears throughout the entire journey to the house.

The melody of her sobbing still echoed in his ears. His fingers itched to wipe the tear, rolling down her cheeks, then there was a sudden uncontrollable urge to hold her in his arms.

The weight burdened him as he fought the dilemma of how to bring solace to her crying mess, to see a smile on her face.

Taking out the handkerchief from the depth of his sherwani's pocket he silently extended it towards her, "here."

She accepted the offered handkerchief from him, her voice caught in her throat, silenced by the dryness left behind from all the crying.

She wiped her tears, trying to make herself look presentable as the car slowed down to a stop in front of the house.

When she saw a few close relatives and his family waiting at the entrance to welcome them, anxiety began to crawl up her spine.

As they stepped out of the car, he held the door open for her. His sister came to help, taking hold of her heavy lehenga.

Sensing her nervousness, Vikram extended his hand toward her. She hesitated for a brief second, but the warmth in his touch steadied her.

The simple fact that he didn't hesitate to hold her hand in front of everyone filled her with contentment.

Saanvika approached holding a decorated plate, accompanied by a woman who seemed around the same age.

They performed the aarti and instructed Adhira to gently kick the rice-filled kalash with her right foot before stepping inside.

Adhira did as told, her fingers still wrapped around Vikram's. Together they entered the house. They were then led to the Puja Ghar for the next set of rituals.

[Worship place]

Vikram and Adhira sat facing each other, with a large pot placed between them.

It was filled with the mixture of milk, turmeric and rose petals, creating a blend that concealed the ring hidden in it.

They were instructed to find the ring, and the first one to find it would hold the upper hand in their marriage.

"Come on bhai you have to win this." Mukti cheered from the side.

Vikram's hands hovered above the water, but his gaze was locked on Adhira. She could feel it, intense and unwavering and it sent a wave of warmth up her cheeks.

She turned red under his constant stare, her eyes flickering away with a nervous smile.

"Nahi toh saari umar papa ki tarah gulami mein guzarni hogi." Kabir's parents looked at him a look of disinterest.

[If not, then you'll have to spend your entire life in servitude like father]

"Betaji, let me enlighten you with a little information," Jaideep chimed in, casting a proud glance at his wife. "It was I who won this very game during out time."

"Remember, my dear." He added, nudging Saanvika's, that made her blush.

The room erupted in smiles at the playful banter between the couple.

Adhira adored the couple before her. The unspoken language that passed between them, filled with love and understanding, was a sight to behold.

It was like, as if their eyes held a secret conversation, a connection that only they could understand. Isn't it goals?