Awkward Heartstrings (HEARTSTRINGS SERIES-1)

Chapter -20

Maya sputtered, her face turning an ugly shade of red.  She opened her mouth to retort, but Reyansh cut her off with a look that silenced her.  She glared at us, then, with a huff, turned and stalked away.

Reyansh squeezed my hand, his eyes full of apology.  "I'm so sorry, Aadya," he whispered.

"She shouldn't have…"

"It's okay," I whispered back, the tears now flowing freely. "You stood up for me."  The relief was immense.  He hadn't agreed with her.  He had defended me.

He pulled me closer, his arm around my shoulder. "Always," he said. "I'll always stand up for you."

The haldi ceremony continued, the tension somewhat diffused.  Aunt Maya's words still lingered, but Reyansh's support had given me a much-needed boost.  Maybe, just maybe, our future wouldn't be defined by family drama and disapproving aunts.  Maybe, with Reyansh by my side, I could face anything.

Sangeet

The air in my bridal suite buzzed with a frantic, joyful energy.  My lehenga, a masterpiece of shimmering emerald and gold, lay spread out on the bed, waiting.  Makeup brushes danced across faces, transforming my bridesmaids into dazzling versions of themselves.  Music, a mix of Bollywood hits and traditional folk songs, pulsed through the room.  It was my Sangeet tonight, and the excitement was almost overwhelming.

I sat a little apart from the whirlwind, trying to calm the butterflies flapping furiously in my stomach.  It wasn't nerves about the wedding itself – Reyansh and I were good, truly good.  We’d talked through everything after the haldi, the little awkwardness with Aunt Maya smoothed over with his quiet reassurance and unwavering support.  No, my jitters were of a different kind.  Tonight was about letting loose, about celebrating.  And honestly? I was a little terrified of making a fool of myself on the dance floor.

Rooh, my rockstar best friend, plopped down beside me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Seriously, Aadya," she teased, "you're getting married tomorrow!  You should be glowing with happiness, not looking like you’re about to dissect a frog."

I laughed, a genuine laugh this time.  "I am happy," I protested, "just… a little overwhelmed.  There's so much to remember! The steps, the songs, not tripping over my own feet…"
Rooh snorted.  "You?  Trip?  Please.  You've been practicing these routines for weeks.  You're going to kill it."

"Easy for you to say," I grumbled.  "You're a natural. I, on the other hand, am more likely to end up on 'America's Funniest Home Videos'."

Rooh squeezed my hand.  "Don't be silly," she said. "Just relax and have fun.  That's what tonight is all about.  Celebrating with the people we love."

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror.  The makeup artist had worked her magic, and I barely recognized the radiant woman staring back at me.  The emerald lehenga, with its intricate embroidery and flowing silhouette, made me feel like a princess.  Tonight, I wasn't just a bride; I was a dancer, a daughter, a friend.

Aadya's sangeet outfit

A knock on the door announced my mother's arrival.  Her face was lit up with pride and joy.  "Aadya, darling," she said, her voice brimming with emotion, "it's time!  Everyone's waiting.  Reyansh is looking for you."

My heart did a little flip at the mention of his name.  I knew he was nervous too, though he’d never admit it.  We’d spent so many evenings practicing together, laughing at our mistakes and encouraging each other along the way.

I took a deep breath, smoothed down my lehenga, and gave Rooh a grateful smile.  "Wish me luck," I said.

"You don't need luck," she replied with a wink.  "You've got this. Now go out there and set the dance floor on fire!"

And with that, I stepped out of the bridal suite, ready to celebrate, ready to dance, ready to embrace the joy of my Sangeet.  Tonight, I would shine.

The music spilled out into the hallway, a vibrant mix of dhol beats and laughter.  My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped out of the bridal suite, ready for my Sangeet.  I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and started walking towards the main hall.  And then I saw him.

Reyansh.  He was standing near the entrance, talking to some relatives, but his eyes immediately found mine.  He excused himself and walked towards me, a smile spreading across his face that made my stomach do a little flip.

"Wow," he breathed, his eyes raking over me, taking in every detail of my emerald and gold lehenga.  "Aadya… you look absolutely breathtaking."

I blushed, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense gaze.  "Thank you," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady.  "You look pretty handsome yourself," I added, noticing his perfectly tailored kurta and the matching emerald accents that coordinated with my outfit.

                   Reyansh outfit

He chuckled.  "I try," he said, his eyes twinkling.  "But seriously, Aadya, you've outdone yourself.  That lehenga… it's… it's stunning.  You look like a queen."

I laughed, feeling my nervousness melt away under his compliments.  "You're being too kind," I said, but I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

"Kind?  I'm just stating facts," he insisted.

"You're radiant.  Absolutely radiant."  He paused, his eyes meeting mine, and a playful glint entered them.  "And I have to say," he continued, lowering his voice slightly, "I can't wait to dance with you tonight.  I've been practicing my moves, you know."

My heart skipped a beat.  "Oh really?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.  "I'll believe it when I see it."

He grinned. "Oh, you'll see," he promised.  "You'll definitely see.  Just try to keep up with me."
"Is that a challenge?" I asked, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

"Maybe," he replied, his eyes sparkling.  "But either way, I'm looking forward to it.  Tonight's going to be amazing."  He held out his hand.  "Shall we join the party, Your Majesty?"

I took his hand, feeling a surge of warmth and happiness.  "We shall," I said, my voice filled with excitement.  As we walked towards the music and the laughter, I knew he was right.  Tonight was going to be amazing.  And I couldn't wait to dance the night away with him.

Spread Love 💙