Roka

Trisha's Pov:

For someone who never believed in love is getting ready for her love. With so much excitement in my heart. I was getting ready for my Roka. The initial step of your marriage. Sanjana, Rehana and the makeup artist are adoring Hone wali dulhan for today's event. Day before yesterday Aunty told us that either we both get married in these 5 months or next 5 years. And without even thinking twice I said yes, for this, and then wedding after 2 months, when I have my graduation degree on my hands.

But his scowl face is still lingering in my mind. Does he not want to get married this soon?

"Look at her." Yug exclaimed on face time. I can see the moist in his eyes. "You can't wait for me." he complained.

"Actually, you are too busy in sending daily videos to your princess." I teased. He hides his face behind his palms.

"Ok Yug, I will call you when they both have to exchange Shagun!" Sanjana hastily said and cut the call. Just then Mumma entered in the room, along with papa. My face is glowing more than usual. As I look at them, their smile widens, I know that I am looking like a doll. I am wearing orange lehnga with red dupatta on the side. With the minimal make-up and the Heavy jewellery that makes me more attractive. Papa came and kissed my forehead.

"Seems like she is all grown up in just one day." he said to Mumma.

"Yeah, it's like she was a kid yesterday. Sahi kehte hai log betiya kab badi hojati hai pata hi nahi chalta." she gathers tears in her eyes and looking at her also made me in tears I was already so overwhelmed by the thought of getting married soon. And here looking at my parents is also making me weak, yet strong at the same time.

(People are right, you don't even realize when daughters grow up.)

"Mum" I mummer. She Immediately hugged me and papa also joined us.

"Heyyyyy. Ye kya hai Uncle-Aunty, Vo abhi 2 mahine aap ke sath hi hai. Aur aese bhi konsa dusre sher ja rahi hai dusri gali me hi to ja rahi hai" Rehana said, as soon as she completes, we all broke into laughter.

("Heyyyyy. What is this Uncle-Aunty, she has been with you for 2 months. And it's not like she is off to another city she's just going to another street.")

Sanjana standing at the window, all in tears, like they can flow anytime. Mumma pulled her in her embrace, and she let her tears flow. Papa pats her head. "Oye. Ye kya hai itna gum apni best friend ke janae ka." papa teased her. She mange a small chuckle between her soft sobs. Her pain is valid; she also needs her parents who can hug her when she's all dressed up as a Bride. To lighten the mood I hugged them from behind.

("Hey. What is this, so much sadness over your best friend leaving?")

"They are my Parents." I urge.

"Shut up" she mummer still between my Mumma papa.

"Oye mai kaha hu fir" Rehana also jump over us. Just like that the atmosphere is lighter. A knock on the door interrupts our moment.

(Then where am i?)

"Sir, everyone came." Worker said and left.

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As I am descending from the stairs. My eyes searching for only one person but can't find him. My face fell. And just then this stupid girl who was crying now whispers in my ears. "Akhon ko unhi ka intejar hai, unhi ke liye ye roop ye sringar hai. Uffo lekin dikhi nahi de rahe na. 'Vooo'" she presses the last word. My face warm up like all blood rushed to the cheeks.

"Trisha, you don't need to put blush. You know?" seriously Mummy. Here I am blushing mess, and they all are giggling. They all take me to the Pooja room where Tarun is sitting with on the chokie, and Panditji is chanting mantras. Tarun is sitting back facing, but as I enter, he straightens up himself. Aunty came near me and took ballaiya of mine. "Kini pyari lag rahi hai, nazar na lage meri bacchi ko" she is also looking so beautiful. Kanika came and immediately engulf me in a tight hug. "Bhai gone" she whispers. A shy smile automatically came to my face. In her floral print lengha she is looking too adorable.

("looks so cute, may my child stay safe from the evil eye")

I went near him; he is all sedated on his place I swiftly sit on the adjacent Chokie Finally, he lifts his eyes and meet mine. His mouth slightly open and eyes widen. There is lots of emotions on his face. Love, Adore, Satisfaction, gratitude. His smile widens as I passed my shy one. I don't know how long we keep looking in each other's eyes. But the sharp throat clearing voice jolted in me to come back in reality. "Bacho you both have lifetime to admire each other but today focus on the Pooja." Uncle teases us. I lower my face in embarrassment. But just then Papa's voice came in the same teasing manner, "Just like you Anand, remember your wedding day." he chuckled along with Mumma and Aunty.

As Panditji led the rituals, I folded my hands. We both are busy in doing this small pooja for our bright future. I join my hands and wish for the prosperity, reliability, Peace, love, respect and fulfilment for our coming future. As the pooja winds up, I scan the room for Sanjana because she is carrying my handbag and I need to check my face as it's almost 10 min. I need to check am I looking all presentable. Just as I was about to move, a gentle tug on my wrist halts me, I turn to see its Tarun, who is smiling at me, he rose his brow, a gesture of question. I immediately shook my head. And in swift moment he leaned closer and whispers in my ears, "No need to check, you are looking breathtaking." his words left me speechless. "You always look so beautiful, Chand. Why do you think too much." he gave me an assured smile which brings a rush of relief on my face. How does he always manage to subside my over thinking.

"Sorryyyy." Sanjana rush towards us. "Actually, I am also busy with my Husband" okay her rosy cheeks are already shouting that.

"No need to over explain Sanju." Tarun said to her with tight smile. She reciprocates with a tight lip smile.

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"May I have your attention please..." Kanika's voice echoed in the garden. As we both are standing at the small, lifted area kind of stage. Her smile is not fading, not even a second. Like she is the only one who is super-duper exited with our ring ceremony. "First of all, thank you all, for being the part of this ceremony of my Bhai and Bhabhi." as all guest's attention turns to her. "I have no words to express my feelings, how much happy I am today, that my Gibbon Bhaiya is soon getting married. And with the most beautiful girl I ever seen, not just beautiful but the talent and the power queen." her words making me so emotional, my vision blurred again. Being praised by your in-laws? That's love. That's acceptance. Your man can praise you say the heart melting words but, when you heard these words from your in-laws, all your fears vanished of going in somebody else's house. "Indeed, she is Power Queen" Sanjana shout on the highest voice. Makes me and Tarun Giggle. Karan leaned and kissed her temple.

"So, I am here for saying this that Trisha Bhabhi, you're not coming someone else's home, but yours. We all welcome you as a next and new family member, not as Daughter-in-law, Haina Papa, Mumma?" she looks one by one to her parents, and they nodded with excitement.

I turn to look at Tarun who is already looking at me, with so much Love in his eyes. Sanjana standing beside me with ring. And his side Kanni. First, he took the ring and slide it in my ring finger, the cold metal of the ring joint to my warm skin — it met my warmth and became mine. Our future. Our love. As like I will make this relation. Warm, flourish, wholesome.

My soft smile converted into a big Grin as I look at the ring which is the symbol of my Love. **

Our love.

I pick the ring and slide on his ring finger, he shivers under my touch, his skin is cold, as the contact is made between us. His eyes get moist, I asked, is something wrong but he shook his head. And gave me an adorable smile.

God, Tarun, don't smile like that. He looked too adorable. Please, don't smile like this. Uff, just one kiss, on his nose, one on both his cheeks, one over his forehead and a soft yet long kiss on his Lips.

I am looking at him, and he... he is always looking at me whether I am looking or not.

"You both can change the pose." Photographer said, which make me lower my gaze. Two times I got caught. Tarun places his index finger on my chin and lifts it. "No, we are not changing." he said to him, but all looking at me. I gesture him to change.

"Bhaii. Please. Mujhe post karni hai, follow the Photographer, Naa" Kanika pleaded. On which he looks at the photographer and he suggest poses to us.

Tarun's Pov:

I am smiling like an idiot. I am the one who is against this ceremony, Against this astrological "fast track." She needs time, we both need time, it's not that we are not sure. I am 100 percent sure and even I can marry her right now and make her mine.

Because the way she's all dolled up as my bride takes my breath away. She is looking like a goddess. Divine.

Breathtaking.

All mine.

And when I see the love in her eyes, I melted. Right there, in front of everyone. My heartbeat roared so loud in my ears, I thought the earth would shake. The moment she slid that ring onto my finger; I felt something I never thought I'd feel;

Blessed.

Blessed with her.

With love, I never expected this love, which she is giving me. Tears stung the corners of my eyes. I quickly blinked them away for the first time I am doubting my own capability. Do I Deserve her?

She's strong. Bold. Fierce. Graceful. A fire and a calm breeze together.

She needs someone like...... Me. Yes, I can never imagine her with anyone else, the mere thought makes my blood boil. She always belonged to me. I was sitting at the empty chair in the garden after receiving lots of congratulations and all the best. Why, all the best? It's just a marriage not a war. Or meeting. Huh. People make this all marriage, disaster. Marriage is not a disaster, but pure Ecstasy. That kind of peace which you never expect. The kind of stillness in the storm. The kind of home you didn't know you were looking for — until you walked into it and suddenly realized every tired part of you... is finally resting.

That's what she is.

She's home.

And today, I didn't just get engaged to Trisha.

I got engaged to peace.

To belonging.

To the only forever I'll ever want.

Just then she came, with all grace. "Phew, finally. My cheeks are hurting from the constant smile." she is babbling and I am listening her. I will listen her forever. "What?" she snaps her finger over my face.

"You." and she blushed. "Finally, I am able to make you blush just by one word." I further tease her. Which makes her lower her face. Why is she doing this, it's not her type. I gently lift her face to meet mine. And all again I got lost in her almond shaped eyes. "Nazrein na jhukaye, agar ye jhuki to baat bigad jayegi." without any efforts these words slip from my mouth. Her already pink cheeks are converting to Red. I smiled at her, which she effortlessly reciprocates by Her's.

("Don't lower your gaze, if it lowers, things will get messed up.")

"I thought you were not happy with this roka." sadness evident in her voice.

"Who told you, I am ready for anything with you, but I was thinking to give you time, you barely graduated. You need time to build you, your dreams. You also have dreams." I make her believed that I am not against the marriage but this suddenness.

"Yes, I have. But now my all dreams come with you and ends with you." she smiled. I closed my eyes, is she flirting?

"I will kiss you right now." I Hissed. On which she just laughs. "Paanch mahine mein shaadi karo, warna paanch saal ruk jao." I grumble. "Seriously, how do they expect me to believe this nonsense? Like my life's some planetary chessboard?" I scoff.

("Get married in five months, or else wait for five years")

"Tarun... it is a bit like a chessboard. Just that we don't always see the players — stars, nakshatras, grahas." she said. I can't believe.

"Don't tell me that you too believe in this nonsense."

"I believe."

"Seriously, Trisha. You are educated, smart... Don't you think its... a superstition." Is she for real.
" Not superstition, Tarun. Science. Just a very ancient science. Astrology is nothing but astrophysics wrapped in culture. Positions of planets, movement of constellations, Nakshatras; they all influence energy. And energy affects life." She explained me calmly.

"So now the moon decides when I get married?" I asked her.

"Not the moon, your karmic alignment. Our ancestors weren't fools, Tarun. If we believe in the Vedas, in dharma, in rituals like Havan and namkaran , if we respect sunrise and sunset timings for pooja. Then why does this one part, astrology, get called fake?"

"...Maybe because people use it to manipulate fear. I don't know."

"Yes. Many do. But when used with faith and logic, it becomes guidance, not fear. Your mother isn't forcing you. She's trying to align your life with the natural energy around you. Like we use vastu to balance a home's vibration astrology balances life's timing."

"And you... agreed so quickly. Don't you think five months is too soon?" still she needs time.

"Not when I know who I'm marrying." True. Then she added, quietly. "And maybe not when I trust that the universe knows what it's doing."

"You always do this, you know." A smile creeping on my face.

"What?" confusion linger on her expressions.

"Make me question my own beliefs. And then... make me believe yours."

"You're welcome, Mr. Gautam" she giggles. Just then I added. "But I made you believe in LOVE." her smile faltered slightly, but soon converted into something unreal, a bashful smile covers her all face.

"I believe Tarun. And just stick to the reality."

"Tumhe dekh kar lagta hai... agar tum kisi cheez pe itna vishwas karti ho, toh usme kuch toh hoga Trisha. Maybe I don't believe in stars, but I believe in you." I genuinely believe what she believes, And anyway, I have to marry Trisha, not the planets. She smiles over my answer.

("Seeing you, it seems... if you believe in something so much, then there must be something to it, Trisha.)

"Guys, food. Ya dono ka aek dusre ko kahe ka irada hai" Sanjana came us to reality.

("Guys, food. Or you both want to eat each other.)

"She needs filter, ASAP." she mummer.

"I don't think that she needs. What wrong did she say?" I tease her. First her smile falter, then her face lack of any color then slowly, agonizingly slowly her cheeks, neck turn into rosy. Her eyes too. And that's it. I capture her lips into mine in a sincere kiss, the kiss is all about my love towards her, she is sacrificing her own dreams for me, because my birth chart has some problem.

Her lips tasted like warmth. Like home.

This wasn't just a kiss.

It was My promise. My prayer. My pause in this chaotic world.

She stilled for a heartbeat, surprised, and then softened, melted into the moment like she'd been waiting for it all her life. And maybe, I had too. When I finally pulled away, her eyes blinked open slowly.

"You kissed me..." she whispered, her voice shaky, as if still unsure it happened.

I tucked a loose strand behind her ear.

"I needed to. I needed you to know what you mean to me. Not just as my fiancée. Not just because of some planetary emergency. But because... you're it for me, Trisha."

Her throat bobbed. "You make me believe in love, Tarun."

"And you..." I said, brushing my thumb across her cheek, "You make me believe in faith."

She leaned into my hand, and I felt her exhale; like she'd been holding something heavy for a long time. Like I'd finally given her permission to breathe.

"Phew," she murmured again, that soft babbling tone returning, "so that's a kiss. Not bad, Mr. Future Husband."

"Not bad?" I scoffed, feigning offense. "You just got kissed by the man of your stars."

"Stars you don't even believe in," she teased.

I shrugged. "I believe in you. That's enough for me."

We both smiled a quiet kind, the kind that says we're going to be okay.

Just then, Sanjana reappeared dramatically, of course.

"Guys! Hello? Food is being served, and you're both about to get served if you don't move."

Trisha giggled. "She's starving."

"She's jealous," I smirked, leaning into Trisha's ear, "because you got the best fiancé in the room."

"Oh please," Sanjana huffed, dragging Trisha by the wrist, "Come. Before these stars of yours align again and you elope without telling us."

Karan's Pov:

As soon as she emerged with Trisha, I noticed that there was no spark in her eyes. Her eyes were red as if she was crying. As soon as our eyes met, she stole my gaze.

I knew it.

All family members got busy in pooja. I brought her outside the room somewhere in the corner of the hall. She is struggling in my grip, but little did she know that I caught her crying and now she is under my mercy.

"Karan... what are you doing leave me." She is struggling to loosen my grip. "It's hurting." As soon as she said that I left her hand. But I didn't know that it's her trick to be free. She sprints towards the room again but this time I pick her up on my shoulders.

Firstly, she was wearing a saree and on top of that my mind was losing up. I put her down and lock our gaze. She is panting of my sudden action. And also looking very furious. Cute. I smirk on her face.

"Ek to zabardasti kar te ho upar se attitude. Jao mai nahi kar rahi baat tumse." She side faced me. I lean in and ask in her ears.

(Not only do you force things, but you also have an attitude. Go, I'm not talking to you.")

"Did I hold you so tight that it hurt you? I am sorry." She immediately looks into my eyes with regret maybe, she understands pain in my voice. She shook her head.

"No Karan never. Never ever think you can hurt me. That was just a joke, I know that as you heard that you would leave my hand that's why I said." She cupped my face. "You will be the last person who ever thinks about hurting me, Karan." Her voice is just above whisper. She gathers some tears in her eyes. Before that tear will comes out, I kissed her forehead.

"What happened?" I asked her. She is looking at me with confusion. "What happened that you cried?" she again avoided my gaze. "It's clearly visible milady." She bobbed her head in yes. "Words my lady, words"

"Yes, I cry because I miss my parents" she confessed. My heart clench at her condition not because I am pity on her but because I can't do anything. This...helplessness is the most worthless feeling in the world. It says that you cannot do anything for your loved ones. When I don't say anything for a while, she immediately spoke, "don't pity on me. I am not sympathetic." Her voice cracks a bit.

"Hey" I make her look into my eyes. "Who said I am pity on you, huh." I said in my softest tone ever, only I know how much I missed this. This is the only way I make her happy. This soft side of mine is only for her. I continue whispering soothing words, I know that can't fill her parents empty place but at least they work on her heart. "I am just adoring this wonderful lady. The woman standing in front of me is the most beautiful and the strongest woman I have ever seen." Her eyes shine with new resolution.

"You are the example for those who left living their lives, you are not Just symbol of love. You are the symbol of power and strength. At the young age you handle yourself without anyone's help. Isn't it praising thing. I am proud of you Milady." She instantly hugged me. Snuggling her face in my chest she rubbed her face on my chest. Her signature gesture when she needs tight embrace. I hold her like no tomorrow and really; She is my present I never say that she is my future. Because I haven't seen future, I just see this beautiful present in my arms which I want to hold every single day like no tomorrow. And one thing is certain; whatever happens now, I am not leaving her, not only now. But forever.

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"...hayee she is mine from now" Tarun mummer. This idiot's smile is not flatter just for second. How can someone smile this constant?

"Sale pehle to kehe raha tha 'itni jaldi kya hai' aur ab dekh smile aese chipki hai tere chehre par jese koi permanent glue se laga di ho" I said annoyingly. Yet I am happy that he is no single now. He looks at me and gesture me to look at back. As I turn my face I saw heavenly scene in my entire life. My lady is dancing on floor like she owns the floor. Her graceful thumka, her swings her facial expressions. Everything is picture perfect.

("Dude, earlier you were saying 'what's the rush' and now look, the smile is stuck on your face like someone glued it on permanently")

"Ab kon muskura raha hai?" Tarun's disgusting voice disturbs my dream.

(Who's smiling now?)

"Sale apna muh band rakh bhut gandi awaz hai teri" not even glancing at him and I Move towards the dance floor.

("Hey, shut your mouth, your voice is really disgusting")

Tere Maathe Jhumar DamkeTere Kanno Baali Chamke Hai ReMaahi VeTere Haatho Kangana KhankeTere Pairo Payal Chance Hai ReMaahi Ve

Familiar music of Maahi ve echoes in the garden and her beautiful performance is adding more grace. She makes hand gesture in every word of the song.

Naino Se Bole Rabba Rabba Mann Mein Dole Rabba Rabba Amrut Ghole Rabba Rabba Tu Soniye

On next stanza, Rehan came from behind. And join with My Sanjana. His dance is not working with my girl. Why is he on the floor she is the one can own? I was busy scoffing. And Rehanaa and Kanika also join in next tune of the song

Jind Maahi Ve Soni Soni Aaja Maahi Ve Everybody Sing Soni Soni Aaja Maahi Ve

Sanjana came towards me and dragged me in the middle of the floor. Initial I was stunned but soon I also join them. Doing the same steps together. Trisha is looking at us with astonishment and happiness. Tarun also came and sat with her. They really look good together. And now finally my best friend is rokafied. This moment I feel complete; she forgets all her sorrow and pain. And most important, I am with her. Always.