I freeze. I look around, unsure how to respond. I thought my parents had discussed this with them—I was never involved in any of the planning. And the sudden question just caught me off guard.
Maa quickly tells her, “Give us a moment,” and Mrs. Khanna politely steps away.
“Beta, I completely forgot to ask—what have you thought about the wedding?” Maa asks gently, her eyes are full of warmth, as she urges me to answer her.
Something my mother failed in.
I hate being put on the spot. I don’t want to say something that might upset my parents. I honestly don’t know the answer.
“I don’t know, Maa. You can decide whatever you want. Or maybe… maybe ask Rudraksh?”
“Are you kidding? Bhai isn’t interested in wedding planning—he just wants to get married,” Aditi jumps in, winking at me.
“Beta, marriage is one of the biggest days in a girl’s life. It happens only once. Fulfill all your wishes, whatever you dream of,” Chachi says, and Maa nods, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
Okay, I don’t think they’ll let me avoid this. I’ll have to say something. I’m not a people person—I don’t want a huge wedding. But both our families are influential, and the media will definitely cover the event. The guest list will probably be long and—
“There’s no need to overthink it, Shivani. Just say what’s on your mind.” I’m surprised by their willingness to let me decide.
“I… I’d prefer a small wedding. Just close family and friends. But I don’t think that’s really possible since—”
“Not possible?” Aditi scoffs and then continues. “Bhai wants everything to be the way you want it. If you want a small wedding, that’s what you’ll get.”
The thought that Rudraksh wants me to have a say in this—it makes me feel grateful. And a little…happy.
“Can we hold all the functions at home, then?” Maa asks.
I nod. She calls Mrs. Khanna back in and explains.
“So, a small and simple wedding,” Mrs. Khanna says.
“I suppose that means you’ll want a simple outfit as well—?” Mrs. Khanna makes a suggestion, but Maa quickly jumps in.
“There’s no such rule,” Maa cuts in. “Show her everything. Whatever she likes, simple or not, we’ll take it.”
Now I understand how she convinced my mother not to come along. She’s confident, outspoken, and fearless. She says what she means—and I want to be like that.
Mrs. Khanna shows us several outfits, but one catches my eye. A stunning traditional red lehenga.
It’s intricately decorated with golden embroidery and detailed floral patterns at the bottom. The blouse is just as rich, and the matching red dupatta has small golden motifs and a striking border. It’s beautiful—so beautiful—and when I try it on, everyone agrees it looks perfect on me.
The decision is left to me, which is rare, again, but I don’t hesitate this time. I want this one. It feels right.
The only issue—it’s expensive. Really expensive. I want to protest, but by the time I change and come back, the bill’s already paid.
Maa simply says, “It’s done. And if you argue, I’ll be upset.” So I keep quiet. I just hope Rudraksh or my parents don’t get mad about the cost.
“Let’s go home now,” Chachi says, giving me a side hug. “Everyone’s waiting to meet you.”
I’m about to meet my new family.
I just hope they like me.
06
SHIVANI
The ride back to Rudraksh’s house is quiet. I stare out the window, lost in thought. I’ve always lived with just my parents. No big, loving family. Occasionally, during childhood, I’d visit my dadi’s house—those were the rare moments I felt like a child. Free. I remember crying every time I had to leave, begging her to keep me. She never could. I knew she wanted to, but she was too dependent on my father. She passed away when I was fourteen, and with her, even those tiny scraps of freedom vanished.
