🌷Aahana🌷

"Aahana!"

The voice was familiar, but distant. I turned, trying to figure out where it was coming from. A blurry figure was calling me, but everything around me was hazy.

"Aahana!"

It was louder now, more urgent, but still unclear. I walked toward the voice, confused, wondering why I couldn’t see the person’s face.

"Wake up, Aahana!"

Wait…wake up? Why was someone asking me to wake up?

Just then, a splash of freezing cold water hit my face, and I jolted upright, gasping. The dream disappeared instantly, replaced by the very real sensation of water dripping down my face. Blinking in shock, I found myself staring at Nishita, my best friend since childhood, who was standing at the foot of my bed with an empty glass in her hand. She was dressed in a stunning pink lehenga, but the dangerous glint in her eyes made me momentarily forget how beautiful she looked. She was clearly on a mission.

"Are you planning to attend your brother’s wedding in your dreams only?" Nishita asked with a mocking smile, crossing her arms.

It took me a second to process what she had said. And then it hit me like a truck.

Ranvijay bhaiya’s wedding. Today was bhaiya’s wedding.(Brother)

“Shit! Oh no!” I jumped out of bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. How could I have slept in on such an important day? Of all days, today had to be the one where I decided to nap. I had been up late last night, helping with some last-minute wedding preparations, but still! I can’t believe I overslept.

"You said you were going to bring your lehenga and jewelry to my room so we could get ready together," Nishita continued, her voice half scolding, half amused. "It’s been fifty minutes, and you never came back! I should have known you’d fall asleep in the middle of the day."

"What time is it?" I asked, my heart racing as I searched for my phone, which was buried under a pile of blankets.

"It’s already 3 PM," Nishita replied, raising an eyebrow. "The wedding rituals start in less than an hour and a half, so if you want to show up looking like a human instead of a zombie, you’d better hurry up."

"Shit, shit, shit!" I muttered under my breath, grabbing my sky-blue lehenga and the matching jewelry from the couch. I felt panic rising in my chest as I realized how little time I had left. How could I have messed this up? Today was supposed to be perfect, and here I was, running late for my own brother’s wedding.

“You look amazing, by the way,” I threw at Nishita as I rushed past her, heading straight for her room, where the makeup artist and hairstylist were waiting for me. Nishita rolled her eyes, though I could tell she appreciated the compliment.

“Yeah, yeah, save the flattery for after you’re ready,” she called after me.

I burst into Nishita’s room and quickly apologized to the makeup artist for being late. In record time, I changed into my lehenga, the soft fabric swishing around me as I stepped into the intricate blouse. My mind was racing the entire time. How could I have been so careless? This was bhai’s big day—my big brother, the one who had always looked out for me, who had never once let me down. And here I was, on the verge of being the sister who overslept on his wedding day.

The makeup artist worked fast, and soon my hair and makeup were being expertly transformed. As they applied foundation and styled my hair into soft, elegant waves, I thought about everything that had led to this moment.

Bhai was getting married. My brother, my protector, my best friend. It still felt surreal. Growing up, he had always been the strong one, the one who took care of everything. I’d always looked up to him, even when we bickered like all siblings do. And now, he was starting a new life with Tara bhabhi.

I smiled to myself. Tara bhabhi was perfect for him. Kind, thoughtful, beautiful—everything you could want in a partner. She had fit into our family so seamlessly, and I knew bhai was lucky to have found her.

"All done!" the makeup artist announced, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I looked in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at me. My sky-blue lehenga shimmered in the light, the delicate silver embroidery catching every gleam. My makeup was flawless—elegant but not overdone—and my hair cascaded over one shoulder in soft waves. The diamond necklace and earrings I had picked out glinted as I put them on.

I felt a little like a princess, but there was no time to admire myself. The rituals were about to begin, and I needed to be downstairs, helping greet the guests and making sure everything was perfect for bhai & bhabhi.

Grabbing my phone in one hand and lifting the hem of my lehenga with the other, I hurried out of the room and made my way down the grand staircase. The Chauhan mansion was buzzing with activity. The enormous hall had been cleared out and transformed into a beautiful space for the wedding. A mandap had been set up in the center, draped in rich beige and gold fabrics, and the entire room was filled with the scent of roses and jasmine.

Despite the grandeur, the wedding was a private affair, just close friends and family, with a few important business associates invited. But even with the smaller guest list, the preparations had been nothing short of extravagant.

I spotted my mom, standing with Nishita near the mandap, giving instructions to some of the workers. The wedding planner, whom we had hired months ago, was hovering nearby, making sure everything was running smoothly.

“Mom!” I called out as I approached, giving her an apologetic smile. “Sorry I’m late.”

My mother turned and smiled at me, her eyes twinkling. "Ahana, you look beautiful, beta. No need to apologize."

Nishita nudged me playfully. "Told you you’d pull it together."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. My mother and Nishita always knew how to calm my nerves, even when I was stressed.

We began to attend to the guests, greeting everyone as they arrived. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, but it was also intimate, filled with familiar faces. I found my father, Pratham Chauhan, standing near the entrance, speaking with some of our extended family.

When he saw me, his face lit up. "Ahana!" he called, walking over and pulling me into a tight hug. "You look like a goddess. The Lakshmi of our house. My beautiful daughter."

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, smiling up at him. “Are you ready for this? Your son’s getting married today.”

He chuckled, though I noticed his voice had a slight catch in it. "I’m ready, but I don’t think Ranvijay is. He’s been getting emotional upstairs."

That surprised me. Bhai? Emotional? He was always the composed, stoic one. But I guess even the strongest hearts get a little overwhelmed on their wedding day.

Soon, the rituals began. The guests were seated, the priest had started chanting the holy mantras, and all eyes turned toward the staircase where bhai would make his grand entrance.

He looked every bit the regal groom in his ivory sherwani, walking with his usual confidence, but I could see the flicker of nerves in his eyes as he made his way toward the mandap. My heart swelled with pride as I watched him, the older brother I had always admired. This was it. The moment we had all been waiting for.

Then, all attention shifted to the bride. Tara bhabhi was descending the stairs, and she looked breathtaking. Her red lehenga was heavy with golden embroidery, shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Her face was radiant, glowing with a shy smile as she stepped gracefully down the stairs, her every move elegant and measured.

As the soft strains of Dhadak began to play in the background, I could see that almost everyone was tearing up.

Koi bandhani joda odh ke

Babul ki gali aau chor ke

Tere hi liye laungi Piya

Sollah saal ke sawan jod ke

Pyaar se thamna dor bareek hai

Saat janmo ki ye pehli tareek hai

The beauty of the moment, the love between bhai and bhabhi, was palpable, and I could feel my own eyes sting with unshed tears.

Bhai reached out his hand to Tara bhabhi, helping her step onto the mandap, and they exchanged soft smiles. The priest began the varmala ceremony, and the room erupted into laughter as everyone cheered for either the groom or the bride to lower their heads for the garland.

In the end, bhai, ever the gentleman, bent down, allowing bhabhi to place the garland around his neck. Everyone cheered as Tara bhabhi blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink.

The ceremony continued, with the sacred fire burning brightly in the center of the mandap. Bhai tied the mangal sutra around Tara bhabhi's neck, and they began to take the seven rounds around the fire, each step a promise to nurture their relationship, to protect and cherish one another for the rest of their lives.

Then bhai held the small silver box of vermilion in his hands, his expression soft yet full of emotion. As the priest chanted the final mantras, he carefully filled the bright red vermilion into Tara bhabhi’s hair partition. It was such a simple act, yet so significant—a symbol of their eternal bond.

Watching them, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. My throat tightened with emotion as I realized that my brother was now officially married.

As soon as bhai finished applying the vermilion, the priest raised his hand, signaling the completion of the rituals. "Now, with the blessings of the Almighty and these sacred vows, you are united as husband and wife for this life and beyond," he said, his voice echoing in the hall.

A soft gasp went through the crowd, followed by claps and cheers. I could see the joy radiating from my parents' faces, from Tara bhabhi's parents as well, and even the guests. The atmosphere felt charged with happiness and love. The new couple was glowing, both of them looking at each other with such tenderness that it was hard not to tear up again.

I felt a tug on my hand and turned to see Nishita, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I can’t believe this is real," she whispered, her voice shaky.

"Me neither," I replied softly. It all felt so surreal. One moment I was waking up, groggy and panicked about being late, and now I was standing here, watching my brother embark on this new chapter of his life. A part of me felt a little lost—like I was leaving a piece of my childhood behind—but I was also incredibly happy for him.

The next part of the ceremony was more grounded, but just as meaningful—the time for the newlyweds to take blessings from the elders. As the priest wrapped up the final chants, my brother and bhabhi rose from the mandap and walked towards our parents.

I watched as they both bent down to touch our parents’ feet, seeking their blessings. My father, always the strong, stoic type, had to swipe at his eyes as he blessed them. I could see how proud he was of bhai, and the happiness in his eyes as he welcomed Tara bhabhi into our family.

My mother, of course, was a different story. She was crying openly, tears of joy streaming down her face as she placed her hands on Tara bhabhi's head in blessing. She then turned to bhai, her voice shaky as she spoke. "Be happy always, both of you. Take care of each other."

Watching my parents in that moment filled my heart with a strange mix of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness. Bhai had always been our family’s pillar of strength, and now, seeing him take on this new role as a husband, it felt like the beginning of a new era for all of us.

As more family members approached to give their blessings, I noticed how gentle Tara bhabhi was, how respectful. She touched everyone’s feet with such grace, even though she was wearing that heavy lehenga and carrying the weight of the moment. My heart swelled with admiration for her.

Then it was my turn. I stood there, feeling a bit awkward as they both came towards me, but they both smiled at me warmly.

Bhai looked at me with his typical teasing grin. "What, no hug for your brother?"

I rolled my eyes but felt a tear slip down my cheek anyway. I hugged him tightly, not caring if it wrinkled my lehenga. “I’m so happy for you,” I whispered, my voice breaking slightly. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

He hugged me back, his hand gently ruffling my hair like he used to when we were kids. "Thanks, baccha" he said softly. "Don’t worry, I’m still going to annoy you whenever I can."

I laughed through the tears, feeling a mixture of relief and happiness. Then, I turned to Tara bhabhi. "Welcome to the family, bhabhi" I said, my voice still a little choked. "I couldn’t have asked for a better sister-in-law."

She smiled at me, her eyes soft and warm. "Thank you, Aahana. I’m so lucky to have you all as my family now."

We hugged, and it felt like a new beginning, a new bond between us that was different from before. Tara bhabhi wasn’t just bhai's wife now; she was part of our family.

As the newlyweds continued to take blessings from the rest of the elders, I stood back for a moment, just watching. The room was filled with love and laughter, with smiles and happy tears.

But for me, the most emotional part of the ceremony was over. I had watched my brother, the person I had looked up to my entire life, take this huge step. I had seen him promise to love, cherish, and protect Tara bhabhi for not just one lifetime, but for seven. And I had felt the weight of those promises, the importance of this day, settle into my heart.

As the evening drew on, I found myself thinking about the future—what it would be like now that bhai was married. Things would change, of course, but I knew that our bond, the bond between siblings, would remain the same. He would always be there for me, just as he always had been, and now I had bhabhi as a sister to share in all the joys and challenges that life would bring.

And in that moment, standing amidst the laughter and celebration, I realized that I wasn’t losing anything at all. In fact, I was gaining so much more—a bigger family, more love, more memories.

The wedding festivities continued well into the night, but in my heart, the most beautiful part had already happened: I had witnessed the start of a new chapter, not just for the newly wed couple, but for all of us. And I couldn’t wait to see what the future held.