As the vibrant rays of sunshine danced through the curtains, gently caressing my face, I slowly opened my eyes and saw Adhi sitting on the edge of the bed, immersed in a book. His intense focus softened as he noticed my awakening, and a bright smile curled upon his lips. "Good morning, Tara," he greeted me. Before I could gather my thoughts or engage in conversation, Adhi gracefully rose from the bed and made his way toward the door. "I will bring you a cup of coffee, Tara," he said, his eyes sparkling with kindness. I woke up on the sofa, rubbing my eyes and stretching my arms. As I slowly became aware of my surroundings, a smile instantly spread across my face. Memories from last night flooded back, filling me with warmth and happiness. Suddenly, Adhi walked into the room, holding a steaming cup of coffee. He handed it to me with a grateful smile. "Thanks for coming here," he said sincerely. "I didn't expect you to be here, but your presence really helped me a lot." I took a sip of the hot coffee, savoring the rich flavor. "You know, sometimes all we need is someone to be there for us," I replied, returning his smile. I chuckled playfully. "Well, you know what they say," I teased. "Our crying baby turned back into a prince!". Adhi's laughter filled the room, echoing the joy that filled our hearts. "So, Adhi, since Diwali is just around the corner, why don't we celebrate together?" I suggested. His face lit up with excitement. "That's a fantastic idea!" he exclaimed. "Let's make this Diwali unforgettable". I said, Let's get ready, and I walked out of his room.
Adhi's parents were sitting comfortably in the living room, exchanging morning pleasantries. I walked in, greeting them with a warm smile and a cheerful "Good morning!" Adhi's parents returned the greeting wholeheartedly and expressed their gratitude for my visit. They thanked me for taking the time to come and see Adhi. Adhi's mom disappeared momentarily into another room. Moments later, she returned with an exquisitely wrapped package in her hands. With a gentle smile, she handed it to me. Surprised, I cautiously unwrapped the gift and discovered a beautiful saree inside. Her eyes gleamed with affection as she spoke, "Beti, you are like a daughter to me. So, why don't you celebrate Diwali with us today? This saree is my gift to you." I was overwhelmed by her kindness. "Thank you so much, Aunty. I would be honored to celebrate Diwali with you and Adhi," I responded with genuine gratitude.
I entered the guest room and walked into the restroom, ready to refresh myself and gather my thoughts before the big moment. As the warm water cascaded down my body, it washed away all the insecurities and doubts that had been clouding my mind. I stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. I stood in front of the mirror, making sure every detail was picture-perfect. I carefully draped the beautiful red saree that Adhi's mom gave me. I began to plait my hair, weaving it into an elegant braid that fell gracefully over my shoulder. The anticipation was mounting as I adorned myself with an antique-designed necklace. I slipped on a handful of bangles, their tinkling sounds serving as a symphony to my growing confidence. My gaze shifted to the small bindhi I held between my fingertips, a symbol of tradition and commitment. I placed it gently between my eyebrows, feeling a surge of determination with each delicate touch. Looking at my reflection, a smile spread across my face.
As I stepped out of the room, the warm sunlight greeted me, filling the corridor with a gentle glow. I glanced around, my eyes searching for Adhi. And then I spotted him standing on the balcony wearing a pale pink sherwani. A smile spread across my face, reaching my eyes. "Adhi!" I called out, unable to contain my excitement. He turned around, his dark eyes meeting mine. I couldn't help but blush at the sight of his gentle expression. Adhi's mom walked towards us, her eyes brimming with affection. She stopped in front of me and smiled warmly. "Beti, you look damn beautiful." I blushed even more, feeling a mix of nervousness and happiness. "Thank you, aunty," I replied, grateful for her kind words. All four of us then made our way towards the temple, hand in hand, with anticipation and joy filling the air. As we entered the spiritual realm, an aura of tranquility embraced us. We bowed our heads in reverence, and our prayers whispered softly to the gods above.
It was 6 p.m. The yard was adorned with colorful lights, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. It was a sight to behold—a sky ablaze with bursts of red, green, and blue, creating a magical display that made everyone forget their worries and brought smiles to their faces. After the last cracker had been lit and the last spark had faded away, we went into the house and sat down at the dining table. The aroma of the freshly cooked meal tantalized our taste buds. The table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes: steaming rice, aromatic curries, crispy papadums, and mouthwatering desserts. Adhi's mom had poured her love into every dish, creating a feast that was beyond words. It felt like a true family gathering, where bonds were strengthened and memories were woven.
The clock struck 9.00 p.m., and I found myself standing on the balcony, marveling at the vibrant colors adorning the sky. Adhi approached me with appreciation in his eyes, his voice filled with gratitude. "Tara, Thank you once again for visiting me. You've made this Diwali truly special for me. I wish for every Diwali to be as magical as this one with you near me," Adhi said, his words resonating in the air. Our gazes met, and a profound silence enveloped us. In the depths of my heart, I felt an overwhelming desire to express the feelings that had taken root within me. Gathering my courage, I began to speak.
"Adhi, I can't explain it clearly, but something has changed within me. You were always my little brother figure. But lately, I've started seeing you in a different light. Maybe it was the first time I laid eyes on you, or the day we spent laughing and playing at the amusement park, or the day we celebrated your birthday, or even these weeks when I did not hear from you and rushed all the way to Mohali just to make sure you were doing well. I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but I've fallen for you. I can't treat you as my little brother anymore. Adhi, would you allow me the privilege of dating you?"
As I finished speaking, my heart pounded in my chest, anxiety intertwining with anticipation. With a gentle smile, he reached out and took my hands in his. "Tara, thank you for opening your heart to me," Adhi responded, his voice filled with tenderness. "I would be honored to date you, and thanks for fulfilling my request on this day my dear princess." His words washed over me like a warm embrace, and a sense of joy overwhelmed my entire being. I couldn't help but gaze into the eyes of Adhi, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment. In that very moment, time seemed to stand still, and I knew deep in my heart that this was the best day of my life.