Ananya's POV
The next day arrived everyone was very happy and busy with the with the celebration, as the Mehndi ceremony was set to unfold. I got up and started to get ready as Priya and my bhabhi joined me in my room, and help me getting ready. I dressed in a stunning emerald green lehenga, the intricate embroidery glistening under the morning light. My heart was full of excitement as I stare in the mirror, I am actually looking beautiful.
"Ananya, you look stunning! Jiju is going to be speechless," Sarah teased, adjusting the drape of my dupatta.
"Exactly," my bhabhi chimed in, "He won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Their compliments made me blush, a happy glow spreading through me.
"Accha ab bas bhi kro, niche sab wait kr rahai honga." I said.
We headed downstairs together, where the family was gathered, everyone dressed in their finest clothes. The decorations were vibrant and colorful, with flowers and lights creating a magical ambiance.
As we descended the stairs, my heart fluttered with anticipation. I searched the crowd for Devyansh, eager to see him. When my eyes finally found him, he was busy on a call, his expression focused and serious.
I took my place at the center, where the mehndi artist began her work, carefully applying the intricate patterns to my hands. Then after sometime, Devyansh joined me, his presence instantly commanding my attention.
"You look stunning, jaan," he murmured, his gaze warm and appreciative.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a familiar warmth spread through me.
His phone rang again, and with a sigh, he answered it, giving me an apologetic smile. He was quickly pulled into conversations with guests, his charm and presence making him the center of attention.
Despite the busyness of the day, I could feel Devyansh's gaze on me every now and then. His glances, filled with a mix of admiration and affection, made my heart flutter each time.
The ceremony continued with dances and music, everyone taking turns to perform and celebrate.
As the mehndi was completed and left to dry, I sat quietly, watching everyone around me. Everyone was enjoying dancing and eating food. And here I'm it's my mehendi and I can't even eat anything and nobody was even asking me to eat, selfish people.
I felt a few stray strands of hair tickle my face. I tried to brush them away, feeling a bit irritated. ' Ek to mujhe itni der yaha bethna hai or upar sa ya baal' Devyansh must have noticed my struggle and came over, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Let me help," he offered, tucking the strands behind my ear, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. His touch was gentle yet deliberate, making me blush.
"Tumhe pareshaan hone ki bilkul zaroorat nahi," he teased softly, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Main hoon na, tumhari madad karne ke liye."
I couldn't help but smile at his playful manner. "Aapko yeh mauka mil hi gaya mujhe tang karne ka," I replied, trying to sound stern but failing as my lips curved into a grin.
"Aap hi to hai jisse hum pareshan Karnai ka". He said. And I ignore him and focus on the dance.
The Mehndi ceremony was in full swing, the lively music and colorful lights adding to the joyous atmosphere. My friend pulled me onto the dance floor, and we joined the crowd, laughing and moving to the rhythm. The energy was contagious, and for a while, I forgot everything but the music and the moment.
After my friends whisked me away to dance on the stage, the celebration continued with everyone laughing and swaying to the music. The energy in the room was infectious, and I couldn't help but join in, feeling light and carefree.
Eventually, I returned to my seat, feeling a bit tired and very hungry. I glanced around, trying to spot Priya, but she was nowhere to be found. Frustration bubbled up inside me as I mentally cursed her for disappearing at a time like this.
Just then, Devyansh caught my eye from across the room. He was in the middle of a conversation with some guests but excused himself and made his way over to me.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers. "Aap itni udaas kyun ho?"
"I'm just really hungry," I admitted with a small sigh. "And I can't find Priya anywhere. Aap maa ko bula do, please?"
He nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face, and then walked away without a word. I assumed he was going to find my mom or Priya, but to my surprise, he returned a short while later with a plate of food in his hands.
"You brought this?" I asked, taken aback by the sight of him carrying the plate himself.
"Of course," he replied, his voice steady and calm. "Aapko bhook lagi hai, and I can't let my bride go hungry, can I?"
I insisted again, "Please, at least call my mom."
But instead of listening, he picked up a spoon, scooped some food, and brought it to my lips, his expression commanding yet tender. His silent insistence left me no choice but to comply. As I began to eat, he watched me with an intensity that made my heart flutter.
"You know," I said between bites, "you're my husband. You should be doing this."
His lips curved into a playful smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know," he said softly. "And I like it. Aapke husband hai aapki seva nhi kare ge to kiski kre."
His words, filled with both love and dominance, made my heart race. There was something about his presence, the way he took care of me with such possessiveness, that made me feel cherished and secure.
As I finished the meal, he continued to feed me, a gentle smile playing on his lips. The world around us faded into the background, leaving just the two of us in our little bubble of intimacy.
With the last bite, he put the spoon down and leaned closer, his eyes soft yet intense. "Never hesitate to tell me what you need, jaan. Hum pati hai aapke."
I nodded, feeling overwhelmed by his affection and care. "Thank you, Devyansh."
He reached out, brushing a thumb across my cheek, wiping away a tiny smear of food. "Kuch bhi ho, bas mujhe yaad karna," he murmured, his touch leaving a trail of warmth on my skin.
His words sent a shiver through me, a mix of admiration and awe at his devotion. "Aap hamesha aise hi rakhenge mujhe?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Devyansh nodded, his gaze steady and filled with love. "Hamesha," he promised, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
After finishing the meal, Devyansh picked up a glass of water and held it to my lips. I drank gratefully, feeling refreshed. Then, with a gentle but firm grip, he took my hand and led me toward my room.
As we reached the door, I was about to step inside when he caught my elbow, stopping me in my tracks. I turned, surprised by the sudden movement, and found myself staring into his intense gaze.
Before I could say anything, he leaned in and kissed me, his lips soft yet commanding against mine. The world seemed to stop for a moment, the only thing I could feel was the warmth of his touch and the strength of his presence.
When he pulled back, his eyes were filled with emotion. "Kal tum meri ban jaogi," he said softly, his voice full of promise and possession. "Sirf humari."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through me. "Good night, jaan," he added, releasing me with a lingering look.
I went inside and locked the door, leaning against it for support. My fingers touched my lips, still tingling from his kiss, and I couldn't help but smile. His words echoed in my mind, filling me with warmth and happiness.
Tomorrow, I would become his wife, and the thought filled my heart with joy and contentment.
After changing into something comfortable, I lay down on the bed, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me. Just as I started to relax, there was a gentle knock on the door.
"Ananya, beta?" my mother's voice called softly.
"Come in, Maa," I replied, sitting up.
She entered the room with a tender smile, her eyes reflecting both joy and a hint of sadness. "How are you feeling?" she asked, sitting beside me on the bed.
"Nervous and excited," I admitted, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.
She took my hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly. "It's a big day tomorrow. You're starting a new chapter in your life."
Her words made my heart swell with emotion, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. "Maa, I'm going to miss you so much," I said, my voice breaking as tears filled my eyes.
She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I'm going to miss you too, beta," she whispered, her own voice choked with emotion. "But I know you're going to be so happy. Devyansh is a wonderful person, and he will take good care of you."
I nodded against her shoulder, unable to hold back my tears any longer. We held each other tightly, the bond between us as strong as ever. "I love you, Maa," I said, my words muffled against her sari.
"I love you too, Ananya," she replied, smoothing my hair gently. "And no matter where you are, I'll always be here for you."
We stayed like that for a while, comforting each other and sharing our hopes and fears. As the tears subsided, we talked about the wedding, the preparations, and all the little things that made the day special.
Eventually, my mother stood up, brushing away her tears. "Get some rest, beta. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day."
I nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "Good night, Maa."
"Good night, Ananya," she said with a smile, leaving the room quietly.
As I lay back down, I felt a renewed sense of peace and anticipation. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new journey, and I knew I was ready to embrace it with open arms.