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Beneath the noise of celebration,
two hearts beat in secret rhythm.
Tonight, love would speak the language of silence.

I woke up early that morning, the sun just starting to peek through the curtains. The house was already buzzing with activity. Everyone was getting ready for Janki's wedding day. I could hear voices from the kitchen.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the long day ahead. Today was the big one. My sister's wedding. But my mind was on the night I will spend with Shreya.

I sat up on the mattress, rubbing my eyes. The living room was emptying out as people folded blankets and packed small bags. Mom and Dad were near the door, checking lists.

“Hey Viraj, come on,” Mom called out. “We have to hurry up. Soon we have to leave for the hotel”.

“Yes, yes,” I nodded, getting off the mattress. I stretched my arms, feeling the stiffness from another night on the floor.

Part of me wanted to get into the kitchen, see Shreya there. Maybe steal a quick glance or a touch. But Mom spotted my wandering eyes. “Viraj, go shower and come fast”,she said firmly. “We have to leave.”

“Ok, Ma,” I replied, turning towards the bathroom. I showered fast, came to my room, pulled on casual jeans and a t-shirt. Comfortable for the drive. We would change at the hotel.

When I stepped out of the room, the chaos was in full swing. Guests walked around, saying goodbyes. We had arranged taxis to take everyone to the venue. Janki and her family were already there since last night. Vivek bhai was handling things on the venue. I picked up my bag and headed to the car parked outside.

I slid into the driving seat, glancing back as people loaded in. That's when I saw Shreya. She wore a simple salwar kameez, light pink, hugging her curves just right. Her hair were tied in a loose ponytail, swaying as she walked. She looked too beautiful. Fresh and ready for the day. My heart pounded. Looking at her, I remembered our dream night. Tonight. I was going to let out all my pent-up desires from so many days. The teasing, the stolen moments. I just couldn't wait for the night to arrive.

They got settled in the back. Shreya sat by the window, her bag was on her lap. I pulled out the car, joining the line of taxis heading to the hotel. I kept glancing back through the rearview mirror. Her face looked soft in the morning light. The way she looked out the window, lost in thought. I stared more than I should. She caught me once, her eyes meeting mine in the reflection. They widened a bit. She shook her head slightly, hinting with her eyes. Look front. Stop doing that. But me being me, I just smiled and kept stealing looks. The drive felt short, but every second the tension was built.

We reached the hotel soon. The place was grand, white marble entrance with flowers everywhere. Guests got out of the cars, heading to their rooms to freshen up. I grabbed my bag, scanning the crowd. As people moved towards the lobby, I saw my chance. Shreya walked a few steps ahead. I reached out quick, grabbed her wrist and pulled her against my chest.

She gasped as she was shocked. Her back pressed to my chest for a second, warm and soft. I leaned in close, my lips near her ear. “I can't wait to fuck you all night,” I whispered, my voice was low and rough. The words came out dirty and direct. No holding back.

Her eyes widened huge. She turned to look at me, her face red. My grip on her wrist loosened from the surprise of her reaction. She pulled free and ran off. I stood there, watching her go. Her ponytail bouncing, steps quick.

This was probably my first time talking to her like that. So raw and bold. She must not have expected it. Not here, not now, with everyone around.

I headed inside. The lobby was alive with chatter. I checked in quick, got my room key. I went to the main venue hall to oversee things. The decorations were stunning. White and gold drapes, floral mandaps, lights twinkling even in daylight. Tables set for the feast. I walked around, nodding to the staff. “Everything good?” I asked the decorator.

“Yes, sir. All set,” he replied. The caterers were in the kitchen area, chopping veggies, stirring pots. Soon they would start cooking the menu. Pulao, paneer dishes, sweets. My stomach growled just thinking about it. I headed back to my room to get ready.

The room was simple but nice. I changed my clothes and I applied deo, the scent was fresh and woody. Then I wore my sherwani. It was Dark blue, silk fabric smooth against my skin. It fit me perfectly. I combed my hair, setting it neat with gel. Just then I heard the doorbell to my room. I hurried over, opening it.

There she was Shreya. Absolutely gorgeous. She wore a golden saree, shimmering like sunlight. Her hair in a messy low bun, strands loose around her face. Roses were tucked in, adding a sweet smell. But her pallu was in her hand, not draped right. My breath was caught.

“Viraj,” she said, stepping in. Her voice a bit nervous. “I want your help. I need you to pin up my saree”.

“Yes, yes, come in,” I said, moving aside. She entered, closing the door soft. The room felt smaller with her in it.

She started talking fast. “I was not able to pin it up. Everyone around is so busy. The groom has already left with their baraat, and here we are still not ready”.

“Shh, calm down,” I said gently. She stopped, looking at me with those big eyes.

I held her shoulders, turned her around. Her back was to me. Her exposed. I took the safety pin from her hands, my fingers brushing hers. I pinned the pallu to her blouse, securing it. It fell right, covering her modestly. But as I looked, my eyes on the string tied at her back. I couldn't resist. I pulled it lightly.

She dashed back against my chest. She gasped sharp. My arm went around her waist, holding her close. Her body fit against mine, curves pressing.

“Viraj,” she said, voice breathy.

I leaned to her ear. “I can't wait anymore, Shreya. Not when you look so hot.” My lips touched her earlobe, sucking gently.

“Viraj, please, no,” she whispered. “I have to go." She tried to pull away, but weakly.

“I can't wait,” I murmured, turning her face to me. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes locked on mine. Staring deep.

“I'm sorry, Viraj, but I'll go. We will meet in the evening. I told you last night,” she said, firm but soft.

I nodded, letting go slow. “Ok, bye then.” she said.

She cupped my cheek, thumb brushing. Then she turned and left. The door clicked shut.

I was really impatient now. My heart was racing.  I finished getting ready, I took a deep breath and headed downstairs to the main venue hall.

The place was transforming. Guests had started coming, cars parking up outside. I stood at the entrance, greeting them. “Welcome, Uncle. How are you?” I said to one relative. The air filled with perfume and excitement. Music played soft and traditional tunes.

I even saw Shreya busy, moving here and there. Helping with flower arrangements, directing aunties to seats. Her golden saree caught the light every time she moved.

Suddenly, the energy shifted. Horns were heard outside. The groom's baraat arrived. A line of cars, decorated with flowers. Men were dancing one side and women to another.

The groom, Raj was in his sherwani, laughing as he got off the horse. They entered the gate, music was loud. Drums thumping and everyone joining in. I clapped along, pulling cousins into the fun.

The groom was welcomed and taken to the stage.  Elders blessed him. Just then, Janki arrived. From the entrance, in her bridal attire. Red lehenga, heavy dupatta embroidered with gold. Her face was covered in the veil lightly, but I saw her eyes shining.  She looked so beautiful and radiant. My little sister, all grown up.

I rushed over as they made her stamd. “You look amazing, Janki,” I said, hugging her side.

She smiled under the veil. "Thanks, bhai”.

The hall filled more. Guests settled, photographers were taking pictures.

I stood there on the stage, watching  the priests chanting mantras. After their mantras, both of them were told to exchange garlands. He put the garland around her.

Janki's hands trembled a little as she reached up to put the garland around Raj's neck. He smiled down at her, steady and calm. She looked so happy, her eyes sparkling under the bridal makeup.

I never knew when she got so big that she was getting married now. My little sister, the one who used to tag along behind me, begging for piggyback rides. Now here she was, stepping into her own life.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the garlands settled. We all threw flowers on them, petals raining down like golden confetti. Relatives clapped, some wiping tears. Mom and kaki were sobbing quietly. 

I felt a lump in my throat too. Happy for Janki, but emotional at the same time. The band suddenly started playing the celebratory tune, dhol beats thumping through the hall.

I stepped off the stage, meeting the guests. People pulled me into hugs, congratulating the family. “Beautiful ceremony,” an uncle said, patting my back. I nodded, smiling.

But soon the aunties surrounded me. They always did at any functions. “Viraj beta, when are you getting married?” one asked. “Such a handsome boy, don't delay.” Another said, “Yes, we need to see you settled next.”

And I, I just glanced at Shreya. She was across the hall, helping arrange the dessert trays. She was the one I am going to get married to. I could only smile at them, polite and vague. “Soon, aunty,” I'd say, dodging the questions.

My eyes kept drifting back to Shreya. The way she moved, graceful even in the chaos. Laughing softly with a cousin as she handed out sweets. She turned once, catching my gaze. She gave me a quick wink, hidden from others. My heart flipped.

I was busy admiring, just then I heard my mother call my name. “Viraj,” she said, her voice was cutting through the chatter. She approached with a girl.

That girl looked nice enough. Fair skin, straight hair and a polite smile. But not beautiful like Shreya. Not even close. She wore a dark blue saree, the kind that clung too tight, exposing everything from all sides. The blouse dipped low, the pallu draped carelessly. It screamed attention. My Shreya carried her sarees with such elegance and sophistication and grace. The fabric flowed like it was made for her, modest yet alluring.

My mother said “Viraj, she is Natasha. She is the daughter of Adhikari builders.” Hmm, I nodded, forcing a neutral expression. The Adhikaris were a big name in construction, they were known to us. Mom turned to the girl. “And he is my son Viraj.” Then, without missing a beat she said, “You guys talk. I'll come in a minute.” She squeezed my arm and went away, vanishing into the crowd like she had planned this.

How could she leave me with this girl alone? I shifted on my feet, the sherwani suddenly feeling too tight. Natasha smiled wider. “Hmm, hi. I'm Natasha,” she said, her voice was bubbly. She started talking right in, telling me about her studies, some MBA from a top college, her qualifications, her work at her dad's firm. “I handle the finance side now,” she explained, gesturing with her hands. I nodded along, answering when she asked. “What about you, Viraj? Engineering, right? And now in your family business?”

“Yeah,” I replied shortly. “It's good”, she said and I didn't want to be here. I knew exactly why my mother had brought her to me. The matchmaking.  But my mind was elsewhere. Just then, I spotted Shreya. She was already looking towards me, standing near a pillar.  Her face looked sad. Eyes downcast, lips pressed thin. It hit me like a punch. She must have seen the introduction, the way Mom made me meet Natasha.

I excused myself quickly. “Sorry, Natasha, I need to check something,” I said, not waiting for her response. I moved through the guests, heading straight for Shreya's direction. Her sad face pulled me like a magnet. “Shreya, listen,” I called softly as I got close, reaching out.

But suddenly, some aunties appeared out of nowhere. “Hey Viraj, how are you?” one beamed, blocking my path. “After Janki, you have to get married next!”

I fake laughed, “Haha, yes, aunty.” But they kept going. “We have told your mom and grandma too.” I nodded, scanning over their shoulders. Shreya was there, but now she turned away, busying herself. She looked upset, clearly upset. I wanted to talk with her, pull her aside, explain it was nothing. But she was busy, surrounded by relatives. And I said to myself, it would be too much if I went too close to her in public.

The afternoon dragged on. More rituals, photo sessions. Laughter mixed with the clink of glasses. But Shreya's sad eyes haunted me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, evening fell. The sun dipped low, casting orange hues through the hall windows. Now, there was the bidai.

Janki's send-off was a really emotional moment for us. She stood at the entrance, red lehenga heavy with embroidery, tears streaming down her face. Mom hugged her tight, sobbing. “Be happy, beta.” Dad blessed her.

I held her last, whispering, “Take care, dear. Call anytime.” She nodded, clutching my hand. Then she walked to the car, looking back every few steps. The car pulled away, honking softly. The family stood silent for a minute, the weight settling. Weddings end like that joyful, but bittersweet.

After making sure the last guests were seen off, I was free. The hall was emptied, and the lights were dimming. It had been a really hectic and exhausting day. Running around, greetings and emotions. My feet ached. But I was still energized to spend time with my Shreya. That thought kept me going.

I headed back to my room, key in hand. The hotel corridor was quiet now. I unlocked the door and stepped in. I opened my bag and changed in a shirt and jeans and then I pulled out the scented candles I had brought. Small ones, vanilla and rose. I placed them on the nightstand, dresser, even the windowsill.

Then on the bed, I scattered rose petals from a small packet, arranging them in a heart. It felt like we were actually having suhagraat.

I sat on the edge of the bed, checking my phone. I had messaged her: Where are you? I'm ready.

She replied quickly: A little busy, I'll come soon. And I was waiting for her to come.

___________

Okay that's it guys I hope
you all liked the chapter.