Fighting!

Chapter 15

Chapter 15:

Ananya's point of view:

My reflection, dressed in red, was staring back at me as I sat there all dolled up. I can’t believe it’s my marriage day. The past two months passed very quickly. Most of what I remember is my graduation when my parents and Akshay’s family came. Aayush went to Delhi for some of his project work so he couldn’t come but his parents came and I was shocked. They accepted me as their family member very soon. My parents and his parents met right after my graduation and started talking about marriage. Aayush had only one demand. He wanted a mellow wedding and I agreed with him. Our family and extended family and friends are the only ones attending.

The past month flew like a wind. Aayush and I couldn’t meet at all because our moms met and decided to have the wedding after a month. My parents had mixed feelings. They didn’t want me to get married so soon. It’s not that easy to plan and execute a wedding, but since it was Aayush’s second wedding, he was a bit hesitant to have a grand one and I don't even like unimportant people to attend my wedding. We both agreed to have a simple wedding. Akshay played a huge role in arranging this marriage. He appointed a wedding planner and they took care of everything. I spent the whole time with my parents and cherished those moments. His family and my family, along with my friends, all went shopping. I’m not that specific in gowns anyway.

Aayush and I spent this whole month texting and on call whenever he was free. He wanted to finish all his work to take time off for the wedding, so we couldn’t meet at all. This whole month went so fast, I couldn’t even comprehend it.

Mom came and along with all my cousins, took me out with them as it was time. My mom was very emotional but she was controlling herself, because if she started crying I would too. I could never see my mom cry and not cry along with her.

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Me walking towards the mandap was all a blur, my eyes stayed on the floor making sure I didn’t slip and fall in front of all my relatives. When we reached the mandap, I looked up to see Aayush looking like a dream. His eyes sparkled, which showed how good I was looking. I stood beside him.

“You are a vision” were his words that stole my heart.

We did like the priest said and followed his orders. Next, Aayush leaned forward to tie the mangalsutra. My eyes watered as I realised my life would never be the same again. It’s changed. I’m not single anymore. But he kissed my forehead right after tying it and it comforted me to great bits.

We did our pheras.

We were finally married.

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We got married in Mumbai, so as soon as the wedding got over, Aayush’s mom was in his apartment waiting to welcome me. I had packed my bags with all the necessary amenities along with some clothes, both daily wear and outside clothes. Akshay placed all my luggage into Aayush’s car while I stood there along with my parents and my friends. I was trying to control my emotions, which were going haywire, but it was really hard. I could see mom biting her lips to control her tears and dad’s face was just sad.

My mom and dad pulled me aside from everyone. I knew they wanted to talk to me in private, which we couldn’t as I was always surrounded by our relatives.

“Anu, you’ll be fine. Be strong, take care of yourself and your new family. It’s a lot of continuous hard work but it’ll all be worth it in the end. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, come back to your house. We live in the same city” Mom said, caressing my arm. Dad just side-hugged me and kissed my forehead.

“I’ll be fine mom. I’ll call you whenever I can. Take care of each other, you both” I said, with a fake-glare. Both nodded with a faint smile.

“Let’s go, Anu” Akshay said as he stood by the driver's seat. Meera and Akshay are coming with me. Maya and Arshi will be joining us there. Aayush was standing at the back seat door looking at me. I just smiled at him.

I bid bye to my parents and joined Aayush. He let me get inside first. I thought he would follow me but when I turned he was not there. I looked back from the back window to see him taking blessings from my mom and hugging my dad. I was overwhelmed seeing that. Instantly my eyes were filled with tears. Meera, who was sitting in the passenger seat, passed me some tissues.

Aayush came and sat beside me. I waved my parents bye and they reciprocated. Akshay started the car and, at the same time, Aayush held my hand. Interlacing our fingers together, I leaned my head on his shoulder.

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“Welcome!!!” Aayush’s mom sang as soon as his dad opened the door.

Throughout the ride, none spoke a word. We all sat there in silence, listening to some romantic Hindi songs. After an hour in that Mumbai traffic, we reached his apartment. The whole area was huge. I imagined his place to be like our apartment back in Pune, but this is to another level. The whole place looked like it was some 100 acres or maybe more. There were 4 huge buildings and in the middle there was a huge swimming pool and a spacious garden. The ambiance was just amazing. Since it was evening, the sky looked beautiful as it was covered in an orange hue.

Akshay parked the car in the parking lot of Aayush’s building. Aayush got out and helped me with my lehenga.

“You guys go, we’ll get the luggage” Akshay said, pointing towards the elevator.

“Will you be able to carry all of them?” Aayush asked, holding my hand.

“There are not too many, both of us will manage” Meera said, shooing us. Nodding, both of us moved towards the elevator.

We got inside the lift. The lift door closed and Aayush turned towards me.

“Are you okay?” He asked, cupping my cheek. I nodded, but looking at my face, anyone could tell how badly I was controlling my tears.

“We’ll go visit them anytime you want to. You can spend as much time as you want with them, they can come and stay here. Anything you want”, he said, pressing his lips on my forehead and my tears broke out. He pulled me into a bear hug and it was a much needed one.

We pulled away when we reached his floor. He wiped my cheeks.

“Smile” he said, smiling, and automatically my lips broke into a smile.

Holding each others hand, we moved out of the lift and turned left. At the end of the hallway stood a door. We stood in front of it and Aayush rang the bell.

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After all the rituals were done, Aayush’s mom showed me his room.

“Freshen up Ananya, Akshay has placed your suitcases and bags here” she said, pointing towards my bags. I nodded and unpacked my bags where I kept some Kurtis and leggings. I took all the necessary things needed for a bath and went inside his bathroom.

The apartment inside was amazing. All I saw was his living room, which looked like those that I read in my romantic novels. The view from there is amazing. He is on the 20th floor, so you can see the city view from here. Pooja's room was compact and nice. Apart from that, I saw his room, which was dreamy. There is a balcony, which I love, by the way, but the whole apartment's interior is so modern with light colours. It’s very spacious. There's a king-sized bed with a beautiful bedpost and a painting hanging above the bedpost. To its left, there's a small library with a lot of books and a comfortable couch near it. Then comes the balcony and after that is the dressing area. There’s a door which I don’t know what it’s for. Then there’s a huge TV and a basic design below it. Beside that is a door which I know is the bathroom.

I entered the washroom and I was stunned. There is a bathing area with a glass door. Besides, there is a tub which I’m doubting if it’s a jacuzzi or not. Beside that is the commode and to my right is a huge mirror and washbasin below it.

I took a quick shower and applied light makeup. When I got out Jaya aunty, Aayush’s mom was sitting on the bed.

“Did you find everything in there?” She asked with a kind smile.

“Yes aunty, the whole apartment is very beautiful” I said, placing my lehenga on a chair. I’ll pack it in later.

“Come, sit here” She said, patting the bed beside her. I went and sat there.

“I know how it feels to leave your family behind and move into a completely different house with new people. So, don’t keep your feelings to yourself. If you’re missing your family, go meet them. I’ll be there by your side if you need anything. I consider you my daughter Ananya. I know it will take some time to get to know each other, but know one thing, you’re not alone. First and foremost, take care of yourself. Okay?” Her words were all the encouragement that I needed. I felt like something heavy had been lifted off my shoulders.

“Thank you so much aunty, I really needed to hear those words today” I said, smiling at her in gratefulness.

“You’re welcome” she said and, to my surprise, she pecked my forehead, instantly reminding me of my mother.

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Chapter 31

I went out of the room and saw another room at the end of the hallway. I wanted to have a tour of this place but I’ll let Aayush give me one. I beelined towards the living room where I saw Aayush’s father and Akshay sitting and chatting. They were looking at something on Akshay’s phone and laughing. I think those are wedding pics that they took on their phones. I don’t want to look at them right now, I’m too overwhelmed about it. Without disturbing them, I moved towards the kitchen, looking for aunty. I don’t know where my friends are. They told me that they'd meet me here, but oh god! They don’t even know which apartment building we are in. And to my bad luck, my phone is with them. I should probably call my dad using Akshay’s phone.

That’s when I thought and turned around to go back to the living room when I heard Maya’s laugh and got confused. It’s coming from the kitchen.

I stood at the kitchen door and the scene in front of me warmed my heart. Jaya aunty was cooking something in front of the stove. Aayush is cutting the vegetables. Arshi and Meera were washing utensils while Maya was sitting on the counter with her legs up, Indian style, with Diya on her lap.

The kitchen is modern. The cabinets are all a cool blue colour, complimenting the white walls. It’s spacious enough to have all these people in and not feel cramped up. Maya looked up and turned her attention towards me.

“Hey Anu” she announced, looking at me. Everyone looked at me. Having everyone's attention solely on me made me feel like hiding myself, so instead I just smiled at them.

“Ananya, did you find everything you need?” Aunty asked, standing in front of me.

“Yes aunty, I did. Can I help you with cooking?” I asked, giving her an easy grin. She turned towards the stove. Maya laughed out loud at my words.

I threw her a glare. I saw Aayush hiding his smile.

I’m surrounded by idiots.

We spent the next hour making dinner. After a few minutes, Akshay and Danish uncle, Aayush’s father, also joined us in the kitchen. Aunty was telling us about Akshay’s and Aayush’s friendship, how Aayush was the silent one while Akshay was the naughty one and I completely agreed with her. She was telling their stories from their college days when Akshay smoked a cigarette and when aunty found his bud, Akshay blamed uncle and skedaddled from there. Aunty even twisted his ear when he boosted how he caused aunty and uncle’s fight.

We had a good time and I felt good. I thought I would get an anxiety attack, but with everyone around me laughing and having a good time made me smile too. Aayush and I shared a few eye-locks and smiles in between, but didn’t make it obvious. I know my friends would start making jokes and embarrass us in front of aunty.

We all set the dining table up, which was big enough for everyone. There was a tall baby seat for Diya. Aunty sat beside her and fed her. I have not yet talked to her. I couldn’t meet her at the wedding as their relatives were looking after her. Since I came here, Maya has hogged her and I want to meet her properly when I’m alone with her.

We all sat down and served ourselves, discussing the wedding and other stuff. Aayush sat beside me and gave me company.

Once the dinner was over, Akshay and Meera, along with my friends, got ready to leave. They were also tired from the whole day's events. Aunty and uncle will be staying here for a week until Aayush and I get used to looking after Diya at-least.

“You guys go and take a rest. You must be tired. I’ll take Diya with me and put her to bed when she falls asleep”, Aunty said, holding her. I suddenly had this urge to hold her and talk to her, but I just nodded. Aayush took her in his arms and wished her good night and kissed her forehead. She clapped her hand on his cheeks and said “da-da, ni-ni”, which was cute af. I stood there smiling like a creep.

Aunty and uncle bid good night to us and went to the guest room with Diya. Aayush and I made our way towards his room, sorry our room.

That might need some time to get used to.

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