Page 81 of Since You Came Along

Kusha, curling her hair in front of the mirror, looked up in surprise. ‘What? Why?’

‘It’s not that big a deal,’ Meera mumbled, looking away. ‘I could just skip it.’

The unimpressed looks from Siya and Kusha were enough to make her squirm. ‘I’m just nervous,’ Meera admitted. ‘What if it sounds... cheesy?’

Siya glared at her. ‘Hey, I’m counting on you to be cheesy! I didn’t wear waterproof mascara for nothing. Now sit down and let me fix your hair, you dramatic ass.’

Despite herself, Meera laughed and obeyed. Sometimes, tough love was just what she needed. Later, Swayam joined them and asked, ‘Are you ready?’

When Meera nodded, he said, ‘You look stunning.’

She squeezed his arm, smiling, her pulse quickening as they moved toward the garden.

When the time came to walk down the aisle, all Meera felt was giddy excitement. She couldn’t help but smile as Swayam offered her his arm.

They began walking down the path. The soft light of the sunset falling upon them made everything seem heavenly. The gentle glow of soft lanterns lining the path cast a magical aura over the space. When Meera looked up, she saw him. Her Raghav.

Dressed in the charcoal grey suit she’d gifted him, his black hair gleamed in the soft sunset. His eyes locked on hers and everything around her seemed to blur, the world narrowing down to just him. As she walked towards him, everything in her life fell into place.

Her breath hitched as she reached him. Swayam paused, looking between the two of them before placing her hand in Raghav’s.

‘Take care of Meera,’ Swayam said, his voice thick with emotion.

Raghav nodded, smiling. ‘Second chance, remember?’

Swayam kissed her forehead before patting Raghav on the back. Then, with a grin, he moved to join Siya.

Meera looked up at Raghav, and he leaned closer, whispering, ‘You look perfect.’

‘So do you,’ she whispered back.

They held hands and turned to Abhay, who grinned at the couple.

‘I welcome everyone and thank you all for cancelling your New Year plans to witness this ceremony, where our friends are getting married again,’ he said with a playful smirk.

Raghav chuckled, and Meera stuck her tongue out at Abhay, eliciting a hearty laugh from him.

With a more serious tone, Abhay continued, ‘Having said that, I think we’re all just as happy as the couple in front of me. We’ve seen you both grow into the people we admire. It’s our privilege to be here today, witnessing this beautiful moment.’

‘Rings, please,’ Abhay gestured towards Luv and Siya, who stepped forward, handing over the wedding bands. He glanced at the couple and added, ‘I believe you both want to say your vows.’

Meera and Raghav turned to face each other, the world around them fading as their gazes locked.

Meera took a deep breath, saw the love and joy in his eyes, and the words came out on their own, ‘Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamt of this moment, standing in front of my friends and marrying the love of my life. Over the years, I lost hope that this day would come. Then you became mine and filled my days with love. Today, as I stand here, I know that every step I took, every struggle I faced, brought me to you and this moment. Now, I want to walk every step of the rest of my life with you by my side. I promise to love you in every season and through all the twists and turns of life. I love you, Raag, deeply and truly.’

The air was still, save for the soft rustle of leaves and birds chirping in the distance.

Then it was Raghav’s turn, and he smiled as he began, ‘People spend their lives searching for love, and only a lucky few ever find it. I don’t know how I got so lucky to find you. I’ll count my blessings every single day that you fell in love with an idiot like me who can’t cook or even draw a straight line. But what I lack in talent, I’ll make up for in love. Life is short, Mihu, and I promise to cherish every moment with you. I’ll make you happy, so happy. I love you with all my heart and will love you until my last breath.’

Raghav slid the wedding band on her finger and smiled at her. Once she could see past the tears blurring her vision, she slid his wedding band on his finger.

Abhay cleared his throat, and addressed everyone, ‘Raag and Mihu are the nicknames we’ve given them, born out of love, respect, and friendship. They built their bond on the same foundation. Today, they’ve proclaimed their love and bound themselves in holy matrimony. It’s my greatest honour to pronounce you... Raag and Mihu for life!’

The couple leaned in for their kiss as their friends erupted into cheers and whistles.

As the sunlight faded into twilight, the farmhouse patio came alive with laughter and warmth. The fragrant aroma of food mingled with the crisp night air.

As Meera looked around, she understood why Siya had insisted on the guys coming over early. The farmhouse was lit up with fairy lights that were draped from pole to pole, casting a warm glow.

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