Page 79 of Since You Came Along

Siya and Kusha, deep in a conversation about the wedding playlist, asked in unison, ‘Where?’

‘A guy I know has a farmhouse in Nashik. It’s got a massive backyard, and it’s just perfect for a small gathering.’ He turned to Meera and added, ‘It’s got the most incredible sunset view. Trust me, you’re going to love it.’

Meera had complete faith in Abhay. If anyone could pull this off, it was him. She reached out and clasped her fingers around his as she said, ‘Thank you.’

Luv raised his hand, his voice ringing out. ‘Awesome! I’ll handle the photography and food. I’ve got a friend in catering who owes me a favour.’

Kusha groaned and rolled her eyes. ‘Of course you do.’

‘Great! What else?’ Meera asked, excited. She couldn’t sit still, her hands fidgeting as if her energy needed an outlet.

‘Whatever it is, we’ll handle it,’ Raghav assured her, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her cheek. ‘How about you focus on the fact that you’ll be a bride in three weeks?’

Luv smirked and leaned forward as he asked, ‘Does that mean I still have a chance to convince her to run away with me?’

Raghav shot him a withering glare, and warned, ‘Not happening.’

As soon as Raghav turned back to Meera, Luv mouthed the wordsI’ll love you moreto her, making her laugh.

‘Not possible,’ she said between chuckles, leaning over to kiss Raghav on the cheek in response.

‘Ah, how will I live with a broken heart?’ He let out a theatrical sigh and dropped his head onto Siya’s shoulder.

Siya smiled and patted his cheek. ‘Poor baby,’ she said.

From across the room, Abhay’s expression darkened ever so slightly as he watched their interaction. His jaw tightened, and a fleeting look of annoyance crossed his face, but it was subtle enough that only Meera noticed.

Raghav cleared his throat and asked, ‘So, the wedding is on New Year’s Eve, right?’

The response was a loud chorus of agreement and cheers.

Chapter 28

As a young girl, Meera had always thought planning a wedding would be easy. All it took was a few plates of cookies and cornflakes for dinner, her prettiest pink dress, and a braided hairstyle her mother would indulge her with after much pleading. A quick swipe of lip balm, and she was the most beautiful bride in the world.

But reality was a different story. It meant agonising over whom to invite, painstakingly making and remaking the guest list until only the closest friends remained. It involved heated debates about catering services, only to abandon them and settle on a last-minute order you’d end up plating yourself.

Reality was scrambling to apply for leave at the year’s end. And it was wondering again and again if the idea of a second wedding was foolish, only to be scolded by the groom and groomsmen.

Yet, as Meera stood in front of the mirror, trying on the dress her best friend had designed for her, she thought reality wasn’t so bad. The bodice hugged her curves perfectly, with black crystals adorning the floral lace at the neckline and waist.

She turned around to see Siya and Kusha standing behind her in their own pink dresses. Meera stretched her arms out, and they rushed into a tight, tearful hug. When they broke apart, their smiles shone brighter than the crystals on her dress.

Swayam knocked and asked, ‘Can I come in now?’

‘Yeah.’

His face lit up when he saw her, and his grin widened into a boyish smile. ‘Now there’s a beautiful bride,’ he said.

Meera hesitated for a moment before asking, ‘Do you think Raghav will like it?’

‘He’d be blind not to. And if he doesn’t, I’ll make sure he goes blind. Don’t worry.’

Meera punched him on the shoulder, laughing. ‘That’s a lovely offer, Swayam.’

‘I do what I can,’ he replied, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Meera took a deep breath and said, ‘There’s something I want to ask you. I want you to walk me down the aisle and give my hand to Raghav. Will you?’

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