Page 82 of Since You Came Along

Meera felt the coolness of the moist grass under her bare feet. She sat beside Raghav, her fingers brushing against his as he handed her a slice of red velvet cake.

‘How did you know I wanted this as the wedding cake? I never told you,’ Meera asked, surprised.

Raghav leaned back with a smug grin. ‘I won’t tell you.’

‘We’re married now, Mister. No more secrets.’

‘Oh, is that so?’ he asked, his voice dripping with mischief. ‘You know, I never liked cartoons as a kid. And I didn’t like milk either. But I like it now with your cookies, of course. I also—’

Meera placed a hand over his mouth to shush him and asked, ‘What are you doing?’

He kissed her palm and eased it away. ‘You said no secrets,’ he teased.

She pinched him. ‘I meant important secrets!’

‘You don’t think my cartoon confession is important? That stings, Mihu.’

Her adorable pout made him roll his eyes. ‘Fine. Siya said there was a secret that would make you happy. After hours of pleading and bribing her with premium chocolates, she told me about your cake preference.’

‘I don’t know whether to hug her or choke her to death,’ Meera said, her lips betraying a reluctant smile.

‘Judging by the smile on your face, I’d say you should thank her. Don’t you remember? On our first coffee date, I told you I’d get all the inside information about you from her. See? Mission accomplished!’

Meera laughed, and teased, ‘By the way, you’re such a freak. Who doesn’t like cartoons?’

‘Hey! You can’t judge me based on my secrets. That’s not fai—’

The clinking of a glass cut Raghav off mid-sentence. Abhay rose to his feet. ‘I’d like to propose a toast to the newlyweds,’ he announced, prompting everyone to raise their glasses.

Abhay continued, ‘I’ve known Raag all my life, and I have to say, girl, you make him “smiling-wide-in-the-middle-of-the-day” happy. It’s a delight to see, considering how grumpy he used to be.’

Luv gave him a high five in agreement.

‘A big thank you to your dads for arranging thisjodi. Mihu, when you asked me to get you both married, you called me your brother. I was so choked up, I couldn’t reply. But today, I want to tell you, you’re the best sister I could’ve asked for. Here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter for you both!’

The group erupted in chatter as glasses clinked.

Luv stood next, his grin mischievous as always. ‘First of all, I’m glad Meera didn’t call me her brother, or my heart would’ve been shattered.’

Raghav thew a piece of bread at him, which Luv dodged with ease. ‘Alright, alright, jokes aside. I want to congratulate you both on your second wedding. I swear, this one was much more fun and personal than the first. I’m so lucky to have friends like you, and thrilled that you have found love in each other. Cheers!’

As everyone cheered, Siya rose. Her soft pink dress shimmered under the twinkling lights, and Abhay couldn’t tear his eyes away. Meera caught the look and nudged Raghav discreetly.

Siya said, ‘I still remember little Meera in pigtails saying, “We can throw a celebration like this after the traditional wedding, right?” And here you are, glowing with joy at that verycelebration. You’re my girl, my best friend, and you always will be. I love you so much and couldn’t be happier for you. Raghav, thank you for making her so happy. Welcome to the family!’

She leaned over to kiss Raghav’s cheek as Meera dabbed her own tears, grateful for the waterproof mascara.

Next, Swayam stood. ‘Mihu, we’ve only known each other for a couple of years, but it feels like I’ve known you for a lifetime. You’re the best friend a person can ask for, even though I’ve spent all of that time annoying you to the brink of madness. Raghav, brother, you’ve become just as dear to me. So, here’s to both you and a lifetime of happiness!’

Meera and Raghav raised their glasses in unison.

Finally, Kusha stood, her hands trembling. She looked between Raghav and Meera and said, ‘Raghav, I’ve known you since we were kids. You’ve always been the one to stand up for us, support us, and make us feel like family. It fills my heart with joy to see you so happy. It’s everything you deserve. Meera, you’re one of the most kind and generous people I’ve ever met. You’ve made a place for yourself in our lives, and we’re so grateful to have you. Let’s hear it for the couple!’

As everyone clinked their glasses again, Kusha and Meera hugged. Raghav wrapped his arms around Kusha and whispered, ‘Thank you.’

The sound of clinking glasses dimmed as Luv hollered, ‘Let’s dance! Time to add somedesi tadkato the evening!’

Within moments, the backyard transformed into a pulsating dance floor. They tossed aside their shoes, abandoned their heels, and laughed as they threw themselves into a whirlwind of energetic moves to the beats of popular tracks.

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