Shivaay’s Perspective
A tremor ran through me, a familiar fluster. I recognized the pattern – Annika’s habit of asking inconsequential questions when she was troubled. But this time felt different. The questions weren’t idle; they carried a weight I hadn't sensed before.
It took a moment to compose myself. How could I react? How *should* I react? I replayed her last question, the words echoing in my mind. They had struck a chord, a dissonance I hadn't anticipated. I drew a slow, deliberate breath. If I mirrored her anxiety, revealed my own nervousness, she might see a desperate plea for escape. A wry smile tugged at my lips. The thought of running away with her, a secret elopement, was…intriguing.
Reaching for her hand, I offered reassurance.
Shiv: Annika, I am absolutely certain about this.
The words were deliberate, spoken with a firmness I intended to imprint on her mind.
Annika started to respond, but I cut her off, unwilling to risk revealing what she might say. I continued, pressing on.
Shiv: The emotional turmoil, the grief…it’s understandable. But you mustn’t blame yourself for her death. There are misunderstandings, you know that. Remember, I promised you three years ago we’d begin unraveling this case when we were settled and married.
I had always sensed a deeper current beneath the surface of the investigation. Something more complex than it appeared. I had kept my suspicions to myself, but Annika deserved to know my thoughts. She responded to my mini speech, squeezing my hand tighter.
Anni: Thank you…for being here.
She murmured, her voice barely audible, a small smile playing on her lips.
Shiv: *Waise,* if you cancelled this wedding, you’d be a murderer.
Her brow furrowed in confusion. She knew I was trying to lighten the mood. She played along, as she always did.
Anni: How so?
Shiv: You’d be killing my feelings.
I delivered the line with a flourish, feigning a dramatic stab at my heart with an imaginary knife. Annika chuckled.
Anni: Enough teasing. Let’s go to the *mandap*.
She said, and I released her hand. I took a moment to take her in. She looked breathtaking. The crimson of the lehenga, the shimmer of bangles on her wrists, the delicate *jumkas* in her ears, the hazel depths of her eyes, the curve of her smile, the blush on her cheeks…everything about her captivated me.
Annika, in turn, was lost in my bluish-green eyes, and she smiled. I had a surprise for her, a gift designed to elicit that particular, radiant smile.
Shiv: Yes, yes, my darling. As eager as you are to marry me.
I teased, snapping back to reality.
Annika: Aren’t you eager?
Shiv: Nope!
I shrugged, feigning indifference.
Annika: Then let’s do this. We’ll stay here. Let the *muhurat* pass. We can marry whenever we choose. You were rushing off somewhere, weren't you?
Her suggestion startled me. She had postponed our engagement once before, simply because she sensed my nervousness. My brothers had laughed, making me the subject of their mockery. She had a knack for disrupting my carefully laid plans.
Shiv: Why are you taking this so seriously? I was joking. Come on, we’re getting late.
I recovered quickly, hoping to deflect her attention. Annika fought back a smile and nodded.
Anni: Desperate Singh Oberoi.
She gave me the new nickname and giggled.
We walked out of the room, and the scene before us stopped us both. Annika's mouth formed a perfect 'O' shape. Om was holding Gauri in his arms, lost in a sweet gaze.
Before we could comment, someone cleared their throat. Gauri and Omkara separated, and Gauri, seeing us, blushed and fled. I glanced at Omkara and smirked, deciding to tease him.
Shiv: Om, what was that? It’s your brother’s wedding. Focus on that. Save the romance for later.
Om: I was going to call you, but Gauri…
My artist brother, his hair flowing around his shoulders, tried to justify his actions.
Before he could finish, Rudra appeared. Rudra, the family bodybuilder and Annika’s partner in crime, was always quick to disrupt any solemnity.
Rudy: Bhaiya-bhabhi, if you two weren’t ready to get married, why waste everyone's time? And O, Dadi sent you to fetch them, right?
Shiv: Rudy, we're already late. Let's move.
I asserted, ignoring his theatrics.
Annika and I walked down the stairs, hand in hand, with my brothers following close behind. I saw my family waiting near the *mandap*, their faces alight with anticipation.
There weren’t many guests, just close family and a few important people. I knew how much Annika wanted her family present on this auspicious day. But her family…the Murthys…I hesitated to think about them.
Rudy: I thought, like in Hindi films, one of you would get cold feet and run before the marriage.
Rudra exclaimed, earning eye rolls from everyone.
Shiv: Shut up, Rudy.
Omkara and I said in unison. Annika chuckled and pinched Rudra's cheek as we reached the bottom of the stairs.
Anni: My little bro. How could I leave you?
I shook my head in disbelief.
Shiv: You and your little brother are infuriating. Don’t you think?
I pointed out, but it wasn’t true. Rudy understood Annika’s quirks better than I did, sometimes.
Anni: Whatever. But now you have no escape. You'll have to endure me for life.
Annika warned as we walked towards my Dadi.
Shiv: I know, and it's my pleasure.
I answered, each word sincere.
My arms wrapped around her waist, and I felt her shiver slightly against my touch. Did I ever tell her how much I loved the effect I had on her?
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