"Bound By Tradition Unbound By Love" [ Completed]

Chapter 35

SIYA'S POV

Tensed and pacing around the room, I found myself grappling with the dilemma of how to approach everyone about joining Arjun's evening travel plan. "Why can't he say it himself?" I murmured to myself in frustration. As I pondered my next move, an idea struck me, and I decided to call Ananya.

"Hi, babhi," answered Aatharv when he picked up the phone. "Is Ananya near you?" I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness. He replied, "No, babhi. She's in mami's room. Should I call her?" I hesitated for a moment, then got an idea. "No," I responded, "Aatharv, I need help from you."

He inquired, "What happened, babhi? Have you changed your mind? Don't want to marry this kadoos? Should I help you to escape the wedding?" Aatharv's playful banter momentarily lightened my mood. I smiled and clarified, "No, Aatharv. It's not about that. Did you tell Arjun that I called him kadoos?"

Aatharv hesitated a bit before responding, "Woh, babhi, actually, I just told him that our ideologies match, and we think the same about him." Aatharv said "Leave about it. Did he say something to you? Tell me, and I'll talk to him," He urged. I told no he didn't scold me he just gave me a punishment.

Aatharv questioned, "Punishment? What is he, a school teacher? What did he give? I'll help you." I proceeded to narrate the whole conversation, and Aatharv exclaimed, "That's it, babhi! It's very simple. Consider it done. I'll talk to mami; she will never say no to me." The assurance in his voice eased my worries, and I felt grateful for Aatharv's willingness to help navigate through the familial intricacies.

Later, I came downstairs to find everyone engrossed in discussions about tomorrow's plans. Amma noticed me and said, "Laddu, it's good you came. We have informed Ishu's and Poorna's parents; Your Aunt and uncle (trisha's parents) will come to the airport directly with Gautam. Make sure you get up early, okay? These four days, don't be lazy." Dev bhai, always ready with his playful banter, chimed in, "Amma, her golden days are going to get completed. At least let her sleep these four days. Arjun is a health freak; he gets up early in the morning. He won't let her sleep; he will take her along with him for a run." Smiles spread across everyone's faces.

As the discussions continued, Amma added, "Laddu, pack your essentials. After the wedding, you will go to the Malhotra mansion directly. Although you will come back for further rituals, make sure you pack everything accordingly." Suddenly, it dawned on me that today was the last day I would be sleeping in my house as Siya   though I would return after marriage, it would be as a guest, and I couldn't stay for long. No more late-night special Maggi sessions with Appa, no more fights with Dev bhai. My life was about to change.

Overwhelmed with emotions, I couldn't contain them, and suddenly tears welled up in my eyes. The realization that I was on the brink of a significant life transition hit me, and the tears were an expression of the mix of joy, nostalgia, and the anticipation of what lay ahead.

My father observed, "See, seeing you cry, Dhruv kept a dull face. He looks as if he is about to cry." I hugged Dhruv, feeling his little form in my arms, and said, "I can't go, Appa. I don't want to leave from here, please." Holding Dhruv in my lap, I hugged my father tightly. Dev bhai, always the one to lighten the mood, said, "Laddu, don't cry. Come, let's all have an ice cream."The mention of ice cream triggered memories of our late-night ice cream hangouts with cousins, and I couldn't help but say, "Who will take me for midnight ice creams? Everything is going to change. You all will be enjoying without me." The weight of impending change and the fear of missing out overwhelmed me, and I couldn't help but cry more, my tears a reflection of the deep bonds and cherished moments that were about to undergo a transformation.