Invisible String

Chapter 12 : marriage?

Word count : 1393
As I stood at the threshold of the mandap, the weight of the moment pressing down on me like a heavy burden, I couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through my veins. Naina and my mother stood by my side, their reassuring presence offering me some semblance of comfort as we made our way towards my inevitable future.

Clad in a heavy red lehenga, the fabric weighing me down both physically and emotionally, I felt the weight of every step as though time itself had slowed to a crawl. The faint tinkling of my anklets served as a constant reminder of the gravity of the moment, each chime a whisper of nerves and anticipation.

As I took my place beside Kabir, his face obscured by the sehra adorning his head, a shiver ran down my spine. The reality of what was about to transpire hit me like a wave crashing against the shore, leaving me trembling with uncertainty.

Without daring to meet his gaze, I settled into my seat as the pandit's chants filled the air, the rhythmic cadence a backdrop to the chaos of my racing thoughts. I couldn't help but steal a glance at my henna-adorned hands, the dark stain serving as a stark reminder of the impending union that would bind me to Kabir for eternity.

As the pandit's voice echoed through the hall, weaving a tapestry of ancient mantras and blessings, I couldn't shake the feeling of being swept away by forces beyond my control. Everyone around me seemed to radiate joy and happiness, their smiles a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me.

Glancing at my parents, seated nearby with tears glistening in their eyes, I felt a pang of guilt wash over me. To give away their daughter once again, to entrust her to another's care, was a bittersweet moment that weighed heavily on my heart.

As the weight of expectation bore down on me like a suffocating blanket, I felt a surge of rebellion bubbling up from within. This wasn't me. I couldn't go through with this charade, sacrificing my happiness for the sake of reputation and tradition. I had dreams of my own, ambitions that stretched far beyond the confines of a marriage certificate.

With a sudden burst of determination, I rose to my feet, the veil still shrouding my face as I tore apart the garland of roses that bound me to this fate. Without a second thought, I turned on my heel and fled, my feet carrying me away from the suffocating confines of the mandap and into the unknown.

The world blurred around me as I ran, the pounding of my heart drowning out the chaos of the outside world. But my freedom was short-lived, my escape halted by the harsh glare of a police car blocking my path.

I froze in place, the reality of my situation crashing down on me like a ton of bricks. Clad in my bridal attire, adorned with heavy makeup and jewelry, I must have looked every bit the runaway bride.

"Madam? You're coming with us," the police officer's voice pierced through the haze of my thoughts, his words snapping me back to reality.

"What? No, I'm fine by myself," I protested weakly, attempting to brush past them and continue my flight to freedom.

But before I could take another step, a firm grip closed around my wrist, dragging me towards the waiting jeep. I was powerless to resist, my strength drained by the weight of my emotions and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

As the jeep pulled away, carrying me towards an uncertain fate, my mind raced with questions. Did Kabir do this? Did he send the police after me? And why did I feel both relieved and terrified by the prospect of escaping the life that awaited me at the end of the aisle? Only time would tell as the wheels of fate continued to turn, propelling me further into the unknown.

The jeep came to a sudden halt near an abandoned house, its eerie presence sending shivers down my spine, as if forewarning of impending danger. Dragged inside against my will, I found myself face-to-face with Shakti Kapoor, his imposing figure casting a menacing shadow in the dimly lit room. Fear gripped me as I stood before him, feeling like prey ensnared in a predator's trap.

Then, his voice pierced through the silence, echoing hauntingly off the walls, "Aa dekhe jara kisme kitna hai dum." WHAT THE FUCK?? Confusion clouded my mind. What was this strange scene unfolding before me? And why was Shakti Kapoor, of all people, here?

Suddenly, another voice cut through the tension, a familiar yet unexpected one. "Jam ke rakhna kadam mere Saathiya," Kabir's voice rang out, and I turned to see him standing there, a beacon of strength amidst the chaos. Shakti Kapoor seemed to cower in fear at the sight of him, hastily retreating with his entourage.

As Kabir approached me, his touch was gentle yet reassuring, his concern evident as he checked me for any signs of injury. Relief washed over him as he confirmed that I was unharmed, his soothing presence calming my frayed nerves.

"Samaira," he said softly, his voice like a soothing melody calling out to me, and I found myself drawn to him, captivated by his warmth and strength.
“Samaira…”
"Yes, Kabir..."
Just as he leaned in, about to close the distance between us with a kiss, reality came crashing back with a jolt. I began, only to be interrupted by a sudden sensation of pain.

"WTF NAINA, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!" I exclaimed, clutching my throbbing backside falling right from my bed by a strong kick as I shot a glare at Naina, who was doubled over with laughter beside me. What on earth was going through her mind?

"In my defense, you weren't waking up, and aunty asked me to wake you up by hook or by crook," she replied, her hands raised in mock surrender, ready to defend herself against any further accusations.

As I processed the bizarre turn of events, I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. It was all just a dream, albeit a strange and unsettling one. Thankful to be back in the safety of reality, I shook my head in disbelief at the absurdity of it all.
“Naina, what happens if you run away in your dream and end up in a room with Shakti Kapoor?” I questioned her, half-exasperated and half-amused, already anticipating her response.

“It means you've gone nuts and should stop the oversleeping habit like a pig,” she retorted, her tone as cheeky as ever.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I fanned my face in a feeble attempt to shake off any lingering traces of blush. “Are you sure it was just Shakti Kapoor and not Kabir?” she teased, her playful smirk evident even without looking at her.

“Why would he be in my dreams? Huh? Isn’t today so warm, I should go take a cold shower,” I deflected, eager to escape her relentless teasing.

“Ahem, ahem, Sam, it's literally November, ain’t no way it's warm. Also, look at this,” she said, brandishing her phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

My heart sank as I watched a video play on her screen, revealing me sleeping and unwittingly chanting Kabir's name like a mantra.

“yes Kabir, Kabir , yes Kabir”

Mortification washed over me, my cheeks aflame with embarrassment. If only I could disappear into thin air right now.

“Why were you moaning his nam—" Naina began, but cut herself off, “Oh my god, you had a wet dream about him!” She laughed even harder at this.

“I was not moaning and NO I did not have a wet dream about Kabir, shut up,” I interjected, hastily I made a beeline for the bathroom, desperate to escape the humiliation.

“No, no, it’s fine. He's your soon-to-be husband, moan all you want,” she teased shamelessly, her laughter echoing in the hallway.

“Ugh, Naina, shut up!” I yelled, my face burning with embarrassment as I disappeared into the bathroom. I needed to delete that video from her phone as soon as possible, before anyone else saw it and I died of mortification.

Hey y'all author's note , I just felt like apologising for the delayed chapters but the truth is a car ran over me and then another as well resulting in the breaking of my back. I wished it would have broke for other reasons but moving on I am sorry for the late updates I'll try to catchup , thanks for reading! 🥰💅🏻

**Also this was a filler chapter , expect some secrets to be revealed upcoming chapters**