Invisible String

Chapter 21: Should I really run away?

Word count: 1980

Samaira's POV
Here I was again, sitting in front of a bunch of makeup artists-two of them working on my hair while the other two drew intricate designs on my face simultaneously. Each passing second felt like an eternity. Tonight, 2nd November, I was going to become Mrs. Rajvansh. Time flies so fast; I hadn't even realized that just two months ago, I kicked this man out of my office. Now, tonight, I was going to marry him. I was glad I suggested the idea of dating first. Kabir didn't seem so bad now. Even though we didn't know much about each other, at least it wasn't awkward to talk.
My phone buzzed, and I picked it up. The contact name read "Mr. Rajvansh," the way he had saved it.

"Hello, ready yet?" he spoke from the other side. We both knew this wasn't about my attire. He wanted to reassure himself that I wasn't feeling forced into this setup.His voice was laced with nervousness yet carried a hint of excitement, which kind of made my heart flutter at the hope it could be more than just a marriage of convinience. I smiled as I replied

"Almost. Baraat nikalne ko taiyaar?" (Is the procession ready to leave?) my hands unconsciously fiddling with my fingers. Was it nervousness? Shyness? Or something else?

"Ha, apni ek photo bhejo na" (Yes, send me a photo of yourself), he asked, his words struggling to reach the microphone. Aww, Kabir, such a cutie.

"Jab baraat laaoge tab dekh lena mujhe," (When you bring the procession, you'll see me) I said as the artists finished placing the nath on my nose. Kabir was breathing heavily. We both stayed silent, but it was a comfortable silence. I felt less nauseous; his presence, even over the phone, was comforting.

"Samaira-" he began after a long silence, which was immediately interrupted by Aditya in the background.
"Oh my god, Kabira patience, she's all yours after tonight. Come on, everyone's waiting. Sorry Bhabhi, thoda aur wait karlo aap bhi," (Sorry Bhabhi, just wait a little longer) Aditya said, taking the phone to hang up. Under all this makeup, I was pretty sure my face had turned a bright pink, and I didn't even know why.
Naina barged into my room hurriedly. "Samaira! There are four different flavors for pani puri!!" she exclaimed, her face full of joy. I would miss her, her love for pani puri, and Mom and Dad as well. Would they be able to live alone after I was gone? All of this brought tears to my eyes, which didn't go unnoticed by Naina. She realised the longing in my eyes as she says infront of me on the bed, the cushion sank with her weight as her hand reached up to hold my hand, her little gesture reassuring yet overwhelming.

"Look, Samaira, say the word and I'll arrange everything for your runaway. Just say the word. I'll handle Uncle and Aunty. You can hide in a nearby hotel until the situation calms down and-" I cut her train of yapping after thinking if I should really run away. Not going to lie, my eyes did water at the way she cared so much but I immediately blinked those tears away as I shaked my head to brush off those thoughts off.

"Naina, don't worry, I'll be happy. We should drop the runaway bride plan," I said, and we let out a giggle.

Photographers walked in, and I didn't even realize when three hours went by. Kabir was with his baraat in front of the hotel. Everyone was welcoming him as I watched from afar from my hotel room. My eyes stuck on his every move. His sherwani complimenting my wedding lehenga as his pagri and sword in hand giving off maharaj vibes as I couldn't help but stare shamelessly. His eyes were searching for someone, someone specific.

He looked up, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. My breath hitched as a sound escapes my lips. My expressions soon morphed into a small smile.

Ifelt my heart skip a beat as he winked at me. This was real. This was happening. I was about to marry Kabir Rajvansh. Despite the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment, I felt a sense of calm. Kabir might not have been the man I had envisioned for myself, but he was the man standing there, waiting to take this journey with me.