The Path to Forever

Part 18

Her mother, Mrs. Prakash, was the first to emerge from the car, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. She rushed forward, her arms open wide, and Tejasswi felt a lump form in her throat as she was enveloped in a warm embrace. "My baby," Mrs. Prakash murmured, holding her tightly. "You look so beautiful."

Mr. Prakash followed, his eyes taking in the sight of his daughter and her new husband. The pride in his gaze was unmistakable as he stepped forward to embrace them both. "Karan," he said gruffly, his voice thick with emotion. "Take good care of her."

Karan nodded solemnly, his eyes meeting Tejasswi's. "With all my heart," he promised.

Her parents' love was palpable in the air, a warm embrace that seemed to envelop them all. It was clear that their union was not just a marriage of two individuals but the bonding of two families. As they stepped back, Mrs. Kundrra emerged from the house, her eyes misty with joy. She had been waiting eagerly for this moment, her best friend's daughter coming home to the arms of her son.

The four of them stood on the porch, the early morning light casting a soft glow over their faces. Karan felt the weight of his mother's gaze, filled with hope and expectation. Tejasswi's parents had always held a special place in Hero heart, and now she watched as they welcomed her into their home with open arms.

Tejasswi's mother looked at her with a knowing smile. "You're happy," she said simply. It wasn't a question, but a statement filled with certainty.

Tejasswi nodded, feeling the warmth of Karan's hand in hers. "I am," she said, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and contentment.

They walked back into the house, the warmth of the kitchen enveloping them. Karan's sisters had already arrived from New Jersey, adding to the bustle of preparations. The room was alive with chatter and laughter, a blend of Hindi and English that filled the air with a warm, welcoming cacophony. Tejasswi felt a sudden rush of love for this man she had only just met, for his family that had accepted her as one of their own. In the drawing room, plush couches and intricately carved wooden chairs were arranged in a circle around a large coffee table laden with sweets and chai. Aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, all chatted away, their voices a tapestry of excitement and joy. Karan led Tejasswi to a spot on the sofa next to him, his hand never leaving hers. They sat down, and she felt the comfort of his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand, a silent reassurance that he was there.

The room was a blur of colors, with saris and kurtas weaving in and out of her vision as relatives discussed the upcoming festivities. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood incense, mingling with the sweet aroma of kheer. Tejasswi's heart raced as she listened to the plans for the wedding that was just a week away. It was surreal, a whirlwind of activity that she had never imagined herself a part of.

Karan's hand was a warm anchor in hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin. She squeezed it tightly, drawing strength from his presence. He leaned in, his breath a soft whisper against her ear. "You're doing great," he said, his voice a gentle reassurance. She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.

The conversation swirled around them, a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. Tejasswi's heart raced as she listened to the plans for the sangeet, the mehndi, and the wedding day itself. The thought of the upcoming festivities filled her with a mix of excitement and nerves, but she found solace in the steady beat of Karan's pulse beneath her fingertips.