The guest list was fairly small for an Indian wedding, less than a hundred guests. Which, because neither the bride's or groom's side had many cousins, amounted to close extended family and friends. The haldi ceremony was held separately at each house, but the mehendi was held at the Chauhans'.

Aanandita descended the stairs, Harshita and Pranali holding up her lehenga despite her protests. "I haven't yet put mehendi, I can hold up my own lehenga." "Oh, stop it, jiji! Let us properly fulfill our duties as your bridesmaid." "And you need to fulfill your duties as bride by giving me aesthetic photos!" Dhara chimed in. Though she was Harshita and Ashwin's maternal cousin - and not quite as close - she, Raghav, and Vaani, Ashwin and Harshita's other cousins, showed up to nearly every large family event. In that way, the seven of them usually formed a group, passing by every event with masti.

"As your photographer, you must give me proper material to do my job," Dhara added. Though they had hired a professional photographer and videographer, Harshita, Pranali, and Dhara still insisted on her being there to capture the candid moments. Shaking her head, Aanandita gave her a cheeky smile before pushing past them to the backyard. Typically, the bride would enter after a few guests had arrived. But since the Chauhans' close family were staying them, they considered that enough guests to have Aanandita make an early entry, especially so the mehendi artist could do the bridal mehendi in peace.

"Bataiye, dulhan ji, aapko kaisa mehendi chahiye?" the mehendi artist teasingly asked.

(So, Mrs. Bride, what type of mehendi do you want?)

Inhe dekh kar lag raha hain zaroor kuch simple hoga.

(Looking at her, it will definitely be something simple.)

Fortunately, or unfortunately, the mehendi artist was wrong. Aanandita showed her a design filled with intricate floral motifs. "Aap yeh kar sakte hain?"

(Can you do this?)

Being an artist, the mehendi artist loved a challenge, and she readily agreed. "Par yahan mujhe thoda alag sa design chahiye...," Aanandita gestured to the center of her palm.

(But I want a slightly different design here...)

"No problem! You can tell me more once I get there." Pretty soon, the rest of the guests arrived, including the Rathores. Typically, the mehendi was only for women. But considering that it was being held at the Chauhans' home, and the Chauhan men were definitely not going to let themselves be banned from the backyard, there was no bar on the guests' gender. However, Shivani and Ramya did insist on settling aside the parlor room for the men, and instructed them not to enter the backyard unless necessary.

As everyone except Aanandita went to greet the Rathores, Ranjani clapped her hands in delight. "Kitne sundar lag rahe hain sab!"

(Everyone's looking so gorgeous!)

Nobody heard Ashwin's whispered 'haan' except for Vikram. He gave his BIL-to-be a hard look before turning away. His searching eyes didn't manage to get a glimpse of Aanandita before he was led away to the parlor. Ramya warmly greeted Deepthi, "Kaisi ho, beta?"

(How are you, dear?)

But she didn't have the chance to say much more before Harshita and Pranali dragged her away. Along with Dhara, Vaani, and a few of Aanandita's close friends, they made a circle around the bride, keeping her entertained. Though they all showed off their social media worthy dance moves, to self-appointed DJ Pranali's tunes, their mehendi was still completed before the bride's.

"My butt hurts from sitting, my arms from keeping still, and my legs hurt from dancing...I need nourishment!" Harshita complained, earning relieved nods from the rest of the group. Aanandita gave her a deadpan look. "I'm sure your mouth also hurts from complaining, are you sure you have the energy to chew?" Rolling her eyes, Harshita flopped back against the sofa she was sitting on. "Jiji yaar! Aaj toh hume chhod dijiye! Dulhan hain aap, saare energy khud par jaana chahiye, hum par nahi."

(Jiji yaar! At least leave us alone today! You're the bride, you're complete energy should on yourself, not on us.)

"Jaa jaa, kha ke aa. Aur mere liye bhi kuch le aana."

(Fine, go and eat. And bring something for me, too.)

Aanandita's friends stayed for a few more minutes before she ushered them off to have some food. It had been a while since they'd all met in person, so she was happy they could make it to her wedding on short notice. Going to the same intermediate college and NIFT, they became the best of friends, and colleagues. Now, they all lived in different cities, each with their busy schedules. But they all knew, they could always depend on one another.

"Jiji! Aapka khana aa gaya hain!"

(Jiji! Your food has arrived!)

Pranali proudly led the gang of girls who had left to find food, followed by a gang of guys holding their plates of food. Shivani and Ramya had finished getting their mehendi as well, and were looking after the guests, making sure they all had food. In return, Ravi and Akhil politely dragged their wives away to make sure they were fed.

"Arey, bhai ab hume kahan khilayega? Kyun Deepthi?"

(Arey, why would bhai feed us now? Right Deepthi?)

Harshita elbowed Deepthi, making her gasp as she took her mehendi-filled hands out of the way. Grumbling, they moved away, and all the ladies had someone to feed them – their husbands or brothers. Raghav, being Raghav, complained that he needed to sit with a plate of delicious food on his lap while both his hands were occupied feeding Dhara and Vaani. "Bechara main, khana tak nahi de rahe hain log. Bas khane ke khushboo sungh ke jeena hain mujhe. Kitne dubla patla ho gaya hoon main inn Bakaasur ke waje se."

(Poor me, people aren't even letting me eat. I'll just have to live off of the smell of food. I've become so thin and scrawny because of these gluttons.)

Dhara glared at her irish twin (meaning just a year apart). "Mere haath khaali nahi hain warna tujhe ek zor ke tapli deti."

(My hands aren't available, otherwise, I'd give you a slap across the head.)

Inspired, Vaani elbowed Raghav across the head. "Ah!" he screamed, rubbing his head. "Mumma, bachao! Yeh donon chudail zinda nahi chodenge mujhe!"

(Mumma, save me! These two witches aren't going to leave me alive!)

Aanandita muffled her chuckles, not wanting to disrupt the mehendi artist. Raghav, Dhara, and Vaani always brought along rent-free entertainment.

___

Vikram excused himself through the crown of guests, and finally broke through the family group as they dispersed to eat. Finally, he was going to see his fiancée. Stuck in the men's parlor, he couldn't figure out a way to excuse himself without drawing attention. As he was the groom, everyone's eyes were on him. Fortunately, the Chauhan sisters forcefully dragged out both families to have food. Taking that as his chance to escape, Vikram stood. Before he could leave, he found himself linking elbows with Pranali. "Aap nahi aayenge humare saath, jiju?"

(You won't come with us?)

He looked down at her quizzically as her twinkling eyes and mischievous smile gave her away. "Arey, bechari jiji kitne ghanton se chup chap baith kar aapka naam ka mehendi lagwa rahi hain. Aap unhe nahi khilayenge? She must be wilting from hunger by now."

(Arey, my poor sister has been quietly sitting for hours and getting mehendi in your name. You won't feed her? She must be wilting from hunger by now.)

Vikram gave her a quick flash of a smile. Though he usually avoided interfering younger sisters, he now realized just how beneficial they could be. "Kyun nahi?"

(Why not?)

She leaned in close, so nobody could overhear. "Mujhe pata hain, iss stoic sa chehre ke peeche aapke mann mein ladoo phoot rahe hain. Intehaam hogayi intezaar ki..."

(I know, behind this stoic face your heart is dancing with excitement. The test of waiting is over... a song)

Vikram opened his mouth to give a fitting reply. But in the next second Pranali had already walked away, humming, and he was left with a plate in his hand.

As Vikram made his way towards Aanandita, he saw her amusement over Raghav's complaints before the mehendi artist asked her a question. Now within hearing distance, he overheard, "Aap yahan ek alag sa design chahthe the, hain na?"

(You wanted a different design here right?)

"Ji, mujhe Shiv-Parvati ka kuch chahiye tha, aur chaaron or mandir jaisa..."

(Yes, I wanted a Shiv-Parvati design, and a mandir around it...)

"Haan haan, samajh gayi main. Aap Mahadev ke bhakth hain?" she asked curiously.

(Yeah yeah, I understood. You're a devotee of Mahadev?)

Aanandita gave her a wistful smile. "Ji, par hum donon ke liye aur maine rakhte hain. Mahadev aur Parvati Devi ke kripa se hi yeh rishta hua hain."

(Yes, but it's especially meaningful for us. By Mahadev and Goddess Parvati's grace, our marriage is happening.)

Vikram stilled as he heard her words. Kripa se... (By god's grace) That could only mean that she truly wanted to marry him, that she considered this match – this marriage – a blessing. His fingers quaked for a moment before he clenched his hands, steadying himself. Vikram's heart beat in rhythm with his steps. If this wasn't the biggest sign yet, then he didn't know what was. "Arey maine toh pucha hi nahi? Aapka pati ka naam kya hain?"

(Arey, I didn't even ask? What's your husband's name?) **Mehendi artists typically hide the groom's name in the bride's mehendi

Aanandita blushed slightly, hearing 'pati' (husband) instead of 'mangetar' (fiancée). Her answer was quiet yet confident, "Vikram. Vikram Singh Rathore."

"Aur main aapse itne baatein kar rahi hoon, par abhi tak aapka naam nahi poocha!" The artist laughed off her bhool.

(And here I'm chatting with you, but I haven't even asked you your name!)

Vikram was standing right next to her sofa. "Aanandita."

Aanandita. My fiancée. My wife. My soulmate. The whole faded into the background as Vikram's complete focus centered on Aanandita. Her Mona Lisa smile. The glow of her skin, not hiding the faint shadows under her eyes. The strands of hair pulled free from her hair by the breeze. The drape of the green silk on her body. The tired slump of her shoulders. The glow of happiness in her eyes as she looked up towards her family. The ways her eyelids flicked searchingly from side to side before veiling her expressive eyes again. Was she searching for him?

Aanandita didn't even realize she was searching for someone until the mehendi artist muttered something to herself and broke her daze. Why was she searching now? He'd returned to town a few days ago. Because your haldi ceremonies were both separate, but you knew he would be here today. Her conscience never failed to set her straight.

Aanandita swiped her tongue across her lip, suddenly feeling dry. She had just thought the word 'pani' when a hand appeared in her view, holding a very refreshing looking glass of water. Leaning forward, Aanandita took a long sip from the straw. Eyes closed, she gave a small sigh of relief. Only Ashwin bhai or Maa ever anticipated her needs like this. Looking up with a smile, "Thank...you..." It was neither Ashwin nor her mother in front of her. It was her elusive fiancé.

Quirking his lips, Vikram took a seat next to her. The swipe of her tongue across her lip sent a jolt of heat through him, but he managed to understand that Aanandita was thirsty. The surprise in her eyes, or dare he say surprised pleasure, was a welcome sight. "No need to thank me." As he lifted a bite of dhokla to her mouth, the way her eyes widened before her lashes fluttered down threatened have his teeth showing in a smile.

"Eat," he urged. "You'll need energy to sit still for a few more hours." Sneaking a glance at the mehendi artist, who was trying very hard not to overhear the couple's conversation, Aanandita reluctantly accepted the bite of dhokla. Vikram looked his fill as she tried to decide whether or not she wanted to meet his gaze. Aanandita. True to her name, Vikram was starting to believe that he would be blissfully happy with Aanandita in his life.

"Aapka safar kaisa tha? Business mein sab theek thaak?"

(How was your journey? Everything's fine with the business?)

Instead of answering, Vikram lifted another piece of dhokla to her lips. 'Click!' Poorly muffled snickers had them both turning to look at the interrupters. "Dhara ordered us not to miss ANY important moments," Vikram's cousin (technically second cousin, not a direct cousin) emphasized. Deepthi raise her hand in praise, "Wah bhai, kya scene hain!"

(Wow bhai, what a scene!)

Uday, their second cousin, added in a mocking whisper, "Tumhari scene bhi koi kam nahi thi."

(Your scene was no less.)

Pranali magically appeared at her side, mouth dropped in shock. "Tumhari scene? Matlab...Ashwin bhai?!" She couldn't imagine her older bhai doing khulam khula romance.

(Your scene? You mean...Ashwin bhai?!)

A few minutes ago...Ashwin had fed his sisters before his father and uncle took over. Noticing that Deepthi was alone, he grabbed a mithai and secretly headed towards her. Sipping on a glass of juice next to her, she was turning her hand back and forth before she whispered, "Mil gaya!"

(Found it!)

"Humara pyaar?" Ashwin kneeled in front of her, meeting her gaze.

(Our love?)

She looked like a cute fish the way she opened and closed her mouth before gulping in embarrassment. In turn, Ashwin became slightly embarrassed, wondering where he got the courage from to flirt like that. Giving a small smile at his sudden awkwardness, Deepthi answered, "Mehendi mein aapka naam doondh rahi thi."

(I was looking for your name in the mehendi.)

Ashwin met her gaze, eyes widening in surprise. "Aap mera naam chahthe the aapke mehendi mein?"

(You wanted to have my name in your mehendi?)

She blushed as she spoke, but didn't let her gaze waver. "When the lines of fate on my palm say that my destiny is with you, why not decorate the mehendi on my hand with your name?" Ashwin was dumbfounded by the depth of Deepthi's response. Hoping his eyes conveyed just how much her words meant to him, "Iss baat pe kya main aapka muh mitha kar sakta hoon?"

(**horrible translation alert** On this note, can I sweeten your tongue?)

Deepthi's eyes widened to fill half her face before she saw the mithai in his hand and relaxed (A/N - the fact that I took a double meaning from this statement proves the sadly wicked state of my mind.) Taking a miniscule bite, she hurried away saying, "Koi bula rahe hain."

(Someone's calling me.)

A few steps away, she bumped into Uday. "Uff, Uday bhai!" Smiling wickedly, he rested an arm around her shoulder, showing her his camera. "Arey madam, zara yeh khoobsurat pal dekhiye."

(Arey madam, look at this beautiful moment.)

The picture of Deepthi and Ashwin looked just as romantic on the little screen as it had felt. Meanwhile Ashwin couldn't bring himself to like Uday's familiarity. Therefore, he convinced himself to follow behind them and ended up at Aanandita's little area. Despite this, he didn't forget to finish the mithai he had shared with Deepthi.

___

The moment still fresh in her mind, shushing Pranali, Deepthi dragged her away, crossing paths with Ashwin. Giving Deepthi a lingering look, Ashwin relieved his jiju of his duty. "Aap jaiye, khud kuch khaiye. Main Nandu ko khilata hoon." Apni behen ko mujhe khilana chahiye. Baaki zindagi waise bhi aapke saath rahegi.

(Please go get something to eat yourself, I'll feed Nandu.)

(I should be feeding my sister. She'll spend the rest of her life with you anyways.)

**Smh, the double standards of these bade bhais. They're possessive of their younger sisters, yet don't realize their wives are also someone's younger sister.

"Haan bhai, bhabhi ke saath aap zindagi bhar waqt guzaariye...ab iss bhai-behen ki jodi ko...ek akhri baar...ek dusre ko khilane dijiye. Phoolon ka taaron ka...rona aa raha hain mujhe!"

(Yes bhai, you can spend your entire life with Bhabhi...now let the brother-sister duo...feed other one last time. Sings a famous sibling song...I'm tearing up!)

Dramatically, Uday wiped his eyes, turning to rest his head on Harshita's shoulder, who had just appeared. Ignoring the fact that Uday was not-so-subtly trying to flirt with her, Harshita added to his dramatics. "Haan jiju, aap abhi aiye humare saath. Hume kuch...zaroori baatein karni aapse." Like signing a contract.

(Yes jiju, you must come with us now. We have some...important things to talk about.)

She gave him a regal look, making Aanandita mutter, "Queen Victoria ki bacchi."