05
SHIVANI
I twist my dupatta as I give one last glance to myself. I’m going shopping today for the wedding. My palms are sweaty as I rub them against my thigh. Obviously, my mother is accompanying me. Rudraksh’s mother, his aunt, and his cousin-sister will be joining us directly at the mall.
I’ve met his mother before, but this will be my first time meeting his aunt and sister, and, as usual, I’m nervous.
Unlike me, Rudraksh lives in a joint family—his parents, his aunt and uncle, their two children, and his grandfather.
I haven’t met everyone yet, so the plan is to stop by his house after shopping so I can meet the whole family.
The thought makes me incredibly anxious.
What if they don’t like me? What if I mess it all up?
What if everyone there humiliates me? I don’t know how to impress people or make conversation.
I’ve never really had friends. Well, partly because I was never allowed to invite anyone over or visit others except if it benefitted my parents somehow, so who would want to be friends with someone like that?
I get it—it’s not really anyone’s fault.
My gaze lingers on my body. I’m wearing a red cotton kurti because it’s hot, and we’ll be walking around a lot.
Quickly, I tie my hair up and glance in the mirror. The heat alone is enough to kill me—I don’t even know how people expect me to wear a heavy lehenga for the wedding. Anyway, I don’t have a choice, do I?
My mother barges into the room, scans me from head to toe, then says sweetly, “You look okay. Just make sure you behave nicely today, Shivani.” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, as always.
“They’re here, and they’ve insisted on spending time with you alone. So, I won’t be going with you,” she adds, her tone sugary but her gaze sharp as daggers.
“You know what’ll happen if something goes wrong, don’t you, darling?” The threat lies beneath her words.
I don’t know whether to be relieved or terrified. She’s diplomatic in ways I can never be. And now I have to face strangers—my in-laws—alone. My heart starts to race at the thought of saying or doing something wrong.
Hey Bholenaath, please help me!
“Come on, what are you waiting for? Let’s go downstairs,” she says, her smile more frightening than her usual scowls. She turns around and steps out of my room, and I follow her.
We walk down the stairs, and I see everyone already seated in the living room. My father is there too. He looks up, and I instantly recognize the warning in his eyes. The courage I had gathered earlier melts off, and my fingers shake as I grip the railing tightly.
My soon-to-be mother-in-law turns to look at me. A wide, warm smile spreads across her face—it feels more genuine than any I’ve seen from my mother. She stands and walks over to me. My mother squeezes my hand tightly in warning before letting go.
“You look very pretty, beta,” she says kindly. Her words stop my breath. I’ve rarely received compliments in my life, so I never really know how to respond.
“Um, thank you… aunty,” I say cautiously, aware of my parents’ watchful eyes.
“Aunty? No way! Rudraksh calls me maa, and you will too, okay? And don’t worry—I’m not one of those typical mothers-in-law. I’ll always be on your side. My son can go to hell.” She winks, and a small laugh escapes me.
Still looking at me, I smile shyly and say, “Yes, maa.”
She seems pleased, and I move to touch her feet, but she gently stops me. Her hands gently push me to my real height, and she denies it with a small shake of her head.
“Hi, bhabhi! I’m Aditi. If you ever want to annoy Rudraksh bhai, I’m your go-to person.” Aditi introduces herself while coming closer to me with a wide smile. She extends her hand, and I shake it, smiling at her cheerfulness.
“And I’m this idiot’s mother and also Rudraksh’s chachi,” his aunt says, lightly smacking Aditi on the head.
Their interaction is playful and easy. I’ve never had anything like that.
Grief grips my heart. Watching them makes me ache for something I’ve never known—a warm, light-hearted bond with a mother figure. I have never lived there.
I try to touch Chachi’s feet too, but she stops me as well.
“Come on, the driver’s waiting outside,” Maa says, leading the way.
I walk behind them and get into the car, sitting between Maa and Aditi, while Chachi takes the front seat.
“There’s no need to be scared, beta. You’re our daughter now,” Maa says gently, holding my hand.
Her touch is so different from my mother’s—soft, warm, safe, and gentle.
I can’t believe I feel more comfortable with her than with the woman who raised me.
And I’ve only known her for a week. I smile and nod, swallowing the lump rising in my throat.
When we reach the mall, the driver opens the door, and we all step out.
“Rudraksh bhai has ordered that you get whatever you want. But bhabhi, there’s a dress I really like—please get it for me!” Aditi says with a sheepish grin, and I chuckle at her adorableness.
“You! Stop bothering her!” Chachi scolds her playfully, shooting her a mock glare. But there’s love in her eyes, not contempt—not like my mother’s harsh looks. I glance away, uncomfortable with the jealousy bubbling inside me.
Maa comes to my side and links her arm with mine.
I’m surprised by the gesture, and maybe she notices the expression on my face because she leans in and says quietly, “It’s okay, Shivani.
I was scared before my wedding too. But once you meet everyone, your fear will disappear.
They’ll take great care of you, beta. I promise. ” My breath hitches on her words.
Taking care of me?
Then she turns to Chachi and begins chatting again, like she didn’t just melt me with kindness. These are the words I always needed to hear from my own mother. Instead, it’s my soon-to-be mother-in-law offering them to me. My throat tightens, and my eyes sting with unshed tears.
But I quickly blink them away when I hear another call.
“Come on,” Chachi says. “One of my friends owns a boutique here. I told her to show us her best collection.”
The boutique is small but elegant. The marble floors, scented candles, and soft lighting make the boutique feel like walking into a royal wardrobe.
I’ve rarely gone shopping, and when I did, I never enjoyed it. It was usually with my mother and her friends—people who never missed a chance to mock how I looked.
“Beta, are you okay?” Maa asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I nod and smile to reassure her.
A woman in her fifties walks in and warmly hugs both Maa and Chachi. They introduce her as Mrs. Sania Khanna, the boutique’s owner and Chachi’s friend.
After some chatting, Mrs. Khanna asks me, “So, what kind of wedding are you planning?”
I freeze. I look around, unsure how to respond. I thought my parents had discussed this with them—I was never involved in any of the planning. And the sudden question just caught me off guard.
Maa quickly tells her, “Give us a moment,” and Mrs. Khanna politely steps away.
“Beta, I completely forgot to ask—what have you thought about the wedding?” Maa asks gently, her eyes are full of warmth, as she urges me to answer her.
Something my mother failed in.
I hate being put on the spot. I don’t want to say something that might upset my parents. I honestly don’t know the answer.
“I don’t know, Maa. You can decide whatever you want. Or maybe… maybe ask Rudraksh?”
“Are you kidding? Bhai isn’t interested in wedding planning—he just wants to get married,” Aditi jumps in, winking at me.
“Beta, marriage is one of the biggest days in a girl’s life. It happens only once. Fulfill all your wishes, whatever you dream of,” Chachi says, and Maa nods, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
Okay, I don’t think they’ll let me avoid this. I’ll have to say something. I’m not a people person—I don’t want a huge wedding. But both our families are influential, and the media will definitely cover the event. The guest list will probably be long and—
“There’s no need to overthink it, Shivani. Just say what’s on your mind.” I’m surprised by their willingness to let me decide.
“I… I’d prefer a small wedding. Just close family and friends. But I don’t think that’s really possible since—”
“Not possible?” Aditi scoffs and then continues. “Bhai wants everything to be the way you want it. If you want a small wedding, that’s what you’ll get.”
The thought that Rudraksh wants me to have a say in this—it makes me feel grateful. And a little… happy .
“Can we hold all the functions at home, then?” Maa asks.
I nod. She calls Mrs. Khanna back in and explains.
“So, a small and simple wedding,” Mrs. Khanna says.
“I suppose that means you’ll want a simple outfit as well—?” Mrs. Khanna makes a suggestion, but Maa quickly jumps in.
“There’s no such rule,” Maa cuts in. “Show her everything. Whatever she likes, simple or not, we’ll take it.”
Now I understand how she convinced my mother not to come along. She’s confident, outspoken, and fearless. She says what she means—and I want to be like that.
Mrs. Khanna shows us several outfits, but one catches my eye. A stunning traditional red lehenga.
It’s intricately decorated with golden embroidery and detailed floral patterns at the bottom. The blouse is just as rich, and the matching red dupatta has small golden motifs and a striking border. It’s beautiful—so beautiful—and when I try it on, everyone agrees it looks perfect on me.
The decision is left to me, which is rare, again, but I don’t hesitate this time. I want this one. It feels right.
The only issue—it’s expensive. Really expensive. I want to protest, but by the time I change and come back, the bill’s already paid.
Maa simply says, “It’s done. And if you argue, I’ll be upset.” So I keep quiet. I just hope Rudraksh or my parents don’t get mad about the cost.
“Let’s go home now,” Chachi says, giving me a side hug. “Everyone’s waiting to meet you.”
I’m about to meet my new family.
I just hope they like me.