22. Blossoming Spring Days

The unexpected happenings broke the hearts of everyone. I was battling a mixture of emotions at that moment. First of all I felt extremely sad because I knew this situation arose because of me. My heart reached out for everyone. I was also very happy because all my family members seemed to have accepted my love for Nethra. I was exhilarated at that instant knowing Nethra could be mine with the blessings of everyone. But the thought of Nethra brought me back to the present, back to what just happened. The image of the tear-strung face of Nethra came to my eyes and refused to go away. With that image came anger towards Manoj Uncle I knew not. How could he raise his hand on my Nethra? I could not control my anger and got an urge to punch something hard.

Suddenly I felt Rithick's hands on my shoulder, squeezing it. Just then I realized that my whole body was shaking in anger and everyone was staring at me with a little bewilderment and fear in their eyes. They may not have seen me this angry in all these years of my life.

The sadness that I felt earlier returned that moment. Nearly 30 years of friendship between my dad, Sanjay uncle, and Manoj

seemed to have broken in a matter of seconds. Guilt took over immediately knowing that I was the reason for that. I could not control my emotions which seemed to be waging a war with each other. The result was torrential tears streaming down my cheeks. This time it was Riya who stepped forward to wipe my tears. I could not control anymore, I had to let it all out and gave in to my emotions. I was shaking with sobs and was immediately hugged by Rithick. My knees felt weak and I crumpled down. All my family members rushed to my side and were consoling me but I could not acknowledge their emotions. Until today I cannot remember how I spent that night.

I woke up the next morning with a pounding in my head. I could not open my eyes fully. They had become puffy and swollen because of my crying. I rubbed my eyes and tried to focus on my surrounding. I was lying on the couch. Someone had kept a pillow and covered me with a blanket. The last thing I could remember was crying into Rithick's shoulder. Now I could see my entire family in the living room discussing in hushed voices. I could immediately understand that it was about Nethra and me. I was staring stupidly at everyone not understanding why everyone was having a smile on their faces. I remembered that they had already waved the green flag for my love. Suddenly I felt warmth spread through me. I understood that I had my entire family to back me up for my love. The impossible felt possible although there was the big task of convincing Nethra's dad.

Suddenly as if reading my mind, Sanjay Uncle said, "I will do all I can to convince Manoj.

Nethra is the best gift we can give to our Rahul."

"Of course, Dad, I always want to see only smiles on Rahul's face," Rithick admitted earnestly.

The conversation between them gave me the full energy I needed and was now in the battle mode to win back the girl I loved. I was and still am thankful and grateful to my family members for accepting my love without any hesitation.

I fell at the feet of my parents and my uncle and aunt and admitted to them that I was blessed to get them in my life. My family members got together and were ready to go to Manoj uncle's house to ask Nethra's hand in marriage to me. It was such an emotional moment.

While we were getting ready to go to Nethra's house, I shuddered to think about what would happen at Manoj uncle's house. On one side I was scared that Nethra's dad wouldn't agree for our marriage. On the other hand I was worried that he would insult my family members and that would probably be the end of our relationship since I would never tolerate that. Rithick understood my situation and he was by my side. My nervousness subsided a little. My love and respect for Rithick seemed to have extended beyond the arbitrary specifics.

We reached Nethra's house and the door was closed. We could see Nethra and her dad in the living room through the open windows. Sanjay Uncle rang bell. There was no response. I could see Sanjay Uncle seated where he was without moving an inch. Nethra was very much aware of our presence outside as I could see her eyes widen and debating whether to answer the door. Sanjay uncle rang the bell again. At this point I was confident that Manoj uncle would come down on all of us like a raging bull and tear us to pieces. Suddenly the door opened.

Nethra was standing next to door. She looked so pale and distraught. Her eyes were filled with tears and pain. I wanted to hug her right there and console her that everything was going to be ok. When Nethra came out, Riya ran to her and hugged her. It was a tense emotional moment for me to stop doing the same.

Surprisingly, her Dad came out and welcomed us inside. He offered us seats and when everyone was utterly confused by his behavior he suddenly dived into apologizing to everyone. He was not the same man that we saw yesterday. I held his hand and accepted his apology gratefully when he turned to me. My head was spinning from this unexpected turn of events. I was shaking slightly. Could it be true that Nethra and I were going to be a couple after all? I could not believe my luck. Was heaven showering angels today? I was feeling very dizzy now.

Manoj uncle continued his apology by saying, "I was totally drunk yesterday, and was not thinking straight. I really don't remember much of what happened yesterday. The only thing that I do remember is that I hurt you all. Please pardon me. I was not aware that my daughter was in love with Rahul. I had something else in mind for my daughter's future so I was angry when Rahul professed his love for her. My daughter is everything in my life. In fact she is my life. I want nothing more than to see her happy. If she will be happy with Rahul then I will gladly give her hand in marriage to him. I know that you all will take care of her as your own. I couldn't think of even one reason to not giver her in marriage to Rahul. I hope you will excuse me for my behavior yesterday."

There was complete silence in the hall. Even the clock seemed to have paused ticking. Everyone was listening to Manoj uncle with rapt attention. It seemed like everyone were mesmerized by Manoj uncle's speech. No one was moving. Suddenly Sanjay uncle got up and hugged Manoj uncle, who was followed by my dad. There was so much confusion as to what they were rambling on. It seemed there was a mixture of joy and tears. The hall was filled with laughter and chatter. Everyone was laughing and crying at the same time.

Someone was calling me and I could not respond to it. I was filled with emotions so high I could hardy move or correspond. It was like I had melted and become a puddle at my feet. I was somewhere between the earth and the sky! Even at that state my eyes were searching the only person my heart went out to: Nethra.

Now Sanjay uncle was facing my dad on one side and Manoj uncle on the other. As everyone was anticipating what was going to happen next, my hand was taken and thrusted into Nethra's hand by Manoj uncle. It took me a moment to realize what was happening. A bolt of electricity passed through me and my ears were ringing. I was facing the most beautiful woman, the love of my life. This was the moment I had yearned for. I could hear my favorite music playing and all I wanted to do was to take her in my arms and escape into that music. It was a sheer bliss.

As I was approaching her I could hear laughter which brought me back to reality. Nethra was trying to take her hand from mine and I was stubbornly not letting her go. Rithick was rolling in laughter and Riya was punching me from the back. I suddenly released Nethra's hand, embarrassed at my behavior. I could not let her go. I missed her the moment her hand left mine. Nethra was smiling shyly and she was so beautiful. I etched that picture of hers into my mind. Rithick slapped me on the back and started teasing me. Riya also joined in and I was thoroughly enjoying it all the while eying Nethra who was now talking to my mother. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I didn't want it to end.

Our parents discussed about the wedding arrangements for a while and they came back with the happy news that we ought to be married immediately. Calendars were consulted for the auspicious days and the following Friday was chosen for the wedding.

Nethra and I were beaming with joy since there were just a few more days to go for our wedding. Rithick was literally jumping with joy. He came closer to me and said, "Take your girl out, and have a wonderful time. I will book you movie tickets." And before I know he was tapping the keypad on his phone. He then looked at me with so much affection and said, "I knew that everything will turn out to be just perfect for my Rahul. You deserve it brother."

"You are an awesome brother too, Rithick." I hugged him.

Rithick convinced our family members that it was ok for me and Nethra to go out for the day. The women folk of our household were not very happy with the decision but Rithick persuaded them and finally we both were out of the house alone. It was just perfect. I wanted to give Nethra the best day of her life yet. We decided to go to the movie. It was an a/c theater and we had corner seats. Until this day I don't remember what movie we watched that day. I was just staring at her like I was going to eat her with my eyes. We both were so engrossed with each other that we didn't care what was happening around us. She was my precious jewel and I had to guard her with my life. We were holding hands and our eyes were speaking. I don't know how the two and half hours passed by. We came out of the theatre.

I still remember the conversation we had.

"I can see so much happiness in you, Rahul. You are so happy to marry me, right?" Nethra asked with a shy smile.

"Hmm... Actually I was very happy yesterday that I could escape from you, but because of fate, my dear, our parents forced me to marry you, Nethra."

"Are you, really? How dare you tell this to me?" She started punching me.

"Stop it, Nethra." I smiled and pulled her hand.

"I'm just kidding." She would still not stop. She was so cute when she got angry. I wrapped my hands around her waist and pulled her close. She gently fell against my chest. My heart was beating fast. Our eyes met together. For a moment we forgot that it was a public place and I could see only my Nethra. I leaned in and kissed her. Though she was caught by surprise, she returned the kiss with equal emotion. It was a moment of eternal bliss. I knew I was complete with Nethra and she proved it yet again. Nethra regained her composure first and brought me back to earth.

"I will never ever leave you, Nethra," I promised her and pulled her into an embrace.

We were just walking hand-in-hand along the road when Nethra said that she longed for a bike ride with me. Immediately, I called Rithick on his phone. Within an hour, Rithick brought his Bullet bike and handed it to me. I took her

on a long drive. We had no idea where we were going and what we were doing. It was such an exhilarating feeling. Nethra hugged me tightly throughout the drive with one hand around my waist and one hand on my shoulder. It was a day I had never expected in my life!



We decided to have dinner under the stars and I remembered a restaurant that had a rooftop garden dining area and we went there. We had a wonderful dinner that evening. We did not want the evening to end. It was already very late and the time had come to take Nethra back home. I was reluctant to take her back. I wanted to continue to be with her. I was suddenly angry on "night" since it was time for my Nethra to leave. Also I had promised Nethra's father that I would drop her back in time and my family also trusted me fully. So, I had no choice but to take her home.

An hour later, I dropped Nethra at her place. She hugged me with tears in her eyes that brought tears in my eyes too.

"I don't want to go." She cried.

My heart just melted with her pleading.

"Don't cry, Nethra, only few days more for our wedding. I'm going to sweep you off your feet and take you away on my horse," I convinced her.

She smiled. "Ok. But I'm coming with you only on a white horse." Her sobs had turned to laughter.

"Ok Done." I felt like carrying her away at that moment itself.

Her father came to the door and saw me off. He seemed to be pleased with my behavior and I was happy for that. The moment I turned around at her doorstep, I started to miss her.

After I reached my home, I saw everyone waiting for me eagerly. I was suddenly shy to face them and tried to run to my room without meeting them but Rithick and Riya wrestled me down. They wanted me to tell everything that happened. I just said that we had a good time with a big blush and immediately they plunge  into teasing me. Even the grown ups chimed in this time. I had great time with them all the while thinking of Nethra. I started to anticipate the day of my wedding.

Six days more for my wedding. As per our tradition, Nethra and I are not supposed to see each other before the wedding. It was killing me each and every minute that I had to be away from her. I was becoming restless without seeing her. It was like slow poison creeping into my veins. I couldn't wait for the wedding. The only means of our communication was through online chat, even though we were forbidden to do that. We snuck around at night after everyone went to bed and chatted for hours into the night. But it was not enough for me. I could see my beautiful Angel but I couldn't touch her soft skin, feel her breath on my neck, breathe in her fragrance or devour her lips. It was sweet torture.

Days went by very slowly. Each day there was one or the function at both our homes. In between we went to purchase dresses, distribute invitations and made other arrangements. We did have a lot of fun and excitement but I still missed her a lot. Everyone in my family was having a fine time teasing me because of my behavior. They knew I was hopelessly and madly in love with her driven by her attitudes her love, her loyalty and her beauty.

Finally, it was the day of our wedding!

We had booked International Palace Hotel for the wedding. Nethra and her family members had arrived at the hotel early in the morning itself. I got a text message from her after she reached the hotel asking me if I got the horse. I just couldn't control my smile. My feet were not on the ground but flying that day since I knew Nethra would be my wife in a few hours' time.

Two hours later, my family members, relatives and I reached the hotel. The moment I stepped into the lounge I was in awe at the decorations. It was a treat to the eyes. The hotel had been transformed into the most beautiful place ever. I later came to know that it was all Rithick's idea for the decoration. I had no words for that. I simply hugged my bro and whispered, "Thanks for everything", and he casually brushed it away. I was so filled with emotions. When Rithick was by my side and I felt I could achieve anything.

Her relatives gave a grand welcome to us as per our tradition. Lot of crackers were burst, flowers were strewn amidst music so divine. It was so colorful and festive. Rithick was the most enthusiastic and happiest next only to Nethra and I. Riya was teasing me at every opportunity she could find. Nethra's cousin did all the traditional rituals since she had no siblings. After completing, the rituals, he held my hand and showed me to my room to get ready to tie the knot with Nethra. As I was standing by the door to my room, I glimpsed at the door opposite and it read "Bride's Room". I was tempted enough to take a peek at my Nethra through that door. Rithick kicked me and pushed me into my room.

I changed into my wedding attire of silk dhoti and a shirt of sandal color. As I was mentally imagining about Nethra in her beautiful bridal attire, Rithick sprayed some gentle fragrant perfume. We took a few selfies and I was ready to welcome Nethra into my life as my wife. I was so happy that in half an hour I could see my sweet Nethra as my wife. The thought itself gave me the much needed peace at that time since I was equally nervous.

Someone knocked at the door. It was time they said. I was supposed to sit in Manavarai (A beautifully decorated place where the actual wedding rituals take place). Rithick and my family members followed me to it. I was seated in the manavarai decorated with beautiful flowers and balloons. The purohitar (priest) started the ceremony. I was made to repeat mantras and perform other rituals. The time was nearing and my voice and hands were shivering a bit in nervousness to see my gorgeous angel.

The Purohitar asked for the bride. Someone went to bring the bride to the manavarai. At that moment I heard some commotion, but I never expected anything that could turn my life upside down.

I heard someone screaming

"The bride is missing!"

"Nethra is nowhere to be found!"

Nethra..

I could not breathe and I blacked out...

Flashback continues...