Arun’s Hesitant Steps Toward Marriage
The following days passed in a blur, with Arun caught in a whirlwind of emotions. His meeting with Karthik had gone well—too well—and now the family had taken it upon themselves to prepare him for the next step. Wedding discussions had begun, and the teasing from his family had only intensified.
Everywhere he turned, someone was there to remind him of his impending role.
Meena was the worst of them all. “Ayyoo, Maami! You’re practically glowing these days! Thinking about Karthik, ah?” she teased, tapping Arun’s nose playfully.
Arun’s face turned crimson. “Meena, stop it!” he protested, his voice carrying none of the authority it once had.
Lakshmi joined in, a knowing smile on her face. “Kanna, it’s only natural. A bride should be thinking about her groom, no?”
Arun swallowed hard. Bride. Groom. The words still sent shivers down his spine. But what shook him even more was the way his heart fluttered at the thought of Karthik’s gentle smile, his warm gaze.
“No Amma, it’s not like that,” he muttered, but the women only giggled in response.
The Saree Trials: More Than Just a Dress
One afternoon, Lakshmi decided it was time for Arun to start preparing for his wedding wardrobe. She and Meena dragged him to a room filled with silk sarees, jewelry, and other bridal essentials.
Meena clapped her hands excitedly. “Time for our bride to pick her wedding saree!”
Arun’s stomach twisted. “Can’t we wait?” he asked weakly.
Lakshmi shook her head firmly. “No, ma. The wedding won’t wait, and neither should you. Come, try this one first.”
Before he could protest, they draped a stunning red silk saree around him, the fabric heavy and rich against his skin. Gold embroidery shimmered in the light, and the soft rustle of silk sent an unfamiliar thrill through him.
Meena stepped back and gasped dramatically. “Ayyoo! Karthik is going to faint when he sees you!”
Arun’s cheeks burned. “Meena! Enough!”
But Lakshmi only chuckled. “She’s right, kanna. You look beautiful. Just like a proper bride.”
Arun stared at his reflection. The transformation was undeniable. His long hair, neatly braided and adorned with jasmine, the deep red of the saree accentuating his features, the soft tinkling of his bangles—it was all too much.
He turned away. “I… I need a moment.”
Lakshmi touched his shoulder gently. “Take your time, ma. But remember, beauty isn’t something to fear. You’ve embraced so much already. This is just the final step.”
Arun nodded slowly, unsure of how to process everything.
The Final Test: A Visit from Karthik’s Family
A few days later, Arun received shocking news—Karthik’s family was coming to visit. It wasn’t the formal engagement yet, but it was a step closer.
Panic set in immediately. “Amma, I—what do I do? What do I say?”
Lakshmi smiled knowingly. “You don’t have to do anything, ma. Just be yourself.”
Meena smirked. “Oh, and make sure your jasmine is fresh! You want to impress your future in-laws, don’t you?”
Arun groaned, but deep down, a small part of him felt… nervous. Not because I want to impress them. Right?
On the day of the visit, he found himself dressed carefully—a soft green saree, delicate jewelry, and, of course, jasmine in his hair. As he sat in the hall, waiting for Karthik and his family, his heart pounded.
When Karthik finally arrived, his eyes met Arun’s, and a warm smile spread across his face. Arun, despite himself, felt his breath hitch.
Was this truly happening? Was he really about to step into this life fully?
The teasing, the laughter, the sarees, the flowers—it had all led to this moment.
And as he lowered his gaze shyly, he realized something.
He wasn’t entirely unhappy about it.
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