heena
AVNI
š Mussoorie,
India
The villa was beyond breathtaking. Unlike the palace back home in Lucknow, with its ancient, towering walls and stories embedded in every corner, this place felt more like a hidden sanctuary, nestled in the quiet embrace of the mountains. The walls, painted in muted shades of cream and sandstone, contrasted beautifully against the lush green surroundings and sprawling glass windows, allowing every ray of sunlight to dance across the polished floors.
My room overlooked a valley, where clouds drifted lazily between the peaks, creating an almost mystical ambiance. The morning mist had cleared, but the air was still cool and crisp, carrying the fresh scent of pine and wildflowers. I could almost imagine myself letting go of every worry hereāalmost.
But with Rudra hovering nearby like an invisible shadow, and Aksh bhai's unexpected arrival last night to speak with him, I knew something was brewing beneath the surface. And that kept a part of me restless.
After arriving and getting settled in yesterday, I had finally let myself sink into the plush bed for a well-deserved nap, exhausted from the travel and all the planning. I woke up hours later, feeling refreshed, with the late afternoon sun streaming through my window. I stretched luxuriously, savoring the peace, and for once, allowing myself to simply enjoy the moment. Tonight marked the beginning of our three-day stay, and I was ready for everything Ritvika's family had planned for us: tonight's Mehndi, tomorrow's Haldi and Sangeet, and finally, the wedding day.
I found myself smiling as I slipped into the embroidered anarkali I'd chosen for the evening, a deep shade of teal adorned with delicate gold accents. Excitement fluttered in my chest. Weddings were always magical, but this one felt especially significant. It was a break from the intensity of life back home, a chance to immerse myself in the joyous traditions and celebrations that I'd grown up with, yet hardly ever gotten the chance to fully enjoy.
Unless I'm drunk ofcourse. The embarassment from my result announcement night flashes through my eyes.
With a sigh, I thought back to the palace. I loved it, but it carried the weight of expectations, the never-ending duties, the eyes watching my every move. Here, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't felt in years. I could breathe deeply without the walls closing in, without having to be Princess Avni every waking moment.
Ritvika's father had indeed outdone himself in arranging this villa. It felt cozy yet grand, combining the elegance of old-world charm with modern comforts. It was exactly the kind of place you could spend hours getting lost in. And I couldn't wait to see how they would transform the space for tonight's Mehndi ceremony.
"Avni, are you ready yet?" Atharv's voice called from outside, cutting through my thoughts.
I grinned, giving my reflection one last glance in the mirror before stepping out. Atharv, as usual, looked effortlessly charming in his kurta, his excitement palpable. "You clean up nice," I teased, nudging him as I joined him and the others in the hallway.
"Speak for yourself, Princess," he shot back, giving me a mock bow. "Ready to get drenched in henna and maybe embarrass yourself at some point tonight?"
I laughed, looping my arm through his as we made our way downstairs. "Oh, I'm fully prepared. Tonight, I'm not letting anything ruin my fun."
The garden outside had been transformed. Twinkling fairy lights adorned every tree, casting a soft, warm glow over the entire area. The decorations were a stunning mix of marigold and rose garlands, hanging intricately from the gazebo to the chairs. A small stage had been set up at one end, where a group of women sat with tiny henna cones, ready to paint intricate designs onto the hands of excited guests.
The smell of fresh flowers, combined with the distant sound of dhol music, filled the air. Everyone looked radiant, laughter filling the atmosphere as people greeted one another. It was like stepping into a scene straight out of a dream, with everyone immersed in the joy of the moment.
I took a deep breath, letting myself fully absorb the magic of the evening. For once, I allowed myself to simply be. To just be a girl excited for her best friend's sister's wedding, with none of the heaviness that usually accompanied my life.
As I moved towards the Mehndi artists, I noticed Rudra standing near the edge of the garden, his stance as alert as ever. Even here, in a place meant for celebration, he looked like he was on duty. I couldn't help but smile to myself, feeling a strange comfort in his presence. As serious and frustrating as he could be, he was my anchor, a steady force amidst the whirlwinds of life.
But tonight, he would have to take a backseat. This evening was mine, and I intended to relish every bit of it.
"Let's get some henna on these hands!" Ritvika exclaimed, pulling me towards the artist, her eyes gleaming with excitement. I laughed, letting her guide me, surrendering my hands to the artist, who began weaving intricate designs across my palms.
The evening stretched on, each moment more joyful than the last. Laughter echoed around the garden as everyone moved between tables, danced under the stars, and admired each other's Mehndi designs. I watched as Atharv attempted to teach some of our foreign friends a few Bollywood dance moves, causing uproarious laughter.
Tomorrow would bring more traditions, more memories to be made, and more reasons to celebrate. But tonight, I was simply Avniāa girl reveling in the beauty of the moment, surrounded by friends, laughter, and a quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, life didn't have to be so complicated after all.
The laughter and excitement around the villa reached a new level when a familiar song suddenly blasted through the speakers. The opening beats of "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna" from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge filled the air, and everyone seemed to hold their breath in excitement. It was a classicāone that never failed to make everyone smile.
And then, amidst the glowing lights and cheers, Ashwin made his grand entrance, confidently mimicking SRK's iconic moves, complete with that playful smirk and undeniable charm. I nearly choked on my laughter, covering my mouth in surprise.
When did he get here?
Ashwin hadn't arrived with us; he and Chachu had stayed behind to finish some last-minute work. I was under the impression they were sticking to the original plan of coming only on the wedding day. But here he was, looking like he'd walked straight off a Bollywood set, effortlessly pulling everyone's attention. And, of course, there was no sign of Chachu, who was likely holding down the fort back home.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Aksh Bhai and Atharv joined Ashwin, and the three of them started dancing in perfect sync. They moved with practiced ease, swaying and turning with every beat, as if they'd been rehearsing this for weeks. I couldn't help but laugh and cheer them on, my excitement bubbling over.
It was like I'd been transported into a Bollywood movie scene, complete with spontaneous choreography and impeccable timing. They even nailed the playful expressions, earning loud whistles and claps from everyone. Ritvika was all but squealing in delight beside me.
This was pure magicāthe kind of moment that felt like it belonged on the big screen, a memory that would linger long after the wedding was over. And as I watched my friends and family lose themselves in the music, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, a rare lightness filling my heart.
This trip had already given me so much joy, and the best part was that it had only just begun.
Just as I was soaking in the joyful dance performance in front of me, a few rebellious strands of hair slipped loose and blew across my face, stubbornly blocking my view. I tried to shake them away, but with mehndi on both hands, I couldn't move them. My vision was obscured by my own hair, which only added to my frustrationāI wanted to enjoy the show, not wrestle with flyaways.
Suddenly, Kabir, Ritvika's cousin and the bride's brother, plopped down beside me with a teasing grin. He gave me a light nudge with his shoulder, breaking into a playful lip-sync of the line from the song:
"Ud udke teri zulfein,
Karti hain kya ishaare,
Dil thaamke khade hain,
Aashiq sabhi kanware."
I couldn't help but laugh, catching his eye. With an equally mischievous smile, I responded, lip-syncing the next lines:
"Chhup jaayein saari kudiyaan,
Ghar mein Sharam ke maare,
Gaanv mein aa gaye hain,
Paagal shehar ke saare."
Our little banter caught the attention of a few onlookers, and soon enough, laughter erupted around us as everyone joined in, enjoying the playful exchange while the performance continued on stage.
And then, just when I thought the night couldn't get any more charming, Viraaj, the groom, made his way over to Sarah, his bride-to-be, and leaned close to her, his eyes warm and affectionate. With all the gentleness in the world, he lip-synced the following lines directly to her:
"Nazrein jhukake rakhna,
Daaman bachake rakhna,
Lene tujhe o gori,
Aayenge tere sajna."
He gestured proudly to himself on the last line, and Sarah's cheeks flushed a deep pink as she looked down, trying to hide her smile. The moment was so beautifully cinematic, straight out of a romance film, and everyone around them couldn't help but gush.
A warmth spread through me as I watched them. This night was turning into one for the books, with laughter, dance, love, and playfulness filling every corner. And in this moment, under the twinkling lights, surrounded by my favorite people, I knew this wedding was going to be unforgettable.
The energy in the air grew electric as Ishani joined the performance, gliding effortlessly onto the dance floor with Ashwin, Aksh Bhai, and Atharv. She moved like a true lead actress, captivating everyone with her graceful yet spirited moves. For the youngest in the family, she was certainly a powerhouse when it came to celebrations.
Beside me, Kabir nudged my shoulder once again, this time with a playful twinkle in his eyes as he lip-synced another line from the song, teasing:
"Main ek jawaan ladka,
Tu ek haseen ladki,
Ye dil machal gaya toh,
Mera kusoor kya hai."
I couldn't hold back a laugh, though I quickly sensed a familiar intensity nearby. Rudra's gaze was on us, as sharp and focused as ever. I could almost feel the heat of his penetrating stareāpossessive, protective, and laced with something I couldn't quite place. His eyes felt like they were daring Kabir to make one more playful move.
Just then, Ritvika jumped in, swooping to my side with a grin and lip-syncing the next lines as though rescuing me:
"Rakhna tha dil pe kaabu,
Ye husn toh hai jaadu,
Jaadu hi chal gaya to,
Mera kusoor kya hai."
Ritvika's eyes sparkled with mischief as she used her free hand to gently brush the strands of hair out of my face, clearly enjoying the playful tension in the air. With only one hand covered in henna, she had the freedom I didn't, and she used it to full advantage.
Grabbing me lightly by the elbow, she led me onto the dance floor where Ashwin, Aksh Bhai, Atharv, Ishani, and Viraaj were waiting, already lost in their groove. I couldn't help but grin as we joined them, Ritvika and I diving into the music, letting the rhythm carry us away. The whole space felt alive, charged with laughter and endless joy.
As we danced, I felt the worries and tensions of recent days fade away. Surrounded by friends and family, wrapped in music, laughter, and light, I let myself fully embrace the moment. This was what weddings were meant to be about, after allālove, family, and memories we'd treasure forever.
As I twirled on the dance floor, my gaze drifted across the room and landed on Rudra. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world around us faded, leaving just the two of us locked in a silent connection. His usual intense, guarded look had softened, and what I saw there startled meāa warmth, an unspoken admiration. Was I imagining it? The look in his eyes felt unfamiliar yet comforting, like he was finally seeing me as more than just someone he had to protect.
Feeling a surge of boldness, I raised my hand and beckoned for him to join me in the dance. He shook his head with a small, reluctant smile, staying rooted to his spot, as if it were enough for him just to watch. I felt a twinge of disappointment but brushed it off, reminding myself of how stubborn he could be.
We all danced with abandon, losing ourselves in the music, laughter, and carefree spirit of the night. Every laugh, every cheer, every spin around the dance floor felt like a celebration of life itself. The happiness in the air was infectious, and we let it carry us until we could barely catch our breath.
Finally, exhausted, we gathered in a cozy circle, slumping onto the soft cushions laid out around us. Catching my breath, I leaned back, watching the others with a contented smile as the bride and groom took center stage, their eyes shining with love and joy. Family members joined them, each performing with their own unique flair, adding layers of love and laughter to the night. We cheered, clapped, and sang along, our voices filling the air, mingling with the music, creating memories that I knew would last forever.
In that moment, everything felt perfect.
(ā§ļ½”āæļ½”ā§)