Nitham Oru Kadhal

Chapter 11

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lush greenery of the countryside, the air was filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. It was the evening of the haldi ceremony, a cherished tradition in North Indian weddings, and Mithra couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her stomach as she prepared to embark on the next chapter of her journey with Arjun.

Dressed in a vibrant yellow lehenga, Mithra radiated with happiness as she sat surrounded by her loved ones, the sweet scent of turmeric filling the air as they applied the sacred paste to her skin. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, Mithra's heart danced with joy, her mind filled with thoughts of the man she was soon to call her husband.

Across town, Arjun sat in quiet contemplation as he too participated in the haldi ceremony, his mind consumed with thoughts of Mithra. Though they had only just begun their journey together, Arjun felt a deep sense of connection to his bride-to-be, a bond that transcended words and traditions.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the mothers of the bride and groom ushered them away, reminding them of the age-old tradition that forbade the bride and groom from seeing each other before the wedding. Though reluctant to part ways, Arjun and Mithra knew that it was a superstition they could not ignore, and so they bid each other a silent farewell, their hearts heavy with longing.

However, as fate would have it, love knows no boundaries, and as the evening wore on, Arjun and Mithra found themselves unable to resist the pull of their hearts. Sneaking away from their respective gatherings, they stole a few precious moments together, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of love and longing.

Their secret rendezvous was short-lived, but it was enough to fuel the flames of their passion, igniting a spark that would burn bright in the days to come.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, and with it came the promise of a new beginning as the wedding party set off for Ooty, the picturesque hill station where Arjun's family hailed from. As they embarked on the journey, Mithra's heart swelled with anticipation, her mind filled with thoughts of the man she would soon call her husband.

Seated amidst her friends and relatives in the van, Mithra couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her, her cheeks flushed with the thrill of the unknown. Her friends, ever mischievous, teased her mercilessly, their laughter filling the air with joy as they regaled her with tales of love and romance.

As the van wound its way through the picturesque hills of Ooty, Mithra's heart raced with anticipation, her mind abuzz with thoughts of the impending wedding festivities. Beside her, her friends, especially the girls, couldn't resist teasing her mercilessly, their laughter filling the air with warmth and joy.

Among them, Mithra's best friend Sreesha stood out like a beacon of calm amidst the playful chaos. Since the day they met in college during their third year, Sreesha had been Mithra's constant companion, her unwavering support a source of comfort and strength in times of need.

As they settled into their room at the resort where the wedding was to take place, Mithra found herself confiding in Sreesha, her nerves getting the better of her as the reality of the impending wedding sank in. With a gentle smile, Sreesha listened attentively, her reassuring words like a soothing balm to Mithra's frazzled nerves.

"Hey, it's okay to feel nervous," Sreesha said softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "But remember, you're not alone. I'll be right here with you every step of the way."

Mithra nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she leaned into Sreesha's comforting embrace. With her best friend by her side, she knew that she could face whatever challenges lay ahead, her fears melting away like snow in the warmth of their friendship.