Siddhans pov
I was seating num on my place. As if time got freeze.
I was taken aback when someone shook me with force.
" hhh." I looked up to see my colleague Emily looking at me concerned.
" Is everything alright Siddhan? You look lost. " she asked frowning. " yah..." I said clearing my throat. "Come on we don't have time. Look .. I have made the necessary changes.This is the final look of the digital venue. My work finishes here, now your team can go ahead with your final trial of the movements of the Avatars in the virtual venue." She said handing over me her work.
I sensed she haven't left. I looked up and my guess was right she was still standing in her place with worried expressions. " Let's have a cup of coffee... you need it badly." Saying this she ordered two cups of coffee in the intercom. " By the time coffee arrives go and freshen up . I will give this work to some other person from your department." I was about to deny but one stern look from her and I shut my mouth and got up to go to the restroom.
I splashed water on and rubbed my face . I looked myself in the mirror and I saw a clueless person staring back at me. My mind was completely blank. I can't think straight. I can't go back leaving this project at the last minutes.God.. I can't risk so many peoples hard work and millions of dollars. And above that Mr Liams dedication and passion. But I can't even let go my Sanvi. Will she hate me if I don't go back for her now?
I shut my eyes painfully.This is what I always feared about.
This is the first time my mind and heart are conflicting each other.
Than I took a stand... I will choose my duty over my love.
I sighed and reached at my table where Miss Emily is waiting for me.
" oh you came. Feeling better now? Let's have some light conversation. Shall we?". She said handing over me cup of coffee.
" Can you guess my son is super excited about our project? When I told him that we employees can have functions free of cost , he wants his all birthdays to be celebrated virtually.He discusses about his and his friends avatars." She said excitedly. I just gave her a nod with a weak smile. I know she is trying to cheer me up but.., " Even you can celebrate your nieces birthday every year. You won't be missing her birthdays anymore after you go back to India right?. Even we all will be able to attend your wedding virtually. In fact it's quite funny you know, even the bride and the groom also needn't be together. They can be at two ends of the world and still get married virtually." She said laughing but her last line caught my attention . I was having my coffee but my hand halted in mid air . Her words started ringing in my mind. 'bride and the groom also needn't be together. They can be at two ends of the world and still get married virtually'.
I just stared at her and she was also looking at me . And after some time I gave her the widest smile I ever could. She got perplexed " What happened?"
" Emily mam you are a genius ..," I hugged her tightly and mumbled so many thank you's .
I took out my phone and called Mayur. He picked up in one ring itself.
Siddhan :" Now listen carefully to what I am going to tell you. I am planning to get married to Sanvi Virtually on our platform." I told him and there was complete silence on the other end.
" Hello Mayur are you there.?
Mayur: " Okkkkk..... Ammm but Siddhan but how we are going to go about it".
Siddhan : " The technical part Amit will handle you just focus on convincing her parents for this virtual marriage".
He took some time to take in all the information.
Mayur: " Ok brother I will make sure you both get married..... Virtually or in person it doesn't matter".
Saying this he cut the call and I called Amit and explained him all the process of registration after the platform goes live after few hours.
Now I need to inform Saloni about this. Only she and Uday Kaka can handle the situation at my home.
I called up Saloni
" Hey babu is everything alright? You never call when you are at work". She said surprised
" Saloni listen to me and don't freak out and will Sonik juju be available now? Can you add him in the conference call?" . I asked her
"You are making me worried . I have added him in the group call .Is everything ok at home?"She asked in fear.
" Yes , everything is fine but not for long." I was talking to her when Sonik joined the call .
" hey guys what happened? Is everything all right?" Sonik asked
" Now both of you listen to me carefully."Then I explained them everything.
" OMG....." Saloni shouted and I almost became deaf .
" Way to go man ... and I and Saloni have a gift for the couple".
" What's that?" Saloni asked.
" I won't reveal it to Siddhan . It's a surprise for him". Sonik said I shook my head.
" Guys let me get married first .Ok I need to go now. Project launch is in few hours." Bidding them bye I went to have a talk with Mr Liam.
I told him "I will most probably be using our project for a function after the launch but it's not confirmed yet".
" ohh great Siddhan It will be our pleasure to have you as our first client to host your function" He said cheerfully. And we had a small talk about the project and I left to finish the remaining work.
I was working with full spirit now as I am sure, may what cum Mayur and the gang will handle the situation completely.
And now it was the time for the launch and we all were ready with our own avatars. We wore our equipment's and All the media person were present doing the recording .We logged in and we all were present in our avatars in the virtual hall .We we're trying to do different hands and legs gestures.
Then Mr Liams Avatar appeared and we all cheered for him.
He congratulated and showed his gratitude to all of us for our immense hard work and passion.
He than announced our project and gave a brief about the functionalities.
It was quite funny to interact with your colleagues avatar in this virtual world. We also discussed what all can be improved .
After we were done with the function Mr Liam and department seniors held a press conference.
I took this opportunity and went in a seculate place to call Mayur .
My hands had become cold and was waiting eagerly for Mayur to pick up the call.
He picked up
" Hello Sid".
" Tell me it's done" I said keeping my fingers crossed.
There was silence for few heartbeats and then Mayur spoke..
" YES".
" Yes yes yes yes...." I started jumping like a mad person .
I rubbed my face and kept my hand on my mouth.
This day will be imprinted in my mind and heart forever.
" Ok ok relax now and tell me have you finished with the launch?". Mayur asked
" yes just now". I told him.
" Then call up Saloni . There is something waiting for you". He said and we hung up the call.
This is the shortest conversation we had on the phone but the most memorable.
I quickly called Saloni .
" Hey done with your project launch?" Saloni asked .
" Yes ". I said
" Then come to your office cafeteria . We are waiting for you there." Saloni said and before I could say anything she cut the call.
They are here?
I quickly took the lift to the cafeteria.
When I entered I saw Saloni and Sonik seating on one of the tables with a laptop.
I reached at their table and Saloni said something looking at the screen and came towards me and stared pulling me somewhere with her.
" Where are you taking me?" I asked her but in vain.
She took me near the restroom and handed me a bag .
I gave her a confused look.
" Go and change first". She said pushing me
" But why . At least tell me something". I said turning back.
" I don't know about your virtual avatar but this current avatars of yours.... I am not sure Sanvis parents will approve of . You know, they might even cancel the marriage alliance." She said and my eyes came out of the socket.
" What ?" I asked.
" Yes they all are on a group video call present to do your marriage registration." She said and I tried to process what she said.
" What do you mean ?" I asked her again but she pushed me in the restroom saying "it's a surprise and have patience for a while. Groom yourself well. You need to be presentable. After all you are going to meet your would be in-laws."
I entered inside and looked at myself in the mirror and stood still.
I am looking like a zombie with disheveled hair and dark circles and bags under my eyes.
I quickly washed my face and wore the kurta pajama Saloni got for me.
I looked my image in the mirror and indeed I am getting the feeling a groom now. I set my hair neatly and after having some self talk I looked at myself in the mirror and left.
But as soon as I opened the door Saloni barged in and took hold of face and started applying something under my eyes.
" hey hey what you are doing?" I asked her in shock.
" Hiding your dark circles with concealer stupid". She said facing me towards the mirror and whoosh my dark circles are gone.
I looked at her in amusement and she raised her invisible collar proudly.
I looked at myself a last time in the mirror and we both headed towards the cafeteria table.
If I say I am nervous will be an understatement
" hmm Saloni.." I called her stuttering.
She just raised her eyebrow questioningly.
I cleared my throat "ammm who all are there in the video call ?" I asked and Saloni pulled my cheeks and said " owe my babu is nervous don't worry relax. All the elders as well as cousins. Come on it's your marriage and most importantly Sanvi and her parents are in the hospital room of her grandmother. After all it's her wish to see Sanvis marriage right?" Saloni said and suddenly the vibe around us became a bit heavy considering the seriousness of the situation.
I nodded and we went towards the table.
Sonik saw us and said looking into his laptop screen " Hey finally the groom has arrived".
Sonic made me stand in front of the laptop screen by keeping his hand on the small of my back and Saloni kept her hand on my shoulder.
The scene in the screen made me speechless. Sanvis parents were present with the grandmother. The moment they saw me, Sanvis mother gestured Nani to look at the screen.
She saw me and gave a pleasant smile in spite of health condition. It automatically brought a smile on my face too. I and Sanvis grandmother had a strong eye contact for a while as if she is extremely happy for us and asking me to keep her grand daughter happy. I just blinked my eyes and nodded in response.
It's a magical conversation which I had with her just now. Even words will fall short to explain.
I snapped out when Uday Kaka called me. I looked at them and I could see my mother is on cloud nine. " I am so happy for you beta".Of course she always wanted Sanvi as her daughter in law. And papa was seating next to her with a wide smile.
Than I saw all others Mayur and fly and I guess Sanvis relatives attending from their home itself . They all waved at me and said hi and I waved them back.
" Double congratulations Sid". Sayali and Amit joined the conference shouting.
" Ok everyone settle down are we ?" Sonic said no one in particular.
" Today we all have gathered here for Sanvi and Siddhan Blockchain marriage registration". Sonic said and I looked at him stunned.
" Yup it's our surprise gift to you". Saloni said
" You both will be signing Etherium smart contract made by me and you will be taking the NFT vows in front of our digital prime". Sonic said pointing towards our family priest on screen who has also joined our video conference and everyone had a hearty laugh.
But one second where is Sanvi?
I search her. Saloni said she is in the hospital with her Parents and grandmother but she is nowhere to be seen.
" Are you looking for Sanvi?" Krupa asked all of a sudden.She caught me and I went red in embarrassment.
" Our Sanvi is shy .Come here beta". Sanvis mother said calling her and after few seconds I saw Sanvi giving her hand in her mothers and slowly her frame was coming on the screen.
My breath got stuck.
Time was moving slow but my heart was beating fast.
After freaking one year.....
At last Sanvi will be mine.