Crossing Bridges

The day of the engagement ceremony dawned bright and beautiful, with sunlight streaming through the windows of Ria's childhood home. The house buzzed with energy as relatives arrived, the air filled with laughter, conversations, and the tantalizing aroma of festive meals being prepared in the kitchen.

Ria stood in her room, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a pastel lehenga adorned with intricate embroidery, the outfit a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional charm. Her mother fussed over her jewelry, ensuring everything was in place.

"You look beautiful," her mother said, her voice tinged with emotion.

"Thanks, Mom," Ria replied, her smile softening. "It feels… surreal, you know?"

Her mother placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way. But trust me, this is just the beginning of something wonderful."

Meanwhile, Arun arrived at the venue with his family. He looked sharp in a tailored sherwani, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As he entered the house, his eyes immediately sought Ria. When their gazes met across the room, a wide smile spread across his face. He gave her a quick wink, easing the nerves that had been fluttering in her chest.

"Looking dashing as always," Ria whispered when he finally reached her side.

"And you look like a dream," Arun replied, his voice low and sincere.

The engagement ceremony was a whirlwind of rituals, laughter, and well-wishes. Friends and family surrounded them, showering them with blessings and playful jabs about their future together.

During a quieter moment, Ria's best friend, Priya, pulled her aside.

"Okay, spill. How's he holding up with all this chaos?" Priya asked, gesturing toward Arun, who was talking animatedly with Ria's father.

Ria laughed. "He's actually handling it better than I expected. I think he's more nervous about meeting my extended family than anything else."

Priya grinned. "He's passed the hardest test—getting your mom's approval. The rest is a cakewalk."

Later that evening, as the guests began to leave, Arun and Ria found a quiet moment on the terrace. The city lights stretched out before them, twinkling like stars.

"Today was… overwhelming," Ria admitted, leaning against the railing.

Arun nodded. "I won't lie—I felt like I was under a spotlight all day. But seeing you smile made it worth it."

She turned to him, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the moment. "Do you ever think about how far we've come?"

"All the time," Arun said, reaching for her hand. "And I can't wait for what's ahead."

They stood in comfortable silence, the cool breeze carrying with it the promise of new beginnings.

The days after the engagement ceremony were filled with preparations for the wedding. Venue visits, menu tastings, and endless discussions about guest lists took up most of their time.

One evening, as they reviewed a seating arrangement spreadsheet, Arun looked up suddenly.

"You know what we need?" he asked.

"An army to handle this for us?" Ria joked, not looking away from her laptop.

"Close," Arun said. "We need a break. A proper one."

Ria raised an eyebrow. "In the middle of all this chaos?"

"Yes," he insisted. "One day where it's just us. No planning, no family, no stress."

She thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "You're right. Let's do it."

Their "day off" began with a spontaneous road trip to a nearby hill station. The winding roads, lined with lush greenery, felt like a world away from the hustle of wedding planning.

They spent the day exploring hidden trails, enjoying roadside tea, and reminiscing about their early days together.

"I miss this," Ria said as they sat by a serene lake, skipping stones across the water. "Just being with you, without any distractions."

Arun smiled. "Then let's make a promise. No matter how busy life gets, we'll always find time for this—for us."

"Deal," Ria said, holding out her hand for a handshake.

Instead, Arun pulled her into a hug. "No handshake. Just a lifetime of keeping that promise."

As the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Ria and Arun sat quietly, watching the day come to an end.

"I think I'm ready," Ria said softly.

"For what?" Arun asked.

"For everything," she replied, meeting his gaze. "The wedding, the chaos, the life we're building together. I'm ready for all of it."

Arun smiled, his heart swelling with love. "Me too, Ria. Me too."

And in that moment, amidst the calm of the hills, they found the strength to embrace whatever lay ahead.