Page 96 of Everything She Wanted

“Hi, Auntie Ji.”

My Bhua gives Rachel an approving once-over. “See, you girls should wear more of this stuff, instead of the modern clothes.” She teases us with a smile. I know this is a special moment for her too, especially since she introduced me to Eshaan in the first place.

I see Eshaan in the distance, and my heavy heart lights up. He comes over, looking dashing in a kurta top and gives me a peck on the cheek, keeping the PDA in check in front of my Bhua before giving Rachel a quick side hug.

“I had a photoshoot just before.” He looks down at his clothes.

“You look so good,” I whisper in his ear.

“You look amazing, too.” His eyes roam over my body. “I love you in traditional clothes.”

“I know, that’s why I wore this, duh.” I playfully touch his arm.

“Okay, you love birds, let’s go check out the hall,” Rachel interjects after dramatically rolling her eyes.

His parents are already inside.

“Hi, Auntie Ji and Uncle Ji.” They give me a quick hug, and even his mom’s smile toward me is genuine.

“It’s stunning,” Rachel whispers.

The entire hall is transformed into a mystical, magical place, where chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and silver and gold banners glitter like stars in the dim lighting. The tables are precisely decorated with gorgeous centrepieces that have candles, crystals, and flowers somehow effortlessly woven together, while the dim lighting and soft Hindi music make it feel like I’m on a Bollywood film set. They have an event this weekend with a couple who chose the same package as us, but Eshaan’s mom wanted to see everything before the big day. I knew she would make over-the-top adjustments, wanting her son’s engagement party to be the talk of the town. Seeing this, I don’t care what her reasons are. It’s breathtaking.

Eshaan takes me by the hand and walks me up to the stage. “Well, what do you think?”

“It’s so beautiful,” I say, my voice breaking as I turn to him. Nothing could ruin this moment.

“Oh, babe, I’m so glad you love it.”

We continue to walk around arm in arm while his parents are in a corner talking with the owners, and Rachel and my Bhua are chatting away.

I can’t believe I was willing to risk this. My heart flutters and then slams against my chest as I think about how I almost fucked everything up.

My eyes land on the roses on each table.

“What is it?” Eshaan follows my gaze.

“It’s nothing.”

He tilts my chin up to look at him. “Tell me. We’re about to get engaged. No secrets.”

If he only knew.

“It’s just that my dad’s favourite flowers were peonies. He would get them for us every birthday.”

“We’ll get them changed.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay.”

His parents are already covering all the expenses. I don’t want to add another one.

“Anything for you.” His lips graze my ear, and I shiver.

He steps closer. “Stay over tonight?”

I wrap my arms around his waist, although I know I shouldn’t in front of our family. He does the same.

“Dev’s out for a couple of days.” He answers my question before I even ask, knowing I hate staying over when he’s there.