Morning…
Arohi lay asleep, snuggled close in Nirvay's arms.
"Arohi… Nirvay… wake up! Today's Sukhi's wedding! We can't be late!" she whispered, shaking him lightly.
Nirvay pulled her closer, eyes still closed, "Five more minutes… please…"
Arohi leaned in, her lips near his ear, "Thank you… for teaching me to love myself."
That pulled Nirvay right out of sleep. He opened his eyes and softly kissed her forehead.
Arohi smiled, "You always asked why I used to ignore you back in school…"
Nirvay stayed silent, listening.
Arohi whispered, "I wasn't ignoring you… I was ignoring myself. I lived with self-doubt… thinking—why would a school topper even notice an average-looking, average-grades girl like me?
I kept pushing myself away. And when that incident with Shreya happened, it wasn't her words that hurt me… it was my own doubt echoing back at me.
I always believed there was nothing special about me that could make you fall in love."
She paused, voice soft, "Over the years… the doubt faded, but never left. One comment… and it would come crawling back.
When you returned to my life, when you showed me how much you love me… I almost got rid of it.
But last night… it happened again."
Nirvay stayed quiet, watching her eyes.
Arohi looked into his eyes, determined, "But that was the last time. I've accepted myself… completely… because you've accepted me with everything I am.
You taught me to love myself.
I have no more doubts.
I'm just… grateful… that I have you."
Nirvay hugged her tighter, "I love you. And I always will."
Arohi smiled, "I love you too.
Now let me go— I need to get ready! It's my best friend's wedding today!"
Nirvay smirked, pulling her back, "I'm just… happy to see you happy.
And never doubt yourself again… otherwise, it'll feel like you're doubting my love for you."
Arohi cupped his cheek, "I won't. I promise."
They got up, freshened up, and Arohi left for her makeup and hair in the other room.
---
Later…
Arohi entered the room, fully ready.
Nirvay saw her… and his jaw dropped, "Oh. My. God. You look… stunning."
He moved to hug her.
Arohi stepped back, laughing, "Nope! Don't you dare! My makeup will get ruined!"
Nirvay raised a brow, "So… makeup's more important now?"
Arohi chuckled, "You're always important… but today— makeup wins!"
She winked and walked out.
Nirvay smiled, watching her leave, "It feels good to see her smiling like this again…"
---
Arohi walked into Sukhi's room.
Sukhi turned, "You okay?"
Arohi gave her a tight hug, "I'm perfect. My best friend's getting married today!
And… you look breathtaking."
Sukhi teased, "It's my wedding… but it's you who's glowing!"
Arohi laughed, "Stop! And don't worry about last night… let's just enjoy today."
Sukhi smiled back, "You better! And by the way… you look damn good."
Arohi grinned, "Thanks for the late compliment!"
Sukhi nervously whispered, "I'm nervous, though…"
Arohi gasped, "You? Nervous?"
Sukhi groaned, "Don't tease me!"
Arohi took her hands, "Okay… deep breath… relax. Everything's perfect."
---
Soon, the baraat arrived.
The hall filled with happiness, cheers, and laughter.
Ayush extended his hand to Sukhi as they walked to the stage together.
Nirvay joined Arohi, wrapping his arms around her waist, "You know… even if I hadn't met you in school… I still would've fallen for you, wherever I met you."
Arohi raised a brow, "Wow… flirting with your wife now?"
Nirvay smirked, "I'm just stating facts."
---
The wedding ceremony started.
Arohi and Nirvay sat together, watching the rituals.
Arohi whispered, "Did you ever imagine… my best friend marrying your best friend?"
Nirvay chuckled, "Ayush and I planned this for years."
Arohi blinked, "Seriously?"
Nirvay smirked, "Ever since I saw you for the first time…"
Moments later, Sukhi and Ayush took blessings from the elders.
Arohi hugged both, "Congratulations!"
Nirvay hugged Sukhi, "Congrats, Sukhi!"
Ayush joked, "What about me?"
Nirvay teased, "You? Nah… no hugs for you."
Everyone laughed.
---
Night… Party Time.
Nirvay and Ayush stood by the bar, sipping wine, while Arohi and Sukhi danced on the floor.
Arohi called out, "Sukhi! Dance with Ayush!"
Sukhi shook her head, "Nope! I'm dancing with you!"
Arohi teased, "Come on! At least a couple dance!"
Sukhi giggled, "Nope. You're stuck with me!"
—
At the bar, Ayush clinked glasses with Nirvay, "Cheers…
We're both lucky, huh? We got our first loves."
Nirvay nodded, "Yeah… that we are."
—
Later… Sukhi's Room
Arohi laughed, "Come on, Sukhi… go change! It's your first night!"
Sukhi winked, "Arohi… we've had a hundred first nights already."
Arohi gasped, "Sukhi! Who says that on their wedding night!"
Sukhi giggled, "And what about you?
When Nirvay hugged me earlier… two of his shirt buttons were open… and there were marks on his chest!"
At that moment, Nirvay walked in, "Arohi, come on… let Ayush in now."
Arohi glanced at him, "Button up your shirt first."
Nirvay smirked, "Why? It's hot in here."
Sukhi teased, "If you don't button up, everyone will know how wild Arohi is!"
Nirvay froze, "What??"
Arohi grabbed his hand, "Ignore her… let's go."
—
Back in their room…
Nirvay teased, "You're mad at me?"
Arohi crossed her arms, "Why were your buttons open all evening?"
Nirvay grinned, "So?"
Arohi pointed, "Those… marks…"
Nirvay burst out laughing, "Arohi… I didn't know you're this wild."
Arohi smacked his arm, "Stop teasing me!"
Nirvay hugged her, "Okay… let's sleep. We're heading back tomorrow."
—
Next Morning…
Back home, Arohi sank into the couch, "Nothing beats being home…"
Nirvay sat beside her, "You were just at your own home… with family and friends."
Arohi rested her head on his shoulder, "Yeah… but now I'm home.
Because you're here."
Nirvay smiled, "Coffee?"
Arohi grinned, "Please."
They sat with coffee, talking about Sukhi and Ayush's wedding… then quietly had dinner and headed to their room.
—
In bed…
Nirvay teased, "Why are you sleeping so far away?"
Arohi smiled, "Am I?"
Nirvay pulled her closer, "That's better."
He kissed her… then her neck…
Arohi giggled, "Stop it, Nirvay…"
Nirvay whispered, "Nope… not stopping."
—
And this… was the beginning of their everyday married life.
---