As Rajeev leaned in to kiss Gowthami, their lips just a breath apart, a loud voice cut through the stillness of the garden.
"Hold it right there!" Sashi's voice rang out, sharp and teasing.
Rajeev groaned inwardly, performing a swift U-turn to face his cousin. His expression betrayed his irritation at being interrupted. "Seriously, Sashi?" he grumbled, clearly unhappy.
Gowthami's cheeks flushed a deep red from both embarrassment and the abrupt halt of their intimate moment. She tried to hide her face, but it was too late; Abhi and the rest of the group had already noticed.
"You two broke power and headed here to keep up your romance, right?" , Sashi approached them, asked for, and crossed her palms.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Abhi teased, grinning from ear to ear. "You know you're not allowed to kiss before the wedding!"
Ram joined in, shaking his head with mock disapproval. "You guys need to follow the rules. No kissing allowed until you're married!"
Sashi gave a nod agreed upon to the statements said by Ram and abhi
Gowthami, feeling a mix of shyness and mortification, couldn't meet anyone's eyes. She bit her lip, her head lowered, while Rajeev stood beside her, looking equally frustrated and helpless. His eyes pleaded with Gowthami, silently apologizing for the interruption.
Sashi walked over to Gowthami, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, come on over here with me now" .she said gently, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone. "We need to get you ready for the big day, and that includes keeping you out of trouble."
Sashi led Gowthami out into the corridor
Rajeev watched as Sashi led Gowthami back into the house, feeling a pang of helplessness.
Abhi said, "No bro, you have to follow these regulations since I did throughout my marriage, and I wasn't allowed to," Rajeev found himself in a horrible predicament.
Rajeev wanted to be close to her, to share these moments, but it seemed fate and family had other plans. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, and gave a resigned smile to the group.
"Guess I'll have to wait," he muttered to himself, his eyes still following Gowthami as she disappeared inside with Sashi.
Ram clapped him on the back. "Cheer up, buddy. You'll have plenty of time after the wedding."
Rajeev nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the doorway where Gowthami had gone. He knew they were right, but it didn't make the waiting any easier.
The females were followed back to the hall by Ram, Abhi, and Rajeev. The cozy gathering resumed as they all settled back into their seats, the atmosphere filled with lighthearted banter and laughter. Sashi and Gowthami sat on a plush couch, their heads close together in conversation.
"You know, Gowthami," Sashi began, her eyes sparkling with the memory, "Abhi was also keen to spend time with me before our wedding. But my parents hindered him from getting in contact with me until we were married."
Abhi chuckled, shaking his head. "I remember those days. It felt like a lifetime waiting for the wedding day."
Gowthami grew unhappy when Shasi brought up her parents. She had just lately learned that her father had passed away, and if he was still living, he have handled all of her wedding preparations.
While Sashi had a conversation about her parents, Rajeev spotted Gowthami's sorrow.
Sensing her change in mood, Rajeev reached over and gently squeezed her hand, his touch a silent promise of support.
Understanding the source of her sadness, Rajeev spoke up, his voice tender yet firm. "Gowthami, I know it's hard not having your parents here with us. But I want you to know that Sashi said she would portray your parents in our marriage."
Gowthami looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She saw the warmth and sincerity in Rajeev's eyes, and a small smile tugged at her lips. Sashi leaned closer, her expression soft and reassuring.
Sashirekha gave Gowthami an immediate "Yes" in the affirmative.
"I'll now pretend as if I'm your mother and carry out all the wedding-related rites."
Abhi, never one to miss an opportunity for a playful argument, turned to Sashi with a mock expression of indignation, "No, I won't play the father role;" he protested, crossing his arms over his chest. " I'm Not That Aged to Perform Father Part; I'll Replace Your Brother Role, My Sister."
"Hello husband, you must engage in the father since you are my spouse and I will be playing the mother."
" I think I'd rather be the cool older brother at Gowthami's wedding." He started again.
Sashi laughed, shaking her head. "You? The cool older brother? I can hardly imagine it," she teased.
"Sashi, kindly allow us to execute the wedding as the brother and sister-in-law . Given that, why are you trying to make me a father in order to make me seem older?" Abhimanyu stated begging her.
Ram, who had been listening with an amused smile,broke the tension by stating, "Abhi bro, you can play both roles in the marriage,It's not like we're short on love and support in this family. so stop bickering."
Abhi's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he pointed at Ram with a grin. "Now that's genius, Ram! Why didn't I think of that?"
Sashi playfully nudged Abhi. "Because you're too busy trying to stay young," she quipped, rolling her eyes affectionately.
The room filled with laughter, the warmth of their camaraderie enveloping everyone. Gowthami watched the exchange, her heart swelling with affection for these people who had quickly become her own. She felt a renewed sense of joy and anticipation for the upcoming wedding, knowing that it would be filled with not just the formalities, but also the genuine love and lighthearted spirit of her new family.
Rajeev, sensing Gowthami's happiness, leaned in closer and whispered, "See? We're going to make this wedding perfect."
Gowthami smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and love. "Yes, we are," she agreed softly. "Thanks to all of you."
The playful banter continued, but now there was a deeper connection and understanding among them. They weren't just planning a wedding; they were solidifying bonds that would last a lifetime. And in that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, Gowthami knew she had found her true family.