Page 35 of Since You Came Along (Ever Since #1)

A s a young girl, Meera had always thought planning a wedding would be easy.

All it took was a few plates of cookies and cornflakes for dinner, her prettiest pink dress, and a braided hairstyle her mother would indulge her with after much pleading.

A quick swipe of lip balm, and she was the most beautiful bride in the world.

But reality was a different story. It meant agonising over whom to invite, painstakingly making and remaking the guest list until only the closest friends remained.

It involved heated debates about catering services, only to abandon them and settle on a last-minute order you’d end up plating yourself.

Reality was scrambling to apply for leave at the year’s end. And it was wondering again and again if the idea of a second wedding was foolish, only to be scolded by the groom and groomsmen.

Yet, as Meera stood in front of the mirror, trying on the dress her best friend had designed for her, she thought reality wasn’t so bad. The bodice hugged her curves perfectly, with black crystals adorning the floral lace at the neckline and waist.

She turned around to see Siya and Kusha standing behind her in their own pink dresses. Meera stretched her arms out, and they rushed into a tight, tearful hug. When they broke apart, their smiles shone brighter than the crystals on her dress.

Swayam knocked and asked, ‘Can I come in now?’

‘Yeah.’

His face lit up when he saw her, and his grin widened into a boyish smile. ‘Now there’s a beautiful bride,’ he said.

Meera hesitated for a moment before asking, ‘Do you think Raghav will like it?’

‘He’d be blind not to. And if he doesn’t, I’ll make sure he goes blind. Don’t worry.’

Meera punched him on the shoulder, laughing. ‘That’s a lovely offer, Swayam.’

‘I do what I can,’ he replied, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Meera took a deep breath and said, ‘There’s something I want to ask you. I want you to walk me down the aisle and give my hand to Raghav. Will you?’

Swayam blinked, taken aback. ‘Me? Seriously?’ he asked.

‘I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people in my life. You’re one of the best, Swayam. And I want you by my side when I step into my new life.’

Swayam took her hands in his and squeezed them. ‘I’d be honoured, Mihu,’ he said.

Meera laughed through her tears, hugging him. Moments later, everyone joined in, forming a warm, chaotic group hug. It reminded Meera of the group hug from college when they’d won the best project award.

‘I knew two packets of tissues wouldn’t be enough for you, Meera,’ Siya teased.

Before Meera could retaliate, Kusha stepped in between them. ‘I knew that too, so I brought two extra,’ she declared.

Meera rolled her eyes, torn between annoyance and affection. It was impossible to stay mad at them for long.

‘Now change because Raghav must be coming over any minute. He can’t see the dress!’ Siya urged and ushered everyone out of the room, leaving Meera alone.

She changed and stepped into the living room, where Raghav and Abhay were packing their bags for the trip. Siya had declared days ago that Team Bride would travel separately.

Meera sighed as Raghav zipped his bag, already dreading how difficult it would be to spend even one night away from him.

Raghav looked up and saw her leaning against the door. They shared a smile, and he asked, ‘Now?’

Meera nodded. Raghav came to stand beside her and wrapped an around her waist. ‘Abhay, there is something we want to ask you.’

‘What is it?’ Abhay asked.

‘We want you to officiate our wedding. It’s a simple ceremony and we are already married. This is just for us. And we want you to be the one to announce us married.’

Abhay looked at them, surprise flickering across his face.

Meera sensed his reluctance and added, ‘You’re the person we’re both closest to.

You’ve been by Raghav’s side all his life, and you were the first to accept me as part of the family.

I never had a brother, but you became one for me. Please, say yes.’

Raghav said, ‘You’re my best friend, and you know that. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have standing with us. You’ve been there for me through everything. Now, stand by us.’

Teary-eyed, Abhay agreed. Both of them hugged, and Meera smiled at the scene in front of her. She knew how much Raghav relied on Abhay, which is why it felt so right to hand Abhay a letter, asking him to pass it to Raghav before the wedding.

The next evening, as the farmhouse buzzed with excitement, Abhay kept his promise. He slipped the letter to Raghav as they got ready. Curious, Raghav unfolded it and began reading it.

Raghav,

I found this ring in your drawer, the one Veronica gave you when you were kids.

I remember you telling me about it. I want you to wear this on the chain I’ve sent along in the envelope.

You once said you wished she could be a part of your future.

Well, if you wear this tomorrow, she will be. I want her to be there with us.

I know you’re wondering why I’m suggesting this when I broke my anklet. There is a simple difference. My souvenir was tainted with pain and it was suffocating me. This ring is a symbol of love and precious memories. It’s the love she had for you and the love you still carry for her.

That day at the cemetery, when I asked for a moment alone, I promised Veronica that I’d always love you and make you happy. I promised I wouldn’t push her memory away. Instead, I want her love to stand beside mine, so you’ll always feel surrounded by love. Because you are.

It’d make me happy if you wear this tomorrow. It would mean everything to me to have her as part of our ceremony, and our future. I can’t wait to see you there.

All my love, Meera.

P.S. A little bird landed on her grave while I was talking to her. It chirped the whole time I was talking to her. I took it as a sign Veronica likes me!

Abhay turned when he heard a sniffle. Raghav was wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

‘What’s wrong?’ Abhay asked.

Raghav handed him the letter and said, ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve her.’

Abhay read the letter and felt thrilled his friend had found a partner like Meera. And just then, he knew what to say to officiate their wedding.

Meera sat in the master bedroom, heart pounding as Siya blended foundation across her face. Her hands trembled as she asked, ‘Do you think I can skip the vows?’

Kusha, curling her hair in front of the mirror, looked up in surprise. ‘What? Why?’

‘It’s not that big a deal,’ Meera mumbled, looking away. ‘I could just skip it.’

The unimpressed looks from Siya and Kusha were enough to make her squirm. ‘I’m just nervous,’ Meera admitted. ‘What if it sounds... cheesy?’

Siya glared at her. ‘Hey, I’m counting on you to be cheesy! I didn’t wear waterproof mascara for nothing. Now sit down and let me fix your hair, you dramatic ass.’

Despite herself, Meera laughed and obeyed. Sometimes, tough love was just what she needed. Later, Swayam joined them and asked, ‘Are you ready?’

When Meera nodded, he said, ‘You look stunning.’

She squeezed his arm, smiling, her pulse quickening as they moved toward the garden.

When the time came to walk down the aisle, all Meera felt was giddy excitement. She couldn’t help but smile as Swayam offered her his arm.

They began walking down the path. The soft light of the sunset falling upon them made everything seem heavenly. The gentle glow of soft lanterns lining the path cast a magical aura over the space. When Meera looked up, she saw him. Her Raghav.

Dressed in the charcoal grey suit she’d gifted him, his black hair gleamed in the soft sunset. His eyes locked on hers and everything around her seemed to blur, the world narrowing down to just him. As she walked towards him, everything in her life fell into place.

Her breath hitched as she reached him. Swayam paused, looking between the two of them before placing her hand in Raghav’s.

‘Take care of Meera,’ Swayam said, his voice thick with emotion.

Raghav nodded, smiling. ‘Second chance, remember?’

Swayam kissed her forehead before patting Raghav on the back. Then, with a grin, he moved to join Siya.

Meera looked up at Raghav, and he leaned closer, whispering, ‘You look perfect.’

‘So do you,’ she whispered back.

They held hands and turned to Abhay, who grinned at the couple.

‘I welcome everyone and thank you all for cancelling your New Year plans to witness this ceremony, where our friends are getting married again,’ he said with a playful smirk.

Raghav chuckled, and Meera stuck her tongue out at Abhay, eliciting a hearty laugh from him.

With a more serious tone, Abhay continued, ‘Having said that, I think we’re all just as happy as the couple in front of me. We’ve seen you both grow into the people we admire. It’s our privilege to be here today, witnessing this beautiful moment.’

‘Rings, please,’ Abhay gestured towards Luv and Siya, who stepped forward, handing over the wedding bands. He glanced at the couple and added, ‘I believe you both want to say your vows.’

Meera and Raghav turned to face each other, the world around them fading as their gazes locked.

Meera took a deep breath, saw the love and joy in his eyes, and the words came out on their own, ‘Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamt of this moment, standing in front of my friends and marrying the love of my life.

Over the years, I lost hope that this day would come.

Then you became mine and filled my days with love.

Today, as I stand here, I know that every step I took, every struggle I faced, brought me to you and this moment.

Now, I want to walk every step of the rest of my life with you by my side.

I promise to love you in every season and through all the twists and turns of life. I love you, Raag, deeply and truly.’

The air was still, save for the soft rustle of leaves and birds chirping in the distance.