Page 36 of Since You Came Along (Ever Since #1)

Then it was Raghav’s turn, and he smiled as he began, ‘People spend their lives searching for love, and only a lucky few ever find it. I don’t know how I got so lucky to find you.

I’ll count my blessings every single day that you fell in love with an idiot like me who can’t cook or even draw a straight line.

But what I lack in talent, I’ll make up for in love.

Life is short, Mihu, and I promise to cherish every moment with you.

I’ll make you happy, so happy. I love you with all my heart and will love you until my last breath. ’

Raghav slid the wedding band on her finger and smiled at her. Once she could see past the tears blurring her vision, she slid his wedding band on his finger.

Abhay cleared his throat, and addressed everyone, ‘Raag and Mihu are the nicknames we’ve given them, born out of love, respect, and friendship.

They built their bond on the same foundation.

Today, they’ve proclaimed their love and bound themselves in holy matrimony.

It’s my greatest honour to pronounce you. .. Raag and Mihu for life!’

The couple leaned in for their kiss as their friends erupted into cheers and whistles.

As the sunlight faded into twilight, the farmhouse patio came alive with laughter and warmth. The fragrant aroma of food mingled with the crisp night air.

As Meera looked around, she understood why Siya had insisted on the guys coming over early. The farmhouse was lit up with fairy lights that were draped from pole to pole, casting a warm glow.

Meera felt the coolness of the moist grass under her bare feet. She sat beside Raghav, her fingers brushing against his as he handed her a slice of red velvet cake.

‘How did you know I wanted this as the wedding cake? I never told you,’ Meera asked, surprised.

Raghav leaned back with a smug grin. ‘I won’t tell you.’

‘We’re married now, Mister. No more secrets.’

‘Oh, is that so?’ he asked, his voice dripping with mischief. ‘You know, I never liked cartoons as a kid. And I didn’t like milk either. But I like it now with your cookies, of course. I also—’

Meera placed a hand over his mouth to shush him and asked, ‘What are you doing?’

He kissed her palm and eased it away. ‘You said no secrets,’ he teased.

She pinched him. ‘I meant important secrets!’

‘You don’t think my cartoon confession is important? That stings, Mihu.’

Her adorable pout made him roll his eyes. ‘Fine. Siya said there was a secret that would make you happy. After hours of pleading and bribing her with premium chocolates, she told me about your cake preference.’

‘I don’t know whether to hug her or choke her to death,’ Meera said, her lips betraying a reluctant smile.

‘Judging by the smile on your face, I’d say you should thank her. Don’t you remember? On our first coffee date, I told you I’d get all the inside information about you from her. See? Mission accomplished!’

Meera laughed, and teased, ‘By the way, you’re such a freak. Who doesn’t like cartoons?’

‘Hey! You can’t judge me based on my secrets. That’s not fai—’

The clinking of a glass cut Raghav off mid-sentence. Abhay rose to his feet. ‘I’d like to propose a toast to the newlyweds,’ he announced, prompting everyone to raise their glasses.

Abhay continued, ‘I’ve known Raag all my life, and I have to say, girl, you make him “smiling-wide-in-the-middle-of-the-day” happy. It’s a delight to see, considering how grumpy he used to be.’

Luv gave him a high five in agreement.

‘A big thank you to your dads for arranging this jodi . Mihu, when you asked me to get you both married, you called me your brother. I was so choked up, I couldn’t reply.

But today, I want to tell you, you’re the best sister I could’ve asked for.

Here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter for you both! ’

The group erupted in chatter as glasses clinked.

Luv stood next, his grin mischievous as always. ‘First of all, I’m glad Meera didn’t call me her brother, or my heart would’ve been shattered.’

Raghav thew a piece of bread at him, which Luv dodged with ease.

‘Alright, alright, jokes aside. I want to congratulate you both on your second wedding. I swear, this one was much more fun and personal than the first. I’m so lucky to have friends like you, and thrilled that you have found love in each other. Cheers!’

As everyone cheered, Siya rose. Her soft pink dress shimmered under the twinkling lights, and Abhay couldn’t tear his eyes away. Meera caught the look and nudged Raghav discreetly.

Siya said, ‘I still remember little Meera in pigtails saying, “We can throw a celebration like this after the traditional wedding, right?” And here you are, glowing with joy at that very celebration. You’re my girl, my best friend, and you always will be.

I love you so much and couldn’t be happier for you.

Raghav, thank you for making her so happy. Welcome to the family!’

She leaned over to kiss Raghav’s cheek as Meera dabbed her own tears, grateful for the waterproof mascara.

Next, Swayam stood. ‘Mihu, we’ve only known each other for a couple of years, but it feels like I’ve known you for a lifetime.

You’re the best friend a person can ask for, even though I’ve spent all of that time annoying you to the brink of madness.

Raghav, brother, you’ve become just as dear to me.

So, here’s to both you and a lifetime of happiness! ’

Meera and Raghav raised their glasses in unison.

Finally, Kusha stood, her hands trembling.

She looked between Raghav and Meera and said, ‘Raghav, I’ve known you since we were kids.

You’ve always been the one to stand up for us, support us, and make us feel like family.

It fills my heart with joy to see you so happy.

It’s everything you deserve. Meera, you’re one of the most kind and generous people I’ve ever met.

You’ve made a place for yourself in our lives, and we’re so grateful to have you. Let’s hear it for the couple!’

As everyone clinked their glasses again, Kusha and Meera hugged. Raghav wrapped his arms around Kusha and whispered, ‘Thank you.’

The sound of clinking glasses dimmed as Luv hollered, ‘Let’s dance! Time to add some desi tadka to the evening!’

Within moments, the backyard transformed into a pulsating dance floor. They tossed aside their shoes, abandoned their heels, and laughed as they threw themselves into a whirlwind of energetic moves to the beats of popular tracks.

Siya, breathless from the dancing, retreated to the stairs at the edge of the garden. She’d been worried about planning it all, but as she watched Meera and Raghav twirling and laughing, she knew it had been worth it.

The songs changed to slow classics, and everyone went back to the table.

A sudden tap on her shoulder startled her. She looked up to see Abhay standing there. He offered his hand and asked, ‘Dance with me?’

Siya hesitated, her heart pounding against her chest. She knew she should say no, but her hand seemed to have a will of its own. Before she realised it, her fingers were in his, and he pulled her to her feet.

Everyone got busy eating and barely glanced at them as he led her to the makeshift dance floor.

Abhay wound his arm around her waist as he pulled her close, and her pulse sped up. Their proximity awakened feelings she had tried to bury for years. The world blurred around them as they swayed to the rhythm.

‘You look beautiful tonight, Siya,’ Abhay murmured.

She managed a polite smile, trying to suppress the rush of warmth in her cheeks. ‘You look great too.’

Their eyes met, and Siya cursed her traitorous heart. She could feel his gaze pulling her in, his familiar smirk making her stomach flip.

‘It’s been so long,’ Abhay said, smiling. ‘Years since I’ve seen you try so hard to fight a blush when I’m around.’

She rolled her eyes, attempting to step back, but he tightened his hold around her. The heat of his palm against her waist sent a shiver through her.

‘It’s also been years since I’ve been this close to you,’ he added, his voice dropping to a whisper.

‘Must you bring that up, Abhay?’ she snapped, trying to mask the longing she felt to lean closer. She tried hard to leave those memories behind, but one look at him and everything came rushing back to her.

‘Yes. Especially since it was New Year’s Eve three years ago that we met.’

She scoffed, trying to sound dismissive. ‘I’m surprised you even remember.’

‘I remember everything, Siya,’ he said, his eyes searching hers. ‘Every single moment we shared. I think about you every day.’

‘Why?’ Why does hearing that still make me happy? she asked herself.

‘Because you meant the world to me,’ he replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek. ‘You still do. I never forgot you. But I worry you have.’

Siya felt her walls crack, the truth spilling past her lips before she could stop it. ‘Neither have I,’ she admitted.

A hopeful smile lit up his face and Siya realised she’d confessed too much. She straightened, forcing her voice to harden. ‘But I’m trying. And with time, I will forget everything about that night, and even you.’

He tilted his head and smirked. ‘Oh, Jaan ,’ he said, spinning her before dipping her low, ‘I’ll make sure you never forget me.’

Her heart betrayed her again, skipping a beat as he turned her around and pulled her back against his chest. ‘You can’t undo the past, Abhay. You can’t fix it. And because of that, I’ll never let you back into my life.’

Abhay sighed and caressed her cheek with his lips. ‘You’re right. I can’t change what happened. But neither can you, Siya. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it is futile to hold on to the past. I want to make today better for both of us.’

‘Let me go,’ she hissed. She struggled against his hold, worried she might give in if she stayed in his arms any longer. ‘You can’t fix anything, Abhay. I don’t want you. You’ll never have me again.’