Chapter : 62

Rishav's POV

"Check the mic please!" Mr.Batra, Neha's father yelled out at the guy sitting on the DJ Desk.

"You've checked that thrice now uncle." One of my relatives told Mr.Batra in an attempt to comfort his excited self.

"Are the speakers okay?" Someone asked amidst the crowds of relatives and family friends arriving.

God. I wish to be in my room right now. I seriously want some soothing music.

Today was the beginning of Sameer and Neha's wedding ceremonies. Starting off with the Mehendi and Sangeet. It was evening now and all the relatives from both the bride and groom's side had started arriving at the hall where the Sangeet was to be organized. My parents and Neha's parents had booked this hall for the next three days. Sangeet was a ceremony which symbolizes union of two families and souls. It's an event where there's music and dance performances by relatives and families.

Neha was still getting ready while Sameer showed up every once in a while to welcome the arriving guests. I, on the other hand, was settled down on a corner seat with my phone. I did try and listen to some songs on my earphones but one glare from my brother was enough a warning. I knew he'd snatch away my device the next time he sees me streaming music.

"Rishav!" A voice reached me from out of nowhere. I turned my head around to locate the source of voice but it was difficult to do so considering the dense crowds.

I was welcomed by a hard, quick embrace.

"I missed you!" Her voice reached my ears.

I smiled as Naina's voice registered in my head. She was my cousin sister and about two years younger to me. Naina was the only relative who's company I enjoyed. Well, partly because she was very supportive of my choices. She always encouraged me with my dreams and used to tell me that I'll make it to the Indian Cricket Team.

"How have you been?" I asked Naina as she parted from me. She had a big grin on her face.

"Forget about me! Tell me about you." Naina said.

"Nothing much. Won the interschool championship and am now selected for the Ranji State Team." I replied calmly only to laugh at Naina going crazy about the news.

"Why didn't you tell me about it?! I guess you've forgotten about me" She exclaimed looking at me accusingly.

Before I could reply to her dramatic words, my eyes caught attention of my brunette walking towards me with a bright smile. Ananya was dressed in a creme colored sari which suited her fair complexion. Her hair was tied into a loose braid with few strands escaping out.

"Oh my gawwwd. That's your girlfriend right?!" Naina whisper shouted looking at me and then back at Ananya who was approaching us.

"Who told you about us?" I asked Naina, clearly surprised.

"Sameer tells me everything." Naina said looking at me with a sly smile.

"I'm confused. Why do you look like a groom? Pretty well dressed buddy." Ravi's voice reached me.

I turned to find my best friend standing next to Ananya with a smile. I realized that in Ananya's presence, somehow Ravi disappeared. Oh wait, my headache is gone as well. The relatives don't sound annoying anymore now that she's here.

"Okay people, let's get the party started." the DJ spoke into his mic and the youngsters clapped and hooted in approval.

***

Ananya's POV

I have attended many weddings but this one felt more special than the rest. Maybe because of the simplicity with which the ceremony was being held. No professional photographers roaming about the halls, no over the top drinks being served, no high profile cars showing up. I was used to the 'rich' Indian weddings. But attending Sameer's wedding ceremony tugged at my heart strings more than any of them. Maybe because it was all so simple yet sweet.

I loved how the relatives interacted with one another in this wedding. It was all so warm and friendly. I remember how my aunts' meeting one another was so different. They would give a small smile in courtesy and then check out each other's jewelry and dresses.

"Is she the bride?" I whispered to Rishav who was sitting next to me as I noticed a beautiful girl adorned in a white legnha walked into the hall.

"Yep, that's Neha Batra." Rishav replied.

I just nodded, unable to avert my eyes from her. She looked so perfect in that dress. Her face glowed with happiness. I'm sure this day meant the world to her.

"Now watch the circus begin." Rishav whispered to me.

I didn't get his words so I just nodded silently. The DJ started streaming a popular hindi dance track and then the lights were dimmed out. The dance floor was lit up, leaving the rest of the seating area in darkness. I looked down at my necklace and smiled when the 'A' disappeared and an 'R' glowed brightly in its place.

Rishav nudged me with his elbow to draw my attention towards the dance floor. When I looked up, I had to stifle a good laugh. Old aunts and grumpy, fat uncles were on the floor, dancing. The aunts seemed to be enjoying their hearts out while the uncles were dancing just for formality. They looked so cute yet funny as they forgot the rehearsed dance steps and kept moving about the floor without any coordination.

Once the aunts and uncles were down the stage, the bride and groom made their way to the stage. There was utter silence as the DJ changed the track to a slow romantic one. Both Sameer and Neha had bright smiles as they swayed by the music. Their steps were in complete sync with one another.

Slowly more people started joining them on the dance floor. It all looked so cute as all the couples, young and old, danced in each others arms.

"Oh boy." Rishav gaped beside me.

I turned to find him looking at the stage with an open mouth. Following his gaze to where he was looking, even I stared in disbelief. Ravi was dancing with a girl on stage! I couldn't exactly figure out who she was.

"Who's she?" I asked Rishav since I had seen that girl with him when I had first arrived.

"That's my cousin Naina." Rishav said.

"I'll go and call back Ravi. Maybe he isn't aware that she's your sister." I said and was about to get up.

Ravi must've found the girl beautiful and decided to take his next fling. It'd be disastrous for Rishav and his friendship. I was surprised when Rishav pulled me by my arm to make me sit down on the seat. I looked at him with confused eyes.

"Ravi didn't ask her for the dance. Naina did. She's had this major crush on him since forever anyway." Rishav told me as I relaxed.

To be honest, they two looked really perfect for one another. And Ravi genuinely looked happy in her company.