“Lucas, this won’t work if you keep following me around like this” I exhale sharply, trying to stay calm. Lucas has been following me around, glued to me like a shadow during all the pre wedding rituals and I don't understand why.

Before I could walk further, I feel his arms wrapping around my waist from behind, eloping me in a warm embrace. “I haven't seen you for 2 days. I missed you” he mutters, pressing a kiss on my exposed nape.

A shiver travels down my spine. He is not wrong, thanks to Dadi’s ‘no meetings till the wedding’ rule, we have barely been able to see each other, though he has been texting me constantly like a lovesick poet in a long-distance relationship.

“Well that doesn’t mean you will follow me like a shadow” I retort, turning around to face him. His hands remain on my waist, fingers gently tracing the red border of my ivory saree

“I know, just stay close to me” He mumbles, almost pleading. A hint of tension flickering in his body language. I have noticed this behaviour the whole day, how he stiffens when I am out of sight or when I talk to someone a little longer.

That wasn't jealousy or possessiveness

But fear

“You wanted to tell me something?” I ask, remembering his previous text where he mentioned he wanted to tell me something important.

A flicker of emotions crosses his face but he quickly masks it “It’s….nothing”

“Lucas” I look up at him, watching him avert his gaze. We might have not been together for long but I have come to read his discomfort. He takes a deep breath, his shoulders falling “There have been a few things on my mind I wanted to talk about. It's about us”

Oh

Maybe, he wants to talk about the same things I wanna talk to him about.

He shakes his head, his hands falls down from my waist “It's alright, let's do it after the wedding”

I frown slightly “are you sure?”

He nods in response.

I smile and nod “alright then”

We walk toward the grand hall together. The palace looks breathtaking in golden lights spread across marble pillars, fresh flowers filling the air and staff moving around, greeting guests and serving welcome drinks on silver trays. The wedding won’t begin until sunset, so guests are still being entertained inside while the garden is prepped for the ceremony and the couple’s photoshoot continues.

“Aare Jasmine beta! Dekh ke bhi anjaan kar diya?”

[Translation - Oh Jasmine! Are you ignoring me?]

I turn to see my father’s cousin, Neelam Aunty, who flew from Canada for the wedding. Clad in a shimmering pink saree that's totally off the theme.

Just what I needed Aunty Squad

“Excuse me for a moment” I murmur to Lucas, squeezing his arm gently, he gives me a small, knowing nod.

I plaster on my most diplomatic smile and approach Neelam Aunty, joining my palms politely “Are nahi, Aunty… bas shaadi ki tension mein hoon,” I reply, bending down to touch her feet. She brushes her hand over my head, mumbling a blessing as a few more aunties swoop over to us.

[Translation - Oh no aunty…I am just under the wedding tension]

“Hogai Australia mai padhi?” Rekha Aunty chimes in

[Translation - Done with your studies in Australia?]

“Ji aunty” I reply smoothly

[Translation - Yes, aunty]

Sunita aunty slaps rekha aunty's arm playful to pull her back “Haan, ab toh veer ke baad thumari hi bari hai”

[Translation - Yeah, now after Veer it's your turn]

Here we go again. This is exactly why I started dodging wedding invitations since I turned eighteen. If I so much as mention wanting to study further or join Royal Crest, someone is going to have a wedding stroke right here in the middle of the palace.

Meena Aunty let's out a scoff “Kahan? Veer se phele toh Jasmine ki shaddi ho jani chaiye thi”

[Translation - What? Jasmine should have gotten married before Veer]

“Sahi baat hai, umar nikalte ja rahi hai” Neelam aunty says in a distant tone.

[Translation - You are right, you are getting older]

I try not to roll my eyes, I am just 21, what do you mean?

“Aunty, abhi toh graduation hua hai” I reply, trying to keep my tone even.

[Translation - Aunty, I just completed my graduation]

“Haan! Abhi hi sahi time hai bacche bhi jaldi hote hai yeh umar mai” Rekha Aunty says, nodding wisely as if she said something very noble.

[Translation - Yes! It's the correct time, you can get pregnant easily at this age]

Excuse me?

Why don't they get their kids married first instead of worrying about my marriage and kids. I would have backlashed them but their kids are my favorite ones.

Let's not cause a scene.

I curve my lips up into a forced smile, my cheeks aching now “Mujhe abhi interest nahi hai”

[Translation - I have no interest right now]

“Interest nahi hai, ya koi milra nahi hai?” Sunita aunty asks, wiggling her eyebrows. The rest of them burst into laughter like she cracked a joke like Kapil Sharma

[Translation - You don't have interest or you didn't find anyone?]

“Ohh! meri doost ke bhabi ka ladka bahut accha hai, doctor bhi hai, mai baat lagoun kya?” Meena aunty suggests.

[Translation - Ohh! My friend’s sister-in-law’s son is very good, he is a doctor, should I start the talk?]

My eyes widens “Kya? Nahi nahi, koi zarrot nahi hai!” I deny, waving my hand dismissingly.

[Translation - What? No no, there's no need!]

She raises her eyebrow “aare? Kyun nahi. Ek baar dekh toh lo” she insists, pulling out her phone to show me the picture.

[Translation - What? Why not? See him once]

“Aunty, mujhe abhi shaadi mein interest nahi hai. Aur aap doctor ke liye doctor dhoondh rahi ho, main kya karun?” I say sweetly, sarcasm lacing my words

[Translation - Aunty, I am not interested in getting married right now. And for the doctor, why don't you search for another doctor? What should I do in that?]

She waves me off “Arey tum kisi doctor se kam ho kya?”

[Translation - You aren't any less than a doctor]

Mar dalo mujhe. Nope. I’m not surviving this conversation.

[Translation - Just kill me]

Before she can push me further with his photo, Dadi steps in like a knight in shining armour for me  “Kya hai? Tum log phir shuru ho gaye?” she scolds

[Translation - What is this? You all have started again]

Yes dadi! Tell them!

All the aunties instantly switch to their innocent faces and greet her with joint hands “Waisa nahi, Maasi… ek bohot accha ladka hai Jasmine ke liye—”

[Translation - Not like that aunt, we found a very good man for Jasmine—]

After all, dadi is their maternal aunt and respects her like their own mother so they can't argue much.

Dadi raises her hand, silencing them in one move “Zaroor hoga. Lekin humari Jasmine ke liye already ladka hai”

[Translation - Definitely. But for our Jasmine there is already a man]

The aunties exchange excited looks “Aapne select kiya hai kya?” Neelam Aunty asks eagerly.

[Translation - Did you select someone?]

Wait, No no—

Dadi gives them a sly grin before looking over her shoulder “Lucas, come here please”

My eyes widen in panic. Before I can stop her, Lucas appears like some Bollywood hero — tall, devastatingly handsome. Dressed in ivory sherwani that fits him perfectly. Charming everyone with his videshi smile

Of course because I have a very good taste

Dadi places a proud hand on his arm. “This is Lucas, Jasmine’s boyfriend” she announces loudly. “He comes from a very prestigious family in Australia, their company is the biggest in fashion. He graduated with Jasmine, with honours and played on the university’s basketball team that won the trophy this year”

Lucas smiles perfectly, joining his hands together "Namaste" he says, his Australian accent dripping with desi touch

They all stare at him with amusement, mouths open ajar as they join their hands and mumble a namaste.

“sarvagun sampanna hai humara Lucas” Dadi adds proudly, daring them to say anything against it.

[Translation - One who has all the good qualities in the world]

“Abhi toh koi zaroorat nahi hai doctor ki” Rekha Aunty mutters sarcastically.

[Translation - Now there is no need for that doctor]

Meena Aunty squints her eyes, scanning him “Lekin… videshi? Yeh log bohot modern hote hai”

[Translation - But….a foreigner? Aren't they too modern?]

I roll my eyes for real this time  “Aunty, aap sab bhi toh modern ho. Phone use karna, social media pe picture dalna, bacchon ko abroad bhejna padhai aur shaadi ke liye, yeh modern nahi hai kya? Aur aapka doctor bhi toh NRI hai?”

[Translation - Aunty, you all are also modern. You all use phone, post on social media, send your kids abroad for studies and marriage, isn't that being modern too? And that doctor is also a NRI, right?]

Her cheeks gets flustered at my words “aaj kal ke bache” she mumbles under her breath

[Translation - Kids nowadays!]

Neelam aunty steps forward nervously  “aare lekin….sab theek hai isme lekin biradari wale kya kahenge”

[Translation - okay everything is fine but what will out fraternity say?]

I let out a sigh, placing my hand on my hip “Aunty, date mai kar rahi hoon ya baradari?”

[Translation - Aunty, am I dating him or my fraternity?]

Dadi bursts into laughter “Sahi baat hai! Aur shaadi hui toh invitation main bhijwa dungi tum sab ko”

[Translation - Absolutely correct! And if they get married then I will send you all the invites]

“Chalo, tum dono ab jao” she says, giving me a look that practically screams run before they start Part 2 of ‘find a groom for Jasmine’. I tug at Lucas’s sherwani, dragging him out toward the garden.

“Who were they?” He asks me as we walk out towards the garden. I let out a deep exhale, stepping out in the cool air “some relatives, trying to set me up with one nri doctor”

He stops dead, blinking at me in disbelief. “They WHAT—”

I shrug nonchalantly “it's very common to happen at weddings,all these aunties become shaddi com’s agents themselves. Dadi saved me”

“They should focus on the current wedding instead of planning the next one” he grumbles, clearly not thrilled by the situation. His hand finds mine “That’s another reason to be closer to you”

“Jazz!” Mia’s voice buzzes through the corridor. I slip my hand off Lucas's and turn around to see her rushing towards me, draped in a saree cum lehenga, her hair done beautiful in a French braid.

My smile widens “Mia! You look gorgeous!” I exclaim, looking at her with amusement. Lucas's eyes softens looking at her “You look beautiful” He says.

She giggles, twirling in front of me “Thank you! Sonia helped me alot!” She reveals, gesturing towards Sonia who is approaching her.

“Aww you two are twinning!” My expressions soften, watching them get comfortable with each other. They kinda share the same video and energy, I ain't surprised that they became friends so quickly.

“It was so much fun getting ready with Sonia and of course ginger!” Mia adds, beaming with enthusiasm even after the long flight.

Mia just arrived yesterday with gifts from Aunt Lia and Emily, who couldn’t make it. Even after my denial many times they didn't listen and sent the gifts as an apology.

But I am glad Mia could make it. Unfortunately, she is only here for the wedding since her cardiology classes don’t allow breaks.

“Stella!” I call out, when I see Stella and Liam entering the garden. Stella quickly walks over to us, dresses in an off white lehenga, her bangles chimes softly as she walks “Oh you all are already here” She says, her voice slightly breathless. Liam stands behind her, dressed in a similar sherwani like Lucas’s

“You alright?”

She nods, releasing her lehenga “I didn't imagine it would be this heavy to walk with” She mutters, seeming tired while handling all the shimmering sparkle “But no pain, no gain you know” She adds playfully.

“My my all the gorgeous people in one frame!” Maya joins us, with a camera in her hand “This calls for a picture! Get together!” She announces, raising the camera to her eye level.

“Wait!” Sonia excuses herself to stand beside Maya.

Mia stands in between Stella and I, while Liam and Lucas on each end. We all smile looking at the camera as it flutters, capturing the moment.

“Everyone please make your way to the mandap” One of the staff members announces, gesturing towards the huge stage set up for the wedding.

Okay, it's time

My heart gives this weird flutter like it’s both excited and lowkey panicking at the same time

Bas sab kuch acche se hojaye

[Translation - Hope everything goes well]

The entire palace garden has transformed into this straight-up Bollywood wedding scene . Golden fairy lights are strung across the trees, the mandap is decorated in marigolds and white roses, surrounded by lanterns.

The guests started gathering around the mandap, a few taking a seat and a few lingering around with their phones out already. Meanwhile, I stand near the mandap along with my parents while Lucas, Liam, Stella and Mia take a seat. Aryan was in Aditi's arms watching the mandap with a wide curious gaze.

Sonia and Maya join me, watching Kabir fix Veer's red shawl. He is dressed in a cream and gold sherwani, with a red turban on his head. Veer's gaze flickers to me, I couldn't help but smile seeing him all dressed up and nervous.

All the best

Soon the bride enters, walking on the red carpet that was laid out for her. Everyone's head turns towards her and there's a sudden silence. My eyes widens looking at Mira — dressed in an enchanting red lehenga.

She said she wouldn't wear red?

I look over to Veer, finding him portraying the same shocked expressions — he didn't know either? But his expressions softens too and slightly flustered too?

The varmala ceremony goes smoothly without anyone picking up the bride or the groom as Veer ordered for no interruptions. Even Mira has refused for joota chupi.

For the kanyadan, papa was the one who volunteered for the ritual. Usually it would be the bride's father but as she had no one, she asked papa to take the place. It was a bittersweet moment, Mira's eyes remained down throughout as she held her tears.

Papa was also emotional, as soon as he did it, he came and stood beside me. I have rarely seen him cry and breaks something inside me “Papa” I mutter, wrapping my arm around his. He looks at me, his strong facade crackling slightly but he smiles “Kuch nahi beta”

[Translation - It's nothing child]

Maybe because he saw a future of doing the same to me?

I feel my mother's warm hand graze my hair and I let my head fall on her shoulder.

How am I supposed to leave them?

Then comes the saat phere, seven sacred circles around the fire. Each round represents a promise. They walked slowly, hand in hand, their eyes met occasionally. The priests recital mixed with the voice of glazing fire sent chills down my spine

My gaze snap towards the palace, feeling a strange sensation. A wave of shock passes through me as I see Kunal standing at the balcony, watching the wedding from afar.

He didn't join. I didn't expect him to join either. After everything that happened yet he couldn't resist but watch.

Neither did Kavya come. Her mother gave the excuse of her suddenly falling sick because of eating something wrong.

But I know t

he real reason behind it.

I look back at Veer who is tying the mangalsutra around her neck and applying sindoor in her hairline. They have officially become husband and wife.

I look up at the sky.

Just protect them from everything.