When you marry someone,

You marry their entire family

It's true, Talking is the easy part.

I tried but I am not able to forgive him that easily. I just can't forget he tried to force me and then threatened me into all these.

I guess I need time.

But enjoying the marriage is more simple or so

I thought..

Let me tell you there are 100+ shades for pink alone, 30+ types of Lehengas and don't get me started with the accessories.

Let's go for a flash back....

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......

The Shekhawats reached at exactly 6pm all elders from my family were there to welcome them. Before you guys ask me He didn't come.

The rest of the Shekhawat clan landed

today morning for the marriage of their eldest son.

Immediately after they entered the hall I was engulfed in Radhika aunty's motherly embrace.

"You can't even imagine how happy

I'm. Thankyou beta"

her eyes were brimming with tears of happiness and voice dripping with affection. I smiled seeing her happiness or maybe that similar blue eyes.

Then she leaned and whispered so only I could hear

"There are Vultures even in the family. I trust you. Don't forget Ajay, me, Abhi and Annu are always with you."

with that she left me.

That's when Ananya jumped over me.

"Finally someone to tame that arrogant brother of mine." I could literally see the devilious plans in those black orbs to tame her brother.

Ajay uncle patted my head

"Finally after so much prayers I'm gonna get a sensible child for myself"

We all laughed and he earned a scoff from Ananya.

I really don't remember the next 10 minutes which were full of smiles some out of genuine happiness, some envious, some disgust, some neutral and then hatred.

Do I care??

Hell NO!

Ananya introduced me to all of them with an exclusive side commentary for me about each one of them.

After that the elders sat down to discuss. Leah and Ananya meticulously shooed away everyone.

We escaped to the side balcony with some chocolates and chips. Girls need food to think! Atleast we need.

"So You are becoming my sister??Huh!" Ananya stated.

"Yes, I guess." I said while shooing away Leah's hand which tried to snatch my chips.

"See Di my brother can be a bit hard to deal with and to open up but trust me he will fight against the world if He loves you."Ananya told holding my gaze.

I just nodded. Not giving much thought on the L-word.

"And guess what you have a complementary gift. So you got 2 sisters cutie" Leah butted in. She always knows when I feel too lost to reply.

And yes Leah calls Ananya cutie. I really wonder where she get these nicknames from.

"No! One is enough" Ananya exclaimed.

And they started bickering....

After sometime they called truce.

"Wait. Bhai gave me his Black card for shopping for us or maybe you." Ananya said, I could clearly see the logo of luxury brands shining in her eyes.

"Really! Sexy you know what that means??"

I really didn't want to know so I shook my head. Leah acting like a kid who's eyes are gleaming like a sugar high kid is not at all good for me.

"The sky is the limit and we are going shopping"

The thing is Leah and shopping is really injurious to my health. But God had other plans I guess.....

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(Flash black ends.)

So here I am sitting in a corner in between 1000s of shopping bags Roger standing by my side.

The fashion divas went in hunt for something I don't even know the name of.

"I thought you were Mr Shekhawat's guard." I tried to start a conversation.

"He told me to protect you"

His face giving away as much as emotions as a blank paper. Way to start a conversation!

I wanted to shout

'I don't need protection'

but I refrained myself because I knew it's not about Roger it's that brute.

My Engagement dress and accessories to Wedding dress and accessories everything were designed by India's top designer team headed by

none other than

Mrs Radhika Ajay Shekhawat

Yes she is a designer. Leah's role model a fact I came to know last day. She always told me about Elenour Designs but she never told Aunty's name.

We went to her boutique's branch here in Chennai for my measurements, selecting designs and sharing my views on my dream wedding dress. I got to see a very professional and hot headed boss in Radhika aunty.

And I admired her a bit more.

Radhika aunty liked Leah's suggestions and asked her to be a part of their team.

And Leah cried

Yes! She totally did.

It's not everyday your Idol asks you to join her and to be part of her work.

And seeing all these I felt after all this is a bad idea.

So literally I don't have to shop anything, and as a matter-of-fact even these two dumbos too don't have to since Elenour designs is doing the whole thing for everyone in both mine and his family.

But they want accessories, jewelleries and other things. Don't ask me why.

My three knights after the initial reluctance are in full swing of the wedding preparations.

Tomorrow is 'The Engagement' and in two days the 3 days long marriage functions will be starting.

It will be 'The marriage of the decade' as Leah puts and I have no doubt in that seeing the preparations. The venue, dresses, jewelleries, the riches..

In between all these not once he tried to contact me nor did I. I think We mutually without an actual conversation came to a decision that we both need space more like I need space. Leah is right there is no denying of the fact he understands me. I pray the same understanding comes when my career choice is considered.

It's a conversation we are yet to have.

You can't blame me! I was brought up in a family where girls becoming an Engineer is a big NO. Don't get me started with their reasons. That was one of the darkest times of my life. For godsake I'm only 22.

"Mam we should leave" Roger's sound cut me through those thoughts.

"Roger can you call me Aaru or Ann please" I really feel uncomfortable since he is only Anna's age.

"But mam sir.." I felt kind of good because when he hesitated I knew it was not out of fear but respect, I could feel it in his voice.

"He won't say anything please??"

*Queue puppy dog eyes*

"Hmm. Okay Aaru"

Yes! I knew it always works

"Mama called the Engagement dress is ready we should go for fitting"

Not again...

****

Now I know why she is called the Queen of Designs. The dress was indeed a masterpiece simple yet elegant and somewhere I felt it reflected my character too...

I don't want to even imagine how great my Wedding dress would be, because I know it would surely surpass my imaginations.

"You look fabulous dear!!" Aunty exclaimed.

Yes I did! I was sort of getting 'Pretty Woman' vibes.

But don't you see it's her design. It's her design, I'm just another person who got opportunity to wear her masterpieces. It's not me it's her work. I don't have this much elegance in me.

"For godsake Aunty this is your design" I explained.

Her smile wavered a bit

"Anu can you start calling me Mama?"

That's when my smile wavered

I realised something more, It's not just about us It's also about two families.

That was indeed a realisation. In between our plans and fights, I totally forgot that.

Am I really that selfish?

After a couple of seconds sensing my situation Leah came for my rescue yet again..

"Are you sure Mam? She is not what she looks like. I secretly pity Abhimanyu"

"I second that" Ananya said raising her hand.

"As if you are any better? And Leah outside office you too have to call me Mama. Are we clear?" Aun-- Mama told sorry commanded. I think it runs in the family.

"Okay Mama" we three shouted.

"Actually I am married to this Lady here her children are my children too so what about me??"

Ajay uncle asked entering the boutique.

"Dad!?"

Leah screamed might I add alone.

And we all laughed.

"My daughter looks like an Angel"

"Thanks Dad"

I replied and he side hugged me.

That's how I started changing from a Varma to Shekhawat

slowly.....

Hey guys,

So transition from one family to another, adjusting to the new family atmosphere, at the same time not forgetting the roots which she got while she was cradled in her mother's lap. I don't know if she is not deemed to be strong, respected for who she is then who really should be.

Did you guys see Arundhathi has a lot of insecurities? I felt it.

Leah got a new Dad!

Leah😉

IST