"My father came to me and asked me to say something. I didn't know what to say. What happened all of a sudden???

"But he was getting married to Anusha today?" I asked. "Yes, but she eloped, leaving a letter that she had to go for an audition for an upcoming movie. So she could not attend her own marriage." Uncle said bitterly.

He then gave me her letter to read. I was not sure if I should read it. But Uncle said I must.

I started reading....

I was shocked to read that my hand went to my mouth. How could she do it?

"Now you know everything beta, she is the most irresponsible girl. Her career is more important to her than her marriage to Karan. She expects him to understand her

emotions, but what about Karan's

emotions?"

I nodded but kept quiet. What could I say? My mom asked me if I have any

problem regarding this marriage.

"Teju beta, do you have anyone special in your life? Are you in love with someone?" my father asked. "No dad it is not like that but I need some time. Karan was supposed to get married to someone else, he had feelings for her. Moreover, it can not be just my decision. What about him?".

"Ok beta, I will talk to him. Please do this for us beta.

"Uncle please calm down, anxiety is not good for you. I can understand what you are saying. It is ok with me, if it is ok, with Karan." I replied. Uncle seemed so relaxed he hugged me and said, "Teju you are the sweetest girl around.Thank you so much."

Suneeta aunty took us to the room which was assigned to the bride. The makeup artist came and started doing her job. Aunty came back with very heavy jewellery. It was pretty traditional and went perfectly with my lehnga.

"I am glad that you are going to be our daughter-in-law. We always liked you like our own."Suneeta aunty said, I just smiled.

My mom was getting very emotional and she had happy tears in her eyes. Someone knocked on the door. Mom opened it and my dad was there to take me to the Mandap (Altar).

When he looked at me he said " I am so blessed to have such a beautiful daughter. Beta Karan is a very nice man, he will keep you happy and sure Satpal and Suneeta will take care of you." I just smiled and hugged my dad.

My dad and mom started leading me towards the Mandap (Altar). I was walking towards Karan. My heart was beating like a drum. He never even looked at me. It seemed he didn't even know that I existed.

What if he hates me for doing this? What if he was still in love with Anusha? What if he never accepts me as his wife?

But as soon as I reached the near the stage I looked up, my eyes collided

with him, he was looking extremely

handsome in his off white sherwani and deep red turban. He offered me his hand, I was a bit shy, but I caught his hand and he helped me to climb those steps to be on stage.

It was a strange feeling as he was still

holding my hand. Everybody was looking very happy, but he was upset, I can understand his state of mind as he was inblove with someone else and was supposed to get married to her, but was getting married to me instead . The girl, whom he always avoided like plague. I was just a substitute bride for him.

Pandit ji told me to put the garland on the groom's neck, I shyly did that, our families started clapping and teasing us. I was blushing like a rose and then he put the garland in my neck. His friends were teasing us and he was glaring at them. I was missing my friends. They didn't even know that I was getting married at this moment.

Now we were called for Pheras (taking wows while circling around sacred fire).

After that, my dad was called for

'Kanyadaan' (to give away his daughter to the groom). My parents were getting very emotional and so was I. Pandit Ji asked Karan to fasten Mangalsutra (wedding necklace with black and gold beads) around my neck. He did that and then he put Sindoor (vermillion) on my head. And with that I officially became

We took blessings from our parents,

relatives. My parents and I were getting very emotional and we hugged each other. Satpal uncle assured my dad that I will be vert happy with them as I have always been a daughter to them.

My dad made me sit in Karan's tastefully decorated car and then he hugged Karan and told him to take care of me, he nodded and said, " Sure Uncle, just rest assured.

Mom called me and Paras and said dad needs to talk so go inside.

"Karan with God's grace and Prakash help, we found a very beautiful, sensitive girl for you, she is ready to

get married to you, but promise me you will take very good care of her and you will always keep her happy."

I was surprised, how did Uncle find the girl so easily and so soon? but I just nodded. " But who is the girl?"

"Well, it is Tejasswi," Dad told me.

I didn't even know. how to react. I kept on looking at both of them. Then Uncle asked," Do you have any problem with that Karan."

No, but is she ready to get married to me?? If she has agreed, then it is fine with me." I said.

"Yes Karan, she has agreed but as you know it is such short notice, still she gave her consent to get us out of this situation, you need to understand the situation and take very good care of her. You will have to give her time to adjust so that you both can develop some feelings for each other before starting your married life. My dad said to me, I just nodded.

Uncle asked me, " Beta, I hope I can trust you with my most precious possession."

"Uncle please just rest assured I will take very good care of her," I replied. Uncle hugged me and told me to get ready.

Prince was waiting very anxiously for me. What happened?" I told him that I am getting married within 30 minutes." Who is she?" He was very curious to know.

"Tejasswi "

"Tejasswi? Who is Tejasswi? ....You mean Teju? Are you serious?"

"Yes"

"Wow!!! That's great Congratulations !!! I am so happy for you. " He was grinning now as he knew, I had feelings for her.

I didn't know how to react. I don't have any feelings for her but I like her she is a cute little girl. I thought it was unethical to have such feelings for her as she was too young and was almost like a family. I thought if Uncle

and aunty came to know about my feelings for her it will affect their relationship with my parents, so I avoided her.

I still remember an incident when we had a party at our place. I was 16 at that time and she was 12. I was looking at her and one of my friends asked, "Why are you looking at that child?"

That sentence always remained in my mind. a child. I didn't want anybody

to call me a cradle snatcher.

I was still thinking about her when Paras told me to come for Jai Mala, I followed him.I noticed him and he has a mischievous smile as if he knew something. But what?

I was waiting for her when I saw her coming with her parents. She was looking, as if she was from another world. I felt as if my heart skipped a few beats. What was happening to me?

Prince pulled my hand and whispered, "Close your mouth otherwise, some insect might enter it."

I pulled myself together and as she came near the stage, I offered my hand to help her climb the steps. She holds it after a few hesitation. As soon as our hands met I felt as if I got a current.

We exchanged garlands and then took

Pheras while saying our vows. Uncle

officially handed over her to me. She was mine now.

.

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