SUNAINA'S POV

Today's engagement. My brother and bhabhi are handling everything, and all I’ve been told to do is rest and pamper myself. I haven’t heard anything from my parents yet—I just hope they’ll be present today.

“Sunu bachha, here’s your outfit,” bhabhi said as she walked into my room, placing a heavy outfit on my bed.

“Bhabhi,” I said slowly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“What’s wrong, love?” she asked gently, squatting in front of me, concern clear in her eyes.

“Utho pehle aap aur waha betho bed par,” I told her, making her sit in front of me on the bed.

(Get up first and sit there on the bed.)

“Hmm, now tell me,” she said softly, taking my hands in hers.

“I’m scared,” I murmured, almost ashamed to admit it.

“There’s nothing to be scared of, baccha. I understand all of this feels overwhelming. You must be feeling a lot of things, but trust me, sweetie—everyone there loves you so much, and you don’t have to be scared about anything,” she said, her thumb gently caressing my cheeks.

“I know, bhabhi… but what if I fail?” I whispered, my voice cracking slightly.

“Arre aise kaise, mera sher hai tu. You won’t fail—and so what if you do? You’re human, right? Humans learn from their mistakes,” Bhaiya said, entering the room with a reassuring smile.

(How come? You are my tiger. You won't fail–and so what if you do? You're human, right? Humans learn from their mistakes.)

“Are they here?” I asked him, wrapping one arm around his waist while holding bhabhi’s hand tightly with the other. I needed their support more than ever today.

“Hmm, they came this morning.” Bhaiya said softly. Relief washed over me as I let out a long breath—at least they didn’t miss it.

A knock broke the silence. I turned, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw my father standing there. He never came to my room.

“Can I come in?” he asked softly. I just nodded.

“We’ll let you both talk,” bhabhi said, getting up. I quickly held her hand—I didn’t want to be alone.

“We are outside only,” Bhaiya said, reassuring me with his eyes. I reluctantly let them go.

“Sit,” he said. I obeyed, and he squatted in front of me.

“Saamne baithiye please,” I said slowly. He smiled faintly, nodded, and sat down on the chair where I had been sitting earlier.

(Sit in front of me please.)

“How are you?” he asked gently.

“Good,” I replied quickly. He just nodded.

“You’re getting married soon… itni jaldi badi hogyi,” he said with a small smile.

(You grew up so soon.)

“Does that even matter to you?” I shot back. My voice was calm, but inside I was breaking.

“Meri puri life mein ek baar bhi aapne ek father hone ka farz nibhaya hai? Farz chodiye, aapko yaad bhi hai ki aapki ek beti bhi hai? Mujhe toh nahi lagta,” I said bitterly.

(Have you ever fulfilled the duty of being a father even once in my entire life? Forget about duty—do you even remember that you have a daughter? I don’t think so.)

“It’s not like tha—” he began, but I cut him off.

“It is like that, Mr. Vashisht. Aapko yaad hai mai first time apni puri class mein first kab aayi? Arre woh chodiye, aap toh mujhe mere school k first day par drop karne bhi nahi aaye the. Aapko yaad hai maine first time konsi game mei competition jita tha? Kaise pata hoga, aap toh kisi bhi event mei present hi nahi the. Chalo woh bhi jaane do, aapko yaad hai what was my first failure and what I felt after that? How would you know—you were never there.” My voice cracked as I scoffed, and he looked at me with a pained expression.

(It’s like that, Mr. Vashisht. Do you remember the first time I came first in my entire class? Oh, forget that—you didn’t even come to drop me off on my first day of school. Do you remember the first game in which I won a competition? How would you know—you were never present at any event. Let that go too—do you even remember what my first failure was and how I felt after that? How would you know—you were never there)

“Itni choti si age mei boarding school bhej dia. Did you ever realize how I would survive there? Jis umar mei ek normal beti apne papa k pass stories sunkar unko hug karkar soti hai, uss umar mei I used to cry myself to sleep. Aapko kaise pata hoga, aap toh kabhi waha bhi nahi aaye. I was bullied, mocked, and humiliated because my parents never attended a single parent-teacher meeting. I prayed every time that you would come and cheer the loudest for me when I performed on stage, but you were never there. Then why now? Huh? WHY NOW?” I shouted, tears streaming down my face.

(At such a young age, you sent me to boarding school. Did you ever think about how I would survive there? At an age when a normal daughter falls asleep listening to stories from her father and hugging him goodnight, I used to cry myself to sleep. How would you know? You never even came there. I was bullied, mocked, and humiliated because my parents never attended a single parent-teacher meeting. Every time I prayed that you would come and cheer the loudest for me when I performed on stage, but you were never there. So why now? Huh? WHY NOW?)

“I know, baby… I know I failed as a father,” his voice broke as he spoke. “I was so busy building a business that I drifted miles away from my children. But trust me—I love you both so much… so much that it hurts to see you don’t even want to stay in a room alone with me.” His eyes glistened with tears.

“Where was your love when I craved a father? When I lost hope every single time, thinking you’d finally come and scoop me into your arms and kiss my forehead like every other father? Huh? Where were you when I was fighting demons… when I almost took my life?” My voice shook violently. His eyes widened in horror.

“I di… didn’t—” he stuttered, but I cut him off coldly.

“Of course you don’t know. For that, you have to actually be there in your child’s life,” I said, looking away.

“‘Dada’—your first word,” he whispered. “The day I felt like I’d won at life. I remember everything—your first step, your first day at play school, how you cried when you didn’t want to go and then smiled after reaching there. You loved it when I brought chocolates for you every day from work. Your first day of school—yes, I wasn’t there physically, but I never missed it. I was virtually connected with the driver. Every performance—you think I didn’t see? I still watch those recordings. Do you know why I never came to your boarding school?”

I nodded slightly, even though my chest ached.

“Because I saw how your mother treated you, and I couldn’t let you go through that pain. That’s why I kept you away. And looking at you… I knew if I saw you, I’d never be able to keep you away from me, so I stayed away and sent your pa and ma instead. I have every picture of your victories. I’m sorry, my baby. I stayed away because I thought it was better for you. Please… forgive your Dada, princess.” His voice cracked as tears streamed down his face.

And that was it—I shattered. Sobbing, I collapsed into his arms.

“Shhh… shhh, princess. Your tears hurt my soul,” he whispered, hugging me tight.

“Why would you do that?” I hiccuped, clutching his shirt.

“I’m sorry, my princess. I’m so sorry,” he murmured over and over, pressing kisses into my hair like he was afraid I’d disappear.

“Your sorry won’t erase the pain I went through, Mr. Vashisht,” I said, pulling away. His eyes reflected raw pain, but he only smiled faintly and nodded.

“I’ll do anything I can in these 15 days to hear ‘Dada’ from you instead of Mr. Vashisht,” he said quietly. I looked away, my throat burning with unshed tears.

“Every ritual that’s supposed to be done by parents—Bhaiyu and bhabhi will perform them,” I said firmly. He gave a small, broken smile and nodded.

“Okay,” he whispered.

“Take care, hmm? Don’t cry—you’ll get a headache. I’ll send your favorite ginger tea and some poha—no peanuts. You must be hungry,” he said softly, standing up.

I froze. How did he know?

“Trust me, princess—I wasn’t physically there, but I made sure to get constant updates about my children,” he said, answering my unspoken question.

“I’ll leave now,” he whispered, and walked out.

The moment he left, I broke down again, clinging to Bhaiya when he entered.

“Sunu beta, kya hua hai?” he asked, panic lacing his voice.

(Sunu baby, what happened?)

“Please tell me, bachha—unhone kuch kaha?” he pressed gently. I shook my head, unable to speak.

( Please tell me, bachha–did he say something?)

“Sunu beta, tu mujhe dara rahi hai,” he whispered. I finally looked up, hiccuping. Bhabhi quickly handed me water. After a while, when I calmed down a little, I told them everything… and burst into tears again.

(Sunu beta you are scaring me.)

“Why would he do that, Bhaiya? Just to keep me away from Mrs. Vashisht, he drifted away from us? Why? Because of his decision, I never had a single parent’s love. Why??” I sobbed, my chest aching. Tears pooled in Bhaiya’s eyes too.

“Shhh… bas, stop crying now. Dekh kaise chehra laal ho gaya hai tera,” Bhaiya whispered, gently wiping my tears.

( Shhh..stop, stop crying now. Look how red your face turned.)

“He’s right, Sunu bachha. Stop crying now,” bhabhi added softly, caressing my face.

“Dil par lagta hai seedha jab tu aise roti hai. Ab nahi roegi tu,” Bhaiya said, hugging me tight. I nodded weakly.

(It stings my heart whenever you cry like this. You won't cry now, okay?)

“Jo bhi decision tujhe lena hai—we’re with you,” bhabhi said firmly. Bhaiya nodded in agreement.

(Whatever decision you will make–we are with you.)

“Sunu didi, bade sahab ne ye bheja hai aapke liye,” a househelp said, entering with a tray of chai and poha.

(Sunu didi, sir sent this for you.)

“Yaha rakh dijiye, thank you,” I said, patting the space next to me. She placed the tray and left. Bhabhi took a chair while Bhaiya sat beside me.

(Keep it here, thank you.)

“He sent it?” Bhaiya asked. I nodded, sipping the chai. The warmth spread through me like a fragile comfort.

“I saw regret in his eyes,” I whispered after a long pause.

“But that doesn’t erase the pain I went through,” I added quietly.

“Meri ek baat maanegi?” Bhaiya asked gently.

( Will you listen to what I have to say?)

“Aapki hi toh baat maanti aayi hu aaj tak,” I replied, managing a weak smile. He chuckled softly.

(I've only been listening to you my whole life.)

“Give him a chance to repent,” he said, holding my hands. Bhabhi nodded in agreement.

“But—” I began, but he cut me off.

“He’s not lying, Sunu. Yes, he wasn’t there, but he made sure you never faced any problem. He sent me there because he was worried about you, but the damage was already done—I lost my carefree baby sister. He didn’t know about your suicide attempt because your school hid it from him,” Bhaiya said, his voice heavy.

“Let him do what he wants for these 15 days. After that, it’s your call—no one will interfere,” he said.

“He’s right, Sunu. Papa ji made mistakes, but he deserves a fair chance to repent,” bhabhi said, squatting in front of me.

“Bhabhi, I told you—aap mere saamne neeche mat baitha karo,” I said, making her sit in my place.

( Bhabhi, I told you—don't squat in front of me.)

“Okay, okay, I won’t,” she chuckled softly.

“Think about it, hmm?” Bhaiyu said. I nodded slightly.

“Okay now, wash your face and finish your breakfast fast. The make-up artist must be on the way,” bhabhi said.

“Bhabhi, Ashu se baat hui? Is she coming?” I asked hopefully.

(Bhabhi, did you talk to ashu? Is she coming?)

“Yeah… she said she can’t make it. Baby can come anytime—she’s needed there,” bhabhi replied. I nodded, understanding, though my heart ached. I wished Ashi and Devesh bhai’s family could be here for my engagement. But bhabhi’s health mattered most.

“I’ll go check the preparations. Sunu, finish your food,” Bhaiyu said as I returned after washing my face.

Quickly finishing my food, I chatted with bhabhi as we both got ready in my room.

"I'm ready, Sunu. You might take some time, right? I'll go and check on your brother." Bhabhi said, and I gave her a thumbs-up in response.

"Madam, aapka makeup ekdum natural rakha hai. Aap dekh lo," the makeup artist said.

(Madam, we kept your makeup natural, you can check it.)

"Yes, thank you. I love it," I replied. She had enhanced my facial features beautifully—no cakey base, just a smooth finish, glittery eyes that made them pop, and a brown lip shade that complimented my skin tone perfectly.

Nodding, she continued assisting the hairstylist working on my hair.

After what felt like 20–30 minutes of pure torture, I was finally ready in my outfit.

"Thank you both for your help," I said, smiling gratefully.

"You look beautiful, ma’am. Wishing you all the best for your engagement," the makeup artist said, and the hairstylist nodded with a warm smile.

"Thank you," I replied, matching their smiles. They left, closing the door behind them.

Taking a deep breath, I sat on my bed. Thoughts started flooding my mind. Am I doing the right thing? Will I be able to adjust?

A ping from my phone snapped me out of it.

"Can't wait to see you at the altar, Senorita." His text.

Instantly, I smiled. If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s this—he’ll be by my side, no matter what.

"Sunu, are you ready?" Bhabhi said as she entered.

"Oh my God, look at you! You look beautiful, sweetie," she said, her eyes filled with warmth and pure love.

"You look beautiful too, bhabhi," I replied with a smile.

"Ekdum princess jaisi lag rahi hai humari princess," she said, putting a small dot of kajal behind my ear to ward off the evil eye.

(You look like a princess, our Princess.)

"I love youuu, bhabhiii," I said, hugging her tightly. It’s not even been a month living with her, but in this short time, she has poured every ounce of motherly love into me. She made me feel what it’s like to be loved by a mother.

"I love you too, baby," she said, hugging me back just as tightly.

"Great. Bhabhi kya aayi, now no one loves me anymore," Bhaiya said, leaning against the door.

(Great, now that you have your bhabhi, no one loves me anymore.)

"Took you long enough to realize," I teased, smirking at him. He pouted in response, making both of us burst into laughter at his childishness.

"I love you the most," I said, hugging him as he came closer.

"And I love you the most," Bhaiya replied. As I moved back, I noticed tears in his eyes.

"Itni jaldi badi ho gayi meri Sunu, haina jaana?" he said to bhabhi, looking at me with so much love.

(she grew up too soon, didn't she jaana?)

"Yes," bhabhi whispered softly.

"Oye, engagement ho rahi hai, meri vidaai nahi! Emotional baatein mat karo," I said, making both of them laugh.

(Hey, it's just my engagement, not my vidaai.. don't talk emotionally.)

"I have a surprise for you," Bhaiya said, with a mischievous smile.

"Kya??" I asked excitedly. Who doesn’t love surprises? I certainly do.

(What?)

In response, he clapped—and in walked DEVESH BHAI, BHABHI, AND ASHI.

"BHAIYA! BHABHI! ASHI!" I shouted in shock.

"Ek second, bhabhi, aap theek ho na? Yaha baitho! Aapko travel nahi karna chahiye tha, sirf engagement hi toh thi. Pehle baitho yaha," I murmured, making Nishi bhabhi sit comfortably.

(Wait a second, Bhabhi, are you okay? Sit here! You shouldn’t have traveled; it was just an engagement after all. First, sit down here.)

"Comfortable?" I asked after arranging pillows behind her back.

"Yes, thank you, Sunu," bhabhi said.

"Aap kyu aaye? Bhabhi is not allowed to travel, right? Dhyan rakhna tha na, bhai," I said, glaring at Devesh bhai. Don’t get me wrong—nothing matters to me more than my bhabhi’s health and happiness.

(Why did you come? Bhabhi is not allowed to travel, right? Couldn't you take care of it bhai?)

"Arre meri maa, she’s fine! We consulted the doctor before coming, and your husband dearest sent his private jet for her comfort. Relax," bhai said with a grin.

(Hey, she's fine!)

"Huh?" I asked, completely taken aback.

"I’m fine, Sunu. Relax, bachha," bhabhi reassured me, and I nodded.

"I’m so happy you guys came," I murmured, hugging bhai.

"Abhi toh aise ghoor rahi thi jaise kacha chaba jaayegi, aur ab happy hogyi?" bhai teased, chuckling.

(Just a moment ago, you were glaring at me like you were going to eat me alive, and now you’re all happy.)

"Bhabhi ki health is important," I said, shrugging and side-hugging bhabhi.

"I missed you," I said, hugging my best friend tightly.

"I missed you too," she murmured back.

"Aap log shaadi ke baad jaoge na?" I asked as I moved back.

(You guys will return at my marriage right?)

"Ab humari pyaari si Sunu ki shaadi kaise miss karte hum? Hum log shaadi ke baad hi jaayenge. And if, in case, Nishi goes into labor before that, your husband has everything planned beforehand," Devesh bhai said with a teasing smile.

(Now how can we miss our dear Sunu’s wedding? We will return after the wedding. )

"He’s not my husband," I murmured, looking away.

"Hone wala husband, kyu Sunu?" Ashi teased with a mischievous smile.

( To be husband, right Sunu.)

"Stop it," I whined, making everyone laugh at my expense.

"Okay, we’ll go outside and look after the guests. Nishi needs rest too. You both stay here," Devesh bhai said as both couples left.

"So," she asked.

"So," I echoed.

"How does it feel?" she asked.

"It feels… weird," I murmured, sitting down.

"It’s just wedding jitters, baby. Relax, hmm?" she said, holding my hands and rubbing them gently. I nodded with a small smile.

A knock interrupted us.

"Come in," I said.

"Can I come in?" Mr. Vashisht asked.

"Sure, uncle. Please. I’ll go and check on bhabhi once," Ashi said and left.

"You look beautiful, princess," he said.

"Thank you," I murmured, looking down at my lap.

"I got you something," he said, holding a velvet box.

"It’s not needed," I replied softly.

"You were five when you saw this bracelet and ordered me, ‘Dadda, buy this for me when I grow up.’ I bought this bracelet that very day but never gave it to you. I think it’s time it goes to its original owner." He pushed the box toward me again.

"Thank you," I whispered, taking it from his hand. He nodded with a smile.

"Take care, hmm? I’m needed downstairs," he said and left.

"He’s here. You’re called downstairs," Ashi said, rushing in a few minutes later—and just like that, my anxiety and nervousness shot up again.

"Relax, hmm?" she said, helping me manage my heavy outfit. I nodded silently.

We reached downstairs, and then my eyes met his. All I saw was love and reassurance. Maybe this whole marriage thing won’t be so bad… not with him by my side.

"Phewww, here we go," I thought as I started walking toward him.