That morning , he woke up early than usual, or rather, was waiting to wake up.The night before felt like a year long and with the appearance of the Sun, the day was here. He dressed himself in that blue kurta which was kept for this special day. Looking at the mirror, he judged himself if he looked perfect, very soon realising that did not even matter. He wondered about what he a giving up, but then his decision was firm and he would not change it. He took the keys from the driver and drove all the way to the temple. The traffic was cool and he reached five minutes early.
There she was,dressed in a red kanjivaram saree. She looked beautiful with reality added to it.
"The flight is at 1P.M. , so don't worry , we'll be there on time".
She hugged him, the tears smearing her eyes with kajal.
"Hey, you remember what I promised , don't you?"
Standing in one corner of the temple, he watched them complete seven rounds about the temple. The priest uttered some 'mantras' and then her forehead was smeared in red 'sindoor' . He smiled , and smiled , and kept smiling. He was always good at this sport.
The rituals came to an end. She was going away then, forever.
" I would never forget what you did for us, I don't have words"
"Hey man, first of all congrats", he hugged his best friend Neel, who always gave him a tough competition in studies, sports, and then... love.
"So you win this time too huh"
He smiled back" all because of you. I know that her parents would never accept me but I am helpless, I can't live without her"
"Neel, I think you should give them some time and it will all be fine."
"I hope so. But how are you going to manage. I mean Aisha's parents are going to put the whole blame on you, and moreover what about your parents? What about the whole arrangement of marriage, the guests, and....... I feel terrible , I ruined everything. It was supposed to be your day and ....."
" Hey man relax. You need not feel guilty about this. You know I did this because I wanted you two to be happy, and don't think much and enjoy your life."
"But if there is anything I could ever do for you...."
"Keep her happy. That's enough"
On the way to the airport neither of them spoke.
After reaching, Neel left to bring some bottles of water leaving them alone.
"Look what happened. All your eyes are smeared with black. You just look like a witch now"
" I am not a witch", she punched him and tried to laugh.
"Hey, everything's gonna be fine. And you look beautiful but you're ruining your special day with all these tears."
"Akash, you're the best guy a girl can get. I'm sure you'll get a better girl"
He smiled to himself as she spoke.
"Yes, maybe you are true. But..... I can never get you"
He gave her a friendly hug. Emotions exchanged for one last time.
No further arguments followed and they parted, forever.