Note: Aakash has a very dark past and Meenakshi would be the first person to know his past and help him out of the trauma.
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Two weeks passed in a blink and it was already the day of Aakash and Meenakshi’s wedding.
Aakash woke up early, disturbed by the constant bustle of the household as everyone rushed to get ready. He took a quick bath and stood before the mirror, rubbing his face with his palms.
” God, what am I going to do now? Please help me… and help that girl too “, he thought.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it and smiled faintly when he saw his best friend Varun standing there. Behind him was his father, accompanied by an unfamiliar man.
“I’m so happy for you, Aakash. God, I still can’t believe you are actually getting married.”, Varun said excitedly.
Aakash smiled and stepped aside to let him in, then looked at his father questioningly.
“Aakash, I have called this man to get you ready for the wedding. I have already given him the instructions. Just relax and let him do his job.” his father said calmly.
Aakash’s eyes widened in shock. He was about to protest when his father gently ushered the man inside and walked out to attend to the other arrangements.
“I can get ready on my own. Please don’t mind my father’s words. I’ll pay you for coming.” Aakash said quickly and reached for his wallet but Varun snatched it away and shot him a stern look.
“For once in your life, be sensible and listen to your father. He has done the right thing.” Varun said firmly and gestured for the man to begin. He also made sure Aakash didn’t keep staring at the mirror as the man got to work.
When everything was done, Varun finally turned Aakash toward the mirror.
Aakash froze.
The reflection staring back at him was nothing like the man he was used to seeing. He looked dashing, handsome in a way that startled even him. Instinctively, he lifted his hand to mess up his hairstyle but Varun caught his wrist and stopped him with a deadly glare.
“Don’t you dare,” Varun warned.
He removed Aakash’s thick-framed glasses and replaced them with a sleek, frameless pair, then stepped back with a satisfied smile.
“Perfect,” Varun said softly.
Aakash could only stare at his reflection and stood stunned.
“I got these glasses for you and you look exactly how you are meant to. You better stick to this look.” Varun said, opening the door.
The moment Aakash stepped out, the entire family froze mid-motion. Lavanya and Rajesh even gasped looking at their handsome brother.
“Oh my God…” Lavanya whispered, unable to believe her eyes.
Balaram patted Aakash’s shoulder, pride evident in his smile and thanked Varun and the man he had called from the spa.
“You look perfect. Let’s leave,” he said and Aakash simply nodded.
At Meenakshi’s home, Keerthy and Hema stood beside her as the beautician carefully draped the saree around her. After nearly an hour, Meenakshi was finally ready and the teasing from Keerthy and Hema didn’t stop even for a second.
Madhavan looked at his daughter with misty eyes, overwhelmed with emotion while Radha couldn’t hide her happiness as the family left for the temple, determined to reach on time.
The ceremony was simple, with only close relatives in attendance. Padma and a few other women arranged the fruits and garlands while the priest prepared to begin the rituals.
Balaram noticed a car pulling up outside and immediately dragged Padma along to welcome Meenakshi and her family.
Varun nudged Aakash and subtly gestured toward the entrance.
Aakash looked and his breath hitched instantly.
She was chubby, yes but gorgeous and she was glowing. The green silk saree draped her beautifully, the jewels shimmered against her skin and her hair, adorned with layers of jasmine, made his throat dry. His heartbeat raced, forcing him to quickly avert his gaze. He wiped his forehead and tried to steady his breathe.
After brief greetings, Aakash and Meenakshi were called to take their places beneath the canopy as the wedding rituals began.
Aakash focused intently on the priest’s instructions, while Meenakshi stole glances at him. But he looked nothing like the man she had seen before. The man beside her looked calm, composed and dangerously handsome.
Keerthy and Hema caught her looking and exchanged teasing smiles but Meenakshi barely noticed.
” Oh God… what happened to him? The hairstyle, the glasses… he looks like a model. What will people say about us as a pair? ” she thought.
Insecurity crept in as she scanned the crowd. Just as she feared, some faces didn’t look pleased. Her hands trembled slightly as she followed the instructions of the priest.
She noticed Padma watching her with a visible frown and Lavanya mirrored her mother’s expression. Their displeasure was unmistakable, so different from Balaram, who stood proudly, his face glowing as he looked at the couple.
Before she could even register it, the priest placed the nuptial thread in Aakash’s hands. His fingers trembled, almost the same way hers.
” God… please give us a chance to live our lives”, she prayed silently, folding her hands.
” God, please have some mercy on us. Guide us through this journey ” Aakash prayed to the god and gulped.
Aakash tied the nuptial thread around her neck and the gathered crowd blessed them, some with warmth and many out of obligation.
They were asked to exchange garlands. Aakash looked at her, his face was unreadable and the ritual was completed in a matter of seconds. When the priest offered the vermillion, Aakash had no choice but to lean closer and fill her forehead.
The brief closeness sent goosebumps racing across their skin and their hearts pounded wildly. Almost instantly, Aakash stepped back and rose to his feet.
Meenakshi struggled to stand. Keerthy rushed forward to help her, disappointment flickered in her eyes when she noticed that Aakash hadn’t reached out to help her sister. Heat flooded Meenakshi’s cheeks and shame weighed heavy on her chest. She couldn’t bring herself to meet anyone’s gaze.
The couple then moved to seek their parents blessings.
” Why did Padma and Balaram choose such a girl for Aakash ? He looks like a hero now and look at her, she looks like a little elephant ” some started gossiping and Hema pulled Meenakshi to sit with her and Keerthy followed them.
One look at her face was enough for Hema to understand her turmoil. She squeezed Meenakshi’s palm gently.
“Meenu, stop overthinking. Don’t let anyone’s words decide how you see yourself. People who gossip won’t be living with you and your husband for the rest of your life. Only the two of you get to shape that life. Be smart… and never forget that you are one of the most beautiful and kind people I know.” Hema said softly.
Meenakshi felt her chest loosen slightly. She held on to Hema’s hand, drawing quiet strength from the warmth and reassurance.
On the other side, Varun adjusted the garland around Aakash’s neck and leaned closer.
“Aakash, did you hear the gossip? Meenakshi would have heard it too. It’s true that you both look very different but she seems kind and caring. She carries a positive aura around her. Please give her… and yourself… a chance.” Varun said quietly and Aakash listened in silence.
“No human deserves to be denied living a life of their own. I don’t know what’s going on in your mind and we don’t know what Meenakshi expects from this marriage either. But she will at least expect respect and care. Love can come later. Just be sensible. Try to be open to her.” Varun said gently and with that, Varun patted his shoulder and walked toward Meenakshi.
Seeing him approach, Meenakshi rose to her feet. Varun folded his hands politely.
“Hi, Meenakshi. I’m Varun, your husband’s best friend,” he said.
The word husband sent knots twisting in her stomach.
“I wish you both a very happy married life. You might have noticed that Aakash is a quiet person, but he is genuinely kind. Please don’t judge him too quickly. Take your time, build your life together slowly.” Varun said warmly and Meenakshi mumbled a soft thank you.
Once Varun walked away, Radha gently pulled Meenakshi aside. Adjusting her jewels with a smile, she lowered her voice so only Meenakshi could hear.
“Don’t let anyone think you eat too much. Eat less for now. Once you reach your husband’s home, live however you want. For now… just pretend.” Radha whispered.
Meenakshi felt her chest tighten. She wanted to scream, to run far away from the constant judgment wrapped in gentle words.
Soon, everyone was called for breakfast in a secluded part of the temple. Meenakshi and Aakash sat beside each other. As the food was served, Meenakshi quietly stopped the servers from adding more to her plate.
Aakash glanced sideways and noticed her plate had just two idlis and a little sambar.
He frowned and confusion flickered across his face. He didn’t understand why she refused the rest of the dishes. Lost in his own storm of emotions, he barely touched his food either.
Aakash and Meenakshi sat in the back seat of the cab, a careful distance maintained between them. Three cars halted outside Madhavan’s house. Radha welcomed the couple with aarti and sweets, her eyes shining with emotion. The couple stayed only for a few minutes and Madhavan lifted Meenakshi’s trolley and loaded it into the car.
Soon, everyone set off toward Aakash’s home.
Meenakshi’s nerves were stretched thin. She fidgeted with her fingers and bit her lip unconsciously, while Aakash stared out of the window, his silence mirroring her unease.
When they arrived, Balaram and Padma welcomed the couple and led them to the pooja room. Meenakshi lit the lamp, folded her hands in prayer and only then did they sit on the sofa in the hall. She glanced around and her new home looked eerily similar to the one she had grown up in.
Rajesh and Lavanya shut themselves inside a room, while Balaram and Madhavan slipped into easy conversation, laughing like long-lost friends.
Aakash retreated to his room and stared at his reflection. For a moment, he looked exactly like the man he had once dreamed of becoming. He removed the garland, changed into a T-shirt, track pants and stepped out of the room, knowing Meenakshi would need time to change as well.
“Padma, take Meenakshi to her room, she must be tired.” Balaram said.
Padma rolled her eyes and pointed toward the room. Meenakshi entered with Hema. The room was neat and simple, a bed tucked into one corner, a table beside it and a wardrobe against the wall.
Hema helped her remove the heavy jewels. Meenakshi changed into a simple saree and after a while, they walked back into the hall.
There was still no communication between Aakash and Meenakshi.
Lunch passed the same way. Balaram and Madhavan talked endlessly, while the rest sat in strained silence.
Hema’s heart ached as she watched no one make an effort to speak to Meenakshi. Even Lavanya stayed away, as if Meenakshi were merely a guest who would leave in a few hours. Unable to take it any longer, Hema went in search of Aakash.
She found him sitting near the stairs, scrolling through his phone but he looked lost. The moment he saw her, he stood up.
“I’m Hema, your wife’s best friend. Mine was an arranged marriage too. I know it takes time. But on the first day, at least, the girl shouldn’t feel so alone.” she said calmly but firmly.
Aakash listened without interrupting.
“No one is even trying to talk to her. She is a very kind person. She will care for you and your family without being asked. But every woman deserves care too, especially when she is forced to leave her roots behind and expected to live as though she has known this house forever.” Hema said and paused, her voice turned softer.
“You seem like a good man. I think you’ll understand.” she said further and without waiting for a reply, Hema returned to Meenakshi.
As the family sat down for dinner, the men Madhavan had hired began decorating the room for the wedding night.
Later, Radha and Hema took Meenakshi into Padma’s room and dressed her in a beautiful georgette saree. Her hair was adorned with jasmine flowers. Radha and Madhavan blessed her before taking their leave.
Hema hugged Meenakshi tightly.
“Meenu, I’m senior to you, so listen carefully. Call me if you have any doubts. I’m always ready with advice.” she whispered with a playful wink. She cracked a few jokes until Meenakshi finally laughed and her tension easied just a little.
Inside the room, Aakash stared at the bed decorated with flowers, the plate of sweets placed neatly on the side table.
His breathing turned labored. He clutched his chest, trying to steady himself but it only worsened with every passing second. He gulped down water and leaned against the wall shutting his eyes.
A moment later, Meenakshi knocked softly before opening the door only to freeze at the sight before her.
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