Third-person pov
They were scared to open the car for the stranger but they also needed medical care. After a few minutes, they heard the siren of the approaching police van. Seeing the accident a few people gathered, which encouraged the girls to open the door and come out. The stranger helped them by giving first-aid treatment. He had the medical kit in his BMW. On getting down the girls realize the presence of the sleek black BMW.
The cops came forward to help them. In the beginning, they were reluctant but discovered that there were female cops too, hence they took help from the police. Their car was towed as it was not in a condition to be driven. The cops dropped the girls at the wedding venue.
"Thank you so much sir for helping us. You were like a blessing in disguise." Leena came forward and thanked all of them for helping.
"No need to thank us. It is part of our duty. Get your car repaired in the morning and next time better be careful while driving. Better safe than sorry." The inspector on duty curtly replied.
The girls left the inspector after bidding them goodbye and promising to drive safely.
They entered the venue and were awestruck by the beauty of the place. Fairy lights lit the path which was adorned with different flowers. White flower strings were hanging down. At the entrance, there was a beautiful statue of Lord Ganesha with an earthen pot and a dietitian in front of the statue. A flower rangoli was made on the floor below the idol. The inside was decorated with marigold strings and fairy lights were adorned everywhere.
Anaira pov
After inquiring about the whereabouts of the bride we ran to meet our friend. We knocked on the door and entered.
" What happened? Why are there bandages and blood.? Are you all alright?" Anjana, our friend, the bride, ran to us. Worry was laced on her face. Seeing her like that I shook my head and went forward and hugged her.
" Hey, where are you running? You are the bride here, behave like one. Raj would think of you as a lesbian if you behaved like this with us. " A roar of laughter filled the room.
We girls rushed to the washroom to give a touch-up to our faces. We cleaned the blood from our hands. After straightening our clothes and making ourselves presentable, we joined our friend.
"You are looking so pretty. Raj will not be able to take his eyes from you." Leena spoke appreciating her friend.
" I bet he will run away with the bride. " Sheena joined her sister in teasing her friend.
" Come on, girls. The Barat (groom's procession) has arrived. Be ready Anjana. " Her mother spoke. Soon her eyes fell on the girls.
"Oh my God, what has happened to you all. ? Do you need medical help? Should I call her father to check you all?" She kept on blabbering.
I came forward and hugged her. "Aunty, we are absolutely fine. No need to bother uncle. Spend some time with Anjana." The older lady patted her head. "Are you sure?" I nodded at her.
Looking at her beautiful daughter all decked up as a bride, her eyes filled with happy tears. She took some kohl from her eyes and applied it to the back of her ear.
" God save you from evil eyes. My daughter is the prettiest bride. Today you are going to start a new journey. My blessing is with you. I know my daughter will be successful in her new life. At any point in life, if you feel the need for a shoulder, I am always there. Be courteous but stand up against mistreatment. God bless you. We are always there for you. This home is always yours." Her voice was hoarse. Tears formed in her eyes. Hiding her emotions she quickly hugged her daughter and went away.
Raj Pov
"The procession has reached the bride's place. Everyone is busy dancing. They are not thinking of my ordeal. I'm feeling agitated seeing the delay. Here I'm waiting to have a glimpse of my bride and they are busy dancing."
Suddenly Raj's father asked them to stop as it was getting late. The auspicious time for the wedding rituals was nearing.
" Dad, I love you. Only you understand my ordeal. Love you, Dad." My grin grew wider in anticipation of meeting my bride. Her parents welcomed me. Some rituals took place. I was getting impatient. Her brother came forward and accompanied me to the podium where the ritual of var mala, (exchanging of the garlands) would take place. My patience is now abandoning me.
My heart skipped a beat on seeing the view. The person for whom I was impatiently waiting was in front of me. My wife is all decked up in a beautiful wine-coloured lehenga. Her dupatta(shawl) was draped on her head. She was looking like a goddess decked up in traditional jewellery. She was looking beautiful. I forgot to blink my eyes. My heart was beating drastically as if it would rip off my body. With slow and steady steps she came near me.
"Your alluring beauty is driving me crazy," I whispered only to her ears. A beautiful blush crept on her face which increased her beauty. She was looking like a ripe strawberry and I felt like ravishing her then and there. A hand in front of my face brought me back to my senses.
" Back to earth bhai." My brother was swaying his hand in front of my face. I scratched the back of my head. We were given the garlands which we exchanged. The rituals started. Her friends were teasing her. She was blushing and I was trying to control myself. Marriage was completed and we were asked to seek testing from the elders.
Author's Pov
The marriage was executed and everyone got up for bidaai when Sheena's eyes fell on a familiar silhouette. She was surprised to see the stranger. She moves in his direction to confirm.