Sarangi was ready in a magenta and purple gown, and truly, she looked like a fairy from heaven. Her hair was tied in a bun, with a few strands gently falling over her neck and cheeks. There was a new sparkle in her eyes, and the light makeup enhanced her natural beauty.
"You look absolutely beautiful, miss," the designer said admiringly."And let me tell you something else, your husband is crazy about you. He selected this dress himself, and even paid ten times the price to buy it from another couple who was about to purchase it—just for you."
Sarangi looked at her in surprise, unable to comprehend why Vairagya would do something like that. The designer noticed her astonishment and smiled warmly."When your husband sees you, he's surely going to lose his senses, so be careful..." she teased.
Sarangi blushed and smiled softly. She slowly walked toward the waiting area where Vairagya was checking emails on his phone. As soon as his eyes fell on Sarangi, his heartbeat almost stopped. He stared at her, completely forgetting to even breathe. Feeling his gaze, Sarangi shyly lowered her eyes, her cheeks turning pink.
The designer, watching them from a distance, walked closer and said, "Sir..." But Vairagya didn't hear a word. He was still lost in Sarangi's beauty.
"Sir...!" she repeated, a bit louder.
Vairagya snapped out of his trance, turned his gaze away, and took a deep breath. "Damn... I literally forgot how to breathe..." he murmured to himself.
"Sir..." the designer said again, catching his attention.
"Your wife is completely ready. Let us know if anything is missing," she said with a smile.
Vairagya thought for a moment, then stepped outside and gestured for the designer to follow him. Sarangi didn't understand why he left without even complimenting her.
"Yes, sir?" the designer asked.
"Do you know how to ward off the evil eye? I mean..." Vairagya asked, hesitating a bit.
"You want to protect your wife from any evil eyes, right?" the designer smiled knowingly.
Vairagya nodded.
"You just need to apply a little kajal (kohl) behind her ear," the designer suggested.
"Kajal...? Where will I get that now?" Vairagya said, scratching his head—completely forgetting that the designer had been referring to Sarangi as his wife.
"Sir, I have some. Shall I give it to you?" the designer asked.
"Please…" Vairagya replied.
A little later, both returned. Sarangi walked up to him and asked, "Tell me, how do I look?"
"You look like you're mine..." Vairagya thought to himself and then smacked his own forehead—"What are you even saying, idiot?"
Seeing his reaction, Sarangi asked again, "Tell me...?" Just then, the designer arrived with the kajal and said, "You forgot to apply the kajal, ma'am."
"Sir requested it," the designer added with a smile.
"Will you apply it?" Sarangi asked innocently. Vairagya was melting at her innocence. He took the kajal, gently applied it behind her ear, and said softly, "I fear even my own eyes might cast a spell on you…"
Sarangi's heart began racing again.
Just then, Rajveer called. Vairagya realized that half an hour had passed.
"Raj, we'll be there in 10 minutes. Handle everything till then," Vairagya said, picking up the call.
"Okay, sir," Rajveer replied.
"Shall we go?" Vairagya asked. Sarangi nodded.
Throughout the drive, Vairagya kept stealing glances at Sarangi. He wished this journey would never end. But it had to. Soon, they reached the parking area where Rajveer was waiting. As Sarangi stepped out of the car, Rajveer's eyes widened.
"Didi, you are looking like a princess...!" Sarangi blushed and lowered her head. Vairagya also turned away with a smile.
"Thank you, Vairagya. You are the best," Rajveer said and hugged him.
Vairagya patted his head and went inside.
The sangeet function was in full swing. Amid the colorful lights and loud music, all eyes were on Sarangi, who looked nothing less than a royal princess in her shimmering gown. Even Kamla Bua, who always found faults with her, was left speechless. Savita ji lovingly cast an evil-eye protection gesture and kissed her forehead.
One performance followed another. Everyone danced and sang joyfully, but Sarangi's eyes kept drifting toward the entrance—waiting for Ajit. Rajveer performed a heartfelt song for his sister, making Sarangi tear up.
When the couple performance of Sarangi and Ajit was announced, her heartbeat quickened. She scanned the hall, but Ajit was nowhere to be seen. Savita ji encouraged her with a nod toward the stage.
Sarangi slowly, nervously walked up the stage. The music began, but five minutes passed and still no sign of Ajit.
Whispers started spreading in the crowd. People were asking where the groom was. Sarangi lowered her eyes in shame, unable to face anyone. She felt like everyone was staring at her.
Meanwhile, backstage told a different story. Ajit and Shikha were lost in each other's arms. Ajit was passionately kissing Shikha, completely oblivious to the outside world. Shikha was clinging to him, listening to his name being repeatedly announced, a wicked smile spreading across her face.
When Ajit finally heard his name again, he said, "Why are they calling me? I was supposed to perform with Sarangi."
Just as he started to leave, Shikha tightened her grip around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Just focus on me... right now, I am your world..." Ajit stopped and turned back toward her.
Back on stage, seeing Sarangi in tears broke Vairagya's heart. He immediately made a call and rushed toward the stage.
A large curtain suddenly dropped on the stage.
"What happened? Is the performance canceled?" People began murmuring, and an odd silence spread across the hall.
Just then, the lights came on, and behind the curtain, a blurry silhouette of Sarangi appeared. People could only see her shadow.
"She's still alone… where is the groom?" the whispers resumed.
Suddenly, another shadow appeared and gently held Sarangi's hand.
To be continued...