"In the quiet moments of togetherness, we find the courage to embrace the unknown, knowing that every step forward is a step closer to love."

The morning of the haldi ceremony arrived with a soft warmth in the air. Roohi could hear the sounds of laughter and chatter drifting from the backyard of her house as the women of the family prepared for the traditional celebration. There was something incredibly comforting about the atmosphere today,full of energy, excitement, and the bright scent of marigolds and turmeric in the air.

Roohi was sitting in front of the mirror, her heart fluttering in anticipation. The sun was bright, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She was about to marry Vivaan, someone she barely knew, but there was a peace growing inside her that made her believe this was the right choice.

Her cousin Aditi came into the room, holding a bowl of turmeric paste, her face lit up with a teasing grin. “Ready to be smeared with turmeric, cousin? You look beautiful, but let’s make it even more radiant, shall we?”

Roohi looked at her with a soft laugh, but her eyes held a flicker of hesitation. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for all this attention.” She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to calm her nerves. "I’m just so... overwhelmed by it all."

Aditi gently applied the turmeric paste on Roohi’s face, her voice softening. "I know, it’s a big day, Roohi. But you’re going to do just fine. I’ve seen the way Vivaan looks at you, and I can tell,he’s going to make you feel like you’re the most important person in the world. You’ve got this, okay?”

Roohi’s heart fluttered at her cousin’s words, and she nodded, her gaze shifting down to her hands. "I don’t know, Aditi. There’s so much to adjust to. Vivaan’s so quiet, so reserved. What if I don’t know how to make him open up?"

Aditi chuckled softly. "Roohi, don’t worry. The quiet ones always have the biggest hearts. Give him time, and you’ll see. And even if he’s not the loudest in the room, he’ll show you how much he cares in his own way."

Roohi smiled, a small but genuine smile, feeling the warmth of her cousin’s support. "Thanks, Aditi. I’m just trying to trust the process."

Meanwhile, Vivaan sat in his room, his grandmother, Nirmala, placing a small bowl of turmeric paste in his hands. As she looked at him, there was a warmth in her eyes that made him feel comforted despite his usual nerves.

"Vivaan," Nirmala said, her voice soft yet firm, "you’ve come a long way, beta. Your bride will be beautiful, but more than that, it’s the bond you share that will make this special. Don’t be afraid to show her how much you care."

Vivaan glanced at his grandmother, a faint smile on his lips. He didn’t always know how to express his feelings, but her words always seemed to resonate with him. "I will, dadi. I know that, deep down, this is the right step for me. It’s just... a little hard to believe sometimes."

Nirmala smiled, her gaze filled with understanding. "It’s natural to feel that way. But remember, beta, love is built on trust, even if it takes time. Show her, not with words, but with your actions."

Vivaan nodded, grateful for his grandmother’s wisdom. He had always been reserved, but he knew that this journey, with Roohi, was something worth embarking on.

_____________________________________

Back at Roohi’s house, the haldi ceremony was in full swing. Roohi’s family had gathered in the backyard, the air filled with the scent of turmeric and marigolds. The laughter of the women mingled with the cheerful chatter of the men. As Roohi stepped outside, she was greeted by the vibrant energy of the ceremony, and for the first time, she felt the weight of the wedding preparations lift. Today was about family, about traditions, and about beginning a new chapter in her life.

She was still adjusting, but she knew she wasn’t alone. Aditi had been by her side through it all, and now Vivaan’s quiet presence was starting to feel like a comfort, too.

Vivaan arrived shortly after, stepping through the entrance with Nirmala by his side. As soon as their eyes met across the crowd, Roohi felt a flutter in her chest. There was something about Vivaan that she couldn’t quite place, but it felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Vivaan’s gaze was soft as he caught sight of her. His usual reserved nature seemed to fade away in the warmth of the ceremony. Slowly, he made his way to where Roohi stood, and despite the crowd around them, their connection felt undeniable.

When he reached her, Vivaan looked down at her, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. "Hi," he said, his voice quieter than usual, but there was a sincerity in his words that made Roohi’s heart skip a beat.

"Hi, Vivaan," Roohi replied, her voice gentle. There was a soft smile on her lips, and she could feel her nerves ease just a little. "It’s... it’s nice to see you here."

Vivaan nodded, his fingers brushing against hers as they both stood there for a moment in the bustling chaos of the ceremony. "I didn’t expect you to be here today," Roohi said, her voice slightly teasing but laced with warmth. "You’ve always been so reserved. I thought... I thought you might shy away from this."

Vivaan looked at her with a small smile, his voice steady but filled with sincerity. "No one expected this, Roohi. But for you, I wanted to be here. You deserve it."

Roohi’s heart fluttered at his words, a deep warmth filling her chest. She smiled softly, her fingers tightening around his hand. "That means a lot to me, Vivaan," she said quietly. "I’m really glad you're here."

Vivaan’s gaze softened even more, and he looked down at her hand in his. "I’ll always be here for you, Roohi. You’re not alone in this."

Roohi smiled at him, feeling a peaceful calm settle in her heart. It was a simple moment, but in it, she realized that Vivaan’s quiet strength was becoming something she could rely on.

The haldi ceremony continued, with Roohi and Vivaan exchanging a few quiet smiles and moments of calm amidst the chaos. Their families were celebrating, but between them, there was a deeper connection forming- a quiet understanding that, despite the uncertainties ahead, they would face this together.

Later in the ceremony, as the turmeric paste was smeared on their faces, Roohi caught Vivaan’s eye once again. His expression had softened, and there was a warmth in his eyes that made her heart swell. She couldn’t help but feel like, maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something beautiful.

Vivaan, noticing her gaze, took a small step toward her. His hand brushed against hers again, this time lingering for a moment longer. "We’re in this together," he said, his voice steady but filled with sincerity.

Roohi’s heart swelled, and for a moment, it felt like the world had paused around them. She smiled softly, the warmth of the moment enveloping them both. "Yes, we are," she whispered.

In that fleeting moment, surrounded by family, laughter, and tradition, Roohi and Vivaan knew that this was just the beginning. A new chapter of their lives was unfolding, one that they would write together - quietly, but surely.