Chapter 15: The Bride They Created

Poornima stood in front of the mirror, still, quiet, as if she was watching someone else instead of herself.

The room was filled with soft movement. Voices, instructions, the rustle of silk. Everything was happening around her, but she felt distant from it.

“Stand straight,” Riya said gently from behind.

Poornima obeyed.

Her mother adjusted the blouse, her fingers carefully tying the knot at the back. The touch was familiar, warm… yet today, it felt different. Final.

Riya’s hands paused for a second on her shoulders. “You look beautiful,” she said softly.

Poornima looked at her reflection.

She didn’t respond.

Lakshmi walked in with the lehenga.

“Come,” she said, her voice calm but filled with emotion.

Poornima stepped forward.

Lakshmi helped her into the lehenga, adjusting every pleat properly, making sure it fell perfectly around her. Her fingers worked slowly, carefully, as if she was trying to hold onto this moment a little longer.

“Don’t move,” Lakshmi murmured, fixing the waistband.

Poornima stood still.

The weight of the lehenga settled around her.

Heavy.

Not just cloth.

Something more.

Jewellery came next.

Necklace.

Earrings.

Each piece placed with care.

Each piece adding to the image of a bride.

Lakshmi held the nose pin in her hand for a second before placing it gently.

Her eyes softened.

“Perfect,” she whispered.

Poornima blinked slowly.

Anklets were tied around her feet, the soft sound of them echoing lightly as she shifted her weight.

A sound that marked her as someone’s bride.

Lakshmi then lifted the veil.

For a moment, she just looked at Poornima.

Then slowly placed it over her head, adjusting it so it framed her face perfectly.

Covered.

Complete.

Ready.

Poornima looked at herself again.

Everything was there.

The bride everyone wanted to see.

But inside…

She felt quiet.

Empty.

Like she had stepped into a role she never chose.

Riya came closer, adjusting the veil slightly. “Don’t lower your head too much. Walk properly.”

Poornima nodded.

Lakshmi stood beside her, her hand resting lightly on Poornima’s arm.

Her grip was gentle.

But it said everything she couldn’t.

Poornima’s eyes met hers in the mirror.

A silent moment passed between them.

Too many emotions.

Too many unspoken words.

Then someone called from outside, “Is the bride ready?”

Riya answered, “Yes, she’s coming.”

Poornima took a small breath.

One step.

Then another.

Her anklets sounded softly.

Her bangles moved.

Her veil shifted slightly with her steps.

A bride was walking out.

Even if her heart wasn’t ready to follow.