Shanaya tried to smile, but several emotions appeared on her face at once—surprise, nervousness, excitement and a little fear.
She looked at Dadi.
"So soon?"
Dadi smiled gently.
"Some journeys announce themselves slowly… and some arrive at the door before we even realise."
Her father spoke again.
"We know this feels sudden, beta. But your happiness comes first. If you're uncomfortable, just tell us."
Shanaya looked around at everyone.
"I trust all of you… It's just a little fear, though. I have known him and his family for years, but only as family friends. I think I'm okay with this. After all, our families understand each other so well. We are compatible."
She paused, then added with a small smile,
"Maybe it's just the fear of marriage itself."
Everyone smiled, but nobody teased her.
Later that evening…
Shanaya quietly walked up to the terrace.
The sky was painted orange.
She looked at the village roads, her childhood home, the familiar surroundings that had witnessed every version of her growing up.
She was going to miss all of it.
And strangely, she found herself missing her city home too.
Next week…
Everything would change.
She smiled softly and whispered,
"Life really doesn't wait…"
Behind her, Dadi arrived and stood beside her.
Without looking at Shanaya, she said,
"Don't be afraid of leaving your home, beta. Learn to carry your home inside you."
Shanaya looked at Dadi and gently held her hand.
She exhaled, rested her head on Dadi's shoulder, closed her eyes and whispered,Dadi… I love you. I love you all. I love my family. I love my home."
Her voice became softer.
"I don't know why… but suddenly I feel like I have to leave everything behind."
Dadi looked at her and chuckled.
"Arey Deva! My little modern, independent girl… and look at her! Already thinking that after marriage we'll throw her out of this house?"
Shanaya lifted her head and smiled through her emotions.
Dadi continued, gently caressing her hair.
"Listen to me carefully. This home will always belong to you. Always, beta."
"Yes, after marriage, that other house will also become your home. But there is a difference."
She paused.
"Here, you grew up as a daughter. Everything around you was already yours. You never had to ask for your place here. We adjusted ourselves, our habits, our little routines, everything… just to make sure you always felt that you belonged."
"But in that house, you'll be beginning a new chapter."
"You'll have to understand those new relationships, their habits, their expectations… and slowly find your own place among them. And remember, the same applies to them too. They must understand you, your habits, your dreams and your little ways."
Dadi smiled.
"You cannot expect a new house to feel like home on the very first day. Even if you start calling it yours, belonging takes time."
"With time, you'll add your colours to that house, and let their colours become a part of your life too."
She gently tapped Shanaya's forehead.
"But beta, never forget… adjusting doesn't mean losing yourself. A home is built when everyone makes space for one another."
Shanaya hugged her tightly.
Dadi kissed her forehead.
"And haan… this little anxiety is not something new. Almost every bride experiences it, even the ones who have known their husbands for years."
"Now stop thinking so much. Your wedding hasn't even happened, and you've already started an emotional farewell!"
Shanaya laughed.
"Achha, now go and sleep. You have a whole new chapter waiting for you."
Dadi held her hand as they walked towards the stairs.
And for that night, Shanaya didn't feel like she was leaving home.
She felt she was carrying a little piece of it with her.