#TheLehengaProject: This couple’s love story is straight out of a Karan Johar movie

Everyone loves to see a high-school romance bloom into a marriage. Seeing them adulting together, celebrating milestones, and growing as people and in their careers, gives us all the mushy feels and a reason to believe in love again. Aastha and Prerak’s is a story just like this; a little more than 15 years ago they were just neighbours who studied together and today they are soulmates.

Aastha and Prerak are two completely opposite individuals—the classic sunshine girl X grump boy trope—and their story will remind you of a Bollywood romantic movie. Aastha is outgoing while Prerak is shy, talks less, and is a hardly-eats-anything-at-her-place type of guy. They found common ground in shared struggles, and well, Aastha’s guinea pig.

Post-school, the two moved on with their lives, occasionally crossing paths at family gatherings or when in the same city. Little did they know, destiny had something simmering for them. Family trips and shared laughs with siblings painted their friendship canvas, but it was during the silent moments apart that they felt something different. Fast forward to March '20, when the realisation dawned on both of them that this connection could transcend the boundaries of mere friendship. As Karan Johar rightly put it, "Pyaar dosti hai". Yet, every compelling love story needs a plot twist, and theirs came in the form of an unexpected antagonist—the infamous 'lockdown'.

Navigating the path of love wasn't a cakewalk for them. Aastha found herself at a crossroads; her parents had already initiated the search for potential matches, a fact Prerak was well aware of. The duo, however, kept their romance under wraps until they were certain. Fortunately, their journey from friendship to romance was swift, as they already knew each other's families well. 

They soon informed their parents. And subsequently, the stage was set for the union of these two love-struck neighbours. Taking charge of every aspect, from scouting venues to curating the decor and choosing the perfect attire, the couple meticulously planned every detail. Surprisingly, the process turned out to be an enjoyable venture for them. 

Weddings encompass more than just finding a life partner; they involve the quest for the perfect bridal attire, especially for an Indian bride. Selecting the ideal lehenga is as challenging as finding a soulmate. Aastha, our bride, was resolute about steering clear of the conventional red lehenga for her big day; she sought something unique.

Fortunately, her stylist, Vanshika Jain, proved invaluable. With a keen understanding of Aastha's taste, Vanshika tirelessly guided her through numerous stores, encouraging her to explore a variety of options. This not only helped Aastha find a distinctive ensemble but also allowed her to envision herself in different styles, making the search for the perfect lehenga a self-exploration journey of sorts. 

After an extensive selection process, Aastha found herself torn between two lehengas. Despite leaning towards one, she sought the opinion of her family, sending the options to her parents and brother. Surprisingly, they unanimously rejected her preferred choice in favour of the alternative. Even her fiance and stylist favoured the latter. Reluctantly, she went with the consensus, though lingering uncertainty persisted. (Raise your hand if you can relate). Questions about the feasibility of carrying a velvet dupatta nagged at her. In hindsight, she harbours no regrets, recognising that the collective choice made by her loved ones was indeed the best for her.

Embarking on her lehenga journey, Aastha initially grappled with the overwhelming task of not knowing where to begin. Vanshika proved to be her guiding light throughout, from assisting in choosing the right store to navigating trends, silhouettes, and jewellery, she ensured Aastha's satisfaction and happiness at every turn. She transformed what could have been a daunting process into a seamless, enjoyable experience.

For Aastha, the significance of finalising outfits and selecting the venue extended beyond mere logistics; it was about creating cherished moments with her fiancé. In her eyes, this period of decision-making became the most memorable, each choice becoming a shared endeavour that strengthened their bond.