16. A happy marriage

𓆩♡𓆪

Ananya finally dozed off, her tears drying up as the exhaustion from the emotional outburst took over.

She lay there, curled up with Mr. Puppy, unaware of the fact that her phone had dialed someone during her fit of frustration.

The call went through, and on the other end of the line, none other than Aditya was listening.

As he heard Ananya’s soft, muffled sobs fade into silence, followed by the sound of her slow, steady breathing, Aditya's heart sank.

“Oh god... Was I really that harsh?” he muttered under his breath, a wave of guilt crashing over him. He immediately ended the call, cursing himself for what he had just heard.

“I made her cry...” His frustration with himself grew, and he ran a hand through his hair in agitation. “I’m such a bad guy…”

But despite the frustration, something else lingered in his chest.

“She was so… sensitive... yet so strong...” Aditya paused, realizing just how much admiration he felt for Ananya, even in that vulnerable moment.

He couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of pride in her resilience, even if she hadn’t been able to hold it in this time.

He shook his head in disbelief.

“How could someone annoy me so much… yet be so vulnerable?” he asked himself, his tone softer now, as he processed the complexity of the girl on the other end of the line.

There was something about Ananya that made Aditya both frustrated and fascinated.

The way she could make him lose his cool, yet in moments like this, show a side of her that was raw and real.

As the silence lingered, Aditya found himself more conflicted than ever. But one thing was certain—he hadn’t expected her to get under his skin like this.

𓆩♡𓆪

The next morning, excitement filled the air as Rudraksh and Ishika’s marriage day finally arrived.

The atmosphere in the house was charged with energy, as family members and friends prepared for the grand celebration.

The house was adorned with flowers, and the sweet scent of jasmine lingered in the air, blending with the buzz of conversations and laughter.

Ananya, still feeling a bit emotional from the night before, tried to shake off the heaviness in her heart.

She had to be strong, especially today. It was her Isha ma's special day, and she wanted to be there for her friend—no matter what.

As she got dressed in her saree, her mind wandered to last night. Aditya’s words still echoed in her head, and though she had tried to push them away, they lingered like a stubborn shadow.

But today wasn’t the day for personal worries. She had to be there for her best friend. She took a deep breath, steadying herself in front of the mirror.

It’s a wedding day. No tears, no worries. Just celebrate, she thought.

Meanwhile, Ishika was getting ready in her room, with Divya and Amrita helping her with her attire.

Ishika’s eyes were bright with excitement, but there was a hint of nervousness in her smile.

She looked stunning in her bridal lehenga, the gold and maroon fabric glittering under the soft light.

“Isha mayya, you look amazing,” Amrita said, her voice cool but warm with affection.

Ishika smiled, grateful for her friend’s presence. “Thanks, Ritu. I can’t believe today is finally here. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“You’ve waited for this day for a long time, to get out of this house” Divya said. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Ishika’s gaze softened as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Today, everything changes, she thought, her emotions running high.

𓆩♡𓆪

The wedding ceremony was a blend of tradition, elegance, and deep emotion.

Rudraksh sat in the mandap, his calm and confident demeanor reflecting his readiness for the moment.

The sacred fire crackled gently, casting a warm glow on the golden embroidery of his sherwani.

He performed each ritual with precision, guided by Pandit Ji’s chants, his family standing close in silent support.

Ishika, meanwhile, was escorted to the mandap by Amrita, Ananya, and Divya, her bridal lehenga shimmering in the soft lights.

Her hands, adorned with delicate mehendi patterns, trembled slightly as she adjusted her dupatta. Yet, her smile spoke volumes.

As she approached, Rudraksh looked up, his breath hitching for a moment.

Ishika looked stunning, her radiant smile a perfect complement to the confidence he had always admired in her.

Their eyes met briefly, a silent exchange that spoke louder than words.

The rituals began with Ishika seated beside Rudraksh. The priest recited mantras, and the couple folded their hands in prayer.

The family watched on, smiles and a few tears visible among them.

During the kanyadaan, Ishika’s chachu placed her hand in Rudraksh’s, a gesture that symbolized trust and the start of their journey together.

The mangalsutra ceremony followed, with Rudraksh carefully tying the sacred thread around Ishika’s neck, his movements steady but filled with meaning. Ishika closed her eyes for a moment, taking in the significance of the moment.

Finally, they stood for the saat pheras, walking around the sacred fire as Pandit Ji chanted blessings for their union.

Each step solidified their bond, a promise of love, respect, and support for the rest of their lives.

The ceremony concluded with Rudraksh gently applying sindoor to Ishika’s forehead, marking her as his wife. The room erupted into applause and cheers, a celebration of their union.

As the couple stood to take blessings from the elders, Rudraksh’s brothers exchanged knowing looks.

Daksh whispered to Aaryansh, “One down, three to go.” Aaryansh smirked but didn’t reply, his eyes briefly drifting to where Amrita stood.

The wedding was perfect—a blend of tradition, love, and new beginnings.

The atmosphere buzzed with joy as the families came together to celebrate not just the union of two individuals, but the merging of two worlds.

The dance floor became the center of attention as Divya shyly joined in, her movements tentative yet graceful, drawing smiles from everyone around.

Ananya, on the other hand, danced with full energy, twirling and laughing, completely in her element as she pulled Amrita into the fun.

Amrita hesitated for a moment but eventually joined in, her steps measured yet elegant, surprising everyone with her unexpected participation.

Aaryansh stood near the sidelines, his gaze fixed on Amrita, completely lovestruck as he admired her from afar.

Daksh, too, couldn’t take his eyes off Divya, his usually composed demeanor giving way to a soft, affectionate smile.

Aditya, however, was leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, trying to mask his annoyance.

His sharp eyes followed Ananya’s every move as she danced energetically.

“How can she be so carefree?” he muttered under his breath, but deep down, there was a flicker of something he couldn’t quite place.

The scene was lively and heartwarming, the perfect way to end a night filled with love, laughter, and the promise of more stories to unfold.

𓆩♡𓆪

BE THE STORM ✨