21. Kanyadaan

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It had been a few days since Ishika’s marriage, and today was another joyous occasion—Daksh and Divya’s wedding.

The Raghuwanshi Palace was alive with happiness and celebration. The grand hall was decorated with strings of marigolds and shimmering lights that reflected off the polished floors, creating an ethereal glow.

Guests filled the space, their laughter and chatter mixing with the soft tunes of shehnai in the background.

In her room, Ishika stood before the mirror, admiring her reflection. She wore a stunning pink lehenga adorned with intricate silver embroidery and a shimmering border that caught the light with every move.

Her jhumkas swayed as she twirled, and the gentle jingle of her anklets filled the air, a soft melody of their own.

Rudraksh stepped into the room quietly, his gaze instantly falling on his wife. She looked radiant, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and contentment.

A rare smile curved his lips as he watched her. For a moment, he simply stood there, taking in the sight of her joy, until Ishika’s eyes met his in the mirror.

Her swirling stopped abruptly, and she turned to face him, her cheeks dusted with the faintest blush. Rudraksh, too, seemed momentarily caught off guard.

He was dressed in a silver kurta, its elegant sheen complementing his sharp features, making him look effortlessly handsome.

“You ready?” he asked, his deep voice breaking the intimate silence. His heart raced, the warmth of the moment almost overwhelming him.

“Yes,” Ishika replied softly, her gaze darting away shyly. She adjusted her dupatta, her fingers trembling slightly, before stepping forward.

They left the room together, walking side by side toward the mandap. At some point, their hands brushed against each other, and instinctively, their fingers intertwined.

Both stopped briefly, their eyes meeting again, this time holding the moment. Ishika felt her face flush as Rudraksh’s stoic expression softened.

Neither spoke, but the shared warmth in their hands said enough.

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The wedding mandap was set in the palace garden, illuminated by hundreds of fairy lights and under the gentle glow of the moonlight.

The scent of roses and jasmine filled the cool night air. Daksh and Divya were seated before the sacred fire, performing the rituals under the guidance of the priest.

Divya looked breathtaking in a cherry-red bridal lehenga with intricate gold embroidery.

A delicate veil covered her face, but her presence alone made Daksh’s heart race.

Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t stop himself from stealing glances at her.

Her every move, the grace with which she adjusted her dupatta or extended her hand for a ritual, mesmerized him.

Divya, though veiled, wasn’t immune to the moment either. Her cheeks warmed under Daksh’s gaze, and though no one else could see it, Daksh could sense the faint blush radiating from her.

When their hands accidentally brushed during a ritual, her heart skipped a beat, the contact sending a jolt of electricity through her.

Amid the solemnity of the rituals, Aaryansh’s focus was elsewhere—on Amrita.

She sat across from him, dressed in a glimmering blue lehenga that accentuated her striking ocean-blue eyes. Her diamond jewelry sparkled under the moonlight, but what truly captivated Aaryansh was her unassuming elegance.

He couldn’t tear his gaze away, even as the wedding proceeded around them.

In stark contrast, Aditya and Ananya’s interaction was a battle of wills. They stood apart from the group, their glares sharp enough to cut glass.

While everyone else was caught up in the joy of the occasion, the tension between the two was almost palpable.

Ananya crossed her arms defiantly, and Aditya maintained his cold, distant demeanor, each refusing to back down.

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As the priest called for the kanyadaan ritual, an emotional silence fell over the gathering. Divya’s parents were no longer alive, and her head bowed, tears pooling in her eyes beneath the veil.

(Kanyadaan ~ A ritual where the bride's parents wash the groom's feet.)

“Pandit ji, is there any way to skip this ritual?” Amrita asked, her voice sharp, breaking the uneasy quiet.

The priest looked startled. “No, beti. The kanyadaan is an essential part of the ceremony. If the bride’s parents are not present, a close relative—like her uncle or aunt—can perform it.”

All eyes turned to Divya, who shook her head silently, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

Her shoulders trembled, and the weight of her loss felt heavier than ever.

Ananya moved to her side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and whispering soothing words.

Geeta and Ishwar, Rudraksh and Aaryansh’s parents, stepped forward with warm smiles. “Divya, why are you sad? Aren’t we here for you?” Geeta said, her voice full of affection.

“Exactly,” Ishwar added, his tone reassuring. “We’re your parents now. Let us have the honor of performing your kanyadaan.”

Divya looked up at them, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She nodded slowly, her heart swelling with gratitude as Geeta and Ishwar stepped into the role of her parents, performing the ritual with love and care.

As the sacred chants filled the air, Divya stole a glance at Daksh, who smiled at her with a tenderness that made her heart flutter.

She knew, in that moment, that she was truly home.

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Feel free to notify me if there are any grammatical errors or name errors in the story.. :)

EMBRACE LOVE AND LIGHT 💛