[37]

The long-awaited day had finally arrived—the wedding day. Vidhi sat gracefully in her room, adorned in a breathtaking red lehenga, the intricate embroidery shimmering under the soft glow of the lights. Her

heavy jewelry accentuated her ethereal beauty, and the soft kohl lining her eyes only deepened the emotions swirling within them. Today was the beginning of a new chapter, and every heartbeat echoed the significance of this moment.

Outside, the baraat had arrived, filling the air with the rhythmic beats of dhol and celebratory cheers. Excitement buzzed through the venue as friends and family gathered to welcome the groom's procession.

Meera, having completed the traditional welcoming rituals for Vidhan, stepped aside while Rishit and Kartik took charge of greeting the arriving guests.

Amidst the flurry of ceremonies, a familiar voice rang out—

"Arey o dulhan ke bhai, zara hamara bhi swagat karo!"

Rishit, caught up in his duties, turned to see Vaani standing there, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Without missing a beat, he retorted with equal mischief, "Arey o dulhe ki behan, aap hi ka hai—ye ghar bhi aur dulhan ka bhai bhi! Derra jama kar rakha hai aapne yaha, ab kya swagat karun aapka?"

His words sent a deep blush creeping up Vaani’s cheeks, her confident stance momentarily faltering as the guests around them chuckled at their banter. She shot him a glare, but her flushed face betrayed her. Rishit merely smirked in triumph before turning back to his duties.

With the baraat officially welcomed, preparations for the next set of rituals began. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Ved found himself momentarily lost—not in the festivities, but in the sight of Aarohi.

Draped in a wine-red saree, adorned with minimal jewelry and subtle makeup, Aarohi exuded an elegance that was impossible to ignore. Ved’s gaze lingered on her, admiration creeping into his thoughts.

"Why is she looking so beautiful today? Aisa pehle toh kabhi nahi laga," he mused silently, his eyes tracing the delicate features of her face, the way the soft curls framed her expressions.

Just then, someone called out Aarohi’s name, pulling her attention away. She turned towards the voice, gracefully making her way across the hall, leaving Ved staring at the empty space she once occupied. With a deep breath, he shook his head, trying to focus back on the wedding preparations.

Meanwhile, Vaani, having stepped away for a quick touch-up, was making her way back to her room when, in the blink of an eye, a firm grip seized her wrist.

Before she could react, she was swiftly pulled inside a dimly lit room, the door clicking shut behind her, locking her in.

Her heart pounded wildly, her breath hitching as she found herself pressed against the door—her gaze locking onto the familiar pair of intense eyes that held a glint of mischief.

As Vaani’s heart pounded against her ribcage, she looked up to find herself caged in Rishit’s arms, his body mere inches away from hers. His intense gaze traveled from the top of her head to the hem of her lehenga, his eyes brimming with affection. A soft, knowing smile graced his lips, one that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Khoobsurat lag rahi hain aap, biwi ji. Aaj kya hamari jaan nikalne ka iraada hai?" Rishit murmured, his voice deep and laced with warmth. As he spoke, he leaned in, brushing his nose against hers in an intimate gesture that made her breath hitch.

Vaani’s cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of crimson at his words, but she quickly composed herself. Matching his playful energy, she smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief as she teased back, "Aap bhi toh qatilana lag rahe hain, patidev. Hamara dil phir se aa gaya aap par."

Rishit raised an amused brow, but before he could respond, she added with a playful tilt of her head, "Ye kambakht dil har baar ek hi insaan par aa jata hai."

His smirk faded slightly, replaced by something deeper, more intense. Lifting her chin with two fingers, he ensured her gaze stayed locked with his. His voice, now serious, carried a weight of unspoken emotions.

"Toh aap kya chahti hain? Ye kisi aur par bhi aaye?" he asked, his penetrating gaze searching hers.

A hint of challenge flickered in his eyes, but Vaani didn’t falter. Holding his gaze with unwavering confidence, she responded, "Aap par aa gaya, kaafi hai."

A slow, satisfied smile spread across Rishit’s lips, and without another word, he pulled her into a warm embrace. His arms tightened around her, as if wanting to etch this moment into eternity.

After a few moments, Vaani, still pressed against his chest, murmured, "We should leave now."

Rishit exhaled, his grip reluctantly loosening as he nodded. With one last lingering look, they stepped out of the room and rejoined the others in the hall, seamlessly blending back into the grand celebration—but their stolen moment remained theirs alone, tucked safely between their hearts.

********************

As Rishit and Vaani arrived at the stage area, they found Vidhan already seated, waiting for his bride. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and anticipation. Just then, Meera approached them with a gentle yet firm instruction.

"Jao, Vaani ko lekar aao," she said before walking away to attend to other wedding arrangements.

Nodding, Rishit, Vaani, and Kartik made their way toward Vidhi’s room. As they pushed open the door, they found Vidhi sitting gracefully on the bed, flanked by Aarohi and Ved, both engaged in a lighthearted conversation with her.

Seeing Ved there, Rishit’s brows furrowed slightly in curiosity. "Ved, tu yaha kya kar raha hai?" he asked, folding his arms.

Ved, unbothered by the question, simply flashed a smile. "Yeh meri bhabhi se pehle meri dost hai, Jiju," he responded, his voice carrying warmth and familiarity.

Rishit’s lips curled into a small smile at his words, realizing the depth of the bond between them. Without further delay, they all prepared to escort the bride to the mandap.

Vidhi, adorned in her bridal attire, exuded grace and poise. She walked at the center, while Vaani and Aarohi accompanied her on either side, their presence reassuring and protective. Meanwhile, Rishit, Kartik, Ved, and her father walked behind them, carefully holding a floral canopy over her head—a symbol of love, blessings, and new beginnings.

As Vidhi entered the wedding hall, a hush of admiration swept through the guests, but the only gaze that truly mattered was Vidhan’s. The moment his eyes found her, his breath hitched. A soft, knowing smile formed on both their lips, their unspoken emotions bridging the distance between them.

Vidhan’s eyes drank in the sight of her—her radiant face, the way her bridal lehenga shimmered under the golden lights, and the delicate nervousness in her expressions. He was mesmerized. This was the moment he had waited for, the moment where the love of his life would become his forever.

With each step Vidhi took toward him, his heartbeat escalated, the anticipation making his grip on reality blur for a second. His emotions swirled—love, devotion, a quiet promise of forever.

As Vidhi finally reached the stage, Vidhan didn’t wait. Without hesitation, he stepped down, closing the last bit of distance between them. His hands reached for hers, his fingers lacing tightly around hers in an unspoken vow—I will never let go. You are mine, now and forever.

Their eyes met once again, and the world around them faded into a blur of colors and music. Nothing else mattered in that moment except the love that tethered their souls together.

Now, standing side by side on the stage, it was time for the garland ceremony—a sacred beginning to their journey as husband and wife.

Just as the garland ceremony was about to begin, Vidhan reached into his pocket and pulled out a bundle of money. A knowing smile tugged at his lips as he looked at Vidhi, his eyes reflecting admiration and love.

"Aaj meri jaan bahut khoobsurat lag rahi hai, nazar utarna toh banta hai," he declared with playful reverence. With that, he gracefully circled the money around her, warding off any ill omens before handing it away.

A wave of cheers and teasing whistles erupted from the crowd, filling the stage area with joyous energy.

Now, it was finally time for the garland exchange. As Vidhi held the garland and stepped closer to Vidhan, Ved, who was standing beside Kartik, shot him a quick glance. A silent exchange of mischief passed between them, and within moments, they both made their move.

Before Vidhi could place the garland around Vidhan’s neck, Ved and Kartik swiftly lifted him into the air, grinning shamelessly.

Vidhi gasped, her expression instantly morphing into one of betrayal. "You traitors!" she mouthed, glaring at them, while they burst into laughter, enjoying their little prank.

But she wasn’t one to give up so easily. Without missing a beat, she turned toward Rishit, her eyes silently pleading for backup. Rishit, ever the protective and doting brother, smirked and strode forward. Without a second thought, he lifted Vidhi off the ground, bringing her to Vidhan’s level.

A victorious smile played on her lips as she reached out once again, determined to put the garland around Vidhan’s neck. But Vidhan, unwilling to surrender so easily, leaned his head back, teasing her further.

Vidhi narrowed her eyes at him, giving him an exasperated look that only made him chuckle. His heart swelled seeing the playful fire in her eyes. And then, with a gesture full of honor and love, he finally stopped teasing and bowed his head before her.

Vidhi's playful frown melted into a soft, radiant smile as she placed the garland around his neck. The moment was filled with unspoken promises—of love, respect, and a lifetime of togetherness.

As soon as the garland rested on his shoulders, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Vidhan, not wasting a second, took his own garland and placed it around Vidhi’s neck, completing the ritual.

With laughter and celebration echoing all around, Kartik and Ved finally put Vidhan back on the ground, while Rishit gently helped Vidhi down. The couple stood there, surrounded by family, love, and blessings, basking in the happiness of the moment.

Now that the garland ceremony was complete, it was time for the main wedding rituals. Hand in hand, Vidhi and Vidhan descended the stage, their hearts beating as one, as they made their way toward the sacred mandap where their journey as husband and wife would truly begin.

******************

As Vidhi and Vidhan reached the mandap and settled inside, Kartik, with swift precision, seized Vidhan's shoes the moment he took them off as part of the ritual. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes as he clutched them tightly and turned towards Rishit.

"Kaha chupana hai?" Kartik asked in a hushed yet excited voice.

Rishit scanned the area, his sharp gaze searching for a perfect hiding spot. Then, his eyes landed on Aarohi, and a smirk played on his lips.

"Chal, koi jagah dhoondhte hain. Chalo, Aarohi," he said, motioning for her and Kartik to follow him as they ventured off in search of a secret spot.

Meanwhile, Vaani, who had been observing the stage closely, instantly noticed the missing shoes and the missing trio. Her eyes widened, and without wasting a second, she turned to Ved, who stood beside her.

"Jhoote churaye ja chuke hain! Chal, jaldi!" she whispered urgently.

Ved, always up for a chase, gave a knowing nod, and they both darted off in different directions, determined to retrieve what was rightfully theirs.

As the priest chanted the sacred wedding mantras, performing the auspicious rituals, an entirely different ceremony was unfolding in the background—one full of playful deception and determined pursuit.

Vaani and Ved reached the corridor, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of the culprits. Vaani turned to Ved, quickly strategizing.

"Tu idhar ja, main udhar jaati hoon," she instructed before marching off in the opposite direction without waiting for a response.

As she walked through the corridor, her focus sharp, she suddenly collided into a firm chest. Stumbling slightly, she looked up, only to find Rishit standing before her.

A slow, knowing smile curved on her lips. Perfect.

Switching into her best overly sweet tone, she tilted her head slightly and called out, "Patidev, zara suniye toh."

Rishit, catching on to her antics, mirrored her expression and replied in the same overly saccharine tone, "Kahiye, biwi ji."

With her signature mischievous gaze, Vaani took a step closer, lowering her voice just slightly. "Jhoote?" she asked, her tone coated in feigned innocence.

Rishit raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "Mujhe kya milega?" he countered smoothly.

Vaani let out a soft chuckle, already knowing where this was going. "Kya chahte ho?" she asked, closing the distance between them, their faces mere inches apart.

Rishit leaned in just a bit, his playful gaze locking onto hers. "Paise," he whispered, his voice teasing yet firm.

And before she could retort, he turned on his heels and walked away, leaving Vaani standing there, amused and impressed by his swift escape.

Rishit, Kartik, and Aarohi sat on one side, while Ved and Vaani occupied the opposite end, their expressions serious yet playful. The air between them was thick with negotiation.

"Kitne chahiye?" Vaani asked in a firm voice, crossing her arms as she looked directly at Rishit.

Rishit leaned forward slightly, mirroring her intensity. "Kitne de sakti ho?" he countered, his tone just as unwavering.

Before their mock negotiation could escalate further, a voice suddenly broke through the tension.

"Jhoote mil gaye, Vaani di!"

A young girl from the family came running towards Vaani, holding a pair of shoes in her hands.

Vaani’s eyes widened in surprise, and the next second, a triumphant grin spread across her face. She immediately snatched the shoes from the girl’s hands, her excitement bursting through.

"Mil gaye! Mil gaye jhoote, patidev!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat before rushing towards the mandap, her victory evident in her glowing expression.

Rishit, who would have normally retaliated with a witty remark, simply watched her go. The sight of her beaming smile was enough to silence any protests he had. Instead, a small, fond smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

********************

As the priest chanted the sacred mantras, Vidhi and Vidhan rose from their seats, their hands joined as they began taking the seven sacred rounds around the holy fire. Each step they took symbolized the promises of a lifetime, the unbreakable bond they were forging. The air was filled with the divine scent of sandalwood and the soft murmurs of family members, all witnessing the most sacred moment of their union.

Standing among the crowd, Rishit and Vaani watched the ceremony unfold, their hands unconsciously linked. As Rishit gazed at the fire, a flood of memories washed over him like a reel playing in his mind—the day he had married Vaani, the unexpected circumstances, the emotions that had overwhelmed him, and the very moment he had taken those same sacred rounds with her.

A deep breath left his lips before he turned towards Vaani, his grip on her hand tightening. His voice, steady and full of sincerity, broke the sacred silence between them.

"Kuch mahine pehle, agni ko sakshi maan kar maine tumse kuch vaade kiye the, par shayad main un vaadon ko acche se nibha nahi paya. Aaj phir se, is agni ko sakshi maan kar, main tumse wada karta hoon ki main tumhe zindagi ki har khushi dunga. Mere rehte, tumhari aankhon mein kabhi aansu nahi aayenge," he whispered, his gaze unwavering.

Vaani, taken aback by his sudden confession, turned to face him fully. Her eyes searched his as she asked softly, "Aap achanak se ye sab kyu keh rahe hain, Rishit?"

A small, knowing smile played on his lips as he replied, "Bas aise hi."

There was no need for an elaborate explanation; the moment itself was enough. Understanding the depth of his words, Vaani simply smiled, her fingers tightening around his in response, sealing his silent vow with her quiet acceptance.

Meanwhile, at the mandap, as Vidhi and Vidhan completed their final round, the priest announced the next sacred rituals. Vidhan carefully applied the sindoor in Vidhi’s hair parting, marking her as his for eternity. The golden glow of the sacred fire reflected in their eyes, mirroring the warmth of their love. Finally, he tied the mangalsutra around her neck, the black and gold beads symbolizing their eternal bond.

With that, the rituals were completed, and the air filled with joyous cheers and blessings. The wedding was now complete, sealing the love and promises made under the sacred fire.

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