CHAPTER 36: "A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN"

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Before either could say another word, a shrill beeping from the monitor startled them both. Kashi's eyes darted to the screen, alarmed, as her mother's body stirred faintly on the bed.

"Maa!" Kashi gasped, rushing to lean closer to her mother. She held her hand tightly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Anjali's eyelids fluttered weakly as a soft groan escaped her lips.The first sight that greeted her was Kashi, standing by her bedside, holding her hand, her face a mix of relief and concern.

"Kashi beta....." Anjali whispered weakly, her voice trembling as she tried to sit up. Kashi immediately leaned closer, helping her mother rest comfortably against the pillows.

"Maa, take it easy," Kashi said softly, her fingers gently caressing Anjali's hand.

Anjali's brows furrowed with worry as her gaze scanned Kashi's face. "Beta, is everything okay? Are you alright?" she asked in a shaky voice. Then her eyes widened as they fell on Kashi's bridal attire, the intricately designed red and golden lehenga, Mangalsutra adorning her neck, and the sindoor in her hairline.

Anjali's gaze shifted past her daughter to the man standing silently behind her. Vishwanath, dressed in his regal wedding attire. The realization struck her like a bolt, and her lips parted in surprise.

"Kashi.....wh...what is happening?" she asked, her voice quivering. "Why are you both dressed as a bride and groom?"

Kashi glanced nervously at Vishwanath, who gave her a slight nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Kashi knelt beside the bed, holding Anjali's hand firmly in hers. "Maa," she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion, "I will tell you everything."

She recounted each thing, how Ravi had kidnapped Anjali, the cruel threats he made against her mother's life, and how he had tried to force her into marrying a man like Neel. Her voice cracked as she described Neel's despicable behavior and the hopelessness she had felt, only to be saved at the last moment by Vishwanath and also under what circumstances they got married.

Anjali's face turned pale as the weight of Kashi's words sank in. Shock and sorrow filled her eyes as she whispered, "Ravi did all this? I could never have imagined, that he could stoop so low...." Tears spilled over, and she reached out to pull Kashi into a trembling embrace.

"Kashi, forgive me, beta," Anjali said, her voice choked with guilt. "You had to endure all this because of me...."

Kashi immediately shook her head, holding her mother tightly. "Maa, please don't say that. This isn't your fault. I'm just happy that you are here with me. All I need is you by my side."

The room was filled with the unspoken strength of their bond as Anjali wept quietly, her hand stroking Kashi's hair. After a long moment, she looked up at Vishwanath, her eyes full of gratitude.

"Vishwanath beta," she said softly, "you saved my daughter and gave me my life back. I can never forget what you have done for us."

Vishwanath stepped forward, his tone firm but heartfelt. "Aunty, this isn't something you need to thank me for. I made a promise to you, to always love, protect, and care for Kashi. She means the world to me," he said, his gaze briefly meeting Kashi's. "And for my Kashi, I can do anything."

Anjali's lips quivered as more tears rolled down her cheeks. Vishwanath, noticing the heaviness of the moment, gave her a gentle smile. "Aunty," he said softly, "there's one ritual still left. It's important for a bride and groom to take the blessings of their elders. Won't you bless us?"

Anjali's teary eyes softened, and despite her weakened state, she managed a small, heartfelt smile. She nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. "Of course, beta."

Kashi stood up, her hand automatically reaching for Vishwanath's. Together, they bent a little to touch Anjali's feet.

"Stay happy," Anjali said, her voice still weak but filled with maternal warmth. "My blessings are always with you both. May your life be filled with joy and peace."

As Kashi straightened she felt Vishwanath's steady grip on her hand. His presence beside her was a comforting anchor, and as they both looked at Anjali, a new sense of belonging filled the room.

Anjali asked them to come closer as she placed her trembling hands on their heads, sealing her blessings. "I am so happy that Vishwanath beta is with you now, Kashi. You two are meant for each other."

Kashi and Vishwanath exchanged a brief glance at each other, one filled with unspoken promises and silent strength.

Anjali's gaze lingered on the two of them, her heart lightened despite her circumstances. The room, which had been heavy with tension and uncertainty, now brimmed with a newfound sense of hope and belonging, as if the start of something beautiful had just begun.

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The dim lighting of the hospital's waiting room cast soft shadows, creating an intimate atmosphere as Vishwanath and Kashi sat in silence. The hum of distant footsteps and the occasional beep of medical equipments filled the air, but their focus was entirely on each other or rather, on the emotions that lingered unspoken between them.

Kashi sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Vishwanath sat beside her, his posture relaxed yet alert, his eyes occasionally glancing at her as though ensuring she was truly there and safe.

Just then, the door to the waiting room opened, and Rudra stepped inside, holding a small box. "Bhaiya," he said, handing it to Vishwanath, who nodded in acknowledgment. Without a word, Rudra left, leaving the two of them alone again.

Kashi's curiosity got the better of her, and her gaze fell on the box in Vishwanath's hands. As he opened it, she realized it was a first aid kit. Before she could ask anything, Vishwanath turned to her and gently reached for her right hand. His touch was soft yet firm, his fingers carefully cradling her wrist. Kashi felt her heart skip a beat at the unexpected gesture.

Vishwanath inspected her wrist gently. His thumb brushed over the faint bruise on her wrist, his jaw tightening as a flicker of anger crossed his face. He could still see the moment in his mind, Neel dragging Kashi down the stairs, her pained expression as she struggled against his grip.

Closing his eyes for a moment, he drew in a deep breath, trying to quell the storm of fury threatening to erupt. When he opened them again, his gaze softened as it returned to her wrist. Carefully, he pulled out the antiseptic tube from the box and squeezed a small amount onto his finger.

"This might sting a little," he said quietly, his voice steady but filled with tenderness.

Kashi watched him as he dabbed the ointment onto the bruise with a gentleness that seemed at odds with the strength she knew he possessed. His every movement spoke of care and protectiveness, as though she were the most fragile and precious thing in the world. Vishwanath immediately leaned forward and softly blew on her skin, so that the ointment wouldn't sting, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine.

Before Vishwanath could put the tube back into the box, Kashi reached out and took it from his hand. He looked at her, surprised, as she shifted closer to him on the couch.

"Let me do it now, Veer ji," she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of shyness and determination. She had noticed some bruises on his face, the evidence of the battle he had fought for her.

Vishwanath didn't protest. He merely nodded, allowing her to take control. Leaning in, she hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. Her one hand instinctively rested on his neck for balance, as she gently applied the ointment to the cut on his cheek, her touch so delicate it almost felt like a whisper against his skin.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as she moved to the corner of his lips, where a deeper wound from his fight with Neel marred his otherwise perfect face. Kashi's proximity made his heart race, her soft breath fanning his skin as she focused entirely on tending to his injuries.

Vishwanath, however, couldn't take his eyes off her. Her concern, her care for him, it was overwhelming. In that moment, she wasn't just Kashi, the girl he had vowed to protect, she was his Kashi, the one who had unknowingly become the center of his world.

As Kashi finished applying the ointment, she finally looked up, her eyes meeting his. Time seemed to stand still as they gazed at each other, the space between them charged with an unspoken connection.

Kashi's cheeks flushed under his intense gaze, but she couldn't look away. Vishwanath's eyes held a depth of emotions, gratitude, admiration, and love that made her pulse quicken. Neither spoke a word, yet the silence was filled with a thousand unspoken promises.

As the silence between them deepened, Kashi and Vishwanath lingered in the unspoken emotions they shared. The warmth of his gaze and the subtle comfort of his presence wrapped around Kashi, momentarily shielding her from the chaos of the day. She felt a rare sense of serenity, the weight of her worries briefly lifting in his company.

Yet, the tender moment was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Kashi startled slightly, her fingers retreating from his skin as though the world had intruded on their private bubble. Her cheeks turned a faint pink as she shifted to a little distance on the sitting space.

Vishwanath's eyes narrowed slightly in irritation before he composed himself. "Come in," he said firmly, his voice breaking through the stillness.

The door opened to reveal Rudra and Raghavendra, their expressions unusually serious. Vishwanath straightened, sensing something was amiss. His protective instincts sharpened as he asked, "What happened?"

Rudra glanced at Raghavendra before stepping forward, his usual playfulness replaced by a more subdued demeanor. "Bhaiya, Maa and Papa have been calling repeatedly," he began cautiously. "I didn't tell them everything that happened today. I just told them you rescued Bhabhi and got married to her." His voice softened as his eyes flicked towards Kashi, whose face immediately reflected worry.

Vishwanath leaned back slightly, masking his initial unease with a calm exterior. "What did they say?" he asked evenly, though Kashi noticed the faint edge of concern in his voice.

Rudra hesitated for a moment before answering. "Maa and Papa want to meet both of you," he admitted, his gaze shifting between his brother and his bhabhi.

Kashi's hand instinctively clutched the fabric of her dupatta, her unease evident in the way her brows knit together. Vishwanath noticed the shift in her demeanor and placed a steadying hand over hers, silently offering her reassurance.

"But we can't leave right now," Vishwanath said after a pause, his voice resolute. "Aunty is still in recovery, and we can't leave her alone here."

"Bhaiya," Rudra said gently, "Raghav Bhaiya and I spoke to the doctor. He said Aunty can stay at home with a trained nurse to care for her until her surgery. The discharge process will be completed tomorrow morning after her final tests are conducted."

Vishwanath nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing with considerations. "Ok, that's great," he said decisively. "We will leave tomorrow morning then and aunty will come with us. From now on, she will stay at our home. Her health is critical, and with Neel still out there, I can't risk leaving her alone."

Kashi's gaze softened as she looked at him, her eyes brimming with admiration and gratitude. She didn't need to say a word, her expression spoke volumes. In that moment, she realized yet again the depth of his care and the lengths he would go to protect not just her but those she held dear.

Raghavendra, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke. "Bhaiya, a lot has happened today. You and Bhabhi look completely exhausted," he said, his tone firm yet understanding. Turning to Rudra, he added, "Rudy, you look tired too. "I can manage things here tonight. You all should go home and rest. I will stay with Aunty and make sure she's comfortable. Tomorrow, I will bring her home safely."

Vishwanath glanced at Kashi. Her face bore the weight of the day, her cheeks were pale, her eyes rimmed with faint shadows, and her shoulders sagged slightly from sheer exhaustion. His heart ached seeing her like this, knowing how much she had endured in such a short span of time.

He finally nodded. "Alright, Raghav. But if there's any urgency, call me immediately," he said, his voice firm with authority.

After some additional discussion about arrangements, Raghavendra and Rudra left the room, leaving Kashi and Vishwanath alone once more. Vishwanath turned to her, only to find her lost in thoughts, her worry etched clearly across her delicate features. He reached for her hand, gently clasping it between his own.

"Kashi," he said softly, drawing her attention. His voice was laced with concern. "Tum thik ho?" (Are you okay?)

Kashi blinked, her large, doe-like eyes meeting his. She hesitated before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. "Main....Main thik hu, Veer Ji. Par.....(I....I'm fine, Veer Ji. But....) She paused, glancing towards the door as though searching for the right words.

Her voice faltered as she looked down at their joined hands, her grip tightening slightly. "Aapke parents.... woh kya sochenge? Agar unko main pasand nahi aayi toh? Shayad unhone apne hone wali bahu ke liye kuch aur expect kiya ho," (What about your parents? What if they don't like me? What if they have different expectations for their future daughter-in-law?) she said, her words tumbling out in a rush, revealing her anxiety.

Vishwanath leaned closer, his hands enveloping hers with a reassuring warmth. "Kashi," he said firmly yet gently, "aise cheezon ki tension lena band karo jo exist hi nahi karti. Mere parents already jaante hain ki main tumse kitna pyaar karta hoon. Unhone tumhe kabka accept kar liya hai." (stop worrying about things that don't exist. My parents already know how much I love you. They have already accepted you long before)

Her wide eyes searched his face for truth, her lips parting in surprise. "Unhone....unhone mujhe accept kar liya hai?" (They... they have accepted me?)

He nodded, his gaze steady. "Haan, especially Maa. Woh toh bas is baat ka wait kar rahi thi ki main tumhe propose karu jaldi se, taaki woh humari shaadi ki planning start kar sakein. Unhone tumhari kindness, tumhari strength, aur saaf dil dekha hai, woh tumhe apni beti ki tarah pyaar karti hain." (Yes, especially Maa. She has been waiting for me to propose to you so she could start planning for our wedding. She has seen your kindness, your strength, and your pure heart, she already loves you as her own daughter.)

Kashi's eyes filled with tears, her emotions threatening to spill over. "Par....jo kuch aaj hua uske baad...." (But....after everything that has happened today)

Vishwanath interrupted her gently. "Aaj jo kuch bhi hua, woh kuch change nahi karta. Agar isse kuch prove hota hai, toh ye ki hum ek dusre ke liye bane hain. Mere parents ko pata hai ki mere liye kya important hai, and you are at the very center of it all, Kashi. Tum mera ghar ho, meri khushi ho. Maa aur Papa tum mein wahi dekhenge jo main tumhe dekhta hoon. Kashi tum woh ladki ho jiske saath main apni poori zindagi bitana chahta hoon." (What happened today doesn't change anything. If it proves anything, it's that we are meant to be together. My parents know what's important to me, and you are at the very center of it all, Kashi. You are my home, my happiness. Maa and Papa will see in you what I see. Kashi you are the girl I want to spend my entire life with.)

His words wrapped around her like a cocoon, soothing her restless thoughts. Kashi stared at him, her heart aching with gratitude and something deeper love, overwhelming and profound.

She nodded softly, her voice trembling but resolute. "Mujhe aap par pura bharosa hain, Veer Ji. Aapke har faisle pe." (I trust you, Veer Ji. I trust all your decisions.)

Vishwanath smiled, a rare, tender expression lighting up his face. He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, making Kashi feel shy. "Main kabhi kisi cheez ko tumhe hurt karne nahi dunga. Tum abb meri ho, Kashi. Hamesha humesha ke liye." (I will never let anything hurt you. You are mine now, Kashi. Forever and always.)

In that moment, Kashi felt the weight of her worries lift, replaced by the warmth of his unwavering love and a beautiful smile broke out on her lips.

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After checking on Kashi's mother one last time, they began their journey back to Singhania Mansion. The car ride was quiet, but the weight of the day's events lingered between them. Kashi sat next to Vishwanath, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her dupatta. The thought of meeting his family as their daughter-in-law felt overwhelming, and a cloud of uncertainty hung heavy in her heart.

Vishwanath, ever-attentive, noticed her unease and gently placed his hand over hers.

"Kashi, don't worry. Sab thik hoga," (Everything will be fine )he said softly, his deep voice a balm to her nerves. "Maa aur Papa bhi tumhe utna hi pyaar karenge jitne main tumhe karta hu" (Maa and Papa will love you just as much as I do)

His words brought a faint smile to her lips, and she looked at him with gratitude. Her heart swelled with love for him.

As the car pulled up to the grand gates of the Singhania Mansion, the guards immediately opened them, saluting respectfully. Kashi felt a sudden rush of déja vu. She had been here before as a worker. Back then, she had marveled at the grandeur of the place, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would return as the daughter-in-law of this very household.

Her gaze shifted to Vishwanath, who caught her staring. His lips curved into a gentle smile, and he squeezed her hand reassuringly once again. "Aao, Kashi, humara ghar aagaya" ( Let's go, Kashi, our home has arrived) he said, his voice laced with warmth.

The driver opened Vishwanath's door, and he quickly stepped out, moving to Kashi's side. He opened her door and extended his hand to help her out. As she placed her hand in his, their eyes met, and a sense of calm washed over her.

The mansion stood resplendent, its grandeur heightened by the beautiful decorations adorning every corner. Strings of lights twinkled like stars, casting a soft, magical glow over the sprawling estate. The entrance was a vision of elegance, draped in vibrant flowers whose sweet fragrance mingled with the cool night air. The ambiance spoke of celebration and joy, a perfect welcome for the new bride. Shalini had already ensured every detail of the decoration was perfect, for she couldn't imagine welcoming Kashi, her daughter-in-law, without the grandeur and warmth befitting her arrival.

As they moved toward the large wooden doors, a voice called out, "Stay right there!"

Kashi and Vishwanath paused, momentarily startled, before they saw Shalini and Rajendra approaching. Shalini held a Pooja ki thali (prayer plate) her smile wide and welcoming.

"Let me welcome my daughter-in-law properly," Shalini said, her tone full of affection.

Kashi's heart swelled at her words, the tension in her body easing. Shalini circled the thali around both Vishwanath and Kashi, muttering prayers under her breath. She then applied a tilak to both of their foreheads, her smile never faltering.

A helper brought forward a kalash of rice and a vessel filled with red alta. Shalini instructed Kashi to gently topple the kalash with her right foot. Kashi hesitated for a moment. Vishwanath, stood beside her like a steadfast pillar of support. Catching her gaze, he gave her an encouraging nod, his warm smile reassuring her. Lifting her lehenga slightly, Kashi did what she was instructed. The rice spilled forward, symbolizing prosperity entering the home.

Next, Shalini asked Kashi to step into the vessel of red alta and then onto a white cloth. As Kashi placed her feet into the alta, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She moved forward, leaving red footprints on the cloth. Shalini picked up the cloth carefully and handed it to a helper.

"Keep this in my room safely, I will keep it in the locker later," she said.

Kashi looked at her, surprised. "In the locker?"

Rajendra seeing the astonishment in Kashi's eyes stepped forward, his voice soft with affection. "Yes, beta. We always wanted a daughter, but God blessed us with three boys. For us, now you are our daughter. Daughters are a form of Goddess Lakshmi, and your footprints symbolize abundance and prosperity for our home."

Tears pricked Kashi's eyes, but they were tears of joy. She had been so worried about being accepted, yet here she was, being embraced with love and respect.

Before the moment could grow too emotional, Rudra piped up mischievously. "Bhaiya, come on now, pick up Bhabhi and carry her inside. It's a tradition!"

Kashi's cheeks turned crimson, and she shot a shy glance at Vishwanath, who glared at Rudra.

"What!? It's a ritual, Bhai!" Rudra insisted, turning to Shalini for confirmation.

Shalini chuckled. "Yes, Vishu, it's a tradition. Go on."

Vishwanath slowly turned to Kashi with a soft smile. He bent slightly, his arms slipping under her knees and back, and effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

Kashi's heart raced, her cheeks burning as she clutched onto him for support. She dared not look at him, but she could feel his steady gaze on her.

He gently carried her inside, his steps slow and deliberate, as if savoring the moment. Once in the hall, he gently set her down on a plush couch.

_

Everyone settled in, and Rajendra's expression grew serious. "Vishwa beta, tell us everything. What exactly happened?"

Vishwanath sighed and explained everything to them, recounting their encounter with Neel and Ravi, the marriage, and the events leading up to now. As he spoke, Kashi's mind replayed the harrowing events, and a lone tear slipped down her cheek.

Shalini immediately sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Beta, please don't cry," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. Unable to bear seeing Kashi so distressed, she wrapped her arms around her in a gentle hug. "You are safe now," she whispered reassuringly, her embrace offering the comfort of a mother's love.

Pulling back slightly, Shalini looked into Kashi's tear-filled eyes, her own gaze firm and kind. "You are a part of this family, and we will protect you," she said, her hand gently brushing away the tears from Kashi's cheek. "No harm will come to you again."

Rajendra nodded in agreement. "Kashi, you are not just our daughter-in-law. You are our daughter. And this is your home now."

The warmth in their voices melted away all of Kashi's lingering doubts. She finally felt at peace.

To lighten the mood, Shalini said with a teasing smile caressing Kashi's head, "My daughter is so beautiful. You and Vishu are truly a match made in heaven."

Kashi's cheeks turned pink again, and she shyly glanced at Vishwanath, who looked at her with equal admiration.

Shalini then stood. "It's too late now. We will do the rest of post-wedding rituals tomorrow". Everyone nodded in agreement, the exhaustion of the day evident on their faces.

Rajendra asked Vishwanath to join him for a brief discussion. Rudra also excused himself, claiming he had a college assignment to complete.

Shalini then turned to Kashi. "Come, beta. I will take you to your room."

They both shared a few sweet words, filled with warmth and love, while they walked to the room. As they reached, Shalini said, "Go inside beta, freshen up and settle in. Vishu will join you soon. I will have dinner sent up".

Kashi nodded and with one last encouraging smile, shalini turned and walked away, leaving Kashi standing at the door with a mixture of gratitude and anticipation. She hesitated as the memories of the last time she had accidentally entered this room flooded her mind. She remembered how she had tripped into Vishwanath's arms that day, the embarrassment of it making her cheeks heat up till this day.

Pushing the memory aside, she opened the door and stepped in. Her breath hitched as she took in the sight. The room was beautifully decorated, with soft lighting casting a golden glow across the space, fragrant flowers, and a bed adorned with delicate rose petals. Strings of flowers hung elegantly, draping over the bed like a fragrant canopy, adding a dreamy charm to the already enchanting room.

Her eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. The reality of her new life, her new role as Veer ji's wife, finally began to sink in.

Words : 4.2K

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Author's note 📖

To all my lovely readers,

I am beyond grateful and thrilled to share that our book has reached 55K reads🥹❤️! This is such a special milestone, and it's all because of your incredible love and support. Your votes, beautiful comments and constant encouragement have been my biggest motivation throughout this journey🫶🏻🫀

As a token of love and gratitude, I prepared this long chapter for you all. I hope it brings as much joy to you as your support has brought to me💌❣️

Once again thank you for being a part of this journey and making it so memorable. Here's to many more milestones together😘❤️

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